Bayport Band Lights Up Battle of the Bands Stage

Bayport-based band Awake in the Fire beat out two bands in the first round of Battle of the Bands at Black Rock Tavern in Yaphank on June 26. The band has aspirations to win the coveted grand prize at the final event, slated for July 24.

 In the last round, also at Black Rock Tavern, the band will compete against Old School and Mid Morning Circus. The winner will receive 10 hours of recording time, a professional photo shoot and four paid shows at Black Rock Tavern, a prize that deeply motivates the band. 

"We just want to get our music out anywhere and everywhere," said the band's guitarist, Mike Altman, "Physically coming up with the money to do an album and tour is expensive and these are the only things that get your band noticed."

Whether through a family bond, an audition tape or idle time, bands are formed in all sorts of ways.  For Awake in the Fire, it began with four friends from Bayport and another from Massapequa. 

Though they have not yet recorded an album, the band is gaining recognition in the musical circuit. Black Rock Tavern events manager, John Corona, described the band as "honestly phenomenal."      

While the band is looking forward to gaining new fans through their recent successes, they also want to give back to their dedicated fan base.  "We never have anything to give them. Our fans always ask for CDs or shirts," said guitarist Kevin Riggio.    

Bayport resident Jay Hamayoon said he loves the sound of the band. "I'm friends with all of them. They're really good musically," he said, "They're brutal, they have a lot of breakdowns and they're also melodic." 

Though the band is not willing to be labeled specifically, they conceded they most aptly fit into the "metal" genre. "As far as the musical direction goes, we're still open," said Awake in the Fire's vocalist, John Buckley of Massapequa.

The band writes all of their own music and practices in a soundproof studio in Ronkonkoma. "How are you going to express yourself by playing someone else's music?" said the band's drummer, Dan Reynolds.

Inspiration is found in music they like, according to Altman.  "We get together and make music and grow off each other. The music we play is the music we like to listen to," said bassist Stefan Baggan.

The band sees opportunity in Battle of the Bands, but also will remain playing throughout Long Island until the competition. They play regular shows at Finn's Pub in Oakdale and Little Dan's Olde Time Tattoo Parlour in Bayport. 

Why a tattoo parlor?  "Tattoos and metal go hand in hand," said Altman.

Janine Carlsson, who is an Awake in the Fire fan and Bayport-Blue Point graduate has faith the band will prevail in the final competition. "They have talent, I really believe they can reach that level of popularity," said  Carlsson.

The band will need that popularity to win, Battle of the Bands is judged based on the amount of votes each band gets. 

Check back after July 24 to see how they placed. The show begins at 2 p.m. and admission is free.