Essential Reading

A Canadian Band Takes on the World

3 years ago by Alan Cross | September 10, 2009 3:41 pm

Through any given year, I get a chance to meet with a variety of young bands which are just starting out.  A couple of years ago, I met Kent Martell, an ambitious dude who managed to make friends with Sylvia Massy, producer of Tool’s Opiate and Undertow, some System of a Down and even a little Prince.  Kent convinced Sylvia that his brand new baby band, Awaking State, was worth something. 

Now they’re working together. I’ve heard some of the stuff and it’s good. 

Currently, Awaking State is the only Canadian finalist in a contest that will see an unsigned band play the massive South By Southwest even in Texas next March—plus some publicity and a $5K cash prize. 

Give a listen to what Kent and Sylvia have been concocting here.

Should you want to throw a vote their way, you can do so here.

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add a comment 6 Comments
  • Mikey
    September 25, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    This band is awsome! I’ve seen them live tonnes of times and they’re always kicking ass! Check em out!

    (Reply)
  • Cris Osborne
    September 25, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I have had a chance to see Awaking State live and they are an amazing act! There tunes are crips and they are a band that I really hope makes it! Thanks for the link for the voting as well!

    (Reply)
  • Corina
    September 25, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Have been following these guys throughout the competition… pretty interesting attitude during our interview ;)

    (Reply)
  • Olivia Chessman
    September 28, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    Vote Awaking State! These guys (and girl) are so deserving of the Airwalk Unsigned Hero contest’s prize…dedicated, hard working musicians who are obviously passionate about their work. Go Canada Go!

    http://www.airwalk.com/ush/#/AwakingState/

    (Reply)
  • Suki
    September 28, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    This band has the perfect combination of hard rock, electronica, industrial sound that I love. The music and talent of the players is the perfect backdrop for the real lyrics and intense performance by the singer. There is no doubt they should be representing Canadian music by being at SXSW!

    (Reply)
  • Ceylan
    October 3, 2009 at 4:15 pm

    They rock! They’re the best :D YAY!

    (Reply)

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