>> Sound Off! 2006

Sound Off! is the Pacific Northwest's biggest battle of the bands for musicians 21 and under. A launching pad for musical careers, Sound Off! helped previous contestants ink recording contracts with record labels. This year's lineup was just as promising, with nine talented bands from all around the Northwest. Congratulations to John Van Deusen and the Lonely Forest -- Sound Off! 2006 Winners

John Van Deusen and the Lonely Forest
A four piece rock band from Anacortes, John Van Deusen and the Lonely Forest energetically combines shapes, sounds, rhythms, poetry, machines, and vocal chords to create an intoxicating soundscape of rock'n'roll.

Listen to John Van Deusen and the Lonely Forest:
"8-6-45"
Web Site >>
My space >>

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Coming in second place was Ben Rice and the Youth of Blues

Ben Rice and the Youth of Blues
Ben Rice and the Youth of Blues is a high school blues band from Newberg, OR creating an original mix of electric blues and jazz, culling influences from the Chicago sound and good old-fashioned Delta blues.

Listen to Ben Rice and the Youth of Blues:
"Screamin' Train"
Web Site >>

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Third place finisher was Capitol Basement

Capitol Basement
Ranging from 15 to 16 years of age, Seattle based Capitol Basement draws inspiration from the Seattle music scene of the 90's,blues, and the roots of rock'n'roll.

Listen to Capitol Basement:
"The Long Hour"
My Space >>

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2006 Sound Off! Semifinalists

Ballroom Integrity and Grace
Armed with synthesizers and a drum machine, Ballroom Integrity and Grace is a trio of young men that creates danceable, intelligent electronica.

Listen to Ballroom Integrity and Grace:
"Silent Friction"
My Space »

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The Histrionics
With a sound evocative of PJ Harvey and Sonic Youth, The Histrionics are three teenaged Seattle girls that flaunt their breathless and guitar-driven sound with daring and flair...

Listen to The Histrionics:
"Maitresse en Titre"
Web Site »
My Space »

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Dynamik
From Seattle, Dynamik is a high energy band that blends distorted guitars with clear voices, spontaneous style with steady beats, and catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics.
Listen to Dynamik:
"Lucky You"
Web Site »
My Space »

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Marquetta Miller
Blending jazz, blues, folk, and pop, Marquetta Miller boasts smooth vocals coupled with elegant and innovative acoustic arrangements.
Listen to Marquetta Miller:
"Atlantis"
Web Site »
My Space »

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Dyme Def
Sound Off! semi-finalists from 2004, Renton-based Dyme Def returns with a stronger sound, harder beats and a solid live show that guarantees to rock any crowd... given the chance.

Listen to Dyme Def:
"Show Me How You Move"
Web Site »

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Get Dressed
Drawing inspiration from local Seattle bands Minus the Bear and Pedro the Lion, Get Dressed is a four piece indie-rock group that strives to write interesting, thought-provoking music and guarantee an engaging live show.

Listen to Get Dressed:
"Correspondence"
Web Site »
My Space »

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Competition Prizes

First place winner received:
Performance at Bumbershoot 2006
Live on-air performance on KEXP's Audioasis
Production of a song by producer Glenn Lorbecki from Glenn Sound Studio
Drumcore software package
Production of 1000 CD's from Discmakers
2 Days Studio Time at Soundhouse Studio
EMP Memberships for each band member

Second place winners received:
2 Days Studio Time at Orbit Audio
Guaranteed Airplay on 107.7 The End's The Young & The Restless
Band feature on 1077theend.com
Drumcore software package
EMP Memberships for each band member

Third Place winner received:
Drumcore software package
EMP Memberships for each band member

Semifinal Audience Response Prizes:
Sub Pop prize pack

FINALS Audience Response Prize:
X-box, X-box live & one game courtesy of 1077 The End EMP would like to thank all of the bands who entered this year. We received over 100 entries and had a very hard time narrowing the field to only 9 groups. We were so impressed with the amazing talent of all the entries! Seattle is very lucky to have so many remarkable young musicians growing up here.

Want more Sound Off! info? Check out our myspace page at: myspace.com.