Tommy Gardner, Eddy Maher, and Paul Giammarco of Rock Hunt Finalists Someday Providence dropped by the studio before the Rock Hunt finals two weeks ago and talked to Lyra. They discussed the abbreviation, SP, of their band name and being played on (and being on) MTV shows. They also talked about their MySpace page, on which they had been posting some rather interesting video diaries of themselves in their studio. The band even tried to do some shout-outs to local Rhode Island bands and then joked about being paid to do it. Their new 7-song album comes out May 24th.

Check out the full interview below!

Click here to listen

WBRU’s Rock Hunt at The Living Room on Friday night was quite an experience. DJ Shepherd and I started the night with a long and ill-advised walk all the way from the station in East Providence to The Living Room. Having never traveled there on foot before, we became a bit confused as to which direction was which, and found ourselves off-track on numerous occasions, often discovering that we were amid abandon buildings where the sketchy factor was exponential.

After this adventure of sorts, we found ourselves at the Living Room right in time to greet the bands and watch Awesome Brothers take the stage. They had already set up a screen onstage, and as we wondered what it was for, a video began depicting band members Luke and Ashleigh dressed in lab coats and goggles. Ashleigh talked incessantly, and Luke “vomited” spaghetti into her ear. The video was an appropriate precursor to what would prove to be a strange, yet strangely appealing, set that was very reminiscent of an Of Montreal concert. Videos flew by on the screen in time to the beat, all with a quirky-retro emphasis. Luke and Ashleigh put on an increasingly entertaining performance, complete with skilled used of a synthesizer, drum machine and keyboard. Their singing fit the music perfectly and sounded great, and Luke’s guitar complemented the sound well. The result was a show that was fun to watch and music that was more than appropriate for dancing. Read More

It was an exciting night at the Living Room last night! Three amazing local bands faced off in front of a large crowd for their chance to be the winner of WBRU’s Rock Hunt 2008. Awesome Brothers opened the night with a quirky-but-altogether-awesome performance involving crazy synth sounds, driving dance beats and music, and a series of strange but incredibly entertaining videos playing on a screen behind them as they performed. It Was the Best of Times came on second and blew us away with an incredible performance. They produced a complex, talented sound that was a perfect combination of standard, fun rock music and innovative new sound. Someday Providence finished off the night with an energetic performance that got the crowd excited and kept us all dancing. With a pop-rock style and skilled musicians, they put on a really fun set.

However, in the closing words of DJ Shepherd, “there can only be one winner on Rock Hunt 2008.” And the winner was It Was the Best of Times! Look forward to hearing more from all of these bands in the future, and listen to Home BRU’d at midnight on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning when DJ Shepherd will be interviewing It Was the Best of Times!

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Brought to you by JamStage, Rhode Island’s Premiere Music Complex. It’s where musicians play.
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If you made it down to Jerky’s this past Friday, you had the opportunity to see four impressive bands from southern New England. For nearly three hours we were blown away by the talents of home-brewed musicians.

First up was Pleasure Pot, hailing from right here in Providence. I was told by a fan that the singer/guitarist Dave Ladin was formerly of Badfish, the Sublime tribute band, and I was pleased to see that his talent and musical style aptly led the rest of the band through a catchy set. Frankly, though, I enjoyed drummer Dan St. Amour’s singing the most, as a welcome surprise midway through the set. In the end, many of their songs sounded similar, but every song added something to the performance as a whole. I was left humming the tunes long after Pleasure Pot had left the stage. Read More

If you didn’t make it down to Jerky’s this weekend, you missed out. We saw four spectacular acts that pushed judges to the closest decision they’ve ever had to make. Look forward to a review of the entire show; for now, know that Pleasure Pot opened with a bang, Someday Providence filled the room with energy and excitement, Das Vertebrats introduced some new, vibrant sound to the stage, and The Coming Weak finished with an incredible performance (and a clever and spirited Jimmy Eat World cover to boot). In the end, the judges selected Someday Providence to continue on to the finals on April 18th at the Living Room, but the decision was made by only one point! In other words, it was an incredibly close competition.

Now you have the second semifinals show to look forward to! It will be held at Jerky’s again, this Saturday, starting at 9pm. Look forward to seeing The Awesome Brothers, It Was the Best of Times, Minky Starshine & the New Cardinals, and Senior Discount.

Brought to you by Dunkin’ Donuts. Now through March 28th, after 2:00pm, hurry in to Dunkin’ Donuts and get yourself a small latte or espresso for just 99-cents. America Runs On Dunkin’.
Brought to you by JamStage, Rhode Island’s Premiere Music Complex. It’s where musicians play.
Brought to you by Narragansett Beer …have a ‘gansett!

After many late nights, lots of coffee, fatigued humor and listening to over 100 CDs, we are pleased to announce the Semifinalists for WBRU’s Rock Hunt 2008! Over the next few weeks, you’ll get to see these bands play several shows to compete to be declared the best Southern New England band of 2008.

Semifinalists:
Awesome Brothers
The Coming Weak
Das Vertebrats
It Was The Best Of Times
Pleasure Pot
Pointe Blank
Senior Discount
Someday Providence

Honorable Mentions:
Minky Starshine & the New Cardinals
The K-Rex Struts

Come to Jerky’s this Saturday for the first semifinals show! Doors open at 9pm, and the show begins at 10. Get your tickets at the door for only $5.

The second semifinals show will be at Club Hell on Saturday, April 12th. Doors at 6pm, show at 6:30. The finals will be at The Living Room on Friday, April 18th. Doors at 8pm, show at 9. So keep those days open and come and support Southern New England local music!

Brought to you by Dunkin’ Donuts. Now through March 28th, after 2:00pm, hurry in to Dunkin’ Donuts and get yourself a small latte or espresso for just 99-cents. America Runs On Dunkin’.
Brought to you by JamStage, Rhode Island’s Premiere Music Complex. It’s where musicians play.
Brought to you by Narragansett Beer …have a ‘gansett!