Cornerstone new band showcase

As I'm going to cornerstone '07, I though I would check out their new band showcase on their website. This year they have mp3s up for each of the bands. I didn't count exactly how many there were but there were a lot. Of course, there are your garden variety of hopefuls who really don't know what they're doing (I know that's harsh, but it's true). A lot of them just suffer because of really poor recording quality, a matter of funds I'm afraid. A sad fact but it's reality. Otherwise, there are a number of artists who have submitted whom I have fallen in love with. Part of the mystique is the fact that they're unsigned artists (some not for long).I got so humbled hearing how much talent is floating around out there.

First off, realize that I'm taking this seriously as an artist myself (who would greatly appreciate the vote myself someday). There are three factors in how I'm voting. First, whether I like them or not (self explainitory). Second, whether they need the publicity (there are several who are amazing, but they really don't need this gig as they've already got an album etc.). Third, how much I would like to see them live. Juggling the three is tough as you will see if you make it over to listen to them.

Fortunately, you don't even have to go to cornerstone to vote, so I urge you (faithful readers haha) to take a gander at these artists and cast a vote. Otherwise, listen anyway as there a great number who I never would have heard of if I didn't see them here. I also am absolutely torn about who to vote for. Here's my list of the artists I am narrowed down to with a tentative top five. You can only vote for one! Arrrgh. Below also is a link to the site where you can hear the songs.

I've included links to the artist's myspace pages and encourage you to be their friends and encourage them.

The list (in order of their apearence on the page) with a *** by the ones that are in my opinion especially noteworthy candidates (given my criteria above) in my mind:


Oh, and there's a list to the side which will be updated occasionally until the contest is over. Woot!

Sent by Ravens

: These guys have a cool alternative, hard sound. They have a brain too, which is always a plus. Modern Day Mary is a really cool soft song.

All the tired Horses

: More subdued folkish group. Very mellow. This is one of many that would make great albums and/or imtimate live performances, but I would go to cornerstone just for them. The guy's voice fits pretty well.

Ag Silver

: These guys have such a good ultra-melodic sound. I find them absolutely amazing. The vocalist is also very talented. He fits very well.

DJ Slovack

: He's got an awesome groove. He's the only techno/house artist on the list. He is very talented. I'll be searching for his CD along with almost all of these artists.

Michael Gooden

: He's a very laid back melodic indie rocker. He's got some good songwriting in him.

Tim Serdynski

: Decent songwriter with a great voice. His first song is the main reason I like him.

Siloam

: These are a bunch of siblings who are all of high-school age. Frankly, I'm blown away by the 14 year old lead vocalist. Yeah the music itself is a little kiddy, but hey, they're kids. Mostly punk rock. Very surprising.

Ryanhood

: These guys are so much fun!! Superb guitar work and an air of artistic excellence that certainly sets them apart. They seem more classy if I may say so. KELLY RAE, you might like these guys as they remind me of Nickel Creek without the bluegrassy stuff.

***Since October

: These guys are pretty much my number one on the list so far. However, as much as I would like to see them live, I'm pretty sure that they'll make it without my vote, and honestly, they don't need the publicity from a show like this anyway. They're a hard driving rock with a very spiritual focus. Without a doubt they're going places very soon.

***Tifah

: Oh my, this group floors me. I'm pretty sure they'll get my vote this year, but I'm not voting until we get closer to the deadline as there are still bands being added every day.

Ryan Wilkins

:Wow!! Amazing music. So melodic with great lyrics. Americana/Rock that's more complex then it appears at first.

Sailor Sequence

:Ambient elctronic bliss. Again, not one I would see live, but it would be an amazing album. Very careful music if that makes sense. Very organic.

Controver Sea

: These guys have a nutty attitude that reminds me of ActionRaction very much so. Give them a nice recording and they're set to be a unique and...neat album.

The Tapes

: These guys are a slightly ambient rock group. Very unique sounds. Thoroughly engaging songwriting. All around almost perfect. There's not a single element about these guys that doesn't make sense. Delightfully weird.

***Big Rig

: A devestating hardcore band. These guys have some genuine musical ability in their repertoire. Their vocalist is one of the best I've heard in this genre in a while. If you don't beleive me just wait for the chorus in If I Can Move Mountains featuring David Bunton of The Showdown.

Jana Holland

: CRISSY HUMBURG, YOU WILL LIKE THIS ARTIST!! a minimalist accoustic singer/songwriter. I like her stuff a lot. She has such a beautiful old fashioned voice similar to Sarah Kelly and mellow Janis Joplin. Sounds like a quality 60s album. Very pretty and relaxing. Just so you know, the only place you can hear a full song--her best is at the cornerstone site.

Here's her page

***Luminate

: Beautiful music. Reminded me immediately of snow patrol (one of the primary influences). This is some of the most easily accessable groups on this list.

Disaster at Sea

: Absolutely phenominal experimental group. It's delightfully weird. The vocalist has quite the unique voice. He's never perfectly in tune with the band, but for some reason that adds to the appeal. Its jarring and engaging. It feels like some trippy hippy album out of the 60s. Very gritty too. I like it.

Nailpoint Payment

: They're your average rock band. What caught me onto these guys is their one song Freedom. It's a hit no mistake. The vocalist is also entertaining in a classic sense. The song feels almost bigger than the band itself, one of those songs that just took off and lost control beyond the scope of the artist. It's happened to me. Their other song isn't that good though.

The Silence Tree

: Decent contribution to the mix. Laid back rock that's very mellow (noticed a trend with me?). This group are a real band, not a chugga chugga CRAAAH RAAAA BLAAAAAAAHH!! monstrocity. This one feels more like soundtrack material. Very cool.

COG

: you gotta get past the crude recording quality to appreciate them. While the vocals don't feel all that original, but the band as a whole is actually quite good where it dosn't feel like they're trying to hard to be something they're not. They feel real if you know what i mean. Great instrumentation too, they just need a better recording and a nice producer.

***Dignan

:This is some of the most beautiful and rich music I've heard in a long time. Laid back songwriting coupled with perfect vocals and instrumentation. These guys are my number two vote so far.

Wesly Jensen

: Another mellow musician. His vocals are so unique yet familiar. The beautiful songs sound like perfect soundtrack selections.

And here is the link to the full list of contestants