>> Sound Off! 2007

Battle of the Underage Bands

Sound Off! is the Pacific Northwest's largest battle of the bands for musicians 21 and under. A launching pad for musical careers, Sound Off! has enjoyed hosting many a young luminary band over the years including Schoolyard Heroes, Idiot Pilot, Mon Frere, The Lonely H, Dyme Def, Capitol Basement, and The Lonely Forest. We had so many deserving entries this year, we couldn't contain the bands to a list of only nine. So, for the first time ever, this year's lineup included twelve talented bands from all around the Northwest.

Keep your eye out for information on Sound Off! 2008 to be posted here soon. Entries will be accepted September 1 - November 15, 2007. Applications will be available starting Labor Day weekend.



Congratulations to For Years Blue -- Sound Off! 2007 Winners

For Years Blue
Together for more than four years, For Years Blue combines traditional indie rock with nifty, and sometimes distorted, violins, banjos and guitars to create a fresh, experimental rock sound.

Watch For Years Blue perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Favorite Cinema"

Listen to For Years Blue:
"Favorite Cinema"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:
Coming in second place was Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head
Mixing raucous electronica, disco-esque harmonies, with clever lyrics that live up to their names, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head flaunt their fearless energy and style.

Watch Natalie Portman's Shaved Head perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Sophisticated Sideways Ponytail"

Listen to Natalie Portman's Shaved Head:
"Sophisticated Side Ponytail"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:
Third place finisher was The Army Corps of Architects

The Army Corps of Architects
This catchy Bainbridge Island quartet combines indie-folk vocals with bouncy rhythm guitar; evocative of bands like Snow Patrol and The Decemberists.

Watch The Army Corps of Architects perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Curious Girls"

Listen to The Army Corps of Architects:
"The Tribe Has Spoken"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:
2007 Sound Off! Semifinalists

The Oregon Donor
With 90s influences like Sunny Day Real Estate and The Promise Ring, The Oregon Donor breathes life into the indie punk rock genre with their bright guitar and bass lines and melodic vocals.

Watch The Oregon Donor perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"End In Progress"

Listen to The Oregon Donor:
"Perfection"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Don't Tell Sophie
With a crisp, harmonic sound and catchy, lovelorn lyrics, Don't Tell Sophie's well crafted pop songs echoes Nada Surf and Pacific Northwest indie pop favorites The Long Winters.

Watch Don't Tell Sophie perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Look No Cavities"

Listen to Don't Tell Sophie:
"Look No Cavities"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Halfbreed
Drawing inspiration from fellow rappers Eminem and Nas, Halfbreed is a 16-year-old rapper from Seattle who tells his stories with profound and emotionally-charged rhymes and magnetic beats.

Watch Halfbreed perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"A Minute To Write"

Listen to Halfbreed:
"A Minute To Write"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Dreamwright
Taking influence from the band Stars, Dreamwright writes emotionally charged original pieces with intertwining male and female vocals and dreamy guitar textures that shine with melodic indie sweetness.

Watch Dreamwright perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Catch Me"

Listen to Dreamwright:
"Catch Me"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Emi Meyer
Armed with a piano and all-embracing musical training, Emi Meyer showcases her distinct vocals, personal lyrics and soaring compositions with a sound spanning folk, jazz, rock, and pop.

Watch Emi Meyer perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Magnolias"

Listen to Emi Meyer:
"Magnolias"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Left at the Castle
Showcasing synchronized harmonies, concise lyrics and an acoustic rock vibe, this Mercer Island quintet delivers friendly pop songs evocative of Dave Matthews and John Mayer.

Watch Left at the Castle perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"At Bay"

Listen to Left at the Castle:
"At Bay"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Black Swade
Reminiscent of Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, this Canadian 5 piece ranging in age from 13 to 14 years old, creates its enormous sound by blending face melting guitar riffs, a herculean rhythm section, and soaring Dio-esque vocals.

Watch Black Swade perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Righteous Man"

Listen to Black Swade:
"Righteous Man"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


The Freetown
Drawing on influences as diverse as rock, reggae and funk, The Freetown evokes stylings of The Fray and G. Love and Special Sauce with a mixture of layered melodies, appealing lyrics, and a polished sound.

Watch The Freetown perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Head On Riot"

Listen to The Freetown:
"Head on a Riot"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Skullbot
With riff-laden bass lines, distorted guitars and heavy drums, this three piece rock band draws influence from Cream and Black Sabbath while maintaining an original hard-edged sound.

Watch Skullbot perform at Sound Off! 2007:
"Mind Splitting Monster"

Listen to Skullbot:
"Mindsplitting Monster"

Web: MySpace page >>

Click on thumbnail for a larger image:


Sound Off! Competition Prizes

First place winner received:
Performance at Bumbershoot 2007
Live on-air performance on 1077 The End's The Young & The Restless
Production of one song by producer Glenn Lorbecki
2 Days Studio Time at Soundhouse Studio
Shure microphones: One SM58, one SM57 and a DMK57-52 drum mic kit
From Gibson: Les Paul Double Cut and an Epiphone Valve Junior amp
Industry Consultation from the Recording Academy
Drumcore software

Second place winner received:
Live on-air performance on KEXP's Audioasis
2 Days Studio Time at Orbit Audio Studio
Shure microphones: One PG58, one PG57 and a PGDMK4 drum mic kit
From Gibson: Epiphone Sheraton II
Industry Consultation from the Recording Academy
Drumcore software package

Third place winner will received:
Shure microphones: One SM58 and one SM57
From Gibson: Kramer Vanguard FR-440
Industry Consultation from the Recording Academy
Drumcore software package

Semifinal Audience Response Prizes:
Sub Pop prize pack

FINALS Audience Response Prize:
Zune courtesy of 1077 The End Want more Sound Off! info? Check out our myspace page at: myspace.com.