Exhaler Wins DU's Battle of the Bands

Student music groups showcase talents at annual competition

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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On March 3, the DU band Exhaler was crowned the winner of DUPB's Battle of the Bands (BoB), one of the most anticipated events of the year. Two newer bands, Onion and Long Way Home, also placed in the top three. The event, normally held outdoors, was moved indoors due to heavy snow in Denver. Student improv group Skintight Outrage served as emcees, keeping the audience engaged between sets with various antics.

Why it matters

The Battle of the Bands competition provides an important platform for student musicians at DU to showcase their talents in front of a wider audience beyond typical concert-goers and music lovers. It highlights the vibrant music community on campus and the camaraderie between the different bands.

The details

The lineup included nine-piece band Onion, solo artist Larissa Olson, folk band Long Way Home, newer band Clove, cover band Eye 2 Eye, and the winning group Exhaler. Exhaler played an original song 'Effigy' as well as covers of 'Welcome to Hell' by black midi and 'Fireball'. Exhaler guitarist Grady Dionne noted the strong competition this year and the supportive nature of the music community at DU, with all the bands congratulating the winners.

  • The event took place on March 3, 2026.
  • Exhaler will open for Between Friends at MusicFest on May 29, 2026.
  • Exhaler's upcoming album 'Don't Wait Up On Me' will be released on April 14, 2026.

The players

Exhaler

The winning DU band in the Battle of the Bands competition.

Onion

A nine-piece band that placed as the runner-up in the competition.

Long Way Home

A folk band that placed third in the competition.

Skintight Outrage

DU's improv team that served as emcees for the event, keeping the audience engaged.

Grady Dionne

A guitarist who played for both Clove and the winning group Exhaler.

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What they’re saying

“It was a little bit different to bring the comedy and improv that we know into the setting of a live music competition, so it was nice to get out of our comfort zone and do something a little bit different.”

— Jack Schuchard, President of Skintight Outrage (duclarion.com)

“There was some good competition this year, there always is.”

— Grady Dionne, Guitarist for Clove and Exhaler (duclarion.com)

“We all value music extremely highly and we value the community extremely highly, and I think everybody is always really supportive of each other both in the band and in other bands around.”

— Grady Dionne, Guitarist for Clove and Exhaler (duclarion.com)

What’s next

Exhaler will begin preparing for MusicFest, where they will open for Between Friends on May 29, 2026. Their upcoming album 'Don't Wait Up On Me' will be released on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The Battle of the Bands competition highlights the vibrant music community at DU, where student musicians support and celebrate each other's talents. It provides an important platform for emerging bands to showcase their skills and connect with a wider audience beyond typical music fans.