The Sonic Sound Off competition finished its four days of preliminary rounds on Thursday night, September 15 at the Burbank Music Academy. Judges Delia Rae Taylor of Disney Music Publishing, Rosine Avedissian of All Star Planet, former Filter guitarist Alan Bailey and percussionist Voyce McGinley were again present to complete their duties. You can read the day 1 recap here: http://www.examiner.com/los-feliz-in-los-angeles/sonic-sound-off-competition-day-1-recap, day 2 recap here: http://www.examiner.com/los-feliz-in-los-angeles/sonic-sound-off-competition-day-2-recap and day 3 recap here: http://www.examiner.com/los-feliz-in-los-angeles/sonic-sound-off-day-3-recap.
First up on the stage was seasoned veteran Kevin Ridel (www.kevinridel.com). Kevin has twice before been signed to major labels as part of the bands Avant Garde, Ridel High, Peel and AM Radio. Kevin has once again reinvented his music and focus and now plays Contemporary Christian music. The band turned in a fine performance, kicking the night off to a great start. Kevin is based in Burbank, California.
Next up were a Hollywood-based band just getting their start, Bard (www.bardband.com). With a seven member band, featuring some incredible violin work, the band raised and set the bar for the night with a great set of alternative acoustic rock. Bard was recently featured on ABC's "No Ordinary Family," and has just released their first EP.
Third up was 16 year old guitar phenom Scott James (www.iamscottjames.com) from Agoura Hills, California. Mixing the electic sounds of John Mayer, Jeff Buckley and Coldplay, coupled with impressive guitar licks, the band warmed up the room with their sound. It was an inspiring set by an artist who is definitely mature beyond his years.
The final performer of the competition was Carlie Deboer (www.myspace.com/carliedeboer). Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, she moved to Los Angeles in 2007 to pursue her career. Taking the gutsy move of performing without a band, Carlie sang her heart out for the judges.
With the top two bands only within nine points of each other, Scott James pulled out the victory over Bard. Scott James will perform in the 5 p.m. slot at Sunday's Finals.
Tickets for the Finals are available on the Film Festival website under the Sonic Sound Off tab. Ticket sales are limited to 40 per night, as per the Fire Marshal's restrictions.
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