>> Sound Off! 2003

Sound Off! 2003

EMP is pleased to announce that The Spit Licks are the winners of our 2003 Sound Off! band competion!

Their prizes will include studio time, musical gear, an opening slot with a national touring act, and a chance to perform at Seattle's Bumbershoot music festival later this year. Bands were judged on song composition and arrangement, creativity and originality, musicianship, and audience response.

We would like to thank and congratulate all of the bands who were involved in this year's competition. Members Choice Awards
Members Choice Awards EMP Members were asked to choose their favorite Sound Off! artist by listening to song clips online and emailing their vote. They did, and we now have a winner of the 2003 Members Choice Award. Royale are the lucky — and talented! — young musicians who will be awarded prizes including lots of EMP gear and dinner at Turntable restaurant. Congratulations, Royale! And thank you to everyone who voted. The Spit Licks
Seeking to creatively express their souls through artistic sound, The Spit Licks are a group of four teenagers inspired mainly by punk rock, but devoted to exploring other genres of music, including, reggae, emo, funk, jazz, and dance. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Jared Borkowski informs The Spit Licks' music with his knowledge of jazz guitar, constantly searching for new musical ideas. Drummer Geoffrey Kirkwood, whose affinity for punk rock is reflected in his style, intensifies the band's sound with complicated rhythms. Bennett Kling ties The Spit Lick's eccentric ideas together with his fluid bass lines, and percussionist Collin Andresen brings a crowd-pleasing enthusiasm to the group, jamming on the congas, tambourine, vibraslap, chimes, and cowbells. Phil Ek produced the band's first album, released in September 2001. They have played at EMP, The Paradox, Fusion Café, Ballard Firehouse, The Old Redmond Firehouse, Illusionz, Kirkland Teen Center, and North Seattle Community College.

Listen to The Spit Licks: "Check it out Now"

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Runners up photos

The Hollow Points


Schoolyard Heroes