Pete stoked with battle win

Up-and-coming Margaret River musician Pete Ladd-McGovern has landed himself the role of opening act for rock band Mental As Anything after winning a battle of the bands competition.

Despite being a solo artist, Ladd-McGovern took out the Busselton competition on Saturday and won cash and recording studio time.

Perhaps the biggest prize for the 17-year-old was being chosen to open for Mental As Anything at tomorrow night’s free Festival of Busselton concert.

Ladd-McGovern said he could not wait for the performance.

“It’s going to be such a sick opportunity — so many people. It will be great, ” he said.

The young muso played one original song and several covers during his set, using a loop pad and beat boxing to enhance his guitar-based sound.

He said the standard at the competition was high and he was particularly impressed by metal band Paint the Sky Red, who finished second.

“It was a completely new thing for me because it’s a band competition but me being solo was interesting, ” Ladd-McGovern said.

“I’m stoked I won.”