When Shrapnel took the stage for the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Battle of the Bands final round, they were focused on one simple goal: getting their music in front of an audience.

Winning wasn’t part of the plan.

“We came into the Battle of the Bands with the only goal of getting our music out there, not of winning,” the band shared. “We were shocked and amazed that we not only won, but had also won almost every award for our instruments.”

That unexpected victory capped off a remarkable journey for a band whose current lineup has only been together for about five months.

The story of Shrapnel actually begins with two separate bands. The original version of Shrapnel was formed in 2022 by drummer Ryan Steel and guitarist Dominic King. Around the same time in Houston, vocalist Nathan Riner and bassist Eli Maddox were perfomring together in a band called Scarlet Queen.

Everything changed when Dominc and Eli met in August 2025.

Eventually the two groups combined forces, creating the lineup that would go on to win the 2026 Wildflower! Battle of the Bands competition. The musicians decided to keep the name Shrapnel while bringins some Scarlet Queen material into the band’s catalog, including “Look At You Now,” one of the songs featured during their Battle of the Bands performances.

Although Dominic had known about Wildlfower’s Battle of the Bands for years, he never had a full roster of musicians available to participate until this year.

Preparing for the competition became a true team effort. The band spent weeks refining its setlist, with every member contributing ideas.

“We all had input on what to play,” they said. “The set changed many times during the weeks leading up to the preliminary round.”

One song was always destined to make the final cut.

“Nothin’ But A Good Time” became the obvious closer because, as the band explained, “everyone knows that one.” The goal was simple: end the set with something that would keep the crowd engaged and singing along.

Their prepation schedule was intense. Because members often had limited availability, rehearsals typically stretched to nearly 12 hours at a time, sometimes multiple days a week.

Those marathon practice sessions came with a tradition of their own.

“When our band rehearses, we usually go for around 12 hours a day,” they said. “We love to use our deals for CiCi’s and just go crazy at the buffet. It’s great for bonding and getting energy to keep going through rehearsal.”

The road to the competition wasn’t exactly smooth.

Just a week before Battle of the Bands, Dominc’s guitar broke and struggled to stay in tune. He performed through the preliminary round hoping the instrument would cooperate long enough to make it through the set.

Then came competition day.

The band rehearsed that morning in Ryan’s shed in South Dallas before heading to the preliminary round. Unfortunately, they discovered much of Dallas had been impacted by road closures for a marathon, creating a stressful race against the clock to reach Oak Highlands Brewery on time.

As if traffic wasn’t enough, vocalist Nathan Riner was dealing with another challenge.

“Nate was more scared for the prelimary round than he was the festival,” the band recalled. “He ended up puking in the parking lot as soon as he showed up.”

The nerves were understandable. It was one of the first perforamnces for this lineup of Shrapnel.

Fortunately, once they took the stage at Oak Highlands Brewery, everything clicked.

The band advanced through the preliminary round and eventually earned a coveted spot in the finals at the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival. 

“A lot of our friends and family came to see us,” the band said. “It was such an amazing feeling getting to play for them. They all gave us such a great cheering section of front, which definitely helped our confidence on stage.”

Standing on the Texans Credit Union Stage, Shrapnel was announced as the 2026 Battle of the Bands winner, but there wasn’t much time for celebration. With school out and members needing to return home, Nathan and Eli immediately began the drive back to Houston.

“Not being able to celebrate with everyone gave it a bittersweet ending because we had put so much work into this competition over the past few months.”

Despite the quick departure, the accomplishment remains a defining moment for the young band.

For musicians considering entering the competition in the future, Shrapnel has simple advice: “Just go for it honestly. Don’t think too hard about it otherwise you’ll psych yourself out. Just get out there and play the music you love.”

As for what’s next, Shrapnel will temporarily pause live performances this summer while Nathan completes military training. The band isn’t slowing down creatively, however.

Members plan to spend the coming months writing new material and sharpening their craft so they can return this fall ready to perform, record, and continue building momentum.

If their Wildflower! victory proved anything, it’s that sometimes the best gigs begin with a broken guitar, a nervous singer, a few marathon traffic detours, and a group of friends who simply wanted to share their music with the world.

INSTAGRAM: @shrapnel_band

The next generation of musicians is ready to take the stage and this epic throwdown is presented by Rockstars of Tomorrow and The Zoo. 🎸 The Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Qualifier brings together a diverse lineup of emerging artists, each with their own sound, style, and story to tell. From high-energy rock to genre-bending originals, these bands are competing for a coveted spot in the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival finals.

Held at Oak Highlands Brewery in Richardson, this high-energy showdown puts the spotlight on rising artists under 21—bringing fresh sounds, fearless talent, and the future of music to the stage right now.

Come out on Saturday, April 18 and cheer on all the bands starting at 2:00 p.m.

Oak Highlands Brewery is located at 500 Lockwood Drive, Richardson, Texas.  

The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is May 17-19 at Galatyn Park Urban Center and this marks the 32nd year of the family-friendly celebration presented by Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

Among the 2024 headliners is Nile Rodgers & CHIC, who pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like “Le Freak,” and sparked the advent of hip-hop with the 1979 soul single “Good Times.”

Randy Rogers Band is an authentic definition of Texas country music as heard in their recent album Homecoming with songs like “Small Town Girl Goodbye” and “Leaving Side of Town.”

The song that most notably launched AWOLNATION is the chart-topping, record-breaking, diamond-certified track “Sail” that has sold more than 10 million copies since its debut.

Indie pop alternative rock band GROUPLOVE is comprised of five eclectic musicians best known for “Tongue Tied” released on their debut album Never Trust A Happy Song that topped charts around the world.

KC and the Sunshine Band are still as widely popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene 50 years ago. With sales of over 100 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award, KC and the Sunshine Band was one of the most progressive bands of the 70s and today plays over 100 live shows a year.

Performance Lineup
The entertainment for the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Stage, Texans Credit Union Stage, and Charles W. Eisemann Center include live performances by the following musicians and bands:

– HESS
– Darstar
– Wheeler & The Wounded
– Dreamstereo
– Forever Mac
– Texas Born & Bred
– Korby Lenker
– Justin Farrin
– Nathan Mongol Wells
– Heather Pierson Duo
– The Zepplin Project
– Taylor Young Band
– RAVS + the Akrylx
– Oatmeal Pizza
– Rosco Johnny
– La Pompe
– Tu-Tones
– Daniel Markham

Ticket Information
Discounted ticket pricing valid through March 17 is $50 for the three-day pass, $25 for general admission one-day on Friday or Saturday, and $10 for Sunday. Richardson residents may purchase up to eight tickets for $15 online. Kids age 12 and under receive free admission.

A limited number of Friends of the Festival VIP Packages are available for $400 and include: two weekend passes, complimentary beer, wine, food and beverages, prime seating near the Methodist Richardson Amphitheater Stage, and a VIP parking pass.

Festival Hours and Location Information
The festival is held at Galatyn Urban Park Center, located just north of Galatyn Parkway on the east side of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway) in Richardson.

Hours for the 2024 festival are:
o Friday, May 17, 6 p.m.-midnight
o Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m.-midnight
o Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Festival Parking
Complimentary parking will be available within the nearby surrounding area. Festivalgoers are encouraged to take advantage of the DART Red Line light rail, which stops at the Galatyn Park Station, located immediately adjacent to the west side of the festival grounds.

Pre-fest has officially begun with the epic Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Qualifier that kicked off at Six Springs Tavern on Saturday, April 29.  Eight bands battled it out and the judges selected A.I. and Attica Uprising to automatically advance to the Final Round on May 22.  The Council and The Fire Frets are also competing for the People’s Choice Award where fans pick the winner! Select and vote for your favorite finalist to help them claim the third spot on the Methodist Richardson Amphitheater Stage at Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival.

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Voting details:

• Voting opens May 1 and continues until midnight on May 5.
• One vote per person (email address is required to vote).
• Votes will be counted and winner announced. 

Prize Package

The band winning the Final Round performed live at Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival on May 21, 2023 will receive the following prizes:

• $500 cash
• A Saturday night or Sunday set-time at Guitars and Growlers (specific date and time to be determined)
• Each finalist will receive a professionally produced video of their qualifier performance, provided by Six Springs.
• One of your band’s original songs produced, recorded, and mixed by Dallas producer J. Michael Smith in his personal studio, Sunland Sound. (Prize includes three mix revisions, but not mastering fees).
• Band Strategy Session with Music Industry Strategy Consultant, Brianna Ruelas.

*Additional awards will be given at the Finals for best guitarist, bassist, drummer, and vocalist.

Festival Hours and Location Information

The annual, three-day event will be held at Galatyn Park Urban Center, located just north of Galatyn Parkway on the east side of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway) in Richardson.

• Hours for the 2023 festival are:
  • Friday, 6 p.m. – midnight,
  • Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight, and
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Additional details about the Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Contest may be found here: https://wildflowerfestival.com/battle-of-the-bands/. For festival information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wildflowerfestival.com.

SPONSORS

Media Partners

WILDFLOWER! BATTLE OF THE BANDS QUALIFIER ROCKS SIX SPRINGS TAVERN IN RICHARDSON ON APRIL 29

The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Battle of the Bands is set to rock at Six Springs Tavern in Richardson on April 29. The annual qualifier round showcases local and regional bands competing for a $500 cash prize and chance to perform live on the Methodist Richardson Amphitheater Stage on May 21.  A panel of judges, including JackFM radio host JT Springer, will score and announce bands selected for the live final round.

Past winners include The Kid Brothers (2022), Texas rocker Griffin Holtby with the Fifth Phoenix (2019) and Clio Cadence, formerly the lead singer of pop-rock Dallas-based band, Love Past Blue (2016). Wildflower! is a stepping stone for talented young musicians who’ve battled their way onto the big stage to perform in front of thousands of fans.

How To Enter

Bands are required to submit an online application, upload a promotional photo, and include a link to a performance video.   The deadline to apply is April 14, 2023, and the bands selected to compete in the Qualifier Round will be contacted with details.

Contest Rules

• All band members must be 21 years old or younger and each band is required to have a minimum of three members.
• No foul language or crude/offensive/vulgar behavior is allowed on stage, in lyrics, off stage or otherwise.
• Band members are only allowed on stage during their set.
• A panel of judges will select the winning bands based on musical talent, crowd enthusiasm, the showmanship of band members, the ability to follow contest rules and originality of cover song.
• All band performances will be videotaped for possible online contest and/or for use by Wildflower! to publicize the contest.
• Ticket sales or attendance by the band and their fans is not a factor in the judging.

Qualifier Round

A maximum of 12 bands will be selected to perform in the Qualifier Round at Six Springs Tavern on April 29 at 7 p.m.. Each band must perform a 15-minute set that includes one original song and one cover song of a band in the 2023 Wildflower! line-up. Bands may choose to play the full cover song or a two-minute excerpt adapted to their style or genre.

At their discretion, the judges and producers will choose and announce two to three bands at the Qualifier Round who will compete in the Final Round. They will also  select an additional two to three bands to participate in an online People’s Choice contest for the final slot.

Prize Package

The 2023 Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Final Round Winner will receive the following prizes:

• $500 cash.
• A Saturday night or Sunday set time at Guitars and Growlers.
• Professionally produced video of their qualifier performance is provided by Six Springs Tavern.
• One produced song at Sunland Sound Studio with access to gear and equipment with Dallas producer and guitarist J. Michael Smith.
• Band strategy session with music industry consultant Brianna Ruelas.

Festival Hours and Location Information

The annual, three-day event will be held at Galatyn Park Urban Center, located just north of Galatyn Parkway on the east side of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway) in Richardson.

• Hours for the festival are:
  • Friday, 6 p.m. – midnight,
  • Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight, and
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Additional details about the Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Contest may be found here: https://wildflowerfestival.com/battle-of-the-bands/.

Three bands competed in the Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Qualifier at Six Springs Tavern and will advance to the Final Round on May 22.  The Kid Brothers, 3 Blocks Away and Last October are also competing for the People’s Choice Award where fans pick the winner! Select and vote for your favorite finalist based on their original song performed on Saturday, April 30th at the Qualifier Round.

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

This is a new award the Wildflower! Battle of the Bands; and qualifier scores count for 50% of the bands score at the finals. Additional voting details:

• Voting is open May 1st through May 18.
• One vote per person (email address is required to vote).
• The winner will be announced at the finals.

All three bands advance to the Final Round and will perform on Methodist Richardson Amphitheater Stage at Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival on Sunday, May 22nd at 11:45 a.m. 

Prize Package

The band winning the Final Round performed live at Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival on May 22, 2022 will receive the following prizes:

• $500 cash
• A Saturday night or Sunday set time at Guitars and Growlers.
• One produced song at Sunland Sound Studio with access to gear and equipment with Dallas producer and guitarist J. Michael Smith.
• Band strategy session with music industry consultant Brianna Ruelas.

Festival Hours and Location Information

The annual, three-day event will be held at Galatyn Park Urban Center, located just north of Galatyn Parkway on the east side of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway) in Richardson.

• Hours for the 2022 festival are:
  • Friday, 6 p.m. – midnight,
  • Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight, and
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Additional details about the Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Contest may be found here: https://wildflowerfestival.com/battle-of-the-bands/. For festival information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wildflowerfestival.com.

Media Partners

Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival will host the 2022 Battle of the Bands Qualifier Round on Saturday, April 30. This epic competition features 12 high school bands who will “throw down” on stage and showcase their talents in front of a panel of judges. The Qualifier Round will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Six Springs Tavern in Richardson, Texas.

Past winners include Texas rocker Griffin Holtby with the Fifth Phoenix (2019) and Clio Cadence, formerly the lead singer of pop-rock Dallas-based band, Love Past Blue (2016). Wildflower! provides an opportunity for aspiring young musicians to debut their authentic sounds on a big stage alongside national headliners that draw thousands of fans.

How To Enter

Bands must complete the following steps for entry:

• Complete the online application at https://wildflowerfestival.com/battle-of-the-bands/
• Include band members who are between the ages of 14 and 19.
• Consist of a minimum of three (3) band members, and
• Include as at least half of their members students who are currently in grades 6-12.

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2022, and all bands selected to perform in the Qualifier Round will be contacted and provided additional information.

Contest Rules

• No foul language or crude/offensive/vulgar behavior is allowed on stage, in lyrics, off stage or otherwise.
• Absolutely no moshing is permitted (audience included).
• Band members are allowed on stage only during their set.
• A panel of judges will select the winning bands based on musical talent, crowd enthusiasm, the showmanship of band members, the ability to follow contest rules and originality of cover song.
• All band performances will be videotaped for possible online contest and/or for use by Wildflower! to publicize the contest.
• Attendance by the band and their fans is not a factor in the judging.

Qualifier Round

A maximum of 12 bands will be selected to perform in the Qualifier Round at Six Springs Tavern. Each band must perform a 15-minute set that includes one  original song and one  cover song of a band in the 2022 Wildflower! line-up. Bands may choose to play the full cover song or a two-minute excerpt adapted to their style or genre.

At their discretion, the judges and producers will choose and announce two to three bands at the Qualifier Round who will compete in the Final Round. They will also  select an additional two to three bands to participate in an online People’s Choice contest for the final slot.

Prize Package

The band winning the Final Round performed live at Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival on May 22, 2022 will receive the following prizes:

• $500 cash
• A Saturday night or Sunday set time at Guitars and Growlers.
• One produced song at Sunland Sound Studio with access to gear and equipment with Dallas producer and guitarist J. Michael Smith.
• Band strategy session with music industry consultant Brianna Ruelas.

Festival Hours and Location Information

The annual, three-day event will be held at Galatyn Urban Park, located just north of Galatyn Parkway on the east side of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway) in Richardson.

• Hours for the 2022 festival are:
  • Friday, 6 p.m. – midnight,
  • Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight, and
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Additional details about the Wildflower! Battle of the Bands Contest may be found here: https://wildflowerfestival.com/battle-of-the-bands/. For festival information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wildflowerfestival.com.