JanSport Announces the Eight Finalists in its Online Battle of the Bands Competition

Posted: 11/17/2008 In Category: Outdoor Manufacturer

Industry News Release Written By: JanSport

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.--JanSport, the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel, today announced the eight finalists in its online Battle of the Bands competition, in partnership with The Forecastle Festival, the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and environmentalists in the Midwest.

The competition will be open to online public voting at www.jansport.com/forecastle through Dec. 10, 2008.

The eight finalist bands include:

The Idyllists

Their catchy mod-squad dance pop proves that the handsome American quartet (and dashing British singer) has done their music history homework. Add in a little melancholy heritage, and The Idyllists will have even the most morose of hipsters grooving in no time.

Benjamin Bear

Benjamin Bear is a two-piece band from Seattle, WA that formed in early 2007 by Mychal Cohen on keyboards and vocals and David Stern on drums. The duo creates beautiful rock that seamlessly blends psychedelic, progressive rock and ambient genres with a folk pop melody.

Paper Airplane

Described by fans as a Wes Anderson movie come-to-life, Ohio's Columbus/Cincinnati-based band began with a group of friends in early 2005 and has set its path to create melodic, vocal-based music that includes everything from dirty garage rock to delicate acoustic melodies and harmonies.

SHADE

SHADE is an indie, brit-pop band comprised of five talented guys based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Currently recording a new album, you can check 'em out for their second year at the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC.

Still Time

Based out of San Luis Obispo, CA, Still Time formed in 2004 and has grown from a hugely popular local band to a group that has captivated listeners worldwide by combining elements of classic rock, folk, jazz, and reggae.

The Broderick

Formed in Vincennes, IN in 2006, The Broderick continues to turn heads with their original blend of clever songwriting and jangly guitar work. The five musicians that form The Broderick each bring a different piece to the puzzle that shapes the band's distinct sound and style of indie rock, folk and pop.

The Champion and His Burning Flame

This band began as a friendship between Dave and Trevor; two young songwriters from Nashville, TN who were heavily influenced by pop music, literature and friends. After a summer recording session, two more friends joined, Jeremy and Tim, and the foursome set to work on their first project. The result is an indie-pop band, full of energy and thought-provoking lyrics.

Wyldlife

Rock and Roll ought to be loud, fast and raucous, and Wyldlife is nothing short of that. Hailing from the suburbs of New York City, the boys of Wyldlife eschew the pretensions and conventions that seem to dominate that metropolis these days, and leave themselves with the only thing that matters: original, powerful Rock and Roll.

JanSport will announce the grand prize winner at the "Halfway to Forecastle" concert in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 2009. The winning band will have the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in music and play in front of thousands of fans, press and industry reps at the Forecastle Festival in Louisville, KY next July.

For more information about JanSport's Battle of the Bands finalists and to cast your vote for the grand prize winner, log onto www.jansport.com/forecastle.

About JanSport®

Founded in 1967, JanSport is the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, JanSport stands for fun and discovery. The company's products are sold in retail stores throughout the world. For more information, visit www.jansport.com.

About The Forecastle Festival

Forecastle is where the Midwest connects™. Founded in Louisville, KY, the annual gathering is equal parts Music, Art, and Activism. A symposium for musicians, artists, and environmentalists, Forecastle connects the progressive Midwest. The 2009 fest is expected to draw 10,000 patrons to the Louisville Waterfront ~ part of a scenic, $60 million dollar riverfront investment which draws 1.5 million visitors a year. With national headliners and expanded line-ups, the festival will provide an unforgettable experience for all Forecastle travelers, converging in Louisville from the Midwest and beyond: http://www.forecastlefest.com.

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