All Over Albany

Exit Factor winner Molly Durnin

Last night AOA joined WEXT and Paul Antonell of Clubhouse Studios to help judge the Exit Factor. Ten local bands and solo artists competed for a chance to perform this Saturday night at the Capital Area Indie Fest at The Egg.

The event was a lot of fun, and we met some good local musicians. But the act that blew all the judges away was Molly Durnin. Durnin won the slot hands down. From the moment she stepped on the stage, she owned it.

One of our fellow judges, WEXT's Chris Wienksays of Molly, "She may evoke a familiar sound or style in your head. Maybe you think she has a sound like so-and-so, or something, but often times unique voices like Molly's do that to you. Her on-stage presence is effervescent. She just exudes a feeling that shows you she is at once happy to be there, and almost like she can't believe people would want to see her perform."

Judge Paul Antonell, a music engineer who's worked with Natalie Merchant, Rusted Root, Carley Simon, and a long list of other big names, was an instant fan.

We'd buy a ticket to hear her play again.

Runner up Bridgette Guerrette reminded us of the British singer Ellie Goulding, and we were were surprised to learn she's still a teenager. We're sure we'll be hearing more from her. There's a clip of her after the jump.

Molly Durnin joins Stellar Young (nee The City Never Sleeps), The Hearing Aides, Tor Loney, and High Bridge North, odi Shaw, Sandy McKnight on Saturday at Indie Fest. Tickets are $15.

Thanks to host Christina Dellea, and the Columbia Arts team for putting it on, and for inviting us to participate.