The Northwest’s premier battle of the band’s Sound Off! get’s going this Saturday, featuring the first four of twelve semi-finalists who qualified for the competition. I myself participated in the selection process, spending an afternoon in a room nestled in the rafters of the EMP|SFM, reviewing over 30 bands, separating the interesting and ready-to-be-heard from the not-quite-there-yet of under-age bands from all over the Northwest. This first night of Sound Off! is showcases two pop bands and two heavier rock bands, each with their own strength. As a part of the selection committee I can attest (Sui Generis) live up to their latin name, they are a truly unique post-rock juggernaut. Bellingham two-piece Candy Sound on the other hand channel all sorts of familiar Northwest influences.

Saturday, February 13th, 2010
In the EMP SkyChurch
opening concert for Sound Off!

(Sui-Generis) ::: on Myspace
Apache Chief ::: on Myspace
Candysound ::: on Myspace
Sea Fever ::: on Myspace

Tickets “can be purchased at the EMP|SFM box office either in person or by calling 206-770-2702. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $7 for students or EMP|SFM members. Doors are 7:00 pm, shows start at 8:00 pm.”

Courtesy of EMP we’re giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader. Drop your name and email in the comments and I’ll randomly choose someone to take a friend this Saturday to see some of our area’s most promising young bands play one the city’s most extravagant stages, the EMP Sky Church. Enter by 12 noon PST on Wednesday February 10th, at which point we’ll choose a winner. You never know, you might see one of these same bands on the same stage at this year’s Bumbershoot.