Local band 30aut6 making waves in international competition

By Jim Muir

A local, popular band that lists tiny Valier, Illinois as home, is competing in a worldwide global competition.

And doing quite well, thank you!

The band is “30aut6” and they are one of only 96 bands left from more than 12,000 that entered worldwide a few months back when the competition, sponsored by “Hard Rock Cafe began.

30aut6

The process for 30aut6 began a few months back when the band’s manager entered the group in a Hard Rock Cafe contest.  The first round was online voting for each Hard Rock area and 30aut6 ended up getting 400-plus votes from accounts only within 100 miles of St. Louis. That meant the band was selected as one of nine finalist bands. 30aut6 then played Battle 1 and won against two other bands putting them in the finals. Following that victory they played the finals for St. Louis and won again, a win that pitted them against 96 other bands, each one representing a Hard Rock Cafe in the world.

30aut6 drummer Kevin Kent summed up the exciting past few months for the local band.

“We’re just some guys from Southern Illinois trying to chase our dream,” Kent said. “Just think, 12,000 bands started and a band from Valier is one of only 96 left in the world.”

Kent pointed out that there are only 10 bands from the United States in the top 25 and the rest are all international bands.  If the band makes it into the top 25 they will advance to the final round where they are voted on by judges.  The winners of the event go on a world tour to different Hard Rock Cafes, play the Hard Rock Calling Festival, win $10,000 in gear and also get a record deal.

Kent urged fans and all Southern Illinois residents to visit the Hard Rock Cafe link and vote for 30aut6.

“It would be the biggest thing to ever happen to us,” said Kent. “We need everyone from Southern Illinois and the Midwest who believe in chasing their dreams to support us!”

A link to vote for 30aut6 is on the Hard Rock Cafe St. Louis page.  Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/hardrockcafestlouis/app_205164529573076

The 30aut6 Facebook link is here:  https://www.facebook.com/30aut6