Big Rock Finish… reviews of independent music

I vowed to never review music that wasn’t in CD or mp3 format for this website, because I was interested in seeing what a band could put together as a package. And these days, if it isn’t already painfully obvious, music alone does not sell records. And generally, if according to pop culture, music is barely even on the register with regards to selling records. And I’ve been met with generally very understanding bands when I say I want to review an album or EP from them, so I can say to the world “Hey! Go listen to these guys and buy their album!” And it’s extremely difficult to do that if they only have mp3’s on myspace or similar networking sites. I digress, in that for Awaking State, I was willing to give up this rule temporarily, and I will state right here and now, that I will never give up this rule again. Online players rarely work, don’t work the way I want them do, and generally are irritating because they depend on so much processing power from my poor little 3 year old computer that they generally are cutting out more often then they are playing. And that’s just plain frustrating. And honestly, you do not want someone frustrated trying to listen to your music… to review it.

Hence, from this day forth, I insist! On music being sent to me either via snail mail, e-mail, or an appropriate download that is available to me!

Alright folks. Here’s the deal currently.

Next time I update, on February 13, 2008, will be exactly the one year birthday of Big Rock Finish and it’s official release date. And at this time I don’t know how to celebrate.

Over the past year I’d been discouraged a few times, and really bummed out at other times. I’m sure there’s CD’s around my house that I can’t remember if I’d reviewed, or I’d listened to. And I do apologize to those bands that I promised reviews and still haven’t gotten around to it yet. I’ve decided to keep going, until at least all of these bands have had their fair share. And when that happens I’m sure there will be a new wave of musicians and artists wanting their day as well.

My only thought is since this year I want to concentrate on live shows, and getting more reviewers, that I should throw out to all of you. If you’re a band, and you have a show (especially one that I can’t get to) get one of your fans to write an awesome review and I’ll post it up here!

I’ve always loved and supported live shows as best as I can. The sheer number of times I have had to stay up late on a work night, driving people home at 3 and 4 in the morning when I had to be at work at 7… while I’m not even in a band, it’s still a labour of love.

And seeing as how there were multiple posts of shows I’d been to posted before the official release date of this blog… I believe a week long celebration of shows I’ve gone to is in order. It is my goal to write, or at least re-post, one live show review every day for 7 days. Starting on the 13th, and finishing up on the 19th.

So hang onto your hats! It’s going to get all sorts of furious up in here!

I was supposed to go to the first Awaking State (http://awakingstate.com/) show of the season, and of this particular line-up’s career tonight. Unfortunately Mother Nature decided to step in and dump a proper Canadian Winter upon us. While that meant I was able to weasel my way into staying home from work, it also means I am forced to stay home from the show as the venue will not be opening for the event.

The show has been re-scheduled for March 7th, 2008 at the same venue.

The band had this to say:

Dear friends, fans and well wishers alike…….

I unfortunately have to send out this message canceling tonights event due to Weather complications. The club will be shutdown, and therefor none of the bands will be playing tonights event. Thanks to everyone for taking such an interest, and the bands Suburban Sunrise and TennFold who will see some dates with Awaking State yet…..

The make-up date is FRIDAY MARCH 7th at Groove Lounge, and this might very well be our album release party as i’ll be back from California with the straight fucking goods….Sylvia Massy seems to think i got something going on and seeing as she’s done Tool, Econoline Crush, red hot chili’s etc…i get the feeling she knows what shes talking about.,….
Here is to a big 2008!

Until then
i urge all of you to join our fan page so that we can keep you posted on what we’re doing and so we can let you know about other events, offers, giveaways and all that other fun stuff that comes along with supporting this band and my projects….
join it here > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Awaking-State/20829154896?ref=share

All the best! be safe in this weather!

Kent DS-1 of Awaking State

Their Bio is as follows:

AWAKING STATE – A Biography.

Moody and angry. Electronic music with a powerful Hard Rock edge.

Awaking State is the brainchild of Kent “DS-1” Martell (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano and Programming). Kent has been signed to Toronto’s longest running Drum & Bass label, Furious Records, since the age of 19 and has gone on to be one of the top Drum & Bass artists and DJs in Canada over the past several years. During that time, he experienced extensive club play, chart topping songs and a victory in Toronto’s Edge 102.1’s Nine Inch Nails [Only] Remix Contest.

As well as garnering tonnes of airplay on 102.1 and putting him face to face with his greatest influence Trent Reznor, that victory planted the seeds of Awaking State in his mind.

Kent began writing songs, while at the same time hunting for band members who shared his vision. What transpired in the following year and a half became Awaking State. Long time friend Jason Iwanko (Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals) was the first to join, a chance meeting in a bar produced Justin Lant (Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals), and an extensive search of the internet brought Brandon E.M. Savage (Drums and Backing Vocals) into the fold.

Together, these four musicians mix Rock, Industrial, and Drum & Bass with a Pop sensibility that comes through to deliver the hooks. The melodies of Awaking State could grace the airwaves of any radio station, but with their distinctive electronic edge they are separated them from the cookie-cutter music that circulates through the main stream. Their music is mixed with a beefed up live show that isn’t expected from an independent band and always leaves the crowd wanting more.

Watch out; Awaking State is coming for you…

Awaking State features:

Kent Martell – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano and Programming
Jason Iwanko – Bass and Backing Vocals
Justin Lant – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Brandon E.M. Savage - Drums and Backing Vocals