Music Box Benjalu

Newcastle Herald

Thursday May 10, 2007

GR

MANY teenagers look forward to turning 18 so they can enter licensed premises, but for the young rockers in award-winning band Benjalu, pictured, turning 18 meant getting gigs at pubs and clubs became a lot easier.

The band took away $10,000 in prizes after winning Youth Rock last year the same band competition won by The Innocent Criminals before they became Silverchair.

They had formed just weeks before the competition but walked away with the top prize as well as the best original song award. But with school commitments and age restrictions, 2007 has provided the first opportunity the four-piece has had to pursue a career in music.

"We have had a few offers from labels and management but are just waiting until the right thing comes along we're not going to jump at the first opportunity," singer and guitarist Ben Gumbleton said.

The band, also made up of Luke Elsley, Anthony Morris and Kelsley Nathan, have a strong collection of original songs and are hoping to record their debut six-track EP in July, with an October release.

In the meantime, fans can catch the lads when they support Solver tonight.

Benjalu plays the Brewery tonight. Entry is free, with the band scheduled to go on stage about 8.30pm.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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