more photosRock ’n’ roll is a young man’s (or woman’s) game. Sure, something-genarians like Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney rake in the dough doing the same thing they’ve been doing for decades, but it’s the next generation that’s out there creating the newest, most interesting sounds. Bend’s music scene is proof. Over the past year, several new bands have formed among the high school and post-high school crowds, injecting local music with a dose of youthful vigor.
Tonight, five young, mostly local bands will gather for a battle of the bands to benefit Rise Up International’s humanitarian efforts. It’s a good opportunity to hear what the kids are listening to — and playing — these days.
Adventure Galley
Who’s in the band? David Mills, 19, guitar/keys/vocals; Aaron Johnson, 19, guitar/bass/keys/vocals; Brock Grenfell, 19, drums/occasional mandolin; Brett Bascom, 20, bass/keys/guitar/vocals; George Schultz, 20, guitar/bass/keys.
When and how did the band form? In the fall of 2008, a former Adventure Galley lineup combined with members of the alt-rock group Man Cub.
What band can you all agree is awesome? The Clash, The Killers, The Arcade Fire.
If your grandma asked what kind of music you play, what would you tell her? Epic dance-rock with keyboards.
Besides your own, who’s your favorite musical act in Bend? The Snag.
In 15 words or less, what’s the band’s philosophy? To boldly go where music has never gone before.
The Snag
Who’s in the band? Beaux Hayes, 16, vocals/guitar/accordion; Forrest Grenfell, 16, keys/bass; Eric Eschelbach, 16, bass/drums/keys; Jake Stein, 17, guitar/vocals; Sylas Johnson, 16, bass/drums/guitar.
When and how did the band form? Last May we decided we wanted to start something. We wrote a couple songs and hated them. In September, we started over with some new songs and really liked them. Beaux joined us in January and we have been playing since.
What band can you all agree is awesome? The Doors.
If your grandma asked what kind of music you play, what would you tell her? Psychedelic rock.
Besides your own, who’s your favorite musical act in Bend? We often play shows with an incredibly talented acoustic duo called Paradigm, and love to jam with Adventure Galley.
In 15 words or less, what’s the band’s philosophy? Omne vivum ex vivo.
We Are Brontosaurus
Who’s in the band? Owen Quon, 17, bass/vocals/keys; Connor DeSha, 16, drums/vocals/keys; Dylan Howe, 16, guitar.
When and how did the band form? October of 2008. Connor and Dylan jammed together in a two-piece instrumental band and Owen joined after his old band broke up.
What band can you all agree is awesome? Explosions In The Sky.
If your grandma asked what kind of music you play, what would you tell her? Ambient/experimental rock.
Besides your own, who’s your favorite musical act in Bend? Empty Space Orchestra.
In 15 words or less, what’s the band’s philosophy? We ARE Brontosaurus.
The Autonomics
Who’s in the band? Daniel Pantenburg, 19, guitar/vocals; Vaughn Leikam, 19, bass; Evan Leikam, 19, drums and repercussions.
When and how did the band form? We met at Summit High School. In October of 2008, Dan and Evan started jamming in Dan’s room, and Vaughn (Evan’s twin brother) joined after his old band, Delta Waves, broke up.
What band can you all agree is awesome? Dan draws most of his influence from Jack White. Evan and Vaughn love Rush. We all think Queens of the Stone Age and Kings of Leon are sweet, though we’re not huge fans of their newest album.
If your grandma asked what kind of music you play, what would you tell her? Art-rock. People take us more seriously if it’s something pretentious sounding like art-rock, and my grandma thinks it’s adorable.
Besides your own, who’s your favorite musical act in Bend? We all like We Are Brontosaurus.
In 15 words or less, what’s the band’s philosophy? We try to have as much fun playing and writing as we can without taking anything too seriously.
The Space Hoax
Who’s in the band? David Mills, 19, vocals/guitar; Kiefer Greig, 18, rhythm guitar; Steven Borrego, 20, lead guitar; Perris Claeyssens, 17, bass; Alex Mierjeski, 18, drums.
When and how did the band form? The band formed in 2004 as Keebler and the Kookies with Perris, Alex, and Kiefer. We proceeded to evolve into The Brutes, a punk-rock band. In 2006, we took on the name The Space Hoax, and with the new name changed our musical direction.
What band can you all agree is awesome? The Clash.
If your grandma asked what kind of music you play, what would you tell her? Rock and/or roll. Sort of like The Beatles but entirely different.
Besides your own, who’s your favorite musical act in Bend? Empty Space Orchestra.
In 15 words or less, what’s the band’s philosophy? F--k it. Do it live.
Hunters on the Horizon
Who’s in the band? David Burrows, 19, guitar/noise; Keith O’Dell, 20, percussion; Brig Rockwell, 19, bass/noise/Kaoss pad; Nathan Wheaton, 25, keyboard/synth/noise.
When and how did the band form? Three weeks ago. Brig and David had been playing together for a while, jamming with lots of people. David ran into Keith, who told David he missed playing drums. Keith jammed with Brig and David, then they added Nathan, and Hunters was born.
What band can you all agree is awesome? Jaga Jazzist.
If your grandma asked what kind of music you play, what would you tell her? Experimental, progressive indie metal.
Besides your own, who’s your favorite musical act in Bend? Empty Space Orchestra.
In 15 words or less, what’s the band’s philosophy? Play what you think sounds good, not the audience.
— Ben Salmon
