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2007 World Battle of the Bands NZ Entries Open
Thursday 08th March 2007 Proudly brought to New Zealand in 2007 by: Southern Institute of Technology – Home to the Zero Fee Scheme ALT TV – the official TV network who will be broadcasting the National Final live to air on Sky Channel 65, as well as regular interviews and giveaways. KIWI FM – the official Radio partner for 2007 bringing regular news, updates and interviews. On Sky Digital channel 100 or 102.5FM CHCH, 102.2FM AK, 102.1FM Wgtn NEW ZEALAND MUSICIAN – the official Print Media partner, and the voice to the New Zealand music industry, bringing in-depth coverage of the event. PRIZES NZ winning band will receive a guaranteed single release in NZ including: * Recording at AREA 51 Studios in Auckland * Mastering at Sterling Studios in New York * CD’s Printing and Pressing by Stebbing. * Video grant from NZ ON AIR * NZ ON AIR Hit Disk placement of winners’ radio single * Nationwide release through Intergalactic Records * Guaranteed single airplay and interviews on ALT TV and on Kiwi FM’s I.A.N show with Fleur Jack In addition: * Flights and accommodation to the 2007 World final in Asia. (More prizes up for grabs at the World Final) * Microsoft Vista Ultimate operating systems Heats will be held in all major centres and some smaller towns all around New Zealand Keep an eye on the website for venues locations. Bands – enter now on-line
World Final Results
Tuesday 28th November 2006 The 2006 World Battle of the Bands came to a climatic end in Hong Kong on November 24th. 8 countries battled it out for the title of champion of the World Battle of the Bands. The judges’ job was made extremely difficult by the high level of talent and range of genres on the night. At the end of an excellent evening, the points were added and a winner was found. Camera crews from Channel V, qq.com, Star News, National Geographic, Taiwanese media, and a Gibson Guitars photographer were there to capture the night and immortalize it. 1st Prize --- Lojic --- USA A very tight set was delivered by Lojic with strong vocals, and talented and energetic instrumentation, so there was no question that they deserved their place in the world final. Their unusual blend of funky Jamaican rock which all fused into a unique and individual sound made for a great set and saw Lojic top the judges score cards. 1st Runner Up --- Ling Yi (Voodoo KungFu) --- CHINA With the stage presence and image of an eastern Slipknot this band could very well be Chinas answer to Rammstein. Although the lyrics are Chinese, they will no doubt impress audiences on a world wide stage. It was a very memorable performance by Ling Yi that has etched their spiritual essence on the crowd’s psyche. “They have redefined Rock n Roll” Nathan – Gibson Guitars Entertainment Professional 2nd Runner Up --- SonicAltar --- New Zealand The Kiwi band brought a new level of energy to the crowd with their classic rock sounding delivery of some great tracks. An awesome front man led the bands rocking set. SonicAltar show loads of potential and a great future waits for this young band. They set the bar high for the remainder of the bands on the night. more pictures and information on… www.worldbattleofthebands.com
USA Finalist - Lojic
Thursday 16th November 2006 Lojic was realized over the course of several years, combining the dreams and talents of a highly skilled group of musicians from St. Louis MO. Growing up virtually around the corner from one another, Johnny O’Neil (Bass/Vocals), Christian Kirk (Drums), Will Betts (Vocals) and Jonny Hughes (Guitar) have been developing their skills since a very young age. Lojic’s distinctive sound stands out in this day and age of “cookie cutter” rock bands and American Idol pop stars. Each member brings his own experiences and tastes to the writing process and the music melds together, forming a sound that is uniquely, Lojic. Bringing together a love of Funk, Rock, Reggae, Hip-Hop and food, Lojic has set out to do the impossible. After playing around the local St. Louis scene and honing their live skills, they took the natural next step, life on the road. Using every resource, Lojic launched into 3 years of touring which took them from Omaha to Austin, as far northeast as Columbus, as far southeast as Atlanta, and back up north to Chicago and all stops in between. While on the road, playing venues of all sizes, lojic has dealt with flat tires, snowstorms, tornadoes, a trailer falling off the van, and even being held at gunpoint. Bottom-line, they are only strengthened through these experiences. After 4 years of touring, writing, recording and touring some more, Lojic developed an excellent fan base throughout the Midwest and its surrounding regions. During their time on the road, Lojic has had the opportunity to open for some highly notable acts such as: Sammy Hagar, Naughty by Nature, Fuel, The Urge, Twista, Tech Nine and Hot Action Cop. Even while playing with better-known national acts, Lojic has held their own, gaining new fans and selling huge amounts of merchandise – even outselling Fuel while performing with them in Louisville, KY. Lojic’s strength has always been their live show. While relying almost exclusively on word of mouth promotion, they consistently have throngs of repeat fans showing up to see their high-energy performances. In 2003, they released their first album “Lojic”, 2005 saw the release of “The Manual” with Steve Ewing (The Urge) in the producer’s chair. They have moved over 5000 discs, with virtually no radio or major promotional support, selling significant amounts of music through iTunes and moving units in places such as Canada and Japan. Currently, Lojic is living and working in Los Angeles, performing regularly on the Sunset Strip. As for the future, Lojic has a new DVD (Produced by Transom Pictures) scheduled for release in conjunction with their much-anticipated return to St. Louis, which will take place at the Pageant in January ‘07. Bottom line, in this world of A.D.D. and Myspace, (where Lojic boasts over 8000 friends and 60,000+ hits) you have only a millisecond to get through to someone. Lojic’s music will hook the fans and when people get the opportunity to witness their explosively entertaining live show – they’re hooked for life. Every time Lojic steps on stage they have something to prove and every time they deliver.
New Zealand Finalist - SonicAltar
Thursday 16th November 2006 The worship of music. This is the meaning of SonicAltar. Through the love of their medium, SonicAltar soars above the crowd with a dazzling live show that has received critical acclaim from industry moguls. The band's goal is to revitalize rock and bring it back to its glorious beginnings while letting as many people as possible enjoy the experience. The band consists of Kane Bennett (vocals), Daniel Costello (guitar), Chris Hulbert (drums), Rowan Uhe (guitar) and Mark Lowe (bass). The band has influences across many genres and finds it exciting to be able to draw these influences to create a unique yet enticing sound. SonicAltar work as a tight unit, and everyone has input into the writing process. Right from the formation of the band, ideas have been flowing; providing an ever-increasing repertoire. The band entertains fans at every opportunity, giving their all at every performance. At present SonicAltar are working towards establishing a wider audience and following here in New Zealand, and allowing more people to hear and experience their music. The band is always exerting an energy that many people can relate to, and invite the world to experience this with them. Each member of the band is an accomplished musician, with Rowan Uhe receiving an award for 'best guitarist' in his final year of school. He is currently studying music at Massey University in Albany. As well as studying music, Rowan also teaches guitar at a local music school. Chris Hulbert was awarded 'best drummer' in his final school year, and is currently studying audio engineering at the SAE institute. Mark Lowe achieved 'most improved guitarist' at his music school and is a vital ingredient in the writing process of the band. Kane Bennett is an experienced performer, having played the lead roles in many musicals and stage productions. He has also been awarded the 'Director's Choice' and 'Performing Arts' Awards in his final school year. Kane is intending to study at MAINZ (the music and audio institute of New Zealand) along with SonicAltar. Daniel was the writer of 'The Mechanical Dream', a track which took out the Play It Strange national secondary school song writing competition in 2005. This led to the recording of the song at York Street studios in Auckland. Daniel also intends to study at MAINZ. In the vast sea of unsigned bands, SonicAltar stands out from the crowd with its unique and revitalizing sounds; we also believe we have what it takes to achieve our goal of breathing fresh air into a stagnating rock scene. Tired of all these overly showy and ignorant new bands, SonicAltar aim to bring rock back to its roots. Don't believe us? Then listen for yourself.
China finalist - Ling Yi
Thursday 16th November 2006 Voodookungfu (Ling Yi) is said to have "the most pummeling visual sense" and "the most mysterious religious aspect" of any rock group, ever. Voodookungfu (Ling Yi)'s music can be called new wave heavy metal, grounded in heavy metal, with the addition of Mongolian and Tibetan elements. With an emphasis on a laden atmosphere, Voodookungfu (Ling Yi) is at the opposite end of the spectrum from mainstream rock music today. Voodookungfu (Ling Yi) is in pursuit of mysterty of the most primitive, the most brutal. Li Nan, the creative force and spirit of Voodookungfu (Ling Yi), studied abroad in a Catholic school in Europe where he came to identify strongly with the rock and roll spirit of rebellion, which led him to feel that "God is embodied in the human", and eventually led to his expulsion. After returning to China, he began to organize his first band and crafted his unique musical style, using roaring chants which are at the same time religious tribute and awe inspiring shock. As part of its performance, the band incorporates scrolls with mysterious writing, images of various gods and spirits, and Li Nan's body is covered in incomprehensible words and phrases. Li Nan feels that everything in the world is connected to his faith; his music is not merely for people to listen to, it even more is sung in tribute to the divinity in his heart. Voodookungfu (Ling Yi) plays for everyone who has felt lost in his or her faith, for those who are caught between their ideals and the reality around them.
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