Battle of the Bands rocks OHS

It was the first show they ever played as a band, but for Olympic High School seniors Ryan Foskett, Kyle Riley and Chris Rohwein, the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle is more than just a gig.

The band, “The Trent Affair,” was named after the diplomatic crisis that brought Great Britain and the United States together, building confidence between the two governments, after both sides managed to avoid an armed conflict during the first year of the American Civil War.

Although the Battle of the Bands (BOB) contest last Friday was the first contest these three seniors played in together, “The Trent Affair” symbolizes a lifelong friendship that stemmed from their early elementary school years.

“We were in previous bands before this one,” said Ryan Foskett, one of the band’s guitarists. “This was the first show we ever played together.”

Despite nerves right before showtime, Kyle Riley, lead singer and guitarist, said he thought the performance went well.

“We all amped up ... and we thought we did a good job,” Riley said with a laugh.

Compared to the sounds of Coldplay and the band Brand New, Foskett said the band likes to be “really epic and dynamic.” One of the many favorite songs among the group is one called “The Saint.” Riley said it is one of the newest songs the band has, and the first they collaboratively wrote.

After taking first place at the BOB competition and winning $200 at Ted Brown Music in Tacoma, Riley said the band is already planning for the future. With hopes of being in a recording studio by June 5, Riley added they want to record a demo and send it out to local record companies, hoping to get picked up.

Even though Foskett, Riley and Rohwein are all seniors, they’re planning on staying together for the next few years, while attending Olympic College. Rohwein said he’s going to work in an electrical apprenticeship through a local union.

“We’re gonna see where the band is at and go to OC,” Foskett said. “And see what to do from there.”

When asked what their favorite aspect of performing is, the band replied in unison, “the response of the crowd.”

Hoping to have more shows, Riley said the band is looking for a bass player. The band also is hoping to bring in more instruments, such as a piano, to infuse in their music.

With dreams for success, Foskett said one of his dreams for the band is being able to live off of the music they create. Although the business is all about networking, the band wants to try and have their CD out to an local indie label and get signed sometime in the future.

For more information about “The Trent Affair,” visit their Web site at www.myspace.com/Thetrentaffair.

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