This time last year few people had heard of Rustic. But fast-forward a few months, and the flamboyant three-piece punk outfit from Beijing was on top of the world. It was Global Battle of the Bands that got them there.

Having conquered all contenders at the competition’s China final held here in Hong Kong, Rustic ventured to London in April, beating out representatives from a score of other countries to be crowned 2009 Global Battle of the Bands champions. Since then, they’ve been signed to Maybe Mars, scheduled a tour of the UK, and are generally riding the wave of GBOB victory.

The meteoric ascent is the kind of story that this competition is built upon, and as its website pronounces, “GBOB is all about helping bands to fulfill their dreams.” After the success of 2009 for China’s representatives, the future looks even brighter.

“I think Rustic’s victory sends a clear message that Chinese indie rock is coming into its own strength,” says Chris B, who, in addition to her Underground duties is also GBOB China National Director. “No one could have imagined that a band from China would ever win a worldwide band competition till now. It means any band can win! It’s possible for any band to dream big!”

This year’s six Hong Kong heats will take place at Backstage, Rockschool, and a new venue in the mix, Causeway Bay’s Miusik. And with only one of the seven bands progressing from each heat to the Hong Kong final, it may prove to be the most competitive installment yet. There’s also a bit of money on offer, as well as the chance to play Chengdu’s Zebra Music Festival. But for most aspiring bands, the competition’s real allure is the opportunity to follow in the steps of Rustic and sit on top of the world. 

Mark Tjhung

Global Battle of the Bands, Heat One, takes place at Miusik on September 10. Go to gbobchina.com to enter. Tickets: 9486 4648.