Gimme The Gig

The Roadmap to the Gimme the Gig II Finals

2011-12-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour has come to a close, and we’d like to thank all of the amazing independent bands who entered, best of luck to you all in your musical careers.

From Seattle’s Rock n Roll Marathon to the Snow Jam in San Diego, Gimme the Gig bands rocked the Focus tour, while fans got to test out the 2012 Focus and experience the car actually parking itself!

Check out some highlights of the tour:

Gimme the Gig talks it up with Seattle bands (click to watch video)

Avradelix performs at the Focus Tour - Cerritos event (click to view more photos)

For the 80 semi-finalists who have been chosen to battle it out online, the competition is just getting started. The panel of judges will be narrowing down to the top 30 in January, and in February we will announce the top 12 Finalists who will perform in front of Don Was for their chance to win a recording session in the one-of-a-kind Ford Focus mobile recording studio.

Check out some sneak peeks of Mad Mike from Galpin Auto Sports and Don Was planning out the Ford Focus:

Don Was, Mad Mike and Tom Grill discuss the making of the Focus recording studio (click to watch video)

Don Was discusses his recording plans for Gimme the Gig II winners (click to watch video)

Fans, this is your chance to help your favorite bands move into the finalist rounds, determined in part by your votes! When the top 30 bands are announced, go to www.gimmethegig.com to vote for your favorite bands, and answer a fun fact or share on Facebook for bonus votes! You can vote once per day.

Good luck to all of the semi-finalists currently being reviewed by the judging panel - make yourself stand out!!

For a description of the judging criteria, see the rules here.

Lost in Atlantis “Take 5” with Ford’s Gimme the Gig

2011-10-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

We took amoment to get to know Lost in Atlantis a little better. Read on to learn whatthese guys are all about!

GTG: How did you come up with thename Lost in Atlantis?

LIA: L.I.Awas formed after an extensive name search that myspace hasn't already takenover! Yes, we are speaking of the days in which myspace was once thriving.Lizzie, the singer and synth player, was sitting in bed eating some Romanianfood when she stumbled on the Discovery channel. They where featuring anepisode on the Lost City of Atlantis! And BOOM! After consulting with Eric andTim Pinedo, guitar players, L.I.A was officially formed.

GTG: How did you put your band together?

LIA: EricPinedo and Liz Rosnowski knew each other from a previous band they both wherein. After Eric and Liz both left the previous band, they decided to rejoin andform their own. Tim, Erics brother, later joined on bass guitar. Thesearch for the final member on drums was a long and extensive process. Aftermultiple drummer changes Tom Whiting, L.I.A's producer, decided to help themout and fill out the drummer responsibilities.

GTG: Tell me about the song you entered into the contest and why you chosethat song.

LIA: ReadyTo Go is the song that we've chosen to enter into the contest because we feellike it's marketable for the general audience members and it's more gearedtowards the musical direction we are heading for, which is RockTronica.

GTG: What's the funniest thing a fan has ever said or done?

LIA: At aconcert I, Lizzie, told the audience that we would accept any donations likesocks, pennies, gum etc. We looked to see what our fans left in the donation boxand sure enough we found a sock, some money, film from a camera. It made uslaugh so hard that people actually took my word and placed a sock in the box.We had a silly fan post renditions of our songs on youtube. Those were silly towatch too!

GTG: What would you say to Don Was if he were sitting next to you?

LIA: I'dopen up with a "hey, whats up?!" Probably talk about the sweet hatshe wears and wonder if i'd ever be able to pull them off. Then I'd probably askhim what major factors is he looking for in a band.

GTG: Who is your favorite super hero?

LIA: Minepersonally is Wonder Woman! I'm pretty sure that the boys like Iron Man andSpider man because "they're awesome".

GTG: What movie best describes your life?

LIA: Themost recent movie The Runaways on the life and story of Joan Jett. It doesn'treally closely represent my life but it shows the struggles of being a musicianand how much hard work it takes to want to reach the top.

Thanks for taking the time to speaking with us guys! Fans of Lost in Atlantis, make sure to vote on Gimme The Gig today!

Coral Thief “Take 5” with Ford’s Gimme the Gig

2011-09-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

We caught upwith Coral Thief and got to know them at another level. Find out what this bandis all about!

GTG: How did you come up with thename Coral Thief and what does it mean?

CT: Somefriends of mine and I (2 of which are now members of Coral Thief) took a tripto New Zealand for a vacation. While there, our bassist Justin, who for somereason likes to collect weird looking rocks, found a rock that looked like asurfboard and thought it would look awesome in his fish tank back home. Well,long story short, coming back through customs we find out that that littlesurfboard was a piece of coral. Taking coral from New Zealand is a huge no, no!I believe they could have charged us with a Class C Felony, but they were cooland let us go. So there you have it, and that's how we came up with Coral Thief!

GTG: What made you get started in music?

CT: For me personally, it was the ladies. Beingthat I was 15 when I started, I'm pretty sure that was my number onemotivation. Other than that, music is what drives me and makes me whole. Icouldn't live without it. From the time I wake up til the time I go to sleep,I'm working on my next move.

GTG: Tell me about the song you entered into the contest and why you chosethat song.

CT: The song we entered was called "Two Tonsof Fun". The reasons I chose it, was because it was the newest song thatwe had finished writing at the time of entering the contest, and the video wasthe first time performing it live. Not so much the songs meaning was I tryingto get out, but the fun we have as a band and the connection we have with ourfans.

GTG: What's the funniest thing you have experienced when performing?

CT: Well sadly enough I haven't personally hadanything funny happen on stage, but at one show in the beginning stages ofCoral Thief, our manager who did all the video recording of our shows didsomething pretty memorable. Mid set I see him side stage trying to get greatvideo of us and the people dancing on the dance floor. As he's walking aroundhe managed to tie his foot up with a power cord and unplugged the guitar andbass. We always told him we'd never let him on stage again unless he was in abikini...Ha ha, jokes on him!

GTG: What would you say to Don Was if he were sitting next to you?

CT: This isa business that I forever want to work in, so if I had the chance to speak withDon Was, I would ask advice! He is where he is for a reason. And I woulddefinitely try to talk him into working with me. Here's a great idea I justcame up with. How about we arrange this meeting and I'll give you a follow up,and I'll tell you what I said. :)

GTG: What is your most memorable childhood experience?

CT: I use to live in Detroit, Michigan. Big ups to Ford, by the way! But as a child meand my family would take road trips to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, which wasn'tvery far away. It was the most amazing amusement park, I've ever been to. Ilove that place and sadly I haven't got to go back since moving when I was 13.

GTG: If you had any super powers, what would it be?

CT: I wish I could read people's minds, howawesome would that be.....But it has to come with an on and off switch.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us guys! Fans of Coral Thief, make sure you vote for them on Gimme The Gig!

Born Loser and the Hangers On “Take 5” with Ford’s Gimme the Gig

2011-09-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

We caught upwith Born Loser and the Hangers On and spoke to Chelsey Louise, the leadvocalist. Find out what the funny and talented singer had to say about the bandand learn some things you never knew about them.

GTG: How did you come up with thename Born Loser and the Hangers On?

BLATHO: One day, as I was strolling throughthe thick shrubbery of North Scottsdale, a hipster ran me over with a fixie,and I landed flat on my back staring into the vast Arizona sky. SUDDENLY ANDWITHOUT WARNING, the clouds parted and this tiny, spinster, old lady (who hadmany cats) was all, "Sup." And I was like, "Sup."

And then Iwent home and my dad suggested it because he didn't use it in the 60s.

GTG: How and why did you get startedin music?

BLATHO: Well, I got started in music at ayoung age, when my mother would plop me down in front of the T.V. and made mewatch "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and danced with me to "LoveShack." I also did musical theatre for 8 years, and that's why our stageperformance is a bit theatrical. We call our genre "theatrical rock"because we all come from different backgrounds to create music that a lot ofpeople call "unique" and "interesting." Jenny is aclassically trained pianist, and has been playing for 15 years. Benny is ametal guitarist, Robert plays bass now, but he started playing guitar becauseof Dave Matthews, so his style is very jammy. And Adam, our drummer, is morepunk inspired.

GTG: Tell me about the song youentered into the contest and why you chose that song.

BLATHO: We entered with "The MosquitoSong," which is the single off of our debut EP "BLATHO"(available for free download at www.BLATHO.com). The album is recorded with ourold line-up (different drummer and bassist) by Michael Beck at Sound VisionRecording (www.soundvisionrecording.com). The song is really pop-influenced,and has been featured on KISS 103.9FM and KWSS 106.7FM. We also did a musicvideo with Ber Co Productions (www.bercoproductions.com), and it has gotten alot of good public response. Our sound is not entirely genre specific, so thissong doesn't really sound like what we usually play. We think this song has amass appeal, and it's so much fun to play a show and see our fans singing thewords in the audience!

GTG: Who is your biggest influencewhen it comes to music and song writing?

BLATHO: We are all influenced by differentbands. I am very influenced by musical theatre, and Nirvana and Queen. Thestage presence of Kurt Cobain and Freddy Mercury are incredible and of course Ihope to inspire and be as out there as they were. Jenny, the pianist, isinspired by Regina Spektor, who is very folksy and lyric-oriented. She writes alot of the songs. Benny, the guitarist, is inspired by metal, like Trivium andMetallica. Robert, the bassist, is all about Dave Matthews Band, and theirchill, jam style. Adam, the drummer, likes Led Zeppelin and Blink 182. He justset his drum set up like Travis Barker, even! We always try and find bands thatwe "sound like," but it is really difficult. People have said: TheCranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead.. But I think we sound just like BornLoser and the Hangers On!

GTG: What would you say to Don Was ifhe were sitting next to you?

BLATHO: Honestly, I'm a bit sociallyawkward, so I'd probably start off with something like, "How do you feelabout grilled cheese and ranch dressing?" and then continue theconversation from there. Of course, his life must be full of amazing stories,but I can imagine he would get bored of people asking what Bob Dylan was likein person. I'd ask about our music. What could we do to make us better? Howdoes he feel about our songs? How do we look and present ourselves on stage?

GTG: Can you tell us somethinginteresting about yourself that your fans would never know about?

BLATHO: 1) I can't play anything on thepiano except Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, and the beginning of theEntertainer. But nothing else. No scales or anything. Weird, I know. 2) We alllive together, except our drummer. 3) We support the GLBT community through our"I'm A Loser" Campaign (www.imaloser.org).

GTG: What other talents besides musicdo you have?

BLATHO: I can speed cup-stack (www.speedstacks.com)and I'm an actor/dancer.

Benny(guitarist) can do parkour (free-running). Robert (bassist) is an amazingoil-painter (http://ciucacreations.jimdo.com).

Jenny(pianist) writes fiction and poetry (she was a Fiction major at SUNY Purchasein New York).

Adam (drummer)has an uncanny knack for remaining. After jumping out of 2 planes, plummetingoff a 100 foot cliff, and being in nearly a dozen car accidents, he stillremains.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us guys! All BLATHO fans, make sure you vote for them on Gimme The Gig.

Slant “Take 5” with Ford’s Gimme the Gig

2011-09-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today wespoke to Slant and learned some fun things about them. Since the word “slant”basically means to view or interpret in a different way, they decided to callthemselves that because they slant their music. Read on to learn otherinteresting things about Slant.

GTG:What was your main inspiration to form a band and get into music?

Munir(Guitar): Growing up, I was always around music at home. I was given awalkman at the age of three for long trips because it was the only thing thatkept me from getting motion sickness when I was young. I loved the fact thatdifferent types of music would make you feel different, such as sadness,energy, anger etc. From that I wanted to create art that would make people feelsomething.

Jimmy Lee(Drummer): Listening to all sorts of music as I grew up, I somehow formed thisdrive to play music. I wanted to be like my idols and be an amazing drummer. Ifelt this desire to play & enjoy music for the rest of my life. Thanks tothe support of my mom and putting me through a music school, I was able to reallydiscover, dive in to, and appreciate the art of music. Now I cannot go a daywithout some form of music being in my ears. I love it! Then eventually my lifecrossed paths with Slant and that is how the universe was made.

Ilya(Bassist): When I was a kid I used take a broom and act as though it was aguitar or a microphone. I have always dreamed of being on stage, entertainingpeople, and being a role model to some youngster and now I have a chance tofulfill that dream.

GTG: Tell me about the song youentered into Gimme The Gig and why you chose it.

Munir(Guitar): "All I'm Good For" is the song we chose. The song'smeaning is very close to us and depicts an emotion of losing one's self andclimbing out of it. It is a song that grew during the recording the Self Titledalbum "Slant".

GTG: Who is your biggest influence inmusic and are there any current bands out there that you really admire?

Munir (Guitar): That list that can go on for pages.So I'm going to name the first few that pop into my head; The Deftones,Nirvana, The Doors, Adele, Alien Ant Farm, At the drive in, Tool, AvengedSevenfold, Cream, Nat king Cole, The Used, Saosin.

JimmyLee (Drummer): Too many big influences to name. It's almost like it variesday by day. I would say some current bands I've been listening to lately wouldbe Tool, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, and the group LMFAO (yes, I know theyaren't a rock band but they still have a driving beat to their music).

Ilya (Bassist): GN'R was my biggest influence atfirst, and when I actually started playing music I got into bands like Rush,Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pantera and Alice in Chains - to list afew. My current favorite bands would include Tool, Avenge Sevenfold, Alien AntFarm and very many others.

GTG:What would you say to Don Was if he were sitting next to you?

Munir (Guitar): What is the craziest thing you haveseen in the studio?

Jimmy Lee (Drummer): "What's up dude?"

GTG: Can you tell us somethinginteresting about yourself that your fans would never know about?

Munir (Guitar): I'm scared of spiders.

Jimmy Lee (Drummer): Sometimes I put my iPod on, go for ahike in the hills, and envision that I'm playing our music in front of 100,000people & they know all the lyrics to our songs.

GTG: What keeps you dedicated tomusic and the industry, especially when facing tough obstacles and competition?

Munir (Guitar): It would have to be the fans and theart of writing music. That can't ever be tainted.

Jimmy Lee (Drummer): I guess growing up the way I didjust makes me push hard and play harder. I can have no money and living paycheck to pay check and still love life as long as I have some form ofinstrument with me. It's an unexplainable drive that I have I guess.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us! All fans of Slant: don't forget to vote for them on Gimme The Gig!

Dead Lotus Society "Take 5" with Ford's Gimme The Gig

2011-09-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today we talked to Dead Lotus Society and got a little feedback from different band mates.

GTG: How did you come up with the name Dead Lotus Society?

Hyatt(Vocals): The Dead Lotus Society is in reference to a group coming together to find enlightenment in embracing the trials and tribulations thrown at us. The lotus in itself is a symbol of enlightenment and you can chose to become lost in the mysteries of the universe or find a path. In The Odyssey, the Lotophagi consumed seeds of the blue lotus to enter a state of enlightened apathy. However, this is not what I mean when I ask people to become a "lotus eater". Rather, I like to encourage our listeners to walk a different path of enlightenment by finding a new level of thought and strength through embracing the trials and tribulations that define our lives. In a way, they are consuming the DEAD lotus, rather than the one mentioned in The Odyssey.

GTG: What was your main inspiration to form a band and get into music?

Hyatt (Vocals): As a little girl, I remember walking into my older sister's room after she got her first CD player and hearing Nirvana blaring. My mother hated her music for the longest time and they battled it out. As I got older, I would secretly listen to her CDs from Anthrax to Hole, imagining I could someday shed my proverbial skin and connect to the audience. Though I would often stare off into the countryside in the back seat of my mother's truck and dream of playing festivals in the open fields, I had horrible self-esteem and did little to pursue said dream due to the sheer implausibility of ever fully supporting myself with music (or so teachers told me). However, I kept singing and eventually discovered the cathartic effect of screaming and roaring through artists like Fear Factory, Kittie and Dir En Grey. In my car, I could find solace in blaring my CDs and pretending I was Shirley Manson or Kathleen Hanna from Bikini Kill. One day, I forgot Dmitri was in the car and he heard me belting out a mighty scream. He then asked me to form a band and I kept refusing him. On a random Thursday night, he called me with a friend at 3:00 a.m. and asked me to be in the band. Not thinking, I told him, "Yeah, sure, whatever." The next day, I was greeted to a recording of our agreement. I'm sure I could have gotten out of it, but part of me wanted to defy the odds and acknowledge my childhood dream. Anyways, here we are because of trickery and dreams.
Dmitri (GUITARS): Hyatt. I had tried to put bands together in the past to no avail but when I heard her scream for the first time I decided to manifest a project with her as the leader.
Charlie (DRUMS): I've always admired other musicians and watching them perform since I was a kid. Once I realized I could do it myself, the rest was history.

GTG: Tell me about the song you entered into the contest and why you chose that song.

Hyatt(Vocals): "Greenwood" is a layer cake of duality, both in style and lyrical content. There is a lot of singing and clean vocals, but the song still retains our inherent underlying chaotic and beautiful brutality. On the first level, you have a song about aggression boiling to the surface of a victim that results in lashing out against the abuser. The next level or angle you can look at it from is paranoia and survival. More levels follow, with one of course being my own personal story. As you pull away each layer, it is the band's belief that the listener finds themselves in their own introspective journey. Perhaps you'll find mine, or perhaps you’ll find your own? Regardless, the journey remains.
Dmitri(GUITARS): "Greenwood" is about perceptions of strife and perpetual alienation on a very personal level, while also touching on issues of spiritual retribution.
Charlie (DRUMS): "Greenwood" really allows our diversity of influences to come through, so we figured it was a good choice.

GTG: Which bands do you have the most respect for in the industry and which do you think have influenced your style of music?

Hyatt(Vocals): While many are quick to assume that I've been most influenced by OTEP and Kittie, my musical styling has been most influenced by Japanese band, Dir en Grey, and the great female acts of Jack Off Jill, Shirley Manson, Janis Joplin and Bikini Kill. I have spent hours listening to the deranged vocals of Kyo from Dir en Grey to comprehend his vocal manipulations. Regarding the bands and musicians that I have the most respect for in the industry, it is women like Angela Gossow of Arch Enemy and Joan Jett that remind me to keep treading the territory of male dominated genres. Women of the Riot Grrrl movement remind me to keep my music intelligent and with a purpose of reform in areas like domestic violence, rape, and gender. These women have continued to push the gender boundaries and roles of the industry and I will forever respect them.
Dmitri(GUITARS): I have respect for bands like Animals as Leaders that continually break boundaries and redefine the very concept of style, let alone, music itself. As for influences, they go all over the place from Death, Abigor, Morbid Angel, Fear Factory, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Wagner, Bach, Devin Townsend, The Faceless to crack-pop, disco, and death-step.
Charlie (DRUMS): I've always admired Buddy Rich. I've also been greatly inspired by Chris Penny and Brann Dailor. I try and draw a little bit from the each of them, and then mash it up to create something of my own.

GTG: What would you say to Don Was if he were sitting next to you?

Dmitri(GUITARS): I would probably ask about his considerations on gothic architecture and whether or not it it's necessarily appropriate in the modern societies reflections of past music.
Hyatt(Vocals): Mr. Was, you've worked with groundbreaking female artists over the years like Carly Simon, Jill Sobule and Bonnie Raitt... The Dead Lotus Society may not be the usual genre you work with (nor one where women are prominent), but how about adding one more female fronted act to your discography this year?
Charlie(DRUMS): How 'bout them Broncos?

GTG: Can you tell us something interesting about yourself that your fans would never know about?

Hyatt(Vocals): It's been mentioned in one other interview, but I am a legal scholar. I'm working on several legal papers to potentially be published this years on topics ranging from transgender rights to cyber terrorism on the internet. When I grow up, I want to be a Rockstar-Power Ranger-Lawyer.
Dmitri (GUITARS): Many know that I was a sushi chef, however few know that I perceive taste as shape.
Charlie(DRUMS): I'm a pretty damn good musician, as well as a drummer. I've been known to rock a shreddin' guitar, groove a funky bass, and belch out a tune here and there.

GTG: What keeps you dedicated to this industry when facing tough competition/rejection/major obstacles? (Basically, what keeps you going and dedicated?)

Dmitri(GUITARS): Censored.
Charlie (DRUMS): The feeling.
Hyatt(Vocals): Really? You guys are giving one-liners? Blah, well, anyways! What keeps me going, and I'd like to assume keeps the rest of the band going, is lots of caffeine. Okay, seriously? Knowing that I've reached at least one fan and that the number keeps growing. I've had several shows where some young person in the audience has come up to me and lifted up their sleeves to show ancient scars. They've told me that they have never seen or felt someone so accurately embody their past strife and current confrontation with their past. In turn, they aren't afraid to show the scars because they know there is someone else that has had them and is learning to find strength in those tribulations. Channeling the muse, sharing the human experience and helping at least one person move forward through sound is what keeps me from becoming another suit in a cubicle.

Thanks for talking to us guys! To all of the Dead Lotus Society fans: don't forget to vote on Gimme The Gig!!

Josh Blackburn "Take 5" with Ford's Gimme The Gig

2011-09-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

We had the chance to talk to Josh and learn a little about what he does and his love for music. Read on to learn more about Josh and a couple things you would never guess about him.

GTG: How would you describe your style of music and what message are you trying to convey through your music?

JB: My music is adult contemporary with an edge. The message I want to portray is mainly: I want to bring Rock back with a more complex and lyric driven sound with nice instrumentation and hook that we have lost because a lot of music has lost its complexity and has become more about the catch. The catch is needed but it’s not about 3 chords and a hook. It seems that cool guitar and keyboard solos have been lost due to limitations on the length of songs. My goal is to bring music back to cool. My music is more of an old school sound and I feel like that is a huge compliment because that's what I am trying to do.

GTG: What was your main inspiration to form a band and get into music?

JB: I had a passion for music from a young age. I was playing with keyboards when I was 8 but I got my first guitar when I was 13.

GTG: Tell me about the song you entered into the contest and why you chose that song.

JB: The song is called “Round the Bend” and I chose it because it really shows different stages of musical level such as storytelling ability through lyrics, guitar skill, and performance level. I am a solo performer and wanted to show my looping ability and the skill of playing by yourself and making it sound like a huge sound.

GTG: What's the most outrageous experience you've seen at one of your gigs?

JB: My shows are really tame except for the occasional drunk person that tries to take the mic. from me and sing with me.

GTG: What would you say to Don Was if he were sitting next to you?

JB: If I were sitting next to him and we were listening to one of my original songs I would ask “Does this suck? Or do you have any ideas I could use to make my song better?” hahaha… No I actually would ask how did he start and what was the pinnacle moment where he new his career took a turn. I play 8 shows a week and I’ve always wondered when that moment is where you realize that things are happening.

GTG: Can you tell us something interesting about yourself that your fans would never know or guess about you?

JB: My fans would never know that I have a really bad problem with showing my arms and legs, I only wear long sleeves and don’t own a pair shorts or short sleeve polo’s. I don’t know where this comes from, it has just always been that way and I used live in Florida!

GTG: What keeps you dedicated to this industry when facing tough competition/rejection/major obstacles? (Basically, what keeps you going?)

JB: I think what keeps me going is my passion for writing and showing my music to people. If I can gain 2 new fans a night, I know that I am doing something right. Watching my fans grow is a driving force for me and makes me want to keep going. I do different things every night and want to keep my fans happy. They never see the same show every night.

Thanks for speaking to us Josh! Good luck on Gimme The Gig. For all of the Josh's fans, make sure you vote for him. Remember, every vote counts!!

PDR "Take 5" with Ford's Gimme The Gig

2011-09-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today we had the chance to catch up with Patryk de Rosa the lead guitarist from PDR. After being in a dozen of fallout bands he was inspired by his girlfriend to continue playing his music. Today we will take you behind the man with the make up and expose some things he has never shared with his fans before.

GTG: How did you come up with, or decide on your name?

PDR: PDR means Patryk de Rosa. I have been in a dozen bands who all had a fallout. Then I decided to start my own band with a drum machine and my cat. Could not let my music go, plus I had a bunch of songs I had wrote with other bands. My girlfriend inspired me to record my songs, which I then put up my CD on CD Baby. Since it was just me recording I decided to just go with my name since it was just me. After I put my CD up I decided it was time to start recruiting.

GTG: If Don Was were sitting next to you, what would you say to him to convince him to produce you?

PDR: I would tell him that I got a lot of ideas and music that people have liked. Plus we have a lot of potential. We would let him know were are a group that is willing to work. We would not try to question him and we know he knows what he is doing so we would let him do his job with no questions asked. It would not be hard to mold us into a great band since we have different styles and are pretty resilient.

GTG: If you had a limited edition 2012 Ford Focus designed for your band what would it look like? And what’s one thing that it would have to have?

PDR: I have driven a Ford Mustang for the last 18 years. So the first thing I would add would be racing suspension and rims. I also like to have performance so I would definitely need a turbo. I love to rev my engine and watch the other car speed away. You only race if you really need to, is the advice I would give to every racer out there.

GTG: Where did you hear about Gimme The Gig?

PDR: It was online and decided that I had to join after I knew the winner would get produced by Don Was.

GTG: What is the most outrageous thing you have seen at one of you gigs?

PDR: A woman dressed in cheetah outfit who was quite drunk and grabbed me and pulled me on the floor. I was abducted and forced to dance with while I was playing my guitar. It was very hard to play when all I could see was cheetah in my face.

I hope the fans of PDR were able to get to know the man behind the make up and find out things you have never known before. From everyone here at Gimme the Gig we would like to thank Patryk de Rosa from PDR for taking the time to allow us to interview him.

MealFrog "Take 5" with Ford's Gimme The Gig

2011-09-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today we got a chance to speak with Jason Riemath from Mealfrog. We learned many things about the band during this interview. Such as, a lucky musical scarf that was found in a forest far away brings MealFrog good luck. After learning this bit of juicy information about the band we dug up some more facts!

GTG: Do you have a good luck charm such as a piece of clothing item or a piece of equipment?

MF: A scarf that carries the Rainbow Kings enchanted musical magic. It was found in a forest far, far way where it was said to be the battle ground of the infamous war between the Rainbow King, the Ice Queen and the Little Minions.

GTG: If you could meet any musician or band, who would it be and why?

MF: It would be different for each of us, we all have similar, but very distinct tastes in music, especially when it comes to our favorites. From Pearl Jam to The Dave Matthews Band, from The Grateful Dead to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, we love all sorts of music in different ways individually. But if we have to hear one more Adele song I swear to God…

GTG: How did you come up with, or decide on your band name?

MF: In 2007, after I had graduated from WSU, my buddy Curt and I went on a road trip to Chicago for Lollapalooza. We decided to take the scenic route which took us across the country in a pinball type pattern of epicenes. After a few days of jamming on a random stranger’s ranch in Montana, getting stuck in West Yellowstone for what seemed like an eternity, swimming through waterfalls and partying with Hells Angels in Jackson Hole Wyoming we landed under Mt. Rushmore. To say the least we were a bit delirious from the day before and a 16 hour drive through both beautiful country and a perfectly straight freeway that was leading us into a lightning filled night sky ahead. We finally set up camp and started to slam beers without saying a word to each other. Curt finally breaks the silence and asks me what my original name was before I was adopted from Colombia, South America. I respond with my birth name Miguel Fehardo and we both go quiet for another 10 minutes and Curt bursts out with; “MealFrog…Your original name was MealFrog?!” To which I respond, “No Curt, not even close, it’s Miguel Fehardo, but that’s a killer name for a band!” It took some time before I could use it, but it was about a year later that I found myself on a stage with a bunch of guys under the name MealFrog, getting ready to play our first show.

GTG: Tell me about the song you entered into the contest and why you choose that song?

MF: I think the song we submitted was Trucker, but only because it was the only one we had a video of, ha. The song though is a back and forth argument of a couple, who has a distant relationship due to a career on the road, whether it be a trucker, a musician or anyone on the road really. It’s a pretty simple, heard it before song, compared to our other ones. But that’s just to draw you in to our weirdness. That and we just really like Trucker hats. Thank you Ashton Kutcher, thank you very much…

GTG: If you had a limited edition 2012 Ford Focus designed for your band what would it look like?

MF: It would have to look like a poisonous dart frog and have a licorice dispenser

GTG: If Don Was were sitting next to you, what would you say to him to convince him to produce you?

MF: We’re going to the Moon Don, you wanna come with us?

A big thank you to Jason Riemath for taking the time to speak with us here at Gimme the Gig!

Cowboy and a T.H.U.G. "Take 5" with Ford's Gimme The Gig

2011-08-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today we spoke with Cowboy and A T.H.U.G. Did you know that T.H.U.G. stands for True Hustler Unleashing Game? We didn’t think so! So we dug up some more facts about the diverse band.

Five things you should know about Cowboy and a T.H.U.G.

GTG: How did you come up with, or decide on your name?

Cowboy and a T.H.U.G.: “We have two very different personalities and wanted to put them together. We also wanted a name that people can Google.”

GTG: Where would your "dream show" be, or favorite place to perform?

Cowboy and a T.H.U.G.: “Madison square garden.”

GTG: If you could have a limited edition ’12 Ford Focus designed for your band what would it look like, and what’s one thing that it would HAVE to have?

Cowboy and a T.H.U.G.: “Have to have large subheads, and a really hot graphic that looks like tagging outside on the car that says Cowboy and A T.H.U.G. But on the inside it’s all country with cow leather seats, and a cowbell hanging from the rear view mirror.”

GTG: Any pre-show rituals?

Cowboy and a T.H.U.G.: “Showing up late? We both are very spontaneous so whatever happens, happens.”

GTG: What's the band's favorite food?

Cowboy and a T.H.U.G.: “Dollar value menu! After shows we run to Wendy’s or Jack in the Box.”

Thank you so much EZ Money for talking with us! Don't forget to vote for them on Gimme The Gig!

Margate "Take 5" with Ford's Gimme The Gig

2011-08-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today we spoke to Alex Helbig from Margate to get the inside scoop on the band. The original members all grew up on Margate Street in Encino, CA, hence the band name, Margate!

Five things you don’t know about Margate:

GTG: If you had the choice to perform anywhere, where would it be?

M: Wembley Stadium with the Police or Sir Paul McCartney. Also the Hollywood Bowl would be amazing!!

GTG: If you could have a limited edition ’12 Ford Focus designed for your band – what’s one thing that it would HAVE to have? And what would it be called?

M: Assuming this is the pimped out mobile studio 2012 Ford Focus… We would HAVE to have room for our dog “Duke”! It would be called “The Gate” mobile, short for Margate and the gateway to our future in our own Ford mobile studio

GTG: Is there a hidden secret about you guys that you think your fans would love to hear? What is it? What’s something you’ve never shared? We’re looking for an exclusive…something your fans would never guess.

M: We kissed a girl and we liked it!

GTG: What's the band's favorite food?

M: Ok here goes the plug, hahaha we go ape over Chick-fil-A. Our guitar player is from North Carolina and was always talking about these tasty fried chicken sandwiches with just a bun, chicken and pickles. While on the road we as a band finally got to experience that sandwich and it has been our favorite ever since.

A big thank you to Alex Helbig the lead vocalist and drummer of Margate, for taking the time to talk to us here at Gimme the Gig!

Eyeshine "Take 5" with Ford's Gimme The Gig

2011-08-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

We got to speak with Maurice Salmin and Johnny Yong Bosch from Eyeshine, Gimme The Gig I's semi-finalists. While hanging out in Miami they answered some questions for us.

Five things you do not know about Eyeshine’s Johnny and Maurice:

GTG: Where would your "dream show" be, or favorite place to perform?

ES (Maurice): Wembly Stadium in London.

GTG: If you could have a limited edition 2012 Ford Focus designed for your band – what’s one thing that it would HAVE to have? And what would it be called?

ES (Johnny): A joystick with a trigger that I can push to hear a missile launch and explode so when I am sitting in traffic I can pretend to blow up cars. Also huge wheel s so I can drive over traffic.

ES (Maurice): The mixer that Don Was is putting into the Focus and A huge screen to watch movies.

GTG: What is your favorite food?

ES (Johnny): Fried chicken

ES (Maurice): Pizza and gummy bears.

GTG: What food will you not eat?

ES (Johnny): Some Filipino food, like they have this 1,000 year old egg that they eat. I think that just sounds gross.

GTG: Any funny memories of your first shows?

ES (Johnny): It was one of our first shows and we played pretty badly so we went home and practiced every day to get it right. We went back to the same location ready to rock. We sounded like a football team before a game like “Yea! Let’s go!” We get there and one of my strings broke so we couldn’t play our show right. So disappointing.

Thank you to Johnny and Maurice from Eyeshine! It was awesome to speak with you and learn more about the band!

Ford's Gimme The Gig "Take 5" with Tricia Torres

2011-08-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today we spoke with Gimme The Gig II contestant, Tricia Torres who recently performed on the GTGII stage in Cerritos, CA. Tricia is a laid back, easy going girl with no secrets, she claims "I'm an open book". What else do we want to know?

GTG: Tell me about the song you submitted to GTGII. Why did you choose it?

TT: "For A While", is written about my Grandmother who passed away two years ago. It’s a celebration of her life - it's very meaningful to me, and inspiring. I wear a locket necklace which inside has a photo of her. She's good luck.

GTG: Where would your "dream show" be, or favorite place to perform?

TT: My dream gig would be to perform in Carnegie Hall, play a show with Bon Jovi, or meet Bonnie Raitt, I would love to pick her brain about life and music, and being a woman in the industry.

GTG: If you could go on a world tour where would some stops be?

TT: I would love to travel on tour to Paris, Germany, Spain, Japan, and London, when there aren't riots going on! In general, I’d really want to spread my music to different places around the world and touch as many people as I can.

GTG: If you could have a limited edition ’12 Ford Focus designed for your band – what’s one thing that it would HAVE to have? And what would it be called?

TT: My fictional, limited edition "Tricia Torres" '12 Ford Focus would have a mini PA system in the back, with a portable barbeque to have an on-the-go, tailgating, mini-show. And a huge extra mirror to help with driving!

GTG: If Don Was were sitting next to you, what would you say to him to convince him to produce you?

TT: We would be a good fit and we would work well together. I'm a good song writer, I'm a good listener... I'm not a diva, and I'm not full of myself.

Ford's Gimme The Gig "Take 5" with Perry Acker

2011-08-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today we were given the privilege to interview Mark Johnson, the keyboard player of Perry Acker and band manager, Sean Hensley, winner's of last year’s Gimme the Gig Contest. They named their band after Pete and Mark’s great grandfather, who was a well known water color painter. One day Pete passed by a painting hanging on the wall, he noticed his grandfather’s signature “Perry Acker” and thought it was catchy.The more they said it, the more it stuck! It certainly is a unique name!

Five things you don’t know about Perry Acker:

GTG: What keeps you involved and motivated to stay in this industry when you have to face tough competition/rejection/major obstacles?

PA: This industry is an outrageous, complicated place; we all strive to get through the tough stuff. The support from our family, friends and fans is what keeps us going. The fans keep showing up, so we owe it to them!

GTG: If you could meet any band, which would it be?

PA: I think I can say on behalf of all the guys, it would have to be Dave Matthews Band. They are a huge inspiration to us and it would be an honor to meet them.

GTG: What is the band’s favorite food?

PA: Uhh, is beer a food? Can we say liquid bread?

GTG: What is your favorite “guilty pleasure” song? Come on admit it, N’Sync is your favorite!

PA: Hmm, well all I listen to is jazz and classical rock. I will say N’Sync is on my IPod but I couldn’t tell you the last time it was played!

Special thanks to Mark and Sean from Perry Acker for taking the time to talk to us. It was a pleasure to interview last year’s prestigious winners!

Ford's Gimme The Gig "Take 5" with Orange Solution

2011-08-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today we got to speak with Sean from Orange Solution. Orange Solution is from Orange County and has only been practicing together for 6 months. What else don’t we know about this band?

GTG: How did you come up with your name, Orange Solution?

OS: My favorite color is orange plus my Irish heritage. We joke that Orange Solution is the solution to boring bands in Orange County.

GTG: Tell us about the song you entered into the contest and why you chose that song.

OS: We did a test among our friends and they all voted for Timothy to be entered into Gimme The Gig. Timothy Alexander is actually my uncle that passed away and this song is a tribute to him. He was very supportive of mine and my brother’s songwriting and encouraged us to follow it.

GTG: If you could have a limited edition 2012 Ford Focus designed for your band – what’s one thing that it would HAVE to have?

OS: It would have to be painted orange, of course. Also it would need to have a trailer hitch to pull around our equipment. The band would need a fridge or cooler and be stocked with drinks.

GTG: If you could meet any musician or band, who would it be?

OS: I think that the whole band would want to meet Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters.

GTG: What is your favorite “guilty pleasure” song of all time?

OS: Justin Timberlake’s, “Cry Me A River” could possibly be a future cover.

Special thanks to Sean for taking the time to talk with us. It was awesome to dig up some dirt on the band.

Don Was named CCO of Blue Note Records

2011-08-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Grammy-award winning producer and musician Don Was has been named Chief Creative Officer of Blue Note Records, EMI’s label announced on Tuesday.

Was will sign and develop creative talent for Blue Note, working closely with president of Capitol & Virgin Labels Group Dan McCarroll and president of Blue Note & Manhattan Ian Ralfini, who jointly announced the appointment.

Was, who has been honored with multiple Grammys for his work producing records for Ziggy Marley, The Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt, and who has worked with legendary artists such as Al Green, BB King, and most recently John Mayer, will also produce a number of records for the legendary jazz label.

Founded in 1939, Blue Note has released albums from Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and many more. It's current roster includes Norah Jones, Amos Lee and actor/musician Jeff Bridges.

"It's a profound honor to be a part of this legendary company alongside such prodigious record men as Dan and Ian," Was said in a statement. "We dedicate ourselves to furthering Blue Note's artistic tradition of unbridled creativity, talent, intelligence and GROOVE!"

For your chance to be produced by the newly-appointed Blue Note Records CCO Don Was, enter your song at Gimmethegig.com today!

For more information, on Don Was' new role as CCO of Blue Note Records, check out the following articles:

The Hollywood Reporter

EMI Music

FREE Vintage Gear!? Listen up Musicians!

2011-08-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Learn how to win a hand-crafted LsL Guitar, Rivera Thirty Twelve Amp, etc. in less than 40 seconds!

Musicians know that every scar, sticker and scratch on their favorite equipment is hard-earned, and that’s why you love it. We want to see your gear, and give you the chance to win top-notch vintage gear to add to your collection!

Let us teach you how, in less than 40 seconds!

All you have to do is submit a picture of your beloved equipment here for the chance to win exclusive vintage gear from Ford, such as:

LSL Electric Guitar, valued at over $2,000

The neck and body of this LSL is hand shaped and pick-ups are hand wound. No computers were made to manufacture this guitar. A review from massstreetmusic.com says: "LSL Guitars are incredibly well crafted by Lance Lerman who has quickly grabbed attention from tele, strat and relic fans alike. From his renowned T-Bones to his Saticoys, every part is hand-made, right down to the killer hand-wound pickups. There are no CNC parts here- these are superbly hand crafted instruments with a real vintage feel, unparalleled resonance and tasteful relic jobs. Lerman chooses only the finest woods like Swamp Ash and Sugar Pine to ensure these instruments have great resonance and durability while the weight of most is incredibly light."

Rivera Thirty Twelve Amp

Known to have been used by classic rock artists like the Steve Miller Band, Rivera Amps are also great collector’s items. The Rivera Thirty Twelve Amp is all tube, hand wired amp from California with two channels that give you that "tweed" sound and that "AC30" sound. Small, loud package. Comes with owner's manual and foot pedal.

Paiste Signature Dark Crisp Hi-Hat

Used by Charlie Benante, the drummer for the heavy metal band Anthrax. Also used by Frank Briggs a drum soloist and composer. The first series to be made from the patented Paiste Sound Alloy for transparent, delicate, and sensitive tones with potent expression. The ultimate Paiste sound cymbal, they're perfect for recording and live situations that require precision-tuned instruments. A very thick bottom and thin top cymbal make this a full and tight sounding hi-hat. Boasts a warm, pronounced stick sound along with a full, slightly dirty open sound and dark, crisp "chick" sound. Very responsive feel, very articulate, and versatile.

Silvertone 1482 Amp

The 1482 is a very cool all tube amp from the 1960's with lush vibrato - very dark sounding. This is a great recording amp with single coil guitars. The 1472 & 1482 Silvertone amps were the cool, next to top of the line combo amps available for the bulk of the '60s. Big speaker (12"), a good amount of power (10 watts, increasing to 15 in '63); a nice complement of controls (with tremolo!) and an easy to transport design made this amp a popular sound machine.

BOSS BR-1180/1180CD Digital Recording Studio

This powerful digital studio gives you eight playback tracks, a stereo Master Track and 80 Virtual Tracks for recording. There's also a 20GB hard drive and an available internal CD-RW drive to burn your music to CD (BR-1180CD model). And with killer BOSS effects and a separate Rhythm Track with sampled drum sounds, there's nothing you can't do.

We’ve already awarded a sweet Fender 1966 Bandmaster Head Amp – you could be our next winner!

"Fender tube amps are considered the most treasured guitar amplifiers of all time. Popular models like the Fender Showman and Band-Master, the first professional tube heads on the market, are considered collector’s items today."

CLICK HERE TO ENTER GIMME THE GEAR

PS. Have you entered your band for the chance to work with Grammy-winning producer Don Was? Click here to enter!

And if you want to be interviewed over the phone during our livestream from the McRockin' Lounge every day at 4 pm PST, give us a shout out on Twitter @Gimmethegig or drop us a line on Facebook!

FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND GRAMMY-AWARD WINNER DON WAS ANNOUNCE GIMME THE GIG II

2011-05-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Grammy-Award winning producer Don Was has partnered with Ford Motor Company for the second year in a row in an eight-month competition to search for the best independent musicians and bands. For those of us crazy enough to call ourselves “artists,” this is what is known as the Big Break.

This is a chance in a lifetime to be discovered by millions online, and record a track with a legendary producer who has worked with the biggest names in the industry – from the Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt to his current project with John Mayer and American Idol. But right now, he’s searching for YOU! Like the 'it factor' Was saw when he first heard Garth Brooks' voice resonating in the studio (The Celebrity Café), Was says that the winners of the "Gimme the Gig" contest will have a certain "panache.”

Did 20 Million People Really fit in Don Was’ Garage?

Last year, the Gimme the Gig competition garnered over 2,500 bands and over 4 million views of the finale event broadcast on KTLA where Was announced Gig Harbor, WA natives Perry Acker as the winners.

Overall the competition reached over 20 million people and culminated in a finale event that brought together an eclectic group of 7 bands and musicians from all around the Western US. Bands were judged along the way by number of votes on their posted submission, overall musical appeal & originality, and something unique to this competition – their social networking presence. This year, fans will have the chance to earn bonus points for their favorite bands by sharing videos on their Facebook page.

You may have an impulse to hastily click off to Gimmethegig.com and enter your band A.S.A.P., but read on, because it gets even better. (And you can’t enter until June 15^th anyway. This isn’t a test in speed-reading).

3 Winners, 1 Track Each, and a Pimped Out 2012 Ford Focus

The twist (yes there is a twist): this year there will be not one, but three winners that will get to record one track each with Don Was. An even twistier twist is that we’re not just taking the show on the road; we’re taking the studio on the road too.

The good folks at Galpin Auto Sports (of ‘Pimp My Ride’ fame) are helping us turn the all-new 2012 Ford Focus into our personal mobile mixing board. The car is loaded with such features as a Premium 10-Speaker Audio System powered by 355 Watts, and specially designed features to keep road noise outside and the music inside.

The Biggest Secret of the Competition (Shhh)

The starry-eyed will read no further than the headline, enticed by the final prize. But here is the biggest secret of this competition and what makes it truly unique – Gimme the Gig II is an 8-month journey, not a set and forget submission contest. When you enter Gimme the Gig, you could be strategically promoting your music in an online battle of the bands in front of an audience of thousands, packing up your tour van to perform at one of our exclusive live venues across the Western US, and if you’re good enough, you could be performing live in front of the legendary Don Was himself. “Gimme the Gig was an amazing experience for us. We called on our fans to support our music, check out cool Ford cars and experience a dream recording project with Mr. Don Was. We will share this story for many, many years!” - Perry Acker Band, Gimme the Gig I Winners

Ready to Show the World What You Got?

Starting June 15, enter at www.gimmethegig.com and submit your songs for votes.

Follow Gimme the Gig on Facebook & Twitter for up-to-the minute news:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/GimmeTheGig

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gimmethegig

Check out photos from last year’s finale and Don Was’ recording session with Perry Acker:

http://www.flickr.com/gimmethegig

SOURCES:

Vaccaro, Michelle (2010, June 2). Interview with Don Was http://thecelebritycafe.com/interview/don-was-06-02-2010