Indie rockers Collegians on track to greatness

(L-R) James Leigh, Vince Leigh, Gerry Leigh and sitting at front Glenn Patrick. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Collegians – remember that name. It belongs to a Melbourne band poised to take the world by storm.

The indie electronic rock band is a finalist in four categories of the International Song Writing Competition, with the song, Vaccine, selected out of more than 16,000 entries worldwide. If they are successful, they’ll be in the company of previous winners Vance Joy, Gotye, Bastille, Kehlani and Kasey Chambers.

It’s a big deal for Glenn Patrick and the brothers Leigh – Gerry (who lives in Point Cook), Vince and James (who lives in Williamstown). The band, formed in 2012, will release its third single, Killer, on April 14.

Patrick, lead vocalist, said the band was thrilled to be representing Australia, especially in the rock category, in which they are up against Birds of Tokyo.

“It’s just about starting to build a foundation for the band,” he said.

“It’s pretty much been a massive writing session the past few years, getting up the material, honing our sound. Now, we’ve started releasing tracks and getting momentum, which is good.”

Drummer Vince added: “We wanted to mix up what [songs] we put out. We want to keeping making albums, go out and tour.

“We still want to maintain a sense of being an independent artist. I think that’s everyone’s goal, ultimately.”