From garage to glory
The young band that stole the show; Winning BandStorm was just the beginning—Eaker’s Karlos reveals what’s next for the high-energy trio
We’re sitting down with Karlos (14), bass player and vocalist of Eaker, a rising local band recently crowned BandStorm’s champions of 2025. He’s joined by Sam (14) on guitar and Frankie (13) on drums. With their high-energy performances and raw, powerful sound, these young musicians are making serious waves. Fresh off their big win, we caught up with Karlos to talk about the band’s journey, influences, and what’s next for Eaker.
Congratulations on winning the Eaker BandStorm title! How did it feel when you heard your band’s name announced as the winner?
I was so excited! When they announced Eaker as BandStorm’s champions of 2025, we were jumping around so much that we forgot to accept our award and first-place title.
How did you all meet, and what inspired you to start a band together?
I was 10 years old and desperate to start a band, so I put up an advertisement in our local music store. Frankie got in touch, and we started jamming for about two years. We decided we needed another member, so we put up another advert and met Sam, our guitarist.
What’s the story behind your band’s name? Did you go through a few different ideas before settling on it?
We were at a laundrette, and for some reason, there was an old, dusty thesaurus at the back of the room. Just for fun, we started flicking through the pages and came across the word “Eaker.” We thought it sounded cool, so we looked up the meaning. It described us perfectly—it means you’re not too smart and don’t always think things through. It also happened to be the surname of the first man to fly over the US in the First World War. Since we rap about war and disagree with it, we felt it matched us.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they shape the music you create?
If you listen to our original material, you might be able to tell that our biggest influence is Rage Against the Machine, and you’d be right. They inspire us through their creative guitar effects, punk drumming, and angry yet informative rapping. These are all qualities of Rage Against the Machine, as well as of Eaker.
Can you describe your songwriting process? Do you all contribute, or does one person take the lead?
Although we all play a part in writing songs, Sam (our guitarist) is the main guy for coming up with awesome riffs. His process is simple—he thinks of a melody and transposes it onto his guitar. He then presents his ideas to me and Frankie, and we work on them collaboratively. I write my bass lines and lyrics based on how the song makes me feel, while Frankie plays a big part in the arrangement.
Winning this competition is a big deal! What was the biggest challenge you faced while preparing for it?
We didn’t really face any major challenges, apart from practising more and using live performances at open mic nights at Chaplins as rehearsal for the competition.
If you could collaborate with any artist or band—past or present—who would it be and why?
If I had the chance to collaborate with any artist or band, it would be N.W.A. I love ‘90s hip-hop. I once heard Zack de la Rocha from Rage Against the Machine collaborate with KRS-One and The Last Emperor, and it sounded sick. Since I’m really into N.W.A., I think a collaboration with them would be incredible.
What’s the best part about being in a band at such a young age, and what’s the most difficult part?
The best part is getting to make sick music with my two best mates. The hardest part is that, because we’re under 18, it’s difficult to get gigs in a lot of places.
Where do you see the band in five years? Any dreams of touring or recording an album?
We’re looking to record an album before summer, and a tour would be insane if someone offered us the opportunity. In five years, I’ll be 19, which is a crazy thought! I hope we’re still best friends and mega successful with Eaker. A record deal and selling out stadium gigs doesn’t seem too much to ask!
For other young musicians dreaming of starting a band, what advice would you give them?
Don’t start a band with your existing friends. Instead, put out ads and form a band first—then become friends. I tried forming bands with my mates three times, and every time it failed because we ended up messing about and not practising.
What kind of venues and events do you love performing at? Are you open to gigs like festivals, private parties, or community events?
We’ll play any venue that offers us a spot. Ideally, festivals—we just love performing!
How would you describe your live performance? What can audiences expect when they come to see you play?
A ton of energy and power. And an insane time. We literally go crazy on stage, and it’s infectious!
Do you perform original songs, covers, or a mix of both? Can you tailor your setlist to suit different events?
We mainly play original songs, but we’re planning to add some covers. Right now, apart from some Rage Against the Machine and Blink-182 covers, it’s all originals. We’ll be adding more, like Limp Bizkit and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What has been your most exciting or memorable gig so far, and why?
The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth—where we won BandStorm 2025. The pressure was intense, not just because of the massive crowd, but also because there were three judges watching us.
Do you have any upcoming gigs or plans to tour locally? How can venues or event organisers get in touch with you for bookings?
Yes! We’re playing at Christchurch Music Festival, King of Kings Skate Event, Kings Park and Brewhouse & Kitchen, Southbourne.
Organisers and venues can contact us via Instagram or check us out on TikTok:
TikTok: eaker_official
Instagram: eaker_official
Tel: 07854 251675
