Andover College celebrate student band, hollow afterthought

Nine bands representing colleges across the south, including QMC; Richard Taunton College; Fareham College and many more competed at Southampton Solent University’s annual ‘Solent Sound’ competition on 26th March 2025.

Hollow Afterthought were Sparsholt College Group’s first ever entry into the contest and according to judges Daniel Pennie and Paul Statham ‘Obviously put new batteries in before getting onstage’, citing the band as having ‘intensity and purpose’. 

Level 3 Music student Ollie Armer said: Experiences, like today are a great learning curve, as musicians but also as performers. Taking our songs to new audiences and getting feedback from judges who have sold millions of records, is a dream come true’. 

Coming in second place was a huge achievement as the only band playing a set entirely consisting of their own songs, including new single ‘Missed’ available on all streaming platforms

Course Leader Ashley Wassell reflected on an enjoyable day: ‘Hollow Afterthought represented the college and my department brilliantly and have taken some huge leaps forward as a live act in the last few months. I visited the Solent campus as a guest speaker and performer around 15 years ago and to see how the university has developed since then was amazing. I’m looking forward to having a closer relationship with Solent and other Universities over the coming years, giving our students the opportunity to engage with everything that exists for them in Higher Education.’

Catch Hollow Afterthought live at a venue near you!

29/3 Andover Rocks – White Hart

11/4 West End Centre – Aldershot

25/4 Southampton Arms – Andover

9/5 The Hobbit – Southampton