Sound Off! is the Northwest's largest underage battle of the bands competition for musicians 21 and under. The event supports the local underage music scene by giving young artists from all different backgrounds a once in a lifetime opportunity to come together and play their original music in a great all-ages atmosphere. Live from Sound Off! Volume Two features the twelve bands selected to participate in Sound Off! 2009 performing live at EMP|SFM in Seattle.
Featured artists:
Dyno Jamz, Seattle, WA
This impressive hip-hop jazz combo features seven classically trained musicians who showcase funky brass arrangements, fronted by one dynamic MC. Think Miles Davis meets De La Soul and you've got Dyno Jamz--bringing the cool jazz of the West Coast to the 80s hip-hop of the East Coast. Ya dig?
Sol, Seattle, WA
Seattle hip-hop artist, SOL uses his music as a catalyst for stimulating the senses. His music is high-energy, and brings together personal and social statements from the music industry to world politics. Influenced by Langston Hughes, Bob Marley and De La Soul, this wordsmith takes a page from some of the greats but creates his own voice in Seattle's hip-hop scene.
Dearboy, Seattle, WA
Dearboy is an all-girl band of troubadours that sound like they could have formed in an 18th century Prague cafe. Armed with instruments such as mandolin, upright bass and accordion, this group combines seemingly opposite genres to create fresh, bouncy indie pop that's been likened to a meeting of DeVotchKa and the Spice Girls.
Makeup Monsters, Tacoma, WA
Thriving in their minimalistic approach, Makeup Monsters, a duo from Tacoma, WA, transforms the typical indie rock genre. Their infectious songs and instrument swapping creates a charmingly quirky sensibility that captures the DIY spirit and audiences alike.
The Mission Orange, Mount Vernon, WA
The Mission Orange is a melody-infused, bombastic, garage rock band hailing from Mount Vernon, WA. With a tsunami of distortion punctuated by driving rhythms, you'd never guess a live sound this large could come from just two musicians.
Cyrus Fell Down, Spokane, WA
Spokane WA's Cyrus Fell Down meticulously crafts a hurricane of experimental, progressive, video game rock, spiraling with high energy sounds. Boldly displaying their musical abilities with intricate time signatures, aggressive guitar riffs, and uber-passionate stage presence, this trio has mastered the art of chaos and the end effect is quite literally mind-blowing.
Love Trucker, Vancouver, WA
Love Trucker embodies the raw purity of new school rock 'n' roll. Their music is influenced by the sounds of 70s excess rock, the driving beats of Zeppelin, and angelic country sounds of classic greats like Gram Parsons. Love Trucker transports classic blue collar rock to bright new horizons with their tight rhythm section, unmistakable charm and distinctive front man with bold vocals.
Brier Rose, Shoreline, WA
Brier Rose showcases its talented musicianship while creating dynamic tension-filled compositions which highlight the passion in their crescendos. They connect with the audience through their epic live shows which deliver soaring vocals reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and Muse, haunting guitar riffs -- an overall powerfully rich sound.
Free City Collective, Vancouver, BC
Free City Collective is a 5 piece alt-rock band from just outside of Vancouver, BC. Known for their high-energy performances and stellar technical abilities, the bands musical chemistry tops off the electrifying listening experience.
Razpy & The Vigilantes, Seattle, WA
With a gritty voice that lives up to his name, Razpy leads the Vigilantes with thoughtful lyrics and powerful delivery. This 6-piece group creates their own genre of rap by adding rock and R&B sounds through soulful female and male vocals and a tight backing band which includes cello, keys, beats, bass, viola and guitar.
Kids Get Hit By Buses, Everett, WA
Using computers, keyboards and game consoles, Kids Get Hit by Buses pack as much extravagance and stage antics in their act as they do hilarious lyrics and effervescent beats. This awesomely weird Everett duo plays chiptune infused electronica, exercising their unique charm and pixilated energy to leave you singing LOL! OMG!
Schoolboy Gutbuster, Issaquah, WA
Schoolboy Gutbuster, a high school trio from Issaquah, WA, have the rare talent of bringing a fresh and new perspective to the pop/rock genre. With sincere vocals, frank lyrics and 2.5 minute gems, Jeff Stillwell crafts delightful pop songs earning comparisons to early Beatles.
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