VOTING OPEN UNTIL MAY 15TH AT MIDNIGHT.
The top six bands will go head to head in a live showcase on May 24 at Warehouse Concert Hall.
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ROCKSEARCH CHAMPION PRIZING:
$2,500 CASH from 97.7 HTZ-FM
$2,000 to spend at Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
$1,500 in custom merch from Presstime Design and Screenprint
A band photoshoot courtesy of G3 Designs
A one-hour consultation with the Artist Development Team at 745 Music, founded by Jay Emmons of The Glorious Sons
PLUS, the opportunity to play a few HTZ-FM events over the next year!
Cold Weather Captains
Hailing from Toronto, Cold Weather Captains are a high-energy rock band known for their funky and eclectic sound. The group was originally founded in 2018 as a unique instrumental trio featuring Bradley Scott (lead guitar), Erik Meechem (rhythm guitar/keys), and Kevin Penny (drums). Shortly after the release of their 2021 EP, City Limits, the group evolved into a fully-rounded powerhouse with the additions of Justin Di Donato (lead vocals) and Christina Dare (bassist/vocals).
With the expansion of their lineup, CWC's sound quickly morphed into a blend of blues, psychedelic rock, funk, rap, and hip-hop, creating infectious, original tunes with an irresistible groove. In the summer of 2023, the group released their first single 'Venom' which debuted on Exclaim's Eh! List, shortly followed by 'Royal Purple'which was featured on Sportsnet's 32 Thoughts Podcast. In September of that year, CWC released their first self-titled full-length album, celebrated with a sold-out show at the legendary El Mocambo. Their album was featured on Canadian Beats' Pick of the Week, and earned the group the title for Best Male Vocals of the Year, as well as nominations for Best Album and Best Sound Production by Indie Boulevard Magazine.
Dammit Goldie
Dammit Goldie is a band from Hamilton, Ontario, known for their energetic performances and eclectic sound. Their music blends elements of rock, punk, metal and alternative, creating a unique and dynamic sound that is equal parts innovative and familiar.
Feral Minks
Kitchener based rock band Feral Minks started out as a solo project during the height of the pandemic formed by lead singer and guitarist Kent Merriam. By early 2021 he had released his first EP Loam under the Feral Minks moniker which caught the attention of Jay Emmons of The Glorious Sons. Soon after they began work on Feral Minks second EP with Emmons and long time co-conspirator Steve Kirstein at the helm of production while the Minks rounded out their lineup with seasoned veterans of the Kitchener rock scene Algernon Friolet, Jay Hogle and Ryan Whitney.
They released their second EP September 2023. Along with the release of the EP they have been booking a steady stream of tour dates in support of the release as well and getting back in the studio to record their third EP. Watch out for the Feral Minks in a town near you!
Live Animals
Live Animals are a 4-piece Canadian grunge, alternative rock band hailing from Toronto, Canada. The band formed in 2021, composed of members: Andrew Healy, Spencer Bailey, Benjamin Challet, and Dave Schattmann. Personifying sonic grit, their unique heavy melodic songwriting fuses dark etherial guitars with powerful soaring vocals that will make you bang your head while singing every word back. Live Animals project a raw onstage energy to deliver an unforgettable live show.
As trailblazers of the grunge resurgence, Live Animals draws influence from bands such as Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, and Alexisonfire to create their signature vintage-modern sound.
Live Animals have been an active part of the Southern Ontario music scene, having the pleasure to share the stage with great bands such as Monster Truck, Organ Thieves, and Vicious Beast. Also, having played at some of Toronto's most acclaimed venues like The El Mocambo, The Horseshoe Tavern, The Rivoli, Lee's Palace, and more! Live Animals have had the success of two E.P releases, '(ep)iphany' (2021) and 'Into the Wild' (2022), which can be found on all streaming platforms.
Currently working on new music with producers Jordan Hastings (Alexisonfire) and Adam Michael (Walk Off the Earth), their latest E.P is set to release in summer 2024.
MAYBE MAY
MAYBE MAY might have a name that suggests neither here nor there, but rest assured, this Mississauga trio are very much affirmed in their sound and style no matter the season. Fronted by Demetrius (vocals/guitar), Rian (bass) and Vitaly (drums), their sound draws listeners in by seamlessly blending heavy instrumentation with graceful melodies which provide a rich tapestry for delivering messages of love, loss and betrayal.
MAYBE MAY's debut 'Eden Project' EP (Oct 14) saw the band play for the first time ever at Canadian Music Week and Indie Week while picking up a nod from Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMA) for Best Alternative/Indie in 2015. Following the release of two digital singles in 2017, the triad headed towards a definitive direction with their sophomore 'C R I M E S' EP (Jan 18). Nominated for Best Rock at Mississauga Music Awards in 2018, their live set matured as they shared stages with the likes of Deadset Society, POLARITY, Red Handed Denial and The Creepshow across Ontario and Quebec. Furthering their foothold in the region, they placed in the Top 8 at 97.7 HTZ FM's Rocksearch contest.
Teaming up for the third time with Jason 'Metal' Donkersgoed in the producer's seat at Toronto's famed Orange Lounge studios, MAYBE MAY showcased a certain vulnerability with the release of 'The Orange Sessions' EP (May 19). Featuring 5 stripped down acoustic tracks, each song highlights a collaboration with a friend of the group, pushing them into a sonic space most rock bands are too afraid to enter. Lead single 'Still Mine' was heard on Toronto's 94.9 The Rock as they secured a slot at 'Best of Open Mic LIVE' at the Living Arts Centre. With most bands, resolve tested during the 2020 pandemic, MAYBE MAY released Through Your Eyes‚ a fundraiser for their home town food bank, featuring 8 local artists. JUNO winning Kevin Dietz helped produce/engineer the song at world renowned Metalworks Studios, which went on to raise thousands in donations. No stranger to philanthropic efforts, the band previously raised money for Compassion Canada as well as participated in Glimpsepalooza, a platform for kids to reflect & express themselves. In 2021, the band won a MARTY/Mississauga Arts Award for Established Music Group presented by Mississauga Arts Council, as their song 'Survive, Satellite' spun on radio stations such as X 92.9 (Calgary) & CBC while the accompanying DIY puppet video premiered on 102.1 The Edge (Toronto), with coverage from outlets such as Buzz Music LA & FYI Music News, earning a finalist nod at the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards. Continuing to explore boundaries, the band released their first live EP & accompanying performance video early 2022, in collaboration with TD Bank & Canada's Music Incubator.
Since their inception, MAYBE MAY has independently garnered thousands of views and streams online while playing countless shows connecting with fans. Whether you have discovered the band at a gig and fell in love with their dry humor and penchant for having a laugh or encountered their music online and allowed it to envelope you into a journey of dark tailspin, one thing remains certain - they have only begun, no ifs, buts or maybes.
MAYBE MAY Website
Piffbreak Arcade
Piffbreak Arcade, a force in the punk rock and roll scene from Toronto, Canada, has been making waves for over a decade with their raw and independent musicality: crafting whiskey-soaked anthems that capture the essence of the party and the comedown.
Known for their dynamic live performances, infusing each show with a blend of energy and charisma, leaving audiences wanting more. With bass driven melodies and gritty vocals with infectious choruses, Piffbreak Arcade's music winds its way into your mind: creating an irresistible urge to skateboard, party with your crew, and gear up for the next mosh pit.
As a go-to local support act in Toronto, Piffbreak Arcade has shared stages with touring giants like The Misfits, Lagwagon, The Suicide Machines, The Real McKenzies, Mad Caddies, and more. They consistently set the stage ablaze, getting the party started off with a bang.
Having already amassed a collection of EPs, singles, and a full-length album titled "Flawed Design" in 2017, the band is gearing up for their highly anticipated new release of a 12-song onslaught of brand-new tracks, promising to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave you wanting to crank up the volume and embrace the rebellious spirit of punk rock. Cheers to you!
Small-Town Strip Club
Hailing from Stratford, Ontario, Small-Town Strip Club (STSC) is making big waves in the world of independent rock. With a sound that's a fusion of blues, rock, and alternative influences, STSC brings a fresh and electrifying energy to the stage.
Known affectionately as STSC by their loyal fans, this band is all about crafting catchy and relatable rock songs with a unique twist. Their music is not just a blend of genres; it's a reflection of their personal experiences and stories, making each song a journey worth taking.
You might recognize STSC from their hit track 'CHEAP SHOT' which serves as the intro music for the world's number one hockey podcast, Spittin' Chiclets. They even took the stage and performed a set at the Spittin' Chiclets live show during All-Star Weekend in Toronto.
STSC has also shared the stage with JUNO Award-winning country band, the James Barker Band, performing in front of a sold out crowd of over 1500. STSC were ROCKSEARCH finalists in 2023, and they boys are poised for a 2024 return, with the hopes of coming out victorious.
Sticks N Stones
Sticks N Stones are a Rock band based out of Brampton, ON, lead by brothers Nicholas and Robert Lisanti. This hell raising band brings a ton of energy and excitement to every show. Their hard hitting riffs, intricate guitar solos, and heavy breakdowns will have you throwing your fists in the air. Combining their love for Rock and Metal music of the 80's 90's and 2000's, with their ambitious personalities and a unified dream of sharing their music on the world stage.
Sticks N Stones core values include authenticity, creativity, and community. They are committed to writing music that is meaningful, relatable, and empowering.
Sticks N Stones has recently toured the US with guitar virtuoso John 5 (Motley Crue) and has shared the stage with bands like the Dead Daisies, Buckcherry, Nita Strauss & Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper) and several amazing local Canadian band.
2024 sees Sticks N Stones releasing their first full-length independent album titled 'DEAD MEMORIES', produced in part with Grammy nominated and Juno award winning Johnny Karkazis.
The Barrel Rejects
The Barrel Rejects are a no-holds-barred hard rock band hailing from Hamilton, Ontario. With a sound that draws from a range of influences including stoner rock, punk, southern rock, metal, and grunge, The Barrel Rejects deliver a high-energy, hard-hitting performance that is sure to get any crowd pumping their fists and banging their heads.
For fans of Motorhead, Down, Clutch, Metallica, Every Time I Die, ZEKE, Red Fang, Cancer Bats, and Black Sabbath, The Barrel Rejects bring a unique blend of raw power and musical precision to the stage. With thundering drums, pounding bass, blistering guitar solos, and memorable hooks, The Barrel Rejects are a force to be reckoned with in the world of hard rock.
The Boneheads
The Boneheads have kept true to the roots while emerging from the Toronto music scene. The award-winning band brings a refreshment of blues-tinged rock 'n roll, combining old school and modern influences with the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Black Keys, and Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown.
They have built up their local reputation quickly as winners of Best New Group at the Mississauga Music Awards, with other nominations in Best Online Content and Fan Choice. The group has seen success outside their hometown as well, as finalists of 500 artists competing at the Sound of Music Battle of the Bands and landing major performances with The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, and Harm and Ease.
Featured on The Music Jerks radio show, their latest original single Ride was described as “a huge, stadium-worthy sound and stellar melodies. While the style is commercially viable, it's still gritty and edgy." Visit www.theboneheads.ca to stay up to date with their latest music, tour dates, and news.
The WIlderness
The Wilderness is the lifelong dream of six rock n' roll devotees based in Kingston, ON. Together, they bring the piss and vinegar of young DIY road-dogs, the lyrical eloquence of Canada's folk heroes, and the musical grandeur of your dad's favourite arena-rock band to any stage they can find. Think the belting poetry of Sam Fender, the lush vocal harmonies of Hozier, the driving guitars and soaring saxophones of Bruce Springsteen, and the effervescent choruses of Noah Kahan, held together by an unmistakable bond of brotherhood and a shared love of rock n' roll. A musical tapestry of truest Canadian fashion, the Wilderness sounds like nostalgia, feels like camaraderie, and looks like a band you should watch out for. Since 2015, The Wilderness have been earning their following by cutting their teeth over countless long nights and hundreds of thousands of kilometers. Their debut album, 'Until Tomorrow' was produced by Rob Baker (the Tragically Hip) and charted on the NACC's top 200 list for seven consecutive weeks. Their sophomore LP, 'Strangers I Used to Love' was written in collaboration with JUNO panelist Steve Foley, Brett Emmons (the Glorious Sons), and Chris Koster (ex-the Glorious Sons) was released on April 12th, 2024 and sits poised to take the band to new heights and highways. With over 600 independently booked shows across North America under their belt, and an independently released discography to their credit, the Wilderness are a formidable musical force and an unmistakably human band working hard to keep their dreams alive.
VILIVANT
VILIVANT is a Canadian hard rock/alternative singer-songwriter. Inspired by the 90s grunge movement and modern rock, she quickly established herself as a fierce energetic performer and mainly focuses on writing about the themes of moving forward,self discovery andpurging toxic elements from ones life.
Her first two singles 'Never Again,' and 'Stabilized' saw radio airplay on stations such as 94.9 The Rock (Toronto), Rebel 101.7 FM (Ottawa) 98.3 CIFM (Kamloops) & The Wolf 106.9 FM (Nanaimo). With the continuous success on radio, her two singles reached #89 and #98 on the top 100 Canadian rock radio charts; thus garnering a fanbase across the country and internationally.
Though LIVE shows were at a standstill during the pandemic, she continued to play at virtual festivals. During this time she was selected as a Top 5 Regional Finalist for Jim Beam's National Talent Search and won the Toronto Region with her LIVE off-the-floor performance video of her song 'Stabilized'
Since rising onto the scene early 2018, VILIVANT has shared the stage with Lee Aaron, Finger Eleven, Wide Mouth Mason, Big Wreck and is currently on a cross Canada tour with Matthew Good and his band.
After receiving the Juried Sound Recording grant from FACTOR Canada, VILIVANT released her full-length album titled, 'Running on Empty' with the help of Sam Guiana Producer of Juno-nominated band Silverstein. Her new single, 'Is This The End' is out now.