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 This fall the ASCAP Presents... Ampt Music Series, sponsored by Heineken, showcased top local rock artists and bands (signed and unsigned) in their home cities.
The showcases were designed to bring these deserving performers and songwriters to the attention of both the music industry and the public, in line with ASCAP's long-standing commitment to developing new musical talent and Heineken USA's efforts to support performing arts. The series featured showcases in five of the nation's most vibrant music scenes: Austin, Miami, Chicago, Seattle, and Boston. The New York Post gave the ASCAP Presents ... Ampt CD a four-star rating. ASCAP wishes to thank Heineken USA for supporting local music.
  The five piece rhythm-and-pop group Frisbie has been crafting music and performing in the Chicago area since 1998. The group recently released their debut album, The Subversive Sounds of Love, which combines insightful lyrics, catchy melodies and their trademark, three-part harmonies.
Written by Steve Frisbie, Liam Davis, Ross Bergseth, Eddie Carlson & Zack Kantor (ASCAP) © 2000 Frisbie/HearDiagonally.
  Founded by Chris Ballew, the former lead singer and songwriter for the multi-platinum artists The Presidents of the United States of America, The Giraffes' first album, 13 Other Dimensions, was released in February 1998 and featured a made-up band of hand puppets invented by Chris. The group consists of Chris on acoustic guitar, Mike Musburger on drums and Jason Staczek on organ and clarinet.
Written by Chris Ballew © 2000 Raw Poo Music (ASCAP).
  A man of many identities, Bob Schneider's past lives include bands Joe Rockhead, The Ugly Americans and currently, The Scabs. Meanwhile, Bob's second solo effort, Lonelyland has been a top seller in Austin, while his recent appearances on the Tonight Show and The Morning Show in support of his three songs on the GunShy soundtrack have added to his momentum.
Written by Bob Schneider © 1999 Shockorama Music (ASCAP). Bob Schneider appears courtesy of Universal Records.
  Born in Los Angeles, Luther Russell co-founded the rock & roll group the Freewheelers. After two records, the group disbanded and Russell re-located to Portland, Oregon. His first solo album, Lowdown World, was released in 1997 and consisted of original and traditional folk and blues. He released his second solo album, Down at Kit's in 1999. He recently finished a new album, Skulltown, a collection of rock and roll, folk-rock and pop.
Written by Luther Russell © 2000 (ASCAP).
  Texas alternative rock-group Goudie, led by Johnny Goudie, made its debut three years ago. The band's big break came in 1998 when their potential was recognized during a performance at the annual South by Southwest Music Conference, ultimately leading to a record deal with The Music Company/Elektra.
Written by Johnny Goudie and Jimmy Messer © 2000 (ASCAP). Goudie appears courtesy of The Music Company/Elektra.
  The Gentlemen came into existence after The Gravel Pit members Lucky Jackson, Ed Valauskas and Pete Caldes connected with The Figgs' Mike Gent and played a few shows as a side venture. Their collaborative efforts were so well received by local audiences that the group decided to record a 12-song album entitled Ladies and Gentlemen…The Gentlemen. Although the The Gravel Pit and The Figgs have their own separate projects, The Gentlemen will continue to travel and play together whenever possible.
Written by Jeff Juhase © 1999 Relaxin' Jackson Music (ASCAP). The Gentlemen appear courtesy of Hearbox/Q Division Records.
  Zen Guerrilla is a mixture of blues, rock and punk, creating an individual, original and personal sound. The band was formed in 1991 in Newark, Delaware and then relocated to Philadelphia. The group then moved to San Francisco where Jello Biafra discovered them. The group recently released their second album entitled Positronic Raygun.
Written by Marcus Durant, Rich Millman, Carl Horne & Andy Duvall © 1999 Magnetic Spider Music (ASCAP). Zen Guerrilla appears courtesy of Sub Pop Records.
  George DeVore began his music career as a college student in Cedar Falls, IA. His professional future began to unfold when he moved to Austin, where he was singled out for Best Tape honors at the Austin Music Awards. DeVore and his band, The Roam, have been cited by local newspapers as being among the most popular Austin live acts.
Written by George DeVore © 2000 Roamin Music (ASCAP).
  Ciara was formed in 1995 when five Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students came together to create a "mixture of intense alternative-rock with the hooks and melodies of straight pop music." The group began developing their unique sound in Daytona Beach nightclubs and colleges. Their debut album, Façade, includes three songs that have garnered airplay on over 350 college radio stations.
Written by Moira Byrne, Soo-Hyun Chae, Tom Player, Jim Holland & Kenny Cox © 2000 Layla Bree Music (ASCAP).
  Since their formation in 1997, The Druids have made a strong name for themselves in South Florida by receiving local radio airplay and opening for major touring bands. The band has developed a sound that represents a "myriad of musical experiences derived from the history of all its members."
Written by Ludwig Bautista © 2000 (ASCAP).
 Automatic was formed in April 2000 by guitarist Darren Hooker and drummer Danny Allen who had previously played together in Prayer Factory. They soon added vocalist Patrick Napier (formerly of 60 Cycle Hum) and Mark Wikkett on bass.
Written by Darren Hocker, Patrick Napper, Danny Allen & Mark Wikkett © 2000 (ASCAP).
  Blue Meridian was formed in 1994. The group's success is a result of their unique sound and original songs, which possess an "unforgettable quality, but often show diversity and profound experimentalism." The band has sold over 2,500 albums and won several awards, including "Best Rock Band" in Orlando in 1999 and 2000 and "Best Rock Album" in 2000 at the Orlando Weekly Awards.
Written by Donovan Lyman © 1999 Sound Makes Sense Publishing (ASCAP).
  Libido is a band on a mission to bring Peruvian rock to the world. In 1998, the band recorded its self-titled debut album, which included four hit singles. The group, which includes Salim Vera, Antonio Jauregui, Manolo Hidalgo and Jeffry Fischman, recently finished their second album titled, Hembra.
Written by Antonio Jaregui © 1998 Sony/ATV Discos Music Publishing (ASCAP).
  David Thompson and singer Corin Ashley met in 1995 to form this Boston-based pop group. Guitarist Clyde O'Scope and drummer Jamie Vavra later joined them. Recently voted "Best Live Band in Boston" by a local music publication and winner of the Boston Music Award for "Best Debut Album," The Pills just completed their first tour of Spain.
Written by David Thompson © 1998 Mustache Music Publishing (ASCAP). The Pills appear courtesy of Monolyth Records.
  Members of Waltham grew up together in the suburb of Boston that bears the band's name. Frank Pino and younger brother Dave, Tony Monaco, David Illsley and Darryl Grant make up the all-male ensemble. In 1999, the band was voted "Best Live Band" and this year voted the "Best New Band" by the Boston Phoenix and Noise Magazine.
Written by David Pino © 2000 Friggin Music (ASCAP)
  Orlando, Florida-based Parafanelia originated to create a "different, interesting and unique sound." They released their first CD, DeSPACIO, in 1999. The band focuses on originality and diversity, making it one of the most popular rock en español bands in Orlando. They were named "Best Rock en Español Band" at the Orlando Weekly Awards in 1999.
Written by Alex Garcia © 1999 Locosaurius Music (ASCAP)
  Rock group Brain Rakes is a mixture of three talented guys who each possess a unique musical talent. The combination generates a "hard charging fresh sound full of harmonious hooks, big drums and driving guitars that is original yet familiar." The band recently recorded a self-titled EP in their hometown of Chicago.
Written by Fred Carli © 2000 (ASCAP)
To see other issues of The Ear, click here:
The ASCAP Ear, Vol. 5
The ASCAP Ear, Vol. 4
The ASCAP Ear, Vol. 3
The ASCAP Ear, Vol. 2
The ASCAP Ear, Vol. 1
Heineken is a registered trademark of Heineken N.V. Used with permission.
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