A Hero’s Welcome!

Texas Rockfest Rocks Austin

By Sean Claes
Oh my dear lord… the party is ON and it is FREE in Austin, Texas this March. The Ninth Annual Heart of Texas Quadruple Bypass MusicFestival (aka Texas Rockfest) is coming March 12-15, 2008 and INsite is sponsoring this year along with Guitar Hero III. Not only is it going to be a blistering amount of music (over 160 bands on four stages) we’re also bringing you the chance to join in a Guitar Hero competition (or just play for fun at one of the three tents).

If you’re not a Guitar Hero Champ (I’m a three button chump myself) don’t worry, stop by the INsite booth at the Guitar Hero Stage (613 Trinity) and register to win a copy of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. No skills necessary (except for spelling your name and contact information).

The stages this year are as follows: Guitar Hero Stages (613 Trinity), The Spill on 6th (212 E. Sixth Street), and Rock City Icehouse (1-35 @ Hwy 290 in Lincoln Village)

Anyhow… INsite asked the bands who will be performing to give us a snapshot of who they are…so here you go. Read about them here and see them FREE at Texas Rockfest. Long live free independent music in Austin, Texas.

Goonight Goddess
"With their saturated guitars and ultra-pop hooks, GG song's demand immediate attention.  They traverse from astounding serenity to break-your-neck style rock with such ease and expertise that makes it hard to resist captivation.  Formerly known as Slider, this experienced Austin group recently signed a small indie deal, and is currently in the mixing stage of what promises to be a ground-breaking album.  Look out for these guys in 2008."

3 Kisses (Brenham, TX)
Incorporating alt/pop/punk/rock, 3 KISSES serve up their own unique blend of Texas Party Punk with a positive, party vibe.  They have performed hundreds of live shows for over 300,000 people in twelve states across the US.  Tish & Tony Meeks along with the other KISSES were featured on the reality TV show, “Wife Swap” and watched by 15 million viewers.

Adrenaline Factor (Austin, TX)
The rush of rock-n-roll can be powerfully addictive and with Adrenaline Factor at the wheel, it’s sure be a white-knuckle ride. Fueled by high-octane riffs and boozy bad-boy lyrics howled by Lee "Bon"Scott, Adrenaline Factor’s self titled debut is a tire-screeching soundtrack for cruising and carousing.

Ainjel Emme (Austin, TX)

Web: ainjelemme.net
Ainjel Emme (pronounced angel em) is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Austin, TX. A self-professed "down-to-earth-yet-somewhat off-the-planet" artist, Emme writes haunting, passionate songs that blend eclectic elements and bend genre boundries.

Alpha Rev (Austin, TX)
Alpha Rev is a journey into the depths of the human experience.  Frontman Casey McPherson's "supremely gifted songwriting" and rock inspired vocals mix with the classical instrumentation of a cello and an emotionally gripping violin, creating a multi-layered sound that "simply explode[s] with unrestrainable power." (Soundcheck Magazine).  Their sound is reminiscent of such groundbreakers like Led Zeppelin, the Stones, and Radiohead.

Andy Macintyre & The Primal Groove (Austin, TX)
Andy Macintyre plays the perfect combination of classic rock and blues, with a killer combination of highly skilled, melt-your-face guitar playing mixed with a soulful voice. INsite Magazine's Marsha Mann writes of his debut album, Set Me Free, "From the first moments of the opening instrumental track ‘Cockroach’, it’s clear that Andy Macintyre plays a mean guitar - a virtuosic blend of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn riffs, enveloped in a rockin’ blues groove.  It’s a sound that’s become synonymous with Texas Rock and Austin’s Sixth Street, in particular...I’m so impressed by Andy’s obvious talent."

Black Lamb (Commerce City, CO)

Web: myspace.com/blacklamb

Formed in 2000, Black Lamb has been spewing it's unique brand of heavy-duty-blood-soaked-blues-rawk-n-roll, ("Commerce City Soul Music"), in ample doses ever since.. Westword Weekly's, "Best of Denver": " Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Band"2007... "Best Frontman"2005 ..etc

Blacklist Union (Hollywood, CA)
Blacklist Union has been tearing through the rock n roll underground like a tornado in trailer park.  Their debut independently released CD After the Mourning has gotten overwhelming response around the world.  Their fan base has grown from being hometown Hollywood heroes to a nationwide frenzy.

Blake and Fallon (Austin, TX)
Cousin fronted duo, Blake and Fallon, have been compared to the likes of Fleetwood Mac. Their epic song writing and harmonies and made them one of the freshest bands to emerge from the austin live music scene in years.

The Boy Bathing (New York, NY)
The Boy Bathing is an independent rock band from New York City. Their music focuses on prolific lyricism, extravagant arrangements and dramatic live performances. The band is fundamentally comprised of four members who use a variety of sounds to create micro-worlds out of the story or imagery of each song.

Broken Teeth (Austin,TX)
"With the release of the skull-scorching new album, Electric, (Textone Records) Austin, Texas-based rockers Broken Teeth keep the watts burning and all the heads turning with another lightning-bolt blast of hard rock, high voltage. A hotwired merger of AC/DC meets Danko Jones, Electric crackles with all the warhorse riffage of Motorhead and Rose Tattoo fused to the underground, lights-out sounds of such circuit-breaking head knockers as Rhino Bucket, Airbourne and Hellacopters.

Built By Snow (Austin, TX)
Web: builtbysnow.com
With driving guitar riffs, unique vocal harmonies, and synthetic keyboard melodies, Built By Snow forms energetic power pop songs with hooks that catch your brain and won't let go.  Watch for a series of crazy interconnected music videos all over the internet, and a sophomore EP already in the works.

By Any Means Necessary (Austin, TX)
A crushing display of Metal from deep in the heart of Texas.

Clay Jeffrey (Austin, TX)
Alt Country power trio. “Catch him now so you can say ‘I saw him when...’”
- Johnny Walker

Cochino  (Austin, TX)
Cochino is a rock band born on the streets of Austin. We sound like your Mom 3 beers down riding a mechanical bull. Hard Rock, Alternative, beer and your Mom are all we know.

The Craze (Palmdale, CA)
Finally out of high school and all-growed-up, The Craze are back for the second year in a row to rock the Texas RockFest with their unique brand of sexy, fun, feel-good rock and roll. The Craze invite you to join the party, get your drink on and watch the girls shake their asses!

Dawn Over Zero (Austin, TX)
Dawn Over Zero has formed from years of study.  The band uses a combination of bold technicality with lyrical grace to take the listener on a journey from the end of one spectrum to another.  The band recently released their first independent self-titled EP which can be found all over the web. D.O.Z. tours relentlessly.

Dead Town Revival (Chicago, IL)
Hailing from the working class streets of the South side of Chicago, Dead Town Revival is a self-described "punk-n-roll" band with a wide ranging list of influences from punk staples such as the Misfits and Social Distortion to rock legends Led Zeppelin and country hero Johnny Cash.

Dead Twins (Dallas, TX)
A name that will stop and make you think. A name that is odd, dark & catchy, just like their music. Formed in the summer of 2006 when two brothers, Nick (drum) and Gabe Cardinale (guitar and vocals) reunited, Dead Twins is a duo hailing from Dallas, TEXAS. 

Deejer (Austin, TX)
Texas Rockfest veterans Deejer are about to break out with a new CD titled "Dark Summer Dawn" produced by Mark Dufour (Ghostland Observatory, Blue October) and mastered by Dominick Maita (Fallout Boy, Plain White-T's).  They will be playing on the Guitar Hero III stage on Saturday March 15th at 2:30 PM.

Deep Ella (Houston, TX)
Web: deepella.com
Emerging from Houston,Texas, Deep Ella offers a sound that focuses on the art of layers and textures. The music is an impressive collection of alternately heavy and heartfelt songs with a message.

Distant Lights (Austin, TX)
Hailing from Austin, TX, Distant Lights is a five piece progressive art rock band featuring electric cello, powerful vocals, thick harmonies, and wild displays of virtuosity. Their debut album drops Spring of 2008 with a tour lined up the East Coast to follow.

Dremnt The End (Austin, TX)
The group’s propensity for riotous, danceable rock songs and live performances that leave heads ringing and feet tapping for days has made Dremnt the End one of the most exciting rock acts Texas has to offer.

The EarthTone Players (Austin, TX)
Web: theearthtoneplayers.com/
The Earthtone Players bring a fresh sensation of revamped, retro rock & roll from the late 60's/early 70's, to the world of music today. Melodic guitars with warm tone, buzzing bass and dynamic backbeat drumming form their lustrous musical textures.  A potent blend of soulful and honest rock & roll with a temperate Southern feel and unique hooks.

Every Other Fate (San Marcos, TX)
Strapped to the gurney and rolling down the hall, Every Other Fate is the band one would hum before the electroshock treatments. As a furious and prosaic math/post-rock band, Every Other Fate redefines the standards of modern progressive music following the direction of such bands as The Mars Volta, Muse and Coheed and Cambria.

Fear Control (Austin, TX)
Web: myspace.com/fearcontrol
This young 4-piece churns out aggressive metal that brings the focus back to creative guitar riffs, rock and roll grooves, and catchy melodies. Extremely brutal at times. Impressively melodic at other times.

The Feds (Denton, TX)

Web: thefedsrock.com

The Feds create heart-pumping rock and roll at it’s best . . . claiming no allegiance to fashion while paying tribute to the history of rock.

Flatfoot 56 (Chicago, IL)
Flatfoot 56 has been playing Celtic punk since 2000. The band has toured across the U.S. and has a large following of people who love a good time. Action is the name of the game with Flatfoot. These guys love it when the crowd is perspiring as much as they are at the end of the show.

FourWayFree (Los Angeles, CA)
Web: fourwayfree.com
Acoustic pop-rock with a feel-good vibe & funky flair. Winner of the "Unanimous Choice Founder Award for Live Performance by a Musical Group" – LA Music Awards.  National finalist in the Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB 2006) "...this quintet has a sensitive, organic optimism that at times reminds us of John Mayer and Dave Matthews." – Music Connection Magazine

The Frantic (Chicago, IL)
Armed with enough fist-pumping energy to make listener's arms tired and pop hooks sure to garner massive sing-a-longs, Chicago's THE FRANTIC are poised to bridge the gap between the punk of Rancid and the pop of Fall Out Boy.

Full Stride (Austin, TX)
Full Stride is wide open rock and roll with a tone that is unmistakably full throttle. Amber Dickerson, on guitar, pushes that big sound through both a vintage Orange guitar rig and an Ampeg SVT classic bass amp to cover the bottom end. A vehicle with that much power can only be driven with strength and finness. Trent parker straps in and commands this ride, cranking out rhythm on his drums as though he had a big block engine floored.

Hazard Of the Industry (Austin, TX)
These Red River veterans deliver a hard hitting blend of punk rock and roll, and old school heavy metal sure to entertain any audience.

Honor By August (Washington, DC)
Web: honorbyaugust.com
A modern, melodic rock band focused on personal, powerful songs and dynamic live performances. Award-winning songwriting, a distinct voice and strong musicianship are a few reasons why HBA is a world-class band in the making.

In Every Breath (San Diego, CA)
Web: ineverybreath.com
 Hailed as one of SoCal's most promising up and coming bands, In Every Breath brings new hope to an otherwise stagnant hard rock scene.  In Every Breath has just released their debut EP "Distrust" and continues to captivate new fans with visually stunning shows that feature heart felt music. 

Jets Under Fire (Austin, TX)
Ranging from tender to anthemic, Jets Under Fire’s sensibility and melodic, piano-driven style will definitely garner them comparisons to brit sensations like Keane, Travis, and the Verve. However, the band’s music is also shaped by Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles, and the Beach Boys. That being said, just one listen to their third release, Kingdoms, makes it obvious the band is informed by their influences, not confined.

Kanude (Houston, TX)
KANUDE is the new musical project of Kingsvile-born, Houston-bred, song maestro Chris Knudson. This self-proclaimed Americronica is a new musical breed that brings together the best elements of Tin-Pan Alley songwriting with 1960s and 70s Southern Rock and Pop.

Kaura (Berkeley, CA)
Aggressive yet melodic rock infused with the haunting and ethereal sounds of hammered dulcimers, gamelan, and tabla.

LaME (Dallas, TX)
So who the hell is LaME, you say? They might just be the biggest thing in metal for D/FW, thats all. This manic five-piece is creating some of the most original and creative heavy music youll hear anywhere. Think System Of A Down meets Incubus at a party hosted by Gravity Kills.

Lives Or Levels (Dumont, NJ)
Five small town friends trying to make in the shadow of the big city scene. The Music blends sonic textures using sounds chosen  from  digital/analog effect filters and the clean pure tone of a classic instruments. Playing, making, and Taking over one town at a time...  From house parties to the concert halls...  Till we take over the world.

Long Live Logos (San Diego, CA)
Been together since the summer of 2005 and have recorded with producer Brad Wood (Smashing Pumpkins, Sunny Day Real Estate, Pete Yorn, mewithoutYou).  Currently unsigned and continuing to tour the country and get our music out there.

Love Mound (Tucson, AZ)
Web: lovemound.com
Together since '98. Likes to play very loud Rock and Roll. Fourth CD ("Blackbird") released in 2005.

Mad Mexicans (Dallas, TX)
Web: madmexicans.com
A Mad Mexican revolution has begun—a musical revolution. The experience of a live Mad Mexicans show is unique, full of energy and a non-stop party bringing barrio street life and Mexican culture to the stage since 2003.  The music encompasses a fusion of rock/hip-hop/ska/reggae/Latin styles creating for its listeners a powerful and raw excitement at each show.

Meagan Tubb & Shady People (Austin, TX)
“Roses may be red and violets may be blue but you can see those flowers any time you like I’m only here once in a blue moon”, Meagan Tubb & Shady People have a unique style all their own. Combining blues, southern rock, soul, funk, and folk, the band enjoys blending styles to convey messages of hope, belief, wonderment, and love to provide the foundation for Meagan’s lyrics.

Mercy Mercedes (Greensboro, NC)
Mercy Mercedes have molded a new wave of pop rock music with a craze that will make you want to throw your hands up in the air and sing along. There's no telling where you'll see these 5 young gentlemen in the next 5 years but you can rest assured, they'll be moving on up!

Mescalero (Dallas, TX)
Power trio from Dallas, TX pounding out TexXxas style Rock-n-Roll. Imagine Motorhead meets Kyuss.

Meyvn (Austin, TX)
Meyvn is a progressive/power metal band, specializing in technical, melodic metal ala Queensryche, Rush, and Dream Theater.  The band released their first full album, "Splintered Skies", on KillZone Records to worldwide acclaim and is currently hard at work on the follow-up album.  Meyvn puts on a hell of a live show and has performed many high-profile shows, the last of which was ProgPower Europe 2007 in the Netherlands last October.

Monstro Flora (Los Angeles , CA)
Web: myspace.com/monstroflora
Monstro Flora  is a rock and roll band from L.A. with songs that reveal the not always pretty trail of late night drinks, loss, hope, broken hearts, faith, insecurity, wonder, recklessness, regret, certainty, love and all other things light and dark that most of us can't seem to shake. From fragile, heart broken whispers to momentous rock and roll abandon , Monstro Flora employs both musical extremes convincingly and with ease.

Mothers Anger (Dallas TX – by way of Israel)
Originally from Israel, Mothers Anger hooked up with Mike Davis (From the legendary MC5) to produce their first album and Seattle icon Jack Endino (Nirvana, High on fire) on their second.  Mars Volta and System of a Down vibe exploding in a dreamy White Striped outfit.

The Morning Riot (San Diego, CA)
With a sound that can only be described as "aberrant rock", The Morning Riot will force you to wake up and live.

Mothers Anthem (Austin, TX)
Born from unrelenting passion and a wealth of experience, MOTHERS ANTHEM crashes through barriers and brings new life to the rock scene with songs that lift, instruct and connect with those seeking to find music with meaning. When created, the band had one goal in mind, to deliver each song as a passionate message.

Moving Atlas (Dallas,TX)
Dallas quintet, Moving Atlas, is known for their progressive, melodic, hard rock onslaught, which includes an emotional yet captivating unforgettable live performance. Moving Atlas achieves a peculiar combination of flexible, revolving guitar melodies based on a dynamic, all-wheel grip rhythm duo and a story-driven, elastic vocal dignity. 

Nathan's Stupid Drama (Austin TX)
STUPID DRAMA'S brand of "ego-driven, in your face acoustic rock" is going to leave an impression on you. You're not very likely to forget their music or their show and as seasoned veterans of the Texas music circuit, NSD is recording and performing some of the world's best progressive acoustic rock music.

New Disaster (Austin, TX)
Rock-n-roll is about to get blasted by a fabulous New Disaster and the misfits behind the trigger make no apologies for the wreckage. "I want to play rock-n-roll that's young, dangerous and heavy," says guitarist and singer Natchet Taylor. "I want music to be utterly depraved and beautiful like Guns N Roses, Rose Tattoo, the Stooges and the Dead Boys."

The New Loud (Milwaukee, WI)
The New Loud stretches the mold of the traditional punk band by incorporating electronic elements such as keyboards, sequences and synth drums; while retaining the essence of the protopunk archetype – raw energy, manic tempos and immediate lyrics.

One-Eyed Doll (Austin, TX)
“In live performance, Kimberly Freeman of One-Eyed Doll, combines the rock-star bravado of a Jack White (or Jack Black) with the visual impact of a Japanese Anime... a super heroine that's alternately fierce, outrageous, vulnerable and sweet." Marsha Mann, 2/07 – INsite Magazine

One Trick Monkey (Austin , TX)
Web: onetrickmonkey.net
Since the independent release of their debut album 'Unleashed' in 2007, One Trick Monkey has been chalking up stage experience at clubs such as Austin's Parish Room, Houston's Fitzgerald's and Dallas's Liquid Lounge. The single 'Propaganda' is featured on the INSite Magazine Compilation CD alongside Austin artists Vallejo and Patrice Pike. 

Perfect Pants (Austin, TX)
Perfect Pants is the culmination of years of rigorous ditch-digging effort from its members, all of whom have been individually and collectively paying dues in the Austin music scene for years.

Quartershackle (Austin,TX)

Web: quartershackle.com

Austin based hard-rock outfit QUARTERSHACKLE have established themselves as a band with a dynamic sound and relentless stage presense. Featuring innovative hard-hitting riffs and tempo changes with clever ability and approach, their music has established a powerful connection with their fast growing fan-base.

Rainbows Are Free (Norman, OK)
Heavy psychedlic stoner rock/classic metal five piece.  Deep Purple meets Sleep.

The Raspas (Austin, TX)
The Raspas are intense reggae with an up in your face stage presence that's guaranteed to get any crowd moving. Soulful sounds wail aloud from this genuine style and insist upon the attention of each and every ear.

Red Book Audio (Austin, TX)
Red Book Audio was born from the life-long relationships of four Great Plains sons. Driven by passion and armed with a mind for media, the members of RBA converge their unique individual styles to form a singular vision of musical exaltation.

Rockets To Ruin (Atlanta GA)
Web: rocketstoruin.com
Produced by Rachel Bolan (Skid Row), Rockets To Ruin has released their long awaited first full length recording entitled “Love * Drugs * Rebellion.”  Rockets To Ruin’s raw, uncompromising sound slaps conformity in the face, reaching out to a generation lusting after the glory days of rock n’ roll.  Loud, energetic, and fun is their approach to songwriting.  Energy, attitude, sweat, and sleaze is their approach to the stage

The Sammus Theory (Phoenix, AZ)
Web: thesammustheory.net
The Sammus Theory raises the bar for hard rock!  On MTV's New Year's Eve Bash 2008 aired in Phoenix during MTV's New Year's Eve bash! Beat out over 3000 bands! Shared the stage w/ Adema, Smile Empty Soul, Blue October, War, Everclear, and The Exies.

Scorpio Rising (Austin TX)

Web: scorpiorisingmusic.com/

Rockin' MILLENNIUM DISCO out of Austin Texas. Scorpio Rising morphs 70's funk, 80's dance & 90's rave into a modern rock/dance party. Their unique amalgam of edgy electronica/pop/rock and flamboyant live show is considered among the best in Austin and defies categorization, garnering #3 Goth Band and #8 DJ honors in the 2007 Austin Chronicle Music Poll.  Sounds like: The Rolling Stones and Scissor Sisters, with a vocal mix of Cyndi Lauper, Shirley Manson, and Madonna, produced by Motown.

The Sea of Cortez (Los Angeles, CA)
Web: seaofcortezband.com/
The Sea of Cortez is a new band creating a buzz in Southern Califoria.  How do they sound?  Well, its hard to put an exact finger on it, but you can hear widely varied influences including acts like Modest Mouse, Jane's Addiction, and even a little Stone Roses and Kings of Convenience here and there.

The Sheila Sondergärd Band (San Diego, CA)
In the beginning of 2007, Sheila Sondergard teamed up with five of San Diego's very best musicians, forming a band of world caliber talent. Sheila possesses the attributes to keep time with this diversified and intuitive band, while her melodies lend them room for their dexterous chops.

Spirits of Music (Lubbock, TX)
Three piece band, born in Lubbock Texas. Specializes in Psychadelic, Hip-hop, funk, rock, improvization.

Stalking Chloe (Houston Texas)
A Houston-based power trio that plays melodic original alternative music. In their 4th year together, Stalking Chloe has a writing style that pulls together the 3 members variety of influences to produce an aggressive yet polished sound. Their live shows are particularly energetic and crowd-pleasing.

Stephanies Id (Asheville, NC)
"Fierce, siren-like intensity...voracious appetite for rhythm... a band that isn't afraid to risk being innovative to put out something truly personal." --Harp Magazine;   "Dig It: A Scandinavian Pop princess gets lost in the American South and is rescued by a Jazz quartet."--CityBeat, Cincinnati

Squint (Austin, TX)
Recent transplants to Austin via the icy tundra of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, their incessant touring has garnered them success at radio and many sponsorships; including Jagermeister. Strong as their passion for writing music may be, with catchy rock songs that are both smart and super-charged; they are a band ultimately devoted to the live performance.

Suicide Holiday (Los Angeles, CA)
A four piece from LA with the hardest hitting chick drummer in the business and a front line up that rock it so hard live you won't know who to watch- but you don't even have to look- just listen and sing along to the catchy melodies until a mic stand knocks a beer straight out of your hand as the singer screams something vulgar in your face!

Suzanna Choffel (Austin, TX)
Austin native Suzanna Choffel's sensational sound combines soulful/sassy vocals and insightful songwriting with catchy guitar grooves and funky urban rhythms.  Her band's music has been described as Feist meets Nelly Furtado meets Erykah Badu. Her song "Hey Mister" has received regular airplay on KUT and KGSR, and was recently included on the Austin Music Vol. 7 compilation CD produced by the City of Austin.

Todd Carey (Chicago, IL)
Acclaimed for his hot-wire live performances, Carey has been hailed as a "talented musician with a lot of energy and an established following" (MTV Online), to a "star front man (with) solid material," (Music Connection).  Given such effusive notices, it should come as no surprise that Carey's engrossing release on Inspiration Factory/High Wire Music/Fontana, showcases his unique take on contemporary pop-rock song craft. 

Tragic Orange (Long Island, NY)
Tragic Orange’s musical and lyrical journey consists of all walks of life, the ups and downs the bright and dark, spiritual and sexual, aggression and confusion; examining  what’s on the minds of the youth of this generation but light hearted enough to enjoy this chaotic party.

Transfer  (San Diego, CA)
This four piece out of San DIego, CA brings a dynamic soundscape that is completely original yet vaguely familiar. Through unique songwriting and charged performances, Transfer's melody and ethereal interludes provide a sonic ride for all. On the heels of their UK Tour, behind the release of their acclaimed EP, "Sunken Eyes" TRANSFER makes a stop @ Austin's TEXAS ROCKFEST!!

Trebuchet (Denton, TX)
Trebuchet is a quintet hailing from Denton, TX. By blending various genres (jazz, rock-n-roll, grunge, blues, metal) into their wall of sound, Trebuchet attempts to distinguish themselves from the watered down and commodified fodder emitting from your mainstream television and radio stations (yes, yes, they are aware of the cliche).

Undersea Explosion (Brooklyn, NY)                 
Cinematic Garage Noir:  dirty, nihilistic New York rock'n roll, with a post-punk, rockabilly undertow.  USX was established in Brooklyn in 2003 by Myq Gaffey (drums), Jerold H. (bass) and Jim Paul (guitar/vocals).  The songs are based on imagery and transcendence.  Returning to Texas Rockfest for the 2nd year, with a new LP in hand.

Velvet Brick (Austin, TX)
Veterans of the Texas rock scene, Velvet Brick boasts a rowdy, swaggering style reminiscent of early Aerosmith and Guns-n-Roses, layers that with deeply raw and personal lyrics, and then ignites with a powerful and soulful delivery. 

Via Vengeance (Phoenix AZ)
One man, no loops -all live- no shit. Shane Ocell plays all of the instruments in Via Vengeance, what is unique is that he plays them all at the same time. His live shows consist of a full drum kit, electric guitar and vocals duties. He didn't cheat on his April 2006 recording session at red room studios either. Matt Bayles (mastodon, isis, pearl jam) the albums recording engineer and part owner of Red Room studios recorded each track on "Dieography" with Shane performing on all of his instruments in the session concurrently.

Wink Keziah & Delux Motel (Charlotte, NC)
Web: winkkeziah.com
Wink Keziah is an urban hillbilly. His sound nourished by moonshine, draped in kudzu and road-tested in clubs and barrooms sprawled across the country. On his second CD, Working Songs for the Drinking Class, on the Charlotte, NC based independent Great South Records, Keziah and his band, Delux Motel serve up a double shot of hooch, a potent blend of country and rock that's as hot as a hill country honky tonk on a scorching summer night. Distilled through years of playing and paying his workingman dues, Keziah's legendary live shows are a tour de force of pure outlaw country, with plenty of passion on tap and a frothy head of Southern soul.

Witchburn (Seattle, WA)
Mostly female, mostly brutal. Witchburn features members of Hell's Belles & Drop Six.  Amazing vocals over heavy, down-tuned, southern fried, whiskey soaked sabbra cadabra. Their ready-for-battle anthems, apocalyptic overtones & dirty, doom-laden riffs command you to throw your metal horns up high!

World Wide Spies (Los Angeles, CA)
World Wide Spies brings strong beats, rhythms, melodic hooks, and a triumphant energy to their music. The band formed in 2003 in Los Angeles, California. World Wide Spies lead vox, JFK, is from England, whilst the other three bandmembers, Jax, Steve Judd Jr, & Isaac Pearson, are from America.

Zero and Falling (Belton, TX)
Zero and Falling is out to break the trend of all metal bands sounding the same. A band that brings music from the heart. Their debut album "Search the Skies" will be released the middle of 2008.