The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

UNDER A brand new name the Plati Dread Band is set to perform at this year’s Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) competition.

Band leader, Plati Bartlett, said last year’s GBOB was an amazing experience, as he got an outstanding boost as an artist.

“I got instant recognition around this country. I thought it was an amazing production and I am looking forward to the one this year,” said Plati.

Most of the participants in this year’s competition are returning contenders including Plati, The Truth, New Entry and Avante Guarden.

Competing bands will be challenged to use a variety of skills to deliver their best performances with original music compositions. No covers are allowed.

Music will be performed live and will be judged in several rounds. During the preliminary rounds, audience members will determine the band who advance to the finals. In the final round, national and international music industry experts will have the final say on who will be crowned “Best Band in The Bahamas.”

Last year Plati performed with the band “Plati and the Naykid-I”. He said the decision to change to “Plati Dread” was made due to supporters finding it difficult to research their name online.

“Plati Dread is easier to find on the Internet and it is more easier for people to digest,” said Plati.

Although the band is new, the band members are old associates.

“These guys are some of the most talented people in the country. King David is one of the premiere keyboarders; Lord Grey is one of the premiere drummers in this country. We have got Mike on Bass, Pro on guitar, Grant on percussions and together we are going to put on an amazing show, and I want everybody to come out and witness it,” said Plati.

This year the band will have the benefit of using last year’s experience as a guide. Plati said they have a better idea of what to perform and how to perform.

“Last year was a ground breaking experience; this year we are a little bit more knowledgeable on how the show should be done. KB’s performance last year gave us a formula for how the competition should be won, so we are going to take that experience and move forward with it. What to expect this year is more revolutionary and original music. We are going to win the competition this year,” said Plati.

Stinkin Wayz, the band founded by entertainer, writer and producer Kirkland “KB” Bodie, took home the 2012 title “Best Band in the Bahamas,” edging out Ira Storr and the Spank Band in the final round of the GBOB competition by half a point.

Plati said he looks at GBOB as a ground breaking cultural event and a first of its kind for struggling Bahamian acts that don’t have venues to showcase their talent.

“This is a worthy effort put together by people that have our culture’s best interest at heart, and we should all put our support behind it,” said Plati.