Sound Off!, EMP’s annual underage battle of the bands, has become a local music institution during its 10-year run. Not only does it champion the all-ages scene it also introduces local music fans to lots of amazing talent (The Lonely Forest, Sol, Schoolyard Heroes and Dyme Def to name a few) and helps young artists make their mark on the scene.
I was fortunate enough to be asked to be a judge at last year’s Sound Off! and this year the folks over at EMP invited me to be part of a panel that helped decide which 12 bands would be included in this year’s Sound Off! It was quite a fun experience to be in a room filled with past Sound Off! winners, contestants, local label execs, talent buyers and other players in the local scene all working to decide which bands made the Sound Off! cut.
I don’t remember every band we listened to that day but a few of the bands that stood out — specifically the amazing bluegrass skills of Northern Departure and the indie pop of The Oh Wells — will be participating in the final round of Sound Off! Saturday ($10, 7 p.m.) and whoever is judging that round will have a very difficult decision to make. Also performing Saturday are Fit For Hounds and Tomten, both bands that have a good shot at winning it all.
My heart is hoping The Oh Wells win because their music is just so damn catchy (plus they would be the first Canadian band to win Sound Off!) but my brain is saying Northern Departure will take home the crown because their talent level is just so damn amazing. Like I said the judges don’t have an easy job.
To celebrate 10 years of Sound Off! EMP created a four-part documentary about the competition. The documentary talks about the history of Sound Off!, touches on its role in developing young talent and includes thoughts about Sound Off! from many of its major players. You can check out all four parts below.
