Kingston-based
bands battling it out on Bodog
by
Chris White
September
17, 2007
K-Rock
1057 and Bodog Music are bringing you the biggest band competition to ever
hit the Limestone City. Kingston’s top undiscovered talent will battle
for the chance to win a one million dollar recording deal with Bodog Music.
Get your band get signed up now! The sooner you sign up the sooner your
fans can vote. www.bodogbattle.ca/signup/band.php
The
top twelve bands will compete on stage for one of three spots at the regional
finals and be one step closer to the one million dollar recording agreement
with Bodog Music!
Deadline
for band sign-ups is September 30, 2007.
Here's
a look at the Kingston-based
bands in alphabetical order who have already entered; these are the
actual bios appearing on Bodog Battle:
Combining rock, blues and funk, 4PLAY is
a high energy soulful band.
A-DRIFT, Four talented young musicians with
four unique styles that came together to make a high energy, emotional
and easy listening sound. In a short time they have built a fairly large
fan base for them selves and have played at well known Venues such as the
Festivals of the Islands and the Big V in Delta Ontario, and open for such
artist as the Laws and Prairie Oyster. They have played in many local bars
and have had some radio play with the station Kix 102.7fm and have very
good response with there rock metal country song hillbilly party. This
band continues to grow every year...in the short time they've been together
they have seen much success but still hope to see the day they can share
there music with the world.
Abandon Eden formed in 2003 with members
Trevor Todd (bass and vocals), Glenn Wilson (guitar), and Chuck Larocque
(Drums). All members had played previously in bands, Trevor and Chuck in
"Broken Glass", and "Dirty Dog", and Trevor and Glenn in "Kingdom of Shadows".
They got together after a few years of not playing in bands, to fill that
music void that just wouldn't go away. The next couple years were spent
writing/recording music, and learning cover songs to play and make some
money with. In December of 2006, the band decided to add a new bass player,
so Trevor could focus on singing. Long time friend Kevin Bunce, agreed
to step up and join the band. This summer the band is finishing writing
songs for a 12 song CD, that it will start recording in August.
To describe Beautiful Inferno as just a
band would be an understatement. We're an ever evolving community of musicians
whose passion is undeniable and understood . Our current line up consists
of Mike Brown (vocals/guitars), Curt Sproule (guitar), Andrew Tuijtel (drums)
and the latest recruit Scott Starkweather (bass). The original band was
formed in the small town of Perth in 98' when 2 of 3 founding members Andrew
and Curt started the first of many bands affectionately known as "Odlid"
(dildo backwards). It was a dissonant grunge/punk trio whose members were
all still attending public school. After a few years that band dissolved
and members went their own ways. Andrew and Mike began jamming shortly
thereafter and formed the short lived group "Illusions of Grandeur". Once
again the band dissolved. "Beautiful Inferno" was born in early 2001. The
new lineup featured members from both previous bands. Over the course of
the past five years the now stable lineup has been through every thing
a rock band may have to endure. Sex, drugs and of course rock n' roll.
But even admist it all whether through good or bad times the music grew
and evolved into an original and often overwhelming sound. We were able
to channel all of our collective angst and passion into a very positive
outlet. In 2003 we recorded our first album "White Noise" which was a collection
of 12 originals songs ranging from hard rock anthems, sombre pop, haunting
ballads and in your face grunge-rock. The album was independently recorded,
manufactured and distributed by the members of Beautiful Inferno. It involved
a lot of trial and error but the end result was one that we are all very
proud of. After doing several local shows promoting the then-upcoming release
the band went on hiatus after the departure of founding member Andrew Tuijtel
in 2004. Mike and Curt went on to still play intimate acoustic sets and
write songs together. And after a 2 year break the band literally has just
reformed in the fall of 2006 and has begun the preparations to become a
force to be reckoned within the Kingston rock scene. The best has yet to
come.
Betablokka - A melodic rock foursome based
in Kingston ON Canada, Betablokka provides a powerful performance captivating
audiences with memorable songs and a passion for being on stage.
Cherub is a band out of Kingston Ontario
Canada. They are made of up guitarists Colin Sinclair and Robin Mauer-Vakil,
drummer Dan O'Handley, bassist Jimmy O'Handley and singer Mike Gommer.
They are avid music fans and listen to all kinds of music, and as such
this comes across in their music which can be anywhere from folkish to
heavy metal. They recently recorded a few songs at The Bathouse Studio
with the assistance of Gord Sinclair of the Tragically Hip. Look out for
the upcoming EP which will be called 'Werewolves Are Good For The Economy'.
Dreadful Days is a band that came from a
city with a void of good bands. They quickly learned that working together,
they could change rock history. Maybe not literally or soon, but eventually,
and HARD. Married for 6 years and still going strong, Dreadful Days have
played shows and parties from Ottawa to Toronto and play regularly in their
home town of Belleville. They have a solid local fan base and a full length
independent album named 'MACHO'.
Eric Voice is signed by Sunshine Records
out of Winnipeg Manitoba. Eric has two CD releases through Sunshine Records,
The first, Inner Circle, was released worldwide in 2001 and was nominated
for Best Alternative / Pop CD at the 2001 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.
Track 4 from Inner Circle, Indian Reservation, was nominated at the 2003
Native American Music Awards. Eric's second release, Earth, was released
worldwide in 2004 and was nominated for Best Rock CD at the 2004 Canadian
Aboriginal Music Awards. Track 7 from Earth, Find A Way was nominated at
the 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for Best Music Video. Eric's
New Acoustic Rock CD, Lifegiver (Gail Patricia Peters), is due to be released
in Spring of 2007. Eric has been, and is being featured at numerous music
festivals across Canada, including the All Tribes/No Boundries Native Music
Showcase in Montreal, The 2005, 2003,and 2001 Canadian Aboriginal Festivals,
all of which were held at Roger's Centre (Skydome) in Toronto, the 2001
Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards which were held at Casino Rama in Orillia,
The 24th Annual Burlington's Sound Of Music Festival in Burlington, The
Muddy Water Music Festival on the Sandy Lake Reserve, and numerous others.
Eric has been featured on APTN's First Music And Arts, CBC Television's
Musicworks, Muchmusic and others. Eric Voice was born in Kingston Ontario,
Canada. He is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwanagan First Nation in
Ontario. Eric is a direct descendant of Francis Sharbot, the Aboriginal
founder of Sharbot Lake Ontario, Canada. Eric Chose Rock music as the medium
to express his artistic and cultural ideas. He sends Native ideas and concepts
through mainstream music, adding a unique and enriching Native Culture.
Far From Venus. We are a 3 piece band who
formed last summer, we have encountered numerous set-backs which has slowed
our progress; however we believe that this contest is a fantastic oppurtunity
and we remain optimistic. We are a rock alternative band and have several
different variety of songs, we encourage all interested to check out our
myspace page which will have more songs availbe for list VERY SOON! Keep
in mind that these recordings are live and unedited in any way.
Gentlemens Club started as a trio in September
2006 featuring Josh Mayo, Dan Quinn, and Mike Prescott. The band started
to receive steady gigs and decided it was time to complete the band. The
band added two new members Eric Whitley and Dan. With Mike's crazy wicked
solo's, Dan's steady beat, Josh's sick riffs and killer voice, Dan's funky
bass lines and Eric dancing up and down the keyboards the band is complete
and ready to go.
Ian's Walkman. just some friends having
fun and we hope you like our sound.
K-Rock Bandslam winners Ianspotting is a
new group that consists of members with plenty of experience in the Kingston
music scene. Shaun Weima (The Mystic Caravan, Reno’s Hitmen), Paul Butler
(Reno’s Hitmen), Rob Radford (General Rudie), and Andrew Weima, have come
together to play a reggae rock style with many other influences mixed in.
The song “There’s Still Trouble”, has gotten lots of airplay on Kingston’s
biggest radio station, Krock 1057. In their short time together they have
opened up for such groups as Trooper and Bedouin Soundclash. They will
be going into the studio in summer 2007 to record their first full length
album.
Kickstand formed in 2004 as a recording
project between Dan and Gerald. Lee joined the band in late 2006, and the
band is currently playing shows and recording their debut EP, set for release
later this year.
Kingston City Kriminalz are 3 rappers from
Kingston tryin to get they're sound heard. Armed with great beats and powerful
lyrics, these boys come together to form a rap crew to watch out for.
Lights Over Acadia was formed in late 2006.
These 5 gentlemen strive to produce the music they want to create and have
no desire to be limited to a specific genre. The influences between the
members can range anywhere from pop to hardcore, which only adds to their
unique sound. Whether you crave breakdowns, catchy guitar effects, big
screams, sweet melodies, pounding drums, or pulsing bass lines there will
be something for you to enjoy in Lights Over Acadia.
The members of Mellonhead are all childhood
friends, having grown up together in North Kingston aka Rideau Heights.
Mellonhead evolved out of guitar and bass lessons Kenny was giving Jed
and John. They jammed together for a period of time before rounding out
the foursome with the addition of James Gray in 2001. Now a complete band,started
playing cover songs from bands like Collective Soul, Godsmack, Metallica,
and others. They brought influences from the likes of Soundgarden, Ozzy,
Thornley, System of a Down, AC/DC, S.T.P, and many more to compose their
own original material. This wide range of influences shines forth in their
music. Each one of their songs is a stylistically schizophrenic – displaying
common, yet very distinct style and sound. Each song has its own individual
style and energy and shares it with no other. After years of writing and
practicing, its now time for Mellonhead to hit the local scene to share
their unique brand of hard rock with the world. A full-length, 10 song
CD will be available by summer.
Morningstar. Shredding the sunny beaches
of Kingston for the past couple of years. Influenced by TOOL, Incubus,
RATM, Rise Against, Nirvana...etc.. Shaggy on guit/vox, Andrew Simmons
on bass and Jay Morningstar on Drums... A band of few words but a passion
for live music. Peace.
"We want you to come up to the front of the stage,
dance and make out!" sums up the way PELT makes you feel watching
them live. "Hot, sexy, and sweaty rock n' roll" is how the shows have been
described, and the band continues to deliver the goods opening for a variety
of bands such as The Idol Sons, Chris Koster and the Lonely, Wide Mouth
Mason,and Greg Macpherson, also proving that it's hard not to enjoy the
spicy dance/rock no matter what kind of music you're into. Although focused
largly on live performances, the band is currently working on their 1st
full length album with Pappa D's studios in Trenton, which will feature
crowd favorites such as "love rocket, Mr.T, Neon Nights, and Make-out/Freak-out"
PELT also has also garnered radio play on Kingstons K-ROCK, and Toronto's
THE EDGE with the single from their EP (Vacancy) "5 Finger Touch". It's
an infectious kind of energy that the band generates, and a very original
sound that blends a tight/dancey rhythm section with Rock n' roll guitar,
hot keyboards and sexy, high energy vocals.
In the seven years since Revmatic formed,
they have molded themselves into an extremely fierce band incorporating
elements of Hard Rock, Alternative, Metal and Punk. They have honed their
sound into a state of lust‚ with melodic vocals, a thunderous snare drum
and guitars that are defined yet recklessly loud, embodying the fierceness
that lies in their hearts. Revmatic has prevailed over countless setbacks,
from line up changes to the problems with personal demons. This is a band
that will survive and thrive no matter what obstacles they face. Fans and
press received Revmatic's first release (Self Titled - 2002) and second
release (Ghetto Blaster - 2004), with unadulterated elation, and the band
proceeded to play to spread their message. Formed in 2000, Revmatic was
manifested by three close friends, Nathan Yetter (vocals/guitar) and Keith
Daigle (bass) who have been playing in bands together since highschool,
and Ron Berry (guitar). Rob Baker (drums) joined the band in August 2001.
In May 2007, Ron Berry left the band opening the door for Jay "Hopps" Hopkins
(Guitars), who completed the final line-up in June 2007. His unique guitar
style has brought a whole new element to Revmatic's sound. Revmatic is
pure raw energy right in your ears. With their take on hard rock - more
merciless, unbridled and infuriated than anything else in the genre, they
are a ferocious monster, beating you with a mess of high-end-heavy crunch,
grind and utter grunge that blasts right through you. Revmatic has a thunderous
sound that brings to mind bands like Foo Fighters, Veruca Salt, Offspring,
Metalica and Guns N Roses mixed with hard breakdowns and old school thunder.
They are a colossal wall of sound that is superior. Revmatic's respectful
yet working class approach has set them in motion to dominate the hardrock
scene and set new benchmarks for years to come. You can expect this course
of action to culminate when they release their third album in the fall
2007. They will be pounding the pavement throughout 2007-2008 in support
of the new album.
Named after the debut album from the 90’s alternative
band The Toadies, Rubberneck is a four piece hard rock band from
Kingston Ontario. Sami Hughes and Adam Simkins met while performing in
a cover band named Ray Finkle. Ray Finkle performed songs by bands such
as Audioslave, Guns n’ Roses, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains.
The various styles of these bands would provide the foundation for the
Rubberneck sound. In the beginning of Rubberneck, Hughes and Simkins would
perform acoustically at The Merchant Taphouse at the bar’s Tuesday night
Open Mic night. In order to fill out the desired sound Rubberneck was after,
the talents of Jordan Mayne and Brock Jamieson were sought out. Together
they would take over the world... and your mom.
Forming just recently, the members of Shattered
Reality have all been playing music for the last six years in various
bands with many different styles and influences from grunge to death metal.
Each member brings in their own syle and influence to the band crafting
our sound which is heavy and energetic but still something you can listen
and not get bored of after the first time you hear it. Come check us out
live because our tracks might just sound a lot better in the middle of
a moshpit.
A young Steve Huffman at the Toronto airport, back
from two years abroad, was anxious to get back into his normal life and
settle back into his home town of Kingston. Re-entering his old school,
it was with great coincidence that Steve met up with Brady Zomer, friend
and former band mate. Steve pestered Brady endlessly to start up a new
band with him. He had already become a well respected musician in the schools
population and didn't need a new band. Meanwhile, Patrick Marshall had
been writing some killer riffs and building up a repertoire worthy of finding
musicians at his new school. He decided that it was time to play a monthly
coffee house and show off his talents. He saw, to his pleasant surprise,
that many people were enjoying his set. After hearing Pat play, Steve was
desperate to get him in his new band, and on a whim, decided that he would
ask Pat to play a cover song with him and Brady, and to his surprise, at
agreed. Steve, glimpsing a moment of destiny signed the newly formed band
Motley Foo up for their first show, and they played amazingly well. Waves
of applause told the guys that what they had was something more than a
cover band. Thus was born, Silver Screen Quotations. Since then,
SSQ have gone on to record an independent album, play many shows including
headlining a Rock and Roll Boot Camp and winning a Battle of the Bands.
They are now seeking to play bigger and bigger shows so that they can bring
their message to Ontario, Canada, the world.
Sixtean. We are a new band to Kingston,
originally formed in Saskatoon, SK. We relocated here with our company,
Tea Connexions. As makin music doesn't pay the bills. But we are glad to
be here. We have all new original unique rock tunes going on. The two main
members of the band are Phoenix - Songwriter, Lead Vocals and Guitar /
Jasen - Bass and Tech. *for drummers we use random drummers we hire etc.
We have a drummer named DAVE right now. We are here to sneak up on the
scene and take this city by surprise.
Originally starting out as a three-piece, Smaller
on You hailed from Ottawa but relocated to Kingston for an education.
After an intense writing period, the then three-piece recorded a home demo
and quickly caught attention from online listeners. When the positive feedback
started rolling in, Smaller on You made the decision to record a professional
demo at Addictive Sound Studios in Ottawa. In the duration of the recording,
the band acquired a fourth member to play second guitar. It was at this
time that they found the full sound and band stability they were looking
for. The main focus of the band is to do what we love to do, and that is
to make and play music. Arguably, having fun could be of greater importance.
The band makes a conscious effort for the songs to have a message embracing
the good things in life. Whether it is hanging out with friends, daydreams
or even something negative, Smaller on You will find a way to see the good
in it and amplify it in a way that can relate with a wide range of listeners.
I’m not sure who coined the phase “Rock’n’roll
ain’t pretty” but since their inception in 2002, the boys in Sum Thin
Ugly have been doing their part to add truth to the rumor. With musical
influences ranging from The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Alice Cooper to Guns’n’Roses,
Stone Temple Pilots and Alice In Chains it’s certainly evident that these
guys must know how to rock. And rock they do. Their self titled debut showcases
12 tracks that show a musical diversity that is truly their own. From the
bluesy hard rockin’ opening cut “S.T.U.” to the soulful closing ballad
“Freedom”, Sum Thin Ugly definitely show that they know how to lay it down.
Experience counts for alot in music and these four long haired rockers
from the Town of Kings have proven time and time again that they know how
to play the game. Their consistently kick ass live show, professional work
ethic and attention to detail has gained them a solid reputation as a serious
hard rock contender. Edward Keaney / lead vocals / guitar / piano - Eddy’s
down to earth approach to feel, mood and emotion have resulted in a vocal
style that lends an unmistakable uniqueness to the Sum Thin Ugly sound.
His singing and guitar playing roots show an understanding of melody and
groove that effectivly compliments his charismatic style. Randy Cooke /
lead guitar - Randy has a natural ability to combine his sense of melody
and technical skill wit the finer elements of jazz and blues. Drawing from
a wide range of musical influence, his soloing technique add color and
emotion to the bands musical pallet. Steve Ubdegrove / bass guitar / background
vocals - Steve’s solid, straight forward bass playing provides a ground
shaking force that can only be described as immense. His sub sonic assult
and energetic stage presence have helped propel the bands larger than life
approach. Dean Neron / drums / backing vocals - Dean’s hard hitting
intensity and driving grooves provide an unshakable foundation while still
staying true to the time tested tradition of “playing for the song”. His
showmanship and rock solid reliability have become a mainstay in the Sum
Thin Ugly camp.
Team Fence was formed in the late spring
of 2005 following the dissolution of several prior bands. Brothers Jake
Deodato (lead vocals/guitar/bass) and Zach Deodato (drums/Backing Vocals)
teamed up with Brock Woodland (guitar) and the band busied themselves with
writing. With their musical roots ranging from traditional punk to post-grunge,
from Jazz to metal, the band found they had hit on a unique yet familiar
sound. The band has focused on writing a set of strong original music and
perfecting their sound, primarily playing locally and now looks to the
horizon, ready to show the world what they've got.
4 rockin' psych nurses. Mike Kennnedy, behind the
words and music electric/acoustic guitar. Kyal McCallum on vocals and harmonica.
Dave Guthrie the Bassmaster. Chris Viquiera, keeping the beat. "Ten4
is what we use to control unruly patients".
The Mantra has been an active musical EXPLOTION
for over the last 3 years. Comprised of different musical components and
a revolving line-up of talented musictions from varying musical backgroungs
and influnces. Playing over 200 shows across south-Eastren Ont. the group
has expereinced crowds big and small. taking a striped down minimalistic
puck approach to ambiemt indie acoustic/keyboard art/rock. the group has
finally found there audince and there edge. the group has just finished
recording there first full-fledged studio record to be relesed the fall.
the group, currently comprised of leigh bursey, Justin Steacy and derek
atkinson (with addtional support from Laura Dargie, the bands longtime
keyboard player) are curretly looking to conquer the world one musical
landscape at a time.
The Offshore Electric Company. We are a
four piece alternative / indie rock band from Kingston, Ontario. We have
been playing together for just over half a year, and have been actively
writing, practicing and recording during that time. We hope to have an
EP recorded sometime this fall. Check out the music to get a sense of who
we are.
The Suave Equation. 6 guys, dave, zack,
james, dom, nathan and cam, met at regi highschool in kingston, just started
playing around lately, working on getting some recordings but for now you
can listen to us live!, thanks for the listen, please give us a vote, haha.
Remember, for the bands to advance they need your
vote HERE.
Chris
White |
