Midstokke
Seattle, Washington, United States | SELF
Music
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See link - We Love Metal Blog
What a breath of fresh air! Recently all radio stations have been plagued with overly depressing/aggressive music that makes you want to sit in your one-bedroom apartment and hate yourself. But, have no fear! We've been sent another rock n' roll savior! From Seattle, rockers and rollers I introduce you to, Midstokke!
These guys know how to lay it down, and lay it down good with rock-out-loud lyrics and music that can only be matched by Black Crowes or Aerosmith. The band's debut release, 'Private Stokke' is one of the best albums I've heard this year. The songs run the admittedly limited gamut of the rock'n'roll game, from the out-and-out rockers "Rising Sun", "Rubbafunk," and the mid-tempo swagger of "Questions". Excellent songwriting, all-out musicianship, strong vocals and the right kick ass attitude to put it all across to a new generation.
All in all, this is just really GREAT straight-forward, good-time rock and roll that has a classic rock feel, with a slightly updated edge. I hope that these guys not only stay around for a really long time, giving us MORE of their great music, but also that they are an influence on the music industry in general so that we see more great bands like them in the future. I look forward to Midstokke's future efforts; they will definitely be spinning in my CD player as long as they are releasing 'em.
The bottom line, if you like the catchiness of some of the rock that you hear on the radio these days but despise the pop that accompanies much of it and/or if you enjoy the solid instrumental musical quality of true classic rock 'n' roll, CHECK THIS BAND OUT! Huge Kudos, Midstokke! Keep it up!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
- The Atomic Chaser
Discography
"Private Stokke" full length LP released in 2005. "It's Your Problem Now!" EP in 2009. "The Devil's Whiskey" released in 2011. The Planetary Group picked "The Devil's Whiskey" up and ran a college radio promotion in the fall of 2011 in which over 100 college stations added the disc to their roster. It also charted on over a dozen east coast stations.
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Bio
In 2004, an eclectic hard rock/blues/funk five-piece band out of Seattle consisting of vocalist Steven Douglas, guitarists Ted Norris and Kenny Van Dyke, drummer Cory Olsen and bassist Fraser Midstokke, fused their musical stylings and called themselves MIDSTOKKE (mid-stock).
Fraser, Ted and Kenny have a history since junior high school, started playing together in high school, and finally formed a band called Sated Solstice. As with many young bands, it was not to be; their drummer and vocalist quit after a few short years together. A mutual college friend of Kenny and Cory suggested that Cory fill in on drums, and in the winter of 2003/04, he auditioned and was an
immediate fit.
Steven Douglas was attending college in Bellingham WA when he caught the music bug and decided to give singing and performing a try. He moved to Seattle, placed an ad in The Stranger, jamming with several bands before auditioning for Midstokke. States Douglas, I was blown away at the musicianship and talent of the four guys when I met them and had our first jam session/tryout. I knew in my
gut that this was the group for me and weve been together ever since.
Midstokke released their first album: Private Stokke in 2005. While building their fan-base throughout the Seattle area, Midstokke received an invitation in 2007 to play in a Battle of the Bands sponsored by Harley-Davidson. They took first place and won a highly coveted ticket to play the largest biker rally and musicfestival in the world: The Sturgis Rally. Douglas smiles with fond memories, Its like Burning Man and Woodstock, if you added 800,000 motorcycles
If you sleep, you miss it all. They had the honor of performing annually at the everpopular
Legendary Buffalo Chip in South Dakota for 3 years in a row. Theyve been fortunate enough to play the same venue as Kid Rock, Velvet Revolver, Poison, 3 Doors Down, and opened for Aerosmith at the coveted event.
On June 28th, 2009, Midstokke released their 2nd album: Its Your Problem Now! Bringing with them an even wider range of sound and party-like energy that quickly gets everyone on their feet. Douglas explains, Our opening tracks Trainwreck, Throttle and Big Tangle are an unapologetic, in your face intro into what were all about; having a good time and gettin down! Meanwhile, soul-searching tracks like God Come Down let you experience a touch of the blues with Midstokkes bold, big guitars and rich, soulful melody. Douglas says, Well hit you hard in the face with a Bullet and then lay you down slowly with Fool.
A fan base who is comprised of all walks of life, Midstokke mostly attracts the working man. Men or women who want to cut loose and forget about life for a while. These people are real too. Real stories, real blood on their overworked
hands, explains Douglas. Our live performance is a celebration of being alive. Its party time and were at the helm of this ship, he adds. They play each show with the heart and passion like it could be their last. They leave it all on stage and expect the crowd to join them. We live and love big in this band and want people along for the ride.
The guys are currently released their 3rd album in July at the Hard Rock in downtown Seattle entitled "The Devil's Whiskey".Its our best work to date, for sure. The songs are more cohesive and retain a live, raw energy. Its big and intense, which is what we are shooting for. Theres a
party vibe for sure on this recording thats in your face but we throw in a touch of the blues and some soul for good measure... exclaims Douglas. They recorded
the album with Grammy award winner Justin Armstrong of Robert Lang Studios in Seattle. Armstrong has won awards for his work with Peter Frampton and Damien Marley and has worked with Dave Matthews and Seattles own Death Cab for Cutie. Justin really understood what we were trying to accomplish sonically and I feel he really captured the energy and tone we were shooting for. Bassist Fraser Midstokke adds, Its more raw than the last album Its Your Problem Now". Its a closer representation of our live sound than the previous two, and our best work yet.
The future looks bright, with many opportunities ahead, and a drive to continue making great music. Look for them to grow beyond the Seattle music scene in 2011. After 8 years together, Midstokke is only beginning their highway to success, so put on your helmets, because you wont want to miss the ride.
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