next2rock Local Finalists Announced!

next2rock Local Finalists Announced!

Posted: November 1, 2017

Check out which bands made the next2rock local finals! These six bands will face off at a Live Battle of the Bands Event this Saturday at St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake. Come out and support these local bands as they continue to battle to be rock’s next big star! Music starts at 7pm and admission is FREE.

Ashes From Stone is a rock band based out of Prior Lake, MN. The lineup includes Andrew Allen Owens (Vocals), Elijah James (Bass), Joey Steel (Drums), and Justin Void (Guitar). Formed in 2012, AFS has released two full length albums, 2015's debut "Riddles and Riots" and 2017's "Molon Labe." The band hopes to build off the momentum of their single releases "Alter Ego," and "Evil Minds" by getting on the road for remainder of 2017 into 2018. Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation

Ashes From Stone

Ashes From Stone is a rock band based out of Prior Lake, MN. The lineup includes Andrew Allen Owens (Vocals), Elijah James (Bass), Joey Steel (Drums), and Justin Void (Guitar). Formed in 2012, AFS has released two full length albums, 2015’s debut “Riddles and Riots” and 2017’s “Molon Labe.” The band hopes to build off the momentum of their single releases “Alter Ego,” and “Evil Minds” by getting on the road for remainder of 2017 into 2018.

Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation
Calling Minneapolis, MN their home, Smiling Politely is comprised of members Eric Tracey (vocals/guitar), Marc Hall (guitar), Mike Egan (bass) and Brady Outcelt (drums). Smiling Politely brings forth a style of melodic, hard rock that dances the line between metal and rock. After Putting out two EP's, Smiling Politely Published their first full length album in 2008 (Behind The Mask). They toured the midwest for a few years finding local success. In 2012 the band released their second full length album (Through The Darkness), which afforded them yet more success and furthered their rise through the MN music scene. Smiling Politely is currently supporting their third studio effort (In The Wake Of The Storm). The album was released in July of 2015 and immediately followed by a 5 week midwest/east coast tour. The band has since toured central US and has released a new single titled "Through Your Fire", which has reached over 40,000 views on Youtube within the first month of release. The official music video will be released soon and is in the filming and editing stages. Smiling Politely is currently working on a new album. It will be out early to mid 2018. Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation

Smiling Politely

Calling Minneapolis, MN their home, Smiling Politely is comprised of members Eric Tracey (vocals/guitar), Marc Hall (guitar), Mike Egan (bass) and Brady Outcelt (drums). Smiling Politely brings forth a style of melodic, hard rock that dances the line between metal and rock. After Putting out two EP’s, Smiling Politely Published their first full length album in 2008 (Behind The Mask). They toured the midwest for a few years finding local success. In 2012 the band released their second full length album (Through The Darkness), which afforded them yet more success and furthered their rise through the MN music scene. Smiling Politely is currently supporting their third studio effort (In The Wake Of The Storm). The album was released in July of 2015 and immediately followed by a 5 week midwest/east coast tour. The band has since toured central US and has released a new single titled “Through Your Fire”, which has reached over 40,000 views on Youtube within the first month of release. The official music video will be released soon and is in the filming and editing stages. Smiling Politely is currently working on a new album. It will be out early to mid 2018.

Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation
Negative Six is a recently formed Minnesota native Rock N' Roll supergroup combining the best sounds of the greatest generations of rock. Intertwining sweet melodic interludes with bridge-burning riffs, heart-stopping drums and threateningly seductive vocals, Negative Six will grip your ear drums and never let go. Negative Six is comprised of three wildly unique musicians with a burning thirst for the next tier of excellence. Facebook

Negative Six

Negative Six is a recently formed Minnesota native Rock N’ Roll supergroup combining the best sounds of the greatest generations of rock. Intertwining sweet melodic interludes with bridge-burning riffs, heart-stopping drums and threateningly seductive vocals, Negative Six will grip your ear drums and never let go. Negative Six is comprised of three wildly unique musicians with a burning thirst for the next tier of excellence.

Facebook
Minneapolis hard rock quintet, Sleep Signals, have garnered a dedicated following through relentless touring, their explosive live performances, and their ability to blend catchy hooks with their high-energy songwriting style. 2017 continues to be a huge year for Sleep Signals, which started with the release of their new single, "I'll Save You", in January, along with an accompanying music video that was premiered by Vevo. The single was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Justin Rimer (Saving Abel, 12 Stones). The band followed up the single returning to the studio with Justin Rimer to finish up their new album, "At the End of the World", which dropped in September, and features guest appearances from Marty Mccoy of Bobaflex and Josh Brown of Full Devil Jacket. Founded in 2014, the band hit the road in early 2015 and has since played over 175 shows in 26 states, sharing the stage with bands like In Flames, Saving Abel, Bobaflex, Ill Nino, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, Alesana, Volumes, Capture the Crown, The Browning, and 3 Pill Morning. Sleep Signals released their second EP, "Transitions", in early 2016 and followed it up with US tours with heavy hitters Screaming for Silence and Lydia Can't Breathe. The band has played several festivals including Northern Invasion, SXSW, and Heart of Texas Rockfest. Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation

Sleep Signals

Minneapolis hard rock quintet, Sleep Signals, have garnered a dedicated following through relentless touring, their explosive live performances, and their ability to blend catchy hooks with their high-energy songwriting style. 2017 continues to be a huge year for Sleep Signals, which started with the release of their new single, “I’ll Save You”, in January, along with an accompanying music video that was premiered by Vevo. The single was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Justin Rimer (Saving Abel, 12 Stones). The band followed up the single returning to the studio with Justin Rimer to finish up their new album, “At the End of the World”, which dropped in September, and features guest appearances from Marty Mccoy of Bobaflex and Josh Brown of Full Devil Jacket. Founded in 2014, the band hit the road in early 2015 and has since played over 175 shows in 26 states, sharing the stage with bands like In Flames, Saving Abel, Bobaflex, Ill Nino, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, Alesana, Volumes, Capture the Crown, The Browning, and 3 Pill Morning. Sleep Signals released their second EP, “Transitions”, in early 2016 and followed it up with US tours with heavy hitters Screaming for Silence and Lydia Can’t Breathe. The band has played several festivals including Northern Invasion, SXSW, and Heart of Texas Rockfest.

Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation
Hot Pink Hangover is a cupcake filled with dynamite! If the Foo Fighters had a thumb war with Green Day while Stevie Nicks refereed, Hot Pink Hangover would be the cheerleaders. Hot Pink Hangover is “Painting the Town Pink” everywhere they appear, so be sure to take a bite of this explosive treat! Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation

Hot Pink Hangover

Hot Pink Hangover is a cupcake filled with dynamite! If the Foo Fighters had a thumb war with Green Day while Stevie Nicks refereed, Hot Pink Hangover would be the cheerleaders. Hot Pink Hangover is “Painting the Town Pink” everywhere they appear, so be sure to take a bite of this explosive treat!

Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation
Since their debut in May 2016, The 9th Planet Out have been creating some of the best music that Minnesota has to offer. Their loud guitars, thunderous drums, and soaring vocals create a unique sound that can only be described as heavy metal at it’s finest. In less than a year, they have managed to secure a battle of the bands victory to record a full length album, release a music video, and have played with several national touring acts. The 9th Planet Out is poised for world domination in 2018. Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation

The 9th Planet Out

Since their debut in May 2016, The 9th Planet Out have been creating some of the best music that Minnesota has to offer. Their loud guitars, thunderous drums, and soaring vocals create a unique sound that can only be described as heavy metal at it’s finest. In less than a year, they have managed to secure a battle of the bands victory to record a full length album, release a music video, and have played with several national touring acts. The 9th Planet Out is poised for world domination in 2018.

Facebook | Listen on ReverbNation

Half-Assed Morning Show

Rock News