Music
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It's the dream of many West Michigan bands to compete in The Heavyweight Championship of Rock. Bands are selected based on their demos and press kits. The championship commences with four preliminary rounds of face-melting rock, which lead up to the coveted finals. REVUE caught up with the bands that made the final four and will compete on Feb. 7 for the Heavyweight Championship of the Rock world.
Round One: VINTAGE
For the members of Vintage, the opportunity to play in the Championship is three years in the making. 2009 marks the first year playing at the Championship for the five-year-old band.
"We put one of our best performances we've ever done," said drummer, Mark Courtright. "It was pretty intense and energetic, and I think we won over a lot of people that haven't seen us before."
For two months leading up to last years Championship, Vintage worked on set lists, performance and professionalism. When they didn't make the cut, the band used 2008 to work with professional producers and musicians.
"We want to try to be tighter and better than we were before and bring something that Grand Rapids hasn't seen," said lead singer John Lee about the learning experience. "A lot of the Heavyweight Champions of the past have been more scream-core, but we're trying to do something a little different."
Vintage also credits the music scene in Grand Rapids for opportunities such as the Heavyweight Championship.
"It's insane," said rhythm guitarist, Matt Nelson. "There's so much potential and so many great bands from this scene...Coming from a person who's in two bands and seeing the different styles of the scene, it's amazing how so much talent resides in this general area."
- Music Revue (http://www.revuewm.com)
Discography
"America Inc" EP - Released 07/01/2005.
"Efxor" Full Length - Released 02/17/2009.
Photos
Bio
Vintage is a Regionally touring, hard working band Alternative Rock Quintet. The creation of original members: Vocalist John Lee & Lead Guitarist "R.O.B.". Arriving later former Blood That Burns Rhythm Guitarist "Sir" Matthew Nelson, former Blackout drummer Marc Courtright & Bassist "Ace" Mark Bliss. Vintage has been touring and building a fan base since early 2004.
The Music:
Vintage has built a unique sound by: interlacing hip-hop rhymes and rock vocals, over alternative rock riffs, sharpened with a "nu-metal" edge. They're led by a vocalist with intense energy on stage, MC skills to match and a strong alto rock voice with force, feeling and authority. They're backed by a band with an abundance of skills and influences from every genre, including: Metal, Punk, Funk, Blues, Rap, Grunge, R&B and more. They display a superb mixture of true eclectics.
Live Shows & Touring:
Their live performances are captivating, energetic and interactive. The crowd is invited to participate, sing along and have a good time. It's naturally fun, the atmosphere is a cinematic version of good friends at a house party. Vintage has made it's mark with professionalism and hard work. Known by many venues, as a band that delivers on their word and are easy to work with. They work with the venue, promoter, agents and/or bands to ensure each performance is a success for everyone.
Experience:
Since forming, Vintage has headlined at many bars and concert venues throughout the Midwest. They've also been showcased at several music festivals as well as opened several shows for Regional & National bands in small to large sized markets ie.
06/27/2009 - Carnival Of Chaos; Stanton, MI
(Co-Headliner with Taproot & 6x Prong Paw)
04/15/2009 - The Intersection; Grand Rapids, MI
(Local Support for (hed) PE, Dirtball, Mower & DGAF)
02/07/2009 - The Intersection; Grand Rapids, MI
(107.3KLQ Heavyweight Champion Runner Up)
11/08/2008 - The Whiskey Lounge; Grand Rapids, MI
(Headliner along with national support: Critical Bill)
10/25/2008 - The Orbit Room; Grand Rapids, MI
(Headliner at Carnival of Chaos Harvest of Souls)
07/21/2008 - The Intersection; Grand Rapids, MI.
(Headliner along with national support: Egypt Central & Dendura.)
06/27/2008 - Motorheads; Michigan Center, MI.
(Local support for 10 Years.)
06/10/2008 - The Intersection; Grand Rapids, MI.
(Headliner along with national support: Primer 55 & Critical Bill.)
04/30/2008 - The Intersection; Grand Rapids, MI.
(Local support for Nonpoint.)
03/23/2008 - The Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI.
(Local support for Soil, Bobaflex & The Autumn Offering.)
02/24/08 - The Intersection; Grand Rapids, MI.
(Local support for Egypt Central & Under The Flood.)
02/08/2008 - Harpo's; Detroit, MI.
(Local support for (hed) P.E. & Kingspade, Insolence & Subnoize Souljaz.)
07/21/2007 - The Ritz; Detroit, MI.
(Local support for 8 Kount & Sex & Patriotism.)
08/14/06 - The Groundsphere; Allegan, MI.
(Local support for Afro Man )
Vintage Recordings:
Vintage has self-produced two albums: a Demo entitled "America Incorporated", and a full length album entitled "Efxor". Both were released and distributed by Vintage under their independent record label, Nawt’y North Records, Llc. "Efxor" is a 2 disc set, it includes a DVD which features a Music Video of “Empathy”. The first track on "Efxor". The DVD also includes an interview with the band, an entire live performance & a Photo Gallery. "Efxor" is available on online and at live shows.
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