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Battle of the Underage Bands

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Saturday, February 13: Semifinals #1 >>
Saturday, February 20: Semifinals #2 >>
Saturday, February 27: Semifinals #3 >>
Saturday, March 6: Finals >>

For the ninth year EMP|SFM hosts Sound Off!, the Northwest's largest underage battle of the bands competition for musicians 21 and under. The competition 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.

A launching pad for musical careers, Sound Off! has enjoyed hosting many young up-and-coming bands over the years including Schoolyard Heroes, New Faces, The Lonely Forest, Dyme Def, The Lonely H, Sol, and Natalie Portman's Shaved Head. We are excited to announce the newest group of Sound Off! bands that will join the ranks of these luminary groups.

Saturday, February 13: Semifinals #1

(Sui-Generis), Kennewick, WA

This genre twisting Kennewick Wash. quartet produces epic character-based songs which highlight an extreme variety of musical influences. Led by vocalist/guitarist James Garner, (Sui-Generis) veer wildly from raging metal to Eastern-influenced carnival rock - sometimes within the same song.

"The Phantom"
Web: www.myspace.com/suigenerissuigeneris

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Apache Chief, Tacoma, WA

Influenced by garage rock, post hardcore and noise, Apache Chief is already known in their hometown of Tacoma for raucous gigs and unorthodox use of guitar pickups and reverb tanks. Seeped in the dirty lo-fi of the Stooges, this trio brutally rips through sets at top speed leaving the audience decimated and wanting more.

"I'm Trash"
Web: www.myspace.com/peyotenightmare

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Candysound, Burlington, WA

A Bellingham-based guitar/drum duo, Candysound's songs are rife with super-catchy melodies and carefully crafted pop rock hooks. Tom Fitzgibbon's shuffling drum beats are a perfect match for Teo Crider's jangly guitar and charmingly subtle vocals.

"I'll Drive Forever"
Web: www.myspace.com/candysoundmusic

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Sea Fever, Seattle, WA

Hailing from Seattle, five piece acoustic rockers Sea Fever infuse their melody driven songs with bows, bells and harmonies from the heavens. Gallantly displaying their musical craft, their stories mix in passion with wistful longing, heartfelt notes and top it all off with a touch of folk pop prowess.

"Sibling Rivalry"
Web: www.myspace.com/weareseafever

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Saturday, February 20: Semifinals #2

A Cozy Kitchen, Bellingham, WA

Reverb-drenched Bellingham trio, A Cozy Kitchen creates a compelling blend of indie folk that takes you back to a simpler time of washboards and hand-crank radios. With acoustic guitars, drums and assorted electronic noises, Cody Madison, Kyle Gootkin and Drew Miller fashion thoughtfully simplistic lo-fi folk.

"I Can Not Read"
Web: www.myspace.com/acozykitchen

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Hooves and Beak, Seattle, WA

Self-taught harpist Whitney Flinn invites you into a whimsically layered world filled with striking harp melodies and personal lyrics reminiscent of Joanna Newsom. Having recently relocated from Kansas to the Northwest, Flinn has adopted a unique style of musicianship that is candid and selfless.

"Doorman's Song"
Web: www.myspace.com/whitneyflinn

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Pan Pan, Bellingham, WA

Pan Pan is the solo project of Bellingham, Wash multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jerns. Jerns formulates calculated piano and trumpet driven progressive classical and jazz pop songs that has been compared to the likes of Beirut and Yann Tiersen.

"Water Buffalo Run"
Web: www.myspace.com/thepanpan

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The Cat from Hue, Camano Island, WA

The Cat From Hue are a clever and instrumentally varied band whose songs coast effortlessly through introspective landscapes of narrative songwriting. With radiant guitars and subtly haunting vocals, this Camano Island, Wash. quintet has created an indie folk sound that is decidedly original.

"As My Friend Would Say "
Web: www.myspace.com/catfromhue

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Saturday, February 27: Semifinals #3

Great Waves, Sammamish, WA

Led by the dreamy and enchanting vocal styling of troubadour Ashley Bullock, Great Waves captivate with narratives that evoke all senses ranging from sadness, despair and hope. Armed with a cavalcade of influences including bluegrass, folk and alt-rock, these Sammamish, Wash natives pierce through the smoky air with bracing melodies, soft hums of violin and purposeful rhythms.

"Konza Plains"
Web: great-waves.com

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SEACATS, Kelso, WA

Formed in a shed in Kelso WA, SEACATS are an uncompromisingly catchy rock quintet. Creating the perfect pop concoction of surf guitars, hand claps, and Ba Ba Ba Ba's, their endearing songs are backed by upbeat percussion and a relentless sneer. Weezer hasn't made a good record in years; SEACATS are here to claim the title of the kings of pop rock.

"We Don't Sleep"
Web: myspace.com/seacatsband

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Subtle Like a T-Rex, Port Coquitlam, BC

Not sure which genre best describes your emotional state? Think that a two-minute song is simply not long enough? Do you prefer bands that cut out the singing and head straight for the rocking? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Subtle Like a T-Rex is the band for you. This 4-piece progressive rock outfit from Port Coquitlam, BC combines elements from Mr. Bungle and Tortoise and prove that nothing about them is subtle.

"Something Cool"
Web: myspace.com/subtlelikeatrexmusic

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Us on Roofs, Seattle, WA

With song titles like "Dreams of Trees" and "Stones in the River" it's clear why Gig Harbor's Us on Roofs cite poet Robert Frost as an influence. Combining melodic guitar riffs, superior songwriting, and sincere vocals, this band skillfully translates naturalist themes into catchy indie rock that is both refreshing and quintessentially Northwest.

"Dreams of Trees"
Web: myspace.com/brianfishermusic

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Saturday, March 6: Finals
The winning bands from the three semifinal rounds plus the "wild card" band, selected by the Youth Advisory Board, battle it out for first place.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale January 18 for EMP|SFM members and January 21 for the general public and can be purchased at the EMP|SFM box office either in person or by calling 206-770-2702.  Tickets are $10 for the general public, $7 for students or EMP|SFM members. Doors are 7:00 pm, shows start at 8:00 pm.
Competition Prizes*

First place winner will receive:
Performance at Bumbershoot 2010
Epiphone Gear
KORG Gear
Recording Academy Consultation
PLUS MUCH MORE TBA!

Second place winner will receive:
Performance at Northwest Folklife Festival 2010
Epiphone Gear
KORG Gear
Recording Academy Consultation
PLUS MUCH MORE TBA!

*Competition prizes are subject to change. Additional prizes will be announced
Want more Sound Off! info?
Join thesoundboard.ning.com!

The Soundboard is devoted to the NW's all-ages music/arts scene. Connect with other creative types. Get insider tips on applying to Sound Off! And, win rad prizes, too.
Sound Off! 2010 is sponsored by 107.7 The End, KEXP 90.3, Bumbershoot, Northwest Folklife Festival and Epiphone.

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