Over the last month I have been a judge at Hard Rock Café, Hard Rock Rising.
Hard Rock Rising is a global battle of the bands competition that gives bands a chance to open up for Hard Rock Calling in London, England. This Thursday night, March 29^th the Atlanta finals will be held. Below is a list of the finalist. Please be sure to check out each band and come out and support each one as they play for an opportunity of a lifetime.
 
Brad Seelig
Platinum & Vintage Manager
Direct Line: 404.694.5032
 
Round 1 Winner:  Soylent Red
 
Soylent Red is a rock band from Atlanta, Georgia that plays a soulful blend of rock, alternative, and blues. Their music came about organically and on it's own, and now they would like to share it with fellow music lovers. They are not limited to one style or genre, giving their songs variety and dynamics. Their original music features alternating wailing and crunching guitar, hypnotic, driving bass, and a powerful explosion of drums and cymbals. They also mix in clean, melodic guitar, funk, and thoughtful lyrics, taking the listener on a roller coaster ride of music from the soul. Many different bands, from Sublime and Bob Marley to Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, have influenced Soylent Red. Mix in Tool, The Beatles, and Pearl Jam, just to name a few, and you have rock that's not afraid to be whatever it needs to be.
www.soylentredband.com
Members:
Brian Austin - guitars/lead vocals
Rhianna Bailey - bass,
Nick Hamil – drums/Vocals
 
Gear:
 
Fender Strat and Fender Jag bass
Fender Twin Reverb
Gallien-Krueger cab and bass head
 
“Guitar Center Atlanta has the best selection around and we can always get exactly what we need for superb sound.”
 
Round 2 Winner: I.R.E. (Intello Rhythm Eclectic)
 
I.R.E. (Intello Rhythm Eclectic) brings a Progressive World sound out of Atlanta, Georgia. Fusing an eclectic array of Reggae, Rock, Blues, Funk, and Jam with a touch of Hip Hop and Jazz; each used in a unique and original was, mixed with influential song writing and unstoppable energy. I.R.E. is quickly becoming every ones new favorite band
I.R.E. is here to show the world some much needed love. They have a truly original and unique sound that will keep your feet moving, with a positive, uplifting message that everyone can appreciate.
 
I.R.E. came together as a band when they were all between the ages of 17 to 22. They were young, idealistic, and full of energy, coming from different parts of the country with different musical backgrounds and skill levels. After the first time they jammed there was an undeniable chemistry that other people seemed to thoroughly enjoy as well. I.R.E. was given their first opportunity to perform by the Natti Love Joys at Camp Reggae in the Fall of 2008 under the name ‘Northern Lights’ which was soon thereafter changed to ‘Intello Rhythm Eclectic’ aka I.R.E. Before they knew it they were being asked to perform throughout the Southeast and have since then built a strong and diverse fan base that keeps them constantly striving to top each previous performance.
:www.ireband.com
www.reverbnation.com/ireband
 
 Members:
Amy Middleton – Vocals
Troy Richmond – Vocals
Daniel Taylor – Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Matt McEnery – Guitar/Bass
Lee Taylor – Keys/Vocals
Mark Mendel – Drums
 
Gear:
 
Guitar - Mexican Strat with noiseless pick ups/ Schecter c7/ Ernie Ball Strings
Bugera Amp, Boss comp/sustain, Boss Blues Driver, Boss Digital Delay,Dunlop Cry Baby Wah,
Radial Hollywood Bones Distortion
Bass - Sting Ray Bass, Ernie Ball Strings, Gallien Krueger Head and Cab
Drums - Four(4) piece Mapex M Series, Zildjian Cymbals, Zildjian 5b nylon tip sticks, 
Tama Iron Cobra double bass pedal
Keys - Casio WK-3800 76-Key Digital Keyboard Workstation
and M-Audio 88 Workstation, ProLine PL-402 2 Tier Double X-Braced Keyboard Stand,
Mac Book Pro
Mics - Beta 58, SM 57, Beta 87
 
“We only use Guitar Center! They have unbeatable prices and the biggest selection in town.”
  
Round 3 Winner: Kick the Robot
 
Formed in 2006, this young power pop trio, driven by great songwriting and outstanding vocal harmonies, bring an infectious new energy to alternative rock. Kick the Robot write and perform all original music. Influenced by everyone from The Beatles and The Zombies to modern day rock stars like Marcy Playground, The Raconteurs and Muse, this group aspires to bring back hook-driven, uninhibited rock ‘n roll. The band recorded and released a five song EP in late 2009 and began playing locally earlier that year. They rapidly gained a local fan base and received critical acclaim on their songwriting and performance ability. They continue to write new music regularly and perform to an increasing following. They are playing shows at highly regarded venues in Atlanta and Athens, GA such as The Vinyl, Masquerade, Red Light Café, Sweetwater and The Melting Point. Kick the Robot is produced by Gerry Hansen, the legendary session drummer and producer for many artists including Shawn Mullins and Randall Bramblett. Kick the Robot is currently playing both club shows and festivals in Georgia and finalizing their debut CD. Their full-length album will be titled “Music to Fight the Future” and is targeted for release in early 2012. Photos, music, videos and other links are available at the band’s website.
www.kicktherobot.com. 
 
 Members:
Dylan Hansen - Drums
 Dan Remel – Bass/vocals
 and Jesse Scarpone – Guitar/vocals
 
Gear:
 
Guitar - Fender Custom Shop 60’s re-issue Stratocaster guitar, Fender DeVille amp. 
 Bass - Fender Deluxe Special Active P Bass and uses a Ampeg BA-115 amplifier. Drums - Gretsch drums, uses Paiste and Zildjian cymbals, a Pearl Eliminator pedal and Vic Firth sticks. 
 
 
“We love Guitar Center because you have a wide variety of gear that suits any musician's needs.”