I run a stage during Cornerstone called the Decapolis Label Showcase.  It's the stage where labels can book their band to give them a good stage to show off their bands.  During the year, I'll get a bunch of labels sending me albums in hopes to get booked for one of the twenty-one slots. 

 

I also end up stage managing the Decap stage which means I have to sit and watch every single one of these bands.  Each year I pick out "The Best of the Decapolis Stage", and this is that write-up.  Incidentally, I have a few 'headliner' acts that either I or Cornerstone ask to play.  This set of awards to not include 'headliner' bands such as the amazing band, Divebomber.

 

This year I took extensive notes so I would make sure I didn't leave anyone out that I thought was worth mentioning in some way. 

 

Now you also have to understand that my opinion on these bands have nothing to do with their CDs – this is strictly a live show critique.  Their CDs could totally suck for all I know.  You also should know that other things color my view of a band other than their show - such as their attitudes the soundguys, audience, Cornerstone volunteers, myself, etc. 

 

D A Y   O N E

 

Bands Worth Checking Out:

Winston Jazz Routine
Yeah, it's not really jazz, but it's rather creative none-the-less.  They probably had the biggest turn out of any label showcase band.  They were one of the best bands I had all festival.

 

Best Days Behind

Melodic rock and fun.  Imagine that, a band having fun on stage. 

 

Adora

Hard, tight and moved really well.  It was a very professional looking performance. 

 

B e s t   B a n d   o f   D a y  1

The Rising Tide

Creative melodic rock.  Interesting, energetic, tons of harmonies and catchy.  And get this, they actually used keyboards correctly.  It was a fun show.

 

D A Y   T W O

 

B e s t   B a n d   o f   D a y  2

The Blue Letter

Let me cut to the chase - The Blue Letter blew me away.  What makes this even more crazy is that for the most part I hate screaming music.  Now it's really hard to classify this TBL since they don't fall into the category of hardcore, metalcore, screamo, or anything else.  It's almost like Pink Floyd set on fire, running and screaming around, setting everything else on fire.  Okay, here's the breakdown of their current music (not what might be on their website).  The bass lines are normal, melodic chord progressions, on top of that are chaotic while sometimes melodic intense guitars.  But yeah, so what?  What really caused this whole thing to knock me over?  The drummer, Silas, who is the absolute best drummer I have ever seen.  I don't care how good, fast or technical your drummer is – Silas can do all your drummer can do but twice as fast and with one hand and make it more creative all at the same time.  You can always tell when a drummer has a jazz background – and it totally showed with him.  The drumming just killed me.  As if I didn't have enough to say about their show, the guys in the band are super-nice with their hearts devoted to Christ.  If you like insanely intense music, you should definitely check them out.

 

D A Y   T H R E E

 

Bands Worth Mentioning:

 

Run Kid Run

From the ashes of Sidewalk Slam arise a really good, catchy, melodic rock band with good live harmonies.  Lively and professional – it was a good all around show.

 

Of The Son

This band I'm mentioning more for their attitudes than their music (what they call praise-core).  They were everything I would like in a band as a stage manager and a Christian.  Not only were they were super polite and professional but they took the time to thank the sound guys for their work.  You have to remember that just because it's a Christian fest, it doesn't mean that the hired companies are made up of Christians.  Neither the monitor or house sound engineers were Christians.  I'm so proud of any band that makes the effort to show the love of Christ off stage. 

 

B e s  t   B a n d   o f   D a y  3

Knockout Kings

Upbeat, energetic, fun and nice.  Catchy, melodic rock.  I bet you'll be seeing these guys around more soon.  They put on a great show and had a good time.  If you have a good time on stage, it transfers to the audience. 

 

So I was talking to the lead singer, Matt, and get this, the members of the band are actually finishing up their college degrees before dropping into the endless abyss that is the music machine.  I hope you all understand that making music a living in a band basically means your life is over - or at least on hold until your band breaks up.  Yeah, you might get signed, maybe even to a major, and maybe even sell tons of records.  But in the end you'll break up and you'll be 30, left with some good memories, no career and no money.  Or you'll get married, then drop out of the band, have no money or career to support your new family.  So it was encouraging to hear of a band that was being responsible with the resource of college that God gave them.  Yeah, I went off on a tangent, but I hope we all learned something from it.

 

So here's my top five label showcase shows/bands of the Decapolis Label Showcase.  Again, taking into account their music performance, live show, attitudes, etc. 

T O P   F I V E   B A N D S
 

5.  The Winston Jazz Routine

4.  Run Kid Run
3.  The Rising Tide

2.  Knockout Kings

 

and the winner of the 2006 Best Decapolis Label Showcase Band goes to…

 

1.  The Blue Letter

Thanks to all the bands who played.  I look forward to next year!

 

Conrad