Battle of the bands headliner locked in

AHEAD of the Golden Plains Shire Battle of the Bands in Inverleigh in August, the afternoon’s headliner has been announced.

Geelong neo-soul artist Gloria Ragesh is set to perform at the gig under her stage name of Wild Gloriosa.

Ragesh is inspired by classic soul performers including Bill Withers and Aretha Franklin, who she listened to growing up.

“That still has a big influence on my music now; rich old-school soul,” she said. “I like to keep that feel around because it’s just so good, and it’s authentic to me.

“My kind of music is smooth, gentle melodies, and kind-of groove based, with lots of harmonies.”

Having the opportunity to get up on stage at gigs like Battle of the Bands is something Ragesh said she loves to do.

“It makes me really happy,” she said. “I feel so comfortable in that state of performing, and sharing my music with people, allowing them to feel whatever it is they feel as I’m singing to them.

“That’s a really joyful, intimate experience to share with someone, when I’m playing music.

“Young musicians are also getting better and better every day, and the next generation of musicians are going to be better than the last, so encouraging them through an event like Battle of the Bands is important for their confidence.

“It’s such a great opportunity to network. It shows them that they can collaborate with people, share and develop their ideas even further.”

Ragesh has been a Geelong local for 15 years, formerly based in Singapore.

She has been singing for as long as she can remember, was a member of the Australian Youth Choir, and performed in school musical productions.

“I was consistently in music-based extra-curricular activities and from there I honed my musical abilities,” she said.

“I was a really lively musical kid, and kept up my music practice outside of my bedroom.”