Sennheiser Rock Nation- Classic Rock Festival hosted a battle of the bands on Friday April 12, 2013. Like friendly pixie dust, the collective vibes of the audience at the Rooftop of Wafi, rocked to the rising stars of five local talents from Dubai and Abu Dhabi- AKB, Soulfuel, Goddamn Electric, Obselion and Senyales who battled out to be crowned the region’s new Rock Gods.
The local music scene is something that deserves a lot of attention but does not get as much attention as it deserves.
And you know Tempo’s in favor of supporting anything related to the local scene… Attendance is only part of supporting the music that helps make that show just a little more awesome.
In order of the line-up:
SOULFUEL
Started out in 2009, the fairly young Dubai based band term themselves as the first “Melodic death Metal” band in Dubai. “Soulfuel” represents the music which is the fuel for the soul.
Band Statement and word of advice to new start-up bands: “Never give up. It’s a hard music scene in Dubai. Play to enjoy and play for the audience as well.”
Support them: www.facebook.com/soulfuelmusic
SENYALES
An all Filipino grunge band based in Dubai that started out with an alternative-grunge metal genre in 2010 and recently transitioned to Rockabilly-jazz-blues.
Band Statement and word of advice to new start-up bands: “We deliver fun and up-beat music for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy every bit of the music, Play your heart out in the group and Thank everybody (including members) for being the greatest audience there is.”
Support them: www.facebook.com/pages/Senyales/143429815700523
AKB
Made up of experienced musicians who have been around the UAE scene for some years, Nu Metal band started out in 2009 and have been rocking up many stages since then.
Band Statement and word of advice to new start-up bands: “Go for it! Whatever it may be that you’re imagining in your head. The stage is like your house. Do whatever!”
Support them: www.facebook.com/pages/AlphaKennyBuddy/183287335035726
GODDAMN ELECTRIC – *first-runner up*
For a band that started out in 2010, Goddamn Electric set fire to the stage with face melting rock and roll.
Band Statement and word of advice to new start-up bands: ”Just keep on jamming. Play the gigs. Endless listen to music. Oh.. and Get out of your room”
Support them: www.facebook.com/DAMNELECTRIC
Obselion – *WINNER- CROWNED ROCK GOD*
Abu Dhabi based Mohammed Sawan- one-man band, found his troops (Nightmare Overdose) and took the post-hardcore/ NuMetal band Obselion to stage, and bagged the grand winner title of the Sennheiser Rock Nation Classic Rock Fest.
Band Statement and word of advice to new start-up bands:
1. Cover songs that you love.
2. Look for members and start a band.
3. Practice the covers that you love with your band.
4. Start composing and learn how to arrange the songs. Write, write, write. Practice, practice, practice.
5. Work hard and save up money.
6. Record your EP with a professional producer.
7. Sell your CDs real cheap.
8. Work hard on getting gigs.
9. Be friendly and network at a gig.
10. Always keep your fans updated with your on-goings on Facebook and Twitter.
Patience is the key. Keep believing and keep up the faith up. Surround yourself with people who love what you do and support you entirely. Stray away from the negative people who could pull you down.
Love what you do and live it.
“I am very honored to win the first place BOTB. I can’t really describe how glad I am, no ‘think winning’ thoughts. I just wanted to play live, have fun and entertain the crowd. Good things happen when you least expect it.- Mohammed Sawan”
So let’s all the support local music and all of its levels of development, and we will ultimately feed and fuel the music scene as a whole.
Written and Photographed by Ellaine Fatima
“See more pictures on:
www.facebook.com/ell3.laine
www.elle-laine.tumblr.com”
