AIM High School heavy rock band Kaato, have proved undeniable talent as they prepare themselves for the Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) world finals. The youthful band have their eyes set on the prize as bassist Fiona Neve gives us an insight into Kaato’s journey.

GBOB is the world’s largest live talent competition for bands of all genres. It aims to find raw talent wherever it is and expose it to a wider audience. With over 5,000 bands across 30 countries participating every year, the world-renowned competition involves local qualifying heats and national finals, where the winners advance to the GBOB world finals to compete for the grand prize worth $100,000.

Kaato formed in 2011 and begun their musical venture by gigging regularly at venues and events including V8 Supercars, Monster Mosh, Scorcherfest 2012, Sydney Livehouse, Mounties and Yoyo’s. Their sound does not conform to one specific field, however, Fiona says “if we had to be put into a genre it would probably be something along the lines of heavy, alternative rock.”

AIM High School has played an important role in the formation of the band. Fiona claims: “Kaato wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for AIM.” Dean Zouganelis (lead guitarist) is an AIM High graduate whilst Kurt Lowney (singer/songwriter/guitarist), Mika Nuutinen (synthesist and backing vocalist) and Fiona Neve (bassist) are current AIM High students. She continues, “All of the teachers have been amazingly supportive of us. They give us advice and help us grow.”  

Kaato felt the pressure when performing at the initial heats for GBOB, but with strong determination and positive acclaim, the quartet came out on top. “Before the competition we checked out the other bands playing so we knew that we would have to deliver a pretty tight set, and luckily we had a fair crowd turn out for us so it all seemed natural, and we received a lot of good praises. It then was announced that we had won the Sydney heat and are moving on to the NSW final!”

The band keeps their hopes high for the upcoming state finals, “You can expect an absolutely killer performance from us. We are playing songs that will get the crowd moving and hopefully we’ll even get the judges to their feet!”

Keep posted for details about Kaato competing in GBOB. For more information on the band, visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/iamkaato

AIM sends their congratulations and wishes Kaato the best of luck!