Escherbach
South Bend, IN

Escherbach is an instrumental rock trio from South Bend, Indiana formed early in 2007. The trio performs intense music which laces fusion arrangements with the styles of post and progressive rock in order to satisfy the technical junkies yet still be accessible enough for the casual music listener. The resulting sound is chaotic, beautiful, energetic, and sometimes indescribable. And without putting constraints on the listener through the use of lyrics, Escherbach allows the listener to conjure up their own emotions and feelings to associate with the music, thus creating a unique experience for each individual. Escherbach released their first full-length album, Cycles, in early 2009.

Verdict
Champaign, IL

*Verdict*, formed in 2006, is made up of five, regular guys who have the internet to thank for their friendship. The five members are: Chris (vocals), Nick D. (bass), Tyler (guitar), Cruz (guitar), Zakk (drums). If one word could be used to describe their sound, it would be "Rockin'"! Ass-kickin' riffs, addictive vocal melodies, and a beefy rhythm section are the defining traits of their unique sound. Using these elements, they fuse together genres ranging from blues to metal. Influences span from Queen to Avenged Sevenfold, Seether to Metallica. And so it began, easy as that, they embarked on their journey towards the top. During the summer of 2008, the band recorded their first full-length album. The album, "Hold 'em High", includes re-worked versions of the six songs from their previous demo as well as six brand new songs. "Hold 'em High" was recorded at several locations throughout the Champaign area and was recorded and produced by Eric Gross. Compassionate, confident, and capable. *Verdict* has the means to draw a crowd to their live show that will not disappoint and has successfully gained the support of a strong local following. *Verdict* is always greeted with a reciprocated response from the crowd. As result of their on-stage antics, they have received favorable publicity from written publications and radio. Many thanks to all of the fans! So, you owe it to yourself to go check 'em out, check 'em in, check 'em over and give *Verdict* a good honest listen.

Summer Mencher
Chicago, IL

Summer Mencher is a self proclaimed "progressive folk" artist with a message, and is on a mission to deliver it to the world. She uniquely merges diverse sounds and influences to produce auditory pleasing music that is unconventional, yet familiar. Summer integrates piano, guitar, strings and thick harmonies into her material, and is unafraid to try new things. The middle-eastern tones, unique harmonic twists and turns, with an occasional rock edge and hip-hop/spoken word are intriguing and refreshing to the ear. Summer's vocals are velvety and warm, and her music flows with a certain intensity that relays her passion for music. Another aspect of Summer's life that propels her enthusiasm for music is her job working in music therapy. In traveling to Africa and Asia, the use of music as a healing force has offered poignant experiences, serving as a significant driving force in her musical life and career. Mencher stretches beyond musical boundaries, as is evident when hearing her music. She knows how to connect with people and uses it as a tool to better the community, as she has been, and continues to do presently. Her music has an element of depth and originality that provides a rich and distinctive personality. Mixing progressive folk with acoustic hip hop, Summer will give you a new sound to wet your palate.

American Gothic
Minneapolis, MN

Spawning from the vast bible-belt hell in 2004, American Gothic was born. Singer/Songwriter Phillip Vogler had been demoing new musical ideas with producer/engineer/drummer Jamie King from 2000 through 2003 with various backing musicians. It was at this time drummer John Spencer answered an ad in a local paper placed by Vogler to form a band that would play the music that had been demoed. At the suggestion of Spencer, school-buddy Jason Moss tagged along for what was to be a turning point, as Vogler and Moss would end up being the core of the band. From their first official gig in February of 2005 supporting their 5-song EP (3,000 copies sold) at Somewhere Else Tavern in Greensboro, North Carolina to their most recent triumphs in the Twin Cities, Minnesota (now the band's home). American Gothic have endured the best and worst of playing in a "hell-bent on success" rock n' roll band. There were deaths and shortcomings of many close to them that supported the band as well as numerous drummer difficulties. Ultimately, the success of the band's musical output, support from fans, and relentless work ethic have primed the band to release their highly anticipated debut "A Hodgepodge Clusterfuck of High-Anxiety Chaos" (due out this winter). American Gothic will continue to independently thrust their aggressively charismatic music, live shows, and image upon the world until they find a vehicle suitable for complete domination.

Stukenburg
East Troy, WI

In his youth, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist David W. Stukenberg, nom de plume Stukenberg, lived in roughly twenty homes with his mobile missionary family, attended twelve different schools, won and lost countless grade school fights (the unspoken initiation of the new and/or preacher's kid), abated 131 poisonous snakes (Floyd Co., KY neighborhood record), evaded gun slinging, hatchet toting rednecks (literally), studied everything from JuJitsu to German and escaped a life threatening (not literally) ambiguous Nashville publishing contract.......and finally in early 2008, stukenberg signed on with machine records and released his genre hopping debut "mountain of pieces". Including everything from 60s pop horn sections and slide guitar, to banjo solos, this album proves to be an impressive first. In late 2008 he began recording the second album/documentary in a grain silo. Stukenberg describes it's contents as "neurotic folk", it's release is scheduled for may 09.

State of Mind
St. Louis, MO

State of Mind is a 4 piece straight up rock band hailing from Saint Louis, Missouri. Now in entering their 4th year SOM has developed its signature sound of gritty rock riffs laced with lyrical power punches that will take your breath away. Their freshman self titled release laid the ground work with hits like "Freedom" and "Lay Down your Guns", but their highly anticipated sophomore release promises to truly set them apart from the pack. Their high energy live shows are where this group really starts to shine. With passionate lyrics and a strong rhythm as seen on the tracks "Death Star" and "The American Dream" this foursome will surely make a name for themselves in 09, so stay tuned.

Nights and Weekends
Toronto, Canada

Nights and Weekends was born early in 2008 when producer Mike Gonek and singer-songwriter Brendan Beamish committed their full time and energy to doing what they love, making music. Inspired by living young in the city, Nights and Weekends deliver a sound unlike anything being done in Canada right now. With the addition of Jermaine Hamilton, Nights and Weekends' "pop scene, rock action" style has been tearing up stages all over Toronto. Nights and Weekends' dance beats and party anthems keep crowds singing along all night. These three individuals come together to form a unique group of young men with the potential to capture hearts all over the world. Unlike many pop acts, they create their own music and they carry it with authority. Each member is incredibly talented in their own right. But together, the whole is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts. But if you really want to know what Nights and Weekends are all about, all you have to do is listen!

A Stowaway
Detroit, MI

A Stowaway is a blend of acoustic and folk, that never fails to impress audiences with its throwback "chill" rhythms and calming melodies. With influences from Simon and Garfunkel to Kurt Vonnegut to The Beatles, the music of this band is sure to please. While famous status is a goal, A Stowaway is fulfilled by both large shows and small, as they feed off their fans' energy no matter the setting. The combination of musicianship, personality and mysterious lyrics will take you to a place you have never been.

M.A.D. Beats
Ontario, Canada

An up and coming performing group, MAD Beats, is a vocal experience unlike any other. Combining their vocal talents with years of conventional music education, these two never cease to amaze crowds with their incredible technique and command of their voice. For the past year and a half, M.A.D. Beats has been performing vocal percussion, also known as "beatboxing", in which all sound effects and music are produced solely from the mouth. M.A.D Beats has performed at a variety of venues, ranging from talent shows to charity concerts. Although they started out as an act at Markham District High School's Holiday Assembly, their substantial success has led them to perform at the Unionville Festival and the Amnesty Cafe held on Mainstreet Markham. Late last year, M.A.D Beats was chosen to represent Markham District High School in a *spotlight on music* show, performing for potential elementary school music students and teaching them the value of a developed music program. As a group, M.A.D Beats composes covers of classic, modern, and mainstream tunes, and are looking to expand into songwriting. They have done covers ranging from Stand by Me by the Temptations to A Milli by Lil' Wayne, as any song is within their reach. Be sure to look out for this school-act turned hip hop duo in the near future!

Fire
St. Paul, Minnesota

FIRE is a group of 5 guys with one goal in common, to bring metal back to the streets. Out the ashes of The GraveYard Studios in St. Paul, MN. Fire has quickly spread all over the Twin Cities. With lead guitarist and FIRE founder, Michael "NOODLES" DelaRosa, Jeff Lyons on bass, Tim Bruley on drums, Stretch on 2nd guitar, and myself "LONGHAIR" the frontman/lead vocalist completes a line-up that is second to none. Be on the look-out for Fire to appear in the book An Education In The Art Of Rebellion Nikki Sixx due in stores this summer.