By Mike Lyon I have been in this business for 20 years now and I’ve never seen such a huge influx of early teen bands as I’ve seen this past year. This is great news, as a promoter and publisher it gives me great hope for the future of live music. In the last couple of years there has been a lot of rumbling from musicians and parents who say that the invent of Rock Band and guitar hero video games are causing kids to trade real guitars for controllers and live performances for couch concerts. Even South Park had an episode claiming this opinion. My theory is the opposite, it seems these games may teach dexterity and influence young people to go to the next level and pick up an instrument. I decided to ask some of the kid bands the magazine works with a few questions to see what is making the difference. The most important thing I learned was these young people all have tremendous support from their parents. Probably the first generation of parents that actually encourages their kids to get into the music industry. This awesome support system is evident when you speak with these young musicians; they are confident, secure, and fearless. The band Jackie Rocks has been participating in our Your Music Magazine Band Olympicks for the past 3 years and has no problem competing with bands twice their age and experience. Lead singer Jacklyn Partida performed in our vocal solo competition and won the silver medal. She followed 7 guys that really tore it up. But once Jackie got up there she was amazing, no fear. Another young band; My Stupid Brother are the Santa Cruz Your Music Olympicks gold winners this year. I considered questioning them but I don’t think they are teens anymore and the band has taken it to a whole new level with the release of their new CD “What You Need.” Almost Chaos is another band of talented teens that did well in the Your Music Olympicks this year. I wanted to question them but they are in the studio and could not be reached.
THE SLEDGE GRITS BAND
These young girls already have an impressive resume of shows including a battle of the bands on the CBS Early Show in NYC. They also opened up for Ludacris-Spring Fest, played the Temecula International Film and Music Festival, Daisy Rock Guitars - LA Convention Center (Meet and Greet & Performance) and a Tribute to Runaways Drummer (Sandy West) - Unveiling of Statue made by Cherie Curie.
JACKIE ROCKS BAND
Jackie Rocks has been playing live for a few years now. They performed in Philadelphia at a teen fashion rock show for Seventeen Magazine and Converse Shoes. Played at Candlestick Park for the 49ers Family Day event. Took part in Your Music Magazine’s Rock Olympicks. Just played at The Catalyst with Dirty Penny and Stellar Corpses! And at Great America Amusement Park a couple of times.
AUGUST SKY August Sky plays classic rock, blues, and originals. They just released their first CD- “That’s Rock & Roll.” They listed their favorite shows as: “Our CD Release Party which we did a benefit for the SPCA at Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey; opening up for the Heartbreaker (a Led Zeppelin tribute band), at Giovane’s in Salinas; and The Mucky Duck in Monterey – It was our first three-hour set. We were one of three finalists selected to open up for Pat Travers at The Planet Ultra Lounge in Monterey. We’ve even played in Los Angeles at the Knitting Factory. Plus a lot more.”
RAPID FIRE Rapid Fire has been playing live shows for over a year. These are their most memorable: Britannia Arms, Cupertino 10/11/08 - Jason Becker benefit concert, hosted by Six Strings Productions. Supporting Jason Becker was cool and he watched a video of our show! The Brookdale Lodge, 11/14/08, hosted by Your Music Magazine with Archer, Jackie Rocks, and Pariah Faction. We got to play with Archer! Catalyst, 04/16/09 – It’s the Catalyst! Santa Cruz Public Library Teen Battle of the Bands, 08/01/09 – We won 1st place! Santa Cruz Community TV Live performance, 09/04/09 - It was fun to play on live TV – we had great energy and it was good exposure.