WPGU/Buzz Local Music Awards 2007

Meet the Nominees!

Welcome to buzz’s coverage of the WPGU/buzz Local Music Awards 2007! Voting has already begun at www.cumusicawards.com, and it ends March 16. Don’t fret if you’re unfamiliar with some of the nominees – over the next three weeks, the lovely music staff here at buzz will be letting you know who they are, what they sound like, and where you can hear their tunes online. So, read up, log on, vote for your favorites, and get yourself ready for the Local Music Awards Thursday, April 5 at the Highdive. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun, now would you? See you there!
-Carlye Wisel

BEST DJ

DJ Asiatic
-Liz Hutnik

DJ Asiatic, aka Alan Smith, is a hip-hop/R&B turntablist. Upanotch Records, an independent record label he belongs to that is based in Illinois describes him as, “the most popular DJ in Champaign,” while 3D Nightlife calls DJ Asiatic’s spin effects “mind-numbing.” Check out “The Beatdown,” a mastermix by DJ Asiatic on 3Dnightlife.com. Or, see DJ Asiatic live on March 21, when he is set to play at the Canopy Club’s “Spring Jump Off.” Doors open at 9 p.m.

DJ Bris
-Ashley Kolpak

Head on over to 6 Taylor Street with some friends on Sunday nights, and you’ll all enjoy the sweet Latin beats of DJ Bris Mueller. An exciting addition to the CU DJ scene, he hosts an event for Cowboy Monkey each week called “Salsa Sundays.” Bris has taken his Latin-infused act all around the area, including engagements at Soma Ultralounge and the Highdive. But be sure to check him out at the Monkey on Sundays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., to see for yourself what the buzz is all about, and to experience how DJ Bris’ brand of electrified salsa livens up Champaign-Urbana.

DJ Tim Williams
-Keith Hollenkamp

Inspired by almost all genres of music, DJ Tim Williams uses his influences to entertain crowds all around the Champaign-Urbana area. From the Highdive to Red Rock, and even some Greek houses, Williams is often employed to show off his skills and give everyone a good time. Getting into the business by just “walking into it” has paid off for Williams, as he currently works between three and six times per week. To check him out, head over to Red Rock on Fridays, or the Highdive on Saturdays, where his show starts at 10 p.m.

DJ Mertz
-Steve Plock

DJ Mertz will be the first one to tell you that his music is hard to describe. With musical influences ranging from classic soul to indie rock, his occasional four-hour-plus sets can be a little hard to place. Mertz, a U of I graduate, has four years of DJing under his belt to complement his four years of education. Similar to most house music, DJ Mertz’s tracks feature a funky bass line grounded in a pounding bass drum rhythm. However, what is unique about DJ Mertz’s tracks is their utilization of various soulful melodies coupled with fidgety electronic beeps and swirls. If you want to catch DJ Mertz live in action, he is at Boltini Lounge in downtown Champaign every Friday night, but if you’d rather listen through the comfort of your own headphones, I recommend his “Night” mix, which is available for download at myspace.com/djmertz. Two other mixes are also featured there, guaranteeing that you will end up with some of the most danceable music available for free.

DJ Delaney
-Ashley Kolpak

“I can’t pick a favorite place, I play everywhere!” DJ Delaney responded when asked to choose his preferred CU venue. Everywhere he goes, audiences can expect a great show fueled by fierce hip-hop beats, as well as a variety of other music styles. “I definitely love hip-hop. Non-mainstream [hip-hop] is my favorite to listen to and play, but I like to play everything – my show’s got soul music, house [and] reggae,” he said. Though established, this power ‘n soul DJ started out by following his brother around, “He used to be a DJ, and my father is a music lover. After a while, I picked up on it, how to use the turntables, how to DJ.” His childhood passion has expanded into a heart-pounding show, and he DJs nearly three times a week at various bars around CU. You can catch him at Cowboy Monkey and the Highdive in the coming weeks.

DJ Bozak
-Kate Kroger

Since graduating high school, DJ Bozak has known that DJing is something he has to do. His initial interest in scratching and hip-hop production techniques has led to a consuming passion that has brought him much success, including the ability to live off his DJing work, and the opportunity last year to participate as one of 60 musicians chosen out of 4,000 applicants in the Redbull Music Academy held in Melbourne, Australia. This experience, as well as the work of local DJs like Beats By Otter and DJ Espionage, and national DJs such as DJ Qbert, Afrika Bambaataa and DJ Shadow, have inspired DJ Bozak to continue to explore many genres of music in order to weave together various sounds and create eclectic, interesting mixes. His favorite spot to DJ is Soma Ultralounge in downtown Champaign where he DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Here, he can be seen throwing out funk, hip-hop, ’80s and house while recreating an “intricate, multi-genre mixtape live,” and making sure everyone is having a good time. To check out more about DJ Bozak, including his Redbull Music Academy application mix, visit his Web site at www.djbozak.com.

BEST NEW ARTIST

Watery Domestic
-Carlye Wisel

After the loss of two drummers and the completion of 40 live shows, Seth Hubbard (guitar, vocals, sleigh bells), Rachel Hubbard (keyboards, vocals) and Shane Cochran (bass, melodica, foot-burine, tiny accordion) have solidified the Watery Domestic lineup with the recent addition of Joseph Burress (drums, bells, percussion). In 2005, Rachel Hubbard joined the three founding members of Colonel Rhodes, and together they debuted Watery Domestic’s dreamy, rock-pop sound to the world nearly one year ago. While Seth Hubbard credits Elliott Smith, Radiohead and Neutral Milk Hotel as some of their influences, he adds, “I don’t think we really sound like any of those bands. We just love a lot of music.”

Seth loves more than just music though – he recently married keyboardist Rachel. “Playing in a band with your wife is one of the coolest things I have done since I got married,” he said via an e-mail. “Being creative with the person you love is a pretty amazing thing to get to do.”

Experience their love-inspired, lackadaisical tunes March 1 at the Canopy Club, or listen to the sleepy vocals and keyboard-driven electronic sounds of “Gates of Nowhere” at myspace.com/waterydomestic.

Archives of the Future
-Josh Fisher

With arguably the most thought-provoking band name of the Best New Artist category, Archives of the Future, comprised of Spencer Vonderheide, Matt Filippo, Mark Baldwin and Johnny Chancellor live by a motto – “The Children are our Future.”

Because of all the references to time, it seems the only way to correctly sum up the band is by dabbling into all aspects of time – past, present and future. Their self-described heavy rock and heavy nylon sound is influenced by past music such as early heavy metal, ’70s punk and ’80s death reggae. Currently, they play together as Archives of the Future, yet they each have plans to release individual full-length recordings under pseudonyms.

Although they currently have no shows scheduled, make sure to keep an eye out for Archives of the Future in the … well, future.

Tritone
-Carlye Wisel

In central Illinois, a tornado of metal is bearing down on parents, priests and policemen. The three-pronged, savage attack that is Tritone stormed through Cowboy Monkey on Feb. 22nd, and left behind a path of satanic destruction. If you are a die-hard fan of Tritone, I’m sure that you noticed a bit more effort last Thursday – in fact, an ass-load more effort. I contacted the band, and asked them what they did differently. The response: “We gave 666% out there tonight.”

Tritone’s fine attention to detail at this performance is also what separates them from the pack. The amplifiers were lofted for extra juiciness, and the vast assortment of pedals would make any guitarist’s mouth water. For Adam, Joe and David, the most important objective is to maintain their status of third most evil band on the planet. So, if you’re an Evilhead, or just love to hear throbbing double bass drum pedals, get out there and see Tritone.

Make sure to visit myspace.com/tritonerocks, and while you’re there, check out their new recordings.

Casados
-Steve Plock

Comprised of married couple Nic and Heather Dillon, Casados is a two-piece indie-folk outfit creating music that is both relatable and interesting. While other members, including Johnmark Hatfield and brothers Phil and Jonathon Damery float in and out of the band, Nic and Heather are the only consistent members of Casados. Their music sounds like a more indie version of Damien Rice, but without the whispery melodrama that he sometimes employs. The dual vocalization of Nic and Heather gives Casados’ songs a sense of meaning, as if the couple was singing directly to each other, which provides an intimate setting that truly makes the music feel special. If you’re interested in checking them out, I recommend the song “Panama” featured on myspace.com/casadosmusic. With an EP being released this month and a current tour across the nation, you can expect to catch Casados live in the CU area in early April.

Coco Coca
-Phil Collins

Coco Coca is a one man band consisting of electric guitar, synthesizers and vocals. The music is high in energy and doesn’t have to struggle to hold your attention.

His songs often have many synthesized elements backed by electric guitar going on at once, while the vocals drift along through the beats and loops, calling to mind Thom Yorke in some cases.

If you’re looking for a taste of this electronic flurry, head over to myspace.com/cocococa. Four songs are available for streaming, three of which are downloadable. Make sure to check out “Fit” – the synthesized loop is irresistible, and might be just fast enough to make you start working out on the spot.

Also, if you like what you hear, watch the man himself recreate it all live at the Iron Post on March 9. If you still haven’t had your fill, you can see Coco Coca open for The Faint at the Canopy Club on March 13.

CD Review:
Coco Coca
-Phil Collins

Coco Coca’s Nine-track CD starts off with a heavy electronic beat that sets the tone for the rest of the disc. The vocals, swimming just below the surface, are often secondary to what is going on instrumentally.

Fast paced, multi-layered songs that will still manage to get stuck in your head are offered alongside busy beats that are an especially impressive effort for a one-man band.

“Fit” is easily the most exciting track on the album, with a synthesized beat that rockets forward over one of the disc’s most striking vocal deliveries. “Alive” centers around a catchy little high pitched loop, and builds up towards a fun instrumental commotion around it by the end.

The CD rarely slows down, but when it does the music is still intriguing. After “Alive” comes a song with acoustic guitar and vocals that startle, and whose simple beginning becomes overtaken by spiraling, synthesized mayhem.

All in all, Coco Coca put together a fun, energetic set of songs worth listening to more than once.

Santa
-Steve Plock

Santa members Stan McConnell, Mack McConnell, Otto Stuparitz, Chad Warner and Marty O’Donnell combine the elements of their favorite music to create something that is truly their own. When it comes down to it, they have a very unique ability to create music. They are able to take the quirkiness of indie music and combine it with the earthy lyrics of psychedelic music to create something that feels very natural – so natural that it could be pulled from the ground or plucked from the branch of a tree. Songs at a Santa concert can range stylistically from a funky folk jam to a tropical island groove, while including everything in-between and leaving nothing to be desired. The variation in their songwriting keeps their music feeling fresh and new, providing for a very diverse and entertaining live show. Be sure to catch Santa at the Canopy Club in Urbana on Unofficial, March 2. If you can’t wait until then, be sure to check them out online at myspace.com/santamusic, and treat your ears to the groovy “Poles.”

CD Review:

Santa
-Carlye Wisel

Whenever I see Santa live, I feel as though I’m going to my first concert all over again. I get giddy, become self-conscious that people may stare if I burst into a dance, and repeatedly say, “Oh my gosh, I love this song!” just loud enough where everyone around me can hear.

Thankfully, now I can be awkward in the comfort of my own home. Santa’s self-titled, seven-track EP truly captures the energetic, “super-pop with a side of rock” stylings that come standard in their phenomenal live performances.

Stan McConnell croons with rock star-like vocals on “Is What Sweet You So?”, while “Spine of the Curve” highlights the band’s collective instrumentals. However, my personal favorite is “Poles,” due to its addictive guitar melodies and impressive singing.

Santa’s disc is one that I don’t mind leaving on repeat during a long car ride, or blasting extremely loud from my bedroom. But, if you see me unable to stop myself from crazily dancing to it, don’t blame me – blame Santa’s infectious tunes.

Mike Ingram Speaks:
I’m rooting for Casados mainly based on how much I’ve seen them transform over the course of the year, but man, any of these bands could take this category. Tritone did come wearing capes, though … it was a good year to start a band in CU, it seems. And it’s a pretty varied group, too.

BEST HEAVY

Boots and Bracelets
-Keith Hollenkamp

Boots and Bracelets is a balls-to-the-wall, tattoo-covered punk band that isn’t afraid to kick some ass. Frontwoman Michelle Razor sings about sex, drinking and just having a good time while simultaneously being backed by heavy DIY punk stylings. With distorted guitars and commanding bass lines, Boots and Bracelets is trademarked by a sound that brings a solid amount of fist-pumping rock to your eardrums. Check out their song “Loti” at myspace.com/bootsandbracelets for a perfect example of their style, or see them live on March 5 in McHenry, Ill.

CD Review:

Books and Bracelets
-Keith Hollenkamp

With their CD xoxo, Boots and Bracelets show off their shocking lyrics and punk sound in a quick, in-your-face manner. Power chords and bass riffs provide the soundtrack to lyrics filled with sex, drinking, and kicking ass. These tracks come quick, with most songs averaging less than two minutes, but every second brings fist-pumping, head-banging rock. Front woman Michelle Razor’s raspy voice speeds through her shock-and-awe lyrics leaving the listener to think, “Did she really just say that?” This is especially true in their song “Munch,” which is definitely not about food (think more sexual). Boots and Bracelets seem to be the type of band where their true personality comes out on stage, but xoxo provides a good look into the style of this up-and-coming local band.

Dropsixx
-Ashley Kolpak

Dropsixx, a five-piece band formed in 1999, is most identified by their loud, passionate, caustic sound and their rage-filled songs that are similar to bands they’ve toured with in the past (Sevendust, Future Leaders of the World). But, it is their unique edge and personality that has made them a contender for Best Heavy Artist. The band’s most recent material takes a bold step in a new direction, according to Scott, a member of the band. He remarked, “Lyrically, it’s the most personal I’ve ever gotten … There’s a song called, ‘Forget Me Not’ which is written from a left suicide note … asking for forgiveness for the final act. This is taken from a real incident in my life.” The sound of their work is also changing a bit as well. The new EP is “being recorded completely differently than our 2 CDs [The Order of Things and Faith in Pain],” said Scott. “We’re keeping it more clean sounding, without lots of effects or equalizations.” Be sure to check out Dropsixx at their upcoming concerts: March 24 in Bloomington, Ill. and March 30 in Charleston, Ill. For additional band info, log on to www.dropsixx.com, or listen to the “Forget Me Not demo” at myspace.com/dropsixx.

CD Review:

Dropsixx
-Carlye Wisel

As a newbie to this genre, I tend to exert a stereotypical view that heavy music consists of two things – loud instrumentals, and even louder screaming. While Dropsixx dabbles a bit into both of these, they effectively compliment their heavy guitar riffs with catchy drum beats and melodic guitar solos throughout each song on their CD, The Order of Things.

For a group comprised of a drummer, bassist and three – yep, three – guitarists, Dropsixx does an impressive job of balancing heavy, pounding choruses with light, vocally intriguing verses. This interesting combination between melodious rock and heavy metal marks them with a stamp of versatility and genre-wide appeal.

“Slave” provides their stylistic balance amidst quick, repetitive guitar riffs and striking vocals, while “Haunted” resembles a sound similar to a darker, deeper incubus, proving to be my favorite track on the album.

The Order of Things is a great starting point for anyone wishing to get a taste of this genre, or even those who have a deep love for hardcore rock.

ESP
-Carlye Wisel

ESP, who got their start in 1994, have been around for a while and been through a lot. Their CD Eclipse features remixed and re-mastered songs from their 2000 EP, in addition to some unreleased and live tracks. More importantly, though, is the meaning behind Eclipse – it serves as a tribute to the late Gary Strater, who played bass with ESP from 1996 until 2003, when he was diagnosed with cancer. Strater passed away in 2004.

Self-proclaimed as “Downstate Illinois’ Best Rock n’ Roll Band,” ESP channels classic rock like only they can – after all, they have roots in other bands and projects from the ’70s. The group is now comprised of guitarist/vocalist Lou DiBello and vocalist Kelly Hazel, who are also joined by bassist Josh Walden and drummer Jeff Magby.

Stop by www.esprocks.com for more information, or myspace.com/espillinois to listen to the heavily guitar-driven, addictive classic rock stylings of “Deep in the Night.” Be on the lookout for their regular gigs around the CU area, and for the band’s upcoming CD release.

I:Scintilla
-Kate Kroger

Local industrial rock quartet I:Scintilla, has had quite a fast-paced and impressive journey. Formed in 2003, the group, which consists of Brittany Bindrim (vocals), Jim Cookas (guitar/programming), Vince Grech (drums) and Chad Mines (guitar/bass), quickly wrote and recorded the songs for their debut album, Approach, which they self-released in the summer of 2004. The unique fusion of electronic, rock and pop elements the group provided was reminiscent of what a heavier, darker Garbage or Evanescence would sound like, and thus attracted the attention of many critics and fans. Soon after, I:Scintilla was receiving record deals from around the world. After some consideration, the group signed under Alfa Matrix, a Belgian electronic music label, and released their latest album, Havestar, in the summer of 2006. I:Scintilla’s EP is also nominated for Best Local Album of the Year, and includes club remixes of previously recorded songs like “Havestar Combichrist” and some impressive new ones such as “The Bells.” Currently, I:Scintilla is recording a new album that is scheduled for release this spring. To check out more about the band and hear both “Havestar Combichrist” and “The Bells,” visit their Web site, www.iscintilla.com, or myspace.com/iscintilla.

Terminus Victor
-Liz Hutnik

Terminus Victor is an alternative, indie-rock trio, who combines vocals comparable to Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters with dynamic drum beats, deep lyrics and aggressive guitar and bass solos. Their album Under Surveillance [Innocent Words Records], was released in late September of last year. Terminus Victor, formerly a duo made up of Scott Kimble (vocals, bass and drum programming), and Don King (guitars, technical support), has become a trio, with newly added drummer Terry Wathen. Terminus Victor claims to have many influences, some of which include Poster Children, Jane’s Addiction and Johnny Cash. Check out their songs “A Scream in the Park” and “The Mechanical Eye” on their Web site, www.TerminusVictor.com, or their MySpace page (myspace.com/terminusvictor). Come see them live at Cowboy Monkey on March 11 at 9 p.m., when they play with Mad Science Fair and Team Rockit.

Roberta Sparrow
-Erin Gillman

With a name reminiscent of Grandma Death in Donnie Darko, you knew they have to be good. Roberta Sparrow is a hardcore punk metal band that emerged from two former local bands, the Vice Dolls and Decimation. The metal band union occurred during 2004 in Champaign, the same town in which the Great Western Recording Studio they recorded at is located.

Greg Jaeger sings lead vocals and steps it up to also pound on the drums, Cody Pruitt plays bass and sings vocals, and Justin Scoffield plays guitar.

The vocals are incredible, with a mix of screaming and the occasional heartfelt croon. Roberta Sparrow recorded new music in November that is set to come out in the spring, but they have a show on April 29 in Mansfield, Ohio, for those who are looking forward to seeing them live. I recommend “Take My Last Breath” on their MySpace account at myspace.com/robertasparrow.

Mike Ingram Speaks:
I think it’s Terminus Victor’s to lose, though I:Scintilla might give them a run for their money. Each band has strengths, though. Terminus, to me, is just the most consistently excellent hard band in the area.

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