Tension was high in the waiting area. Some band members postured and eyeballed each other, sizing up the competition, while others huddled in groups to run through their songs.

Some, like 'Maximum Velocity', turned up at 2pm despite the auditions starting at 3.45pm.

'I woke up at 5am. We were so nervous,' said drummer, Mohammad Sallehin,17, a student at Nanyang Polytechnic. At the end, the judges gave them good and bad critics and were taken positively. 'We were told that we looked too nervous! they also ask why don't we have a bassist. We answered that we try to be diifferent. Overall, we take these as an advice and experience. Surely we're gonna improve on it. We'll be back!!,' said band leader/guitarist Clayder,16. 

The competition has been organised by The Straits Times to nurture music talent.

Many of the 40 bands yesterday chose to showcase original songs, among them the group Isthmus. Lead singer Chin Ze Yi, 15, said its audition song, Empty Void, was written in the canteen of Catholic High School, from which the six members hail.

Bands with varying degrees of experience turned up.

Ceramic Circle has been together for two years. The five students from ITE Macpherson, ITE Bishan and Loyang Secondary School were recently scouted by a promoter to play a show in Malaysia in July. Others, like Unnamed, comprising three girls and a male drummer, came together just three months ago.

Auditions continue today and next week from June 26 to 28.

Ten bands will compete for the $5,000 top prize and a management contract with Music & Movement.