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B.O.O.M!

Round 4 Week 2: Thrown To The Wolves vs. The Breathing Tree

Congratulations to Week 1 Winners, Glass Hero!

CONGRATULATIONS to Glass Hero for bringing in the most votes in our weekly online contest. With that, they earn a spot on the bill at our next live showdown, scheduled for February 26 at Nietzsche’s.

The winner that night will be joining Photos of Wagons, the Albrights and Hunger Anthem in our upcoming Grand Finale—SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 5 AT THE TRALF MUSIC HALL—where one act will win a hefty cash prize and a digital recording package from our friends at Guitar Center.

But first, we need to determine a fourth challenger, a band that must succeed in the fiery crucible of our weekly online contest and then prevail at our next live show, scheduled for February 28 at Nietzsche’s.

For you dear readers who’ve been living under a rock, here’s how our contest works: Bands visit boom.artvoice.com and register by answering a brief questionnaire, like the ones below. They also submit a couple songs and a photo.

From the pile of submissions we receive, two acts are chosen each week, and they appear in the print edition of the paper. To our right, meet Glass Hero and Forewarned. Then, visit boom.artvoice.com (or see below) to sample their music and cast one vote for the group you prefer.

Thus we will continue, each week producing one winner. At the end of four weeks, we have four online winners, who will then square off in our next live showdown, where each audience member will receive one ballot to cast for his or her favorite. At the end of that night, one band emerges victorious and wins a spot in the B.O.O.M. Grand Finale. Past B.O.O.M. Grand Champions include Dali’s Ghost and TypeRelevant.

Bands are encouraged to get out the vote any way they can, short of stuffing the ballot box. Our IT guy has detected such instances in the past, and it’s never been taken lightly. If you’re caught cheating, you can be disqualified. And there’s nowhere to appeal our decision.

Also, musicians, there’s still time to enter B.O.O.M. The exposure alone is worth the entrance fee (which is literally nothing). Visit boom.artvoice.com today, to find out how. Tune in next issue to see who won this week’s match, and who’s up to bat.

And mark your calendars for March 5, where one band will emerge from the Grand Finale at the Tralf with a hefty paycheck and the gear necessary to record the original music that will allow them to conquer the world!

Thrown To The Wolves

The Breathing Tree

You must have the latest Adobe Flash Player installed to listen to the BOOM! contestants.

You must have the latest Adobe Flash Player installed to listen to the BOOM! contestants.

When/where did the band form? The summer of 1999 in Wilson, NY.

Band Members: Razbaque Dirge - vocals, guitars / Eric Cassick - lead guitar / John Solanum - bass guitar / Chris Thomas - drums

You might like us if you like: VAST, Soundgarden, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, A Perfect Circle, Pixies, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, Muse, Nine Inch Nails, The Tea Party.

Recorded Releases: Sanguinary [1999], Elegy [2001], Despondency [2007], Reality [2010]

Best show you've played: Our CD Release Party for Elegy, in March of 2001 at The Continental. Packed the downstairs and were actually drawing people from the upstairs—which was a feat, in itself.

Worst show you've ever played: A show in Cleveland, which resulted in a five year hiatus.

Why you should win the Artvoice.com Online Battle of Original Music: Thrown to the Wolves has a unique sound, blending various musical styles into something all its own. Aggressive at times but not annoying. Able to stir emotions and captivate imaginations. TttW deserves to win BOOM! due to the tenacity of its members, quality of songwriting, and drive to achieve worldwide recognition.

Website: ThrownToTheWolves.com

When/where did the band form? We all met from playing shows together in different local bands and when we stopped playing with the other bands we decided to come together in early 2009 to create the most honest, inspiring and meaningful music that we possibly could.

Band Members: Nick Stilb - vocals, guitar / Bud Rozwood - lead guitar / Joe Cavanaugh - bass / Kyle Hassenfratz - percussion

You might like us if you like: Mae, Ace Enders, Death Cab For Cutie, The Starting line, Person L, Barcelona, Fun

Recorded Releases: So far we've released an EP and we're on our way back to the studio to complete our full length.

Best show you've played: Though all of our shows were great, this one has to go to our first show at Mohawk. The energy that we all had was amazing and the 3 encores that were demanded also made this an awesome experience.

Worst show you've ever played: We’ve had so much fun at all of our shows playing to our fans or any new listeners so we really haven’t had any bad experiences playing shows.

Why you should win the Artvoice.com Online Battle of Original Music: We play music simply because we love music, not for any other reason. We are a group of 4 driven musicians trying to make a difference in the world and inspire everyone we possibly can.

Website: www.myspace.com/thebreathingtreemusic

Voting is closed for this pair of bands
Visit boom.artvoice.com for results and current contestants!


Reader Comments


Jessica Widmer
28 Jan 2010, 18:12
The Breathing Tree!!! but just so everyone knows the answers to the questions from "best show you've played" to why should you win..." are not theirs. Go and get the paper version of the art voice and read their real answers. Thank you!!!

Logan Berry
28 Jan 2010, 18:36
"You might like us if"
&
"Recorded Releases" are both wrong descriptions for the breathing tree.

G.A.
28 Jan 2010, 19:22
Exciting things coming from the breathing tree...their new cd comes out sometime this year, its their first full length....go see the guys live, they have some major talent on stage.

Mackensie Corcoran
28 Jan 2010, 19:57
THE BREATHING TREE.

Justin Juzdowski
28 Jan 2010, 23:28
The Breathing Tree!!

Dyllan Wloch
29 Jan 2010, 00:40
The breathing tree should win this!
They are four amazingly genuine guys, who love making beautiful music! Nick is a good friend and an amazing guy who poors his heart into songwriting and this band as are the three other great dudes!

TBT ALL THE WAY!

Webmaster
29 Jan 2010, 12:16
The text above is correct now... thanks everyone.

Cap'n Crunch
30 Jan 2010, 03:45
THROWN! TO! THE! WOLVES!

brandi williams
30 Jan 2010, 11:38
the breathing tree baby

impossiblegirl
30 Jan 2010, 12:14
w00h000! Thrown to the Wolves are awesome. Love 'em!

Papa Smurf
30 Jan 2010, 13:21
THROWN TO THE WOLVES!

Evil RJ
30 Jan 2010, 13:33
Thrown to the Wolves!!! A great, UNIQUE band!!!

Krakatoa
30 Jan 2010, 14:15
Thrown to the Wolves is awesome. They've progressed quite a long way and now they rock most excellently. Oh yes.

Passion
30 Jan 2010, 18:43
Both show great talent, But on originality i would go with The Breathing Tree. They seem to have something unique going for them and in the end, that is what could bring them further.

Mike Hunt
31 Jan 2010, 11:08
If these little "unique" (like all of their other friends) emo kids win this contest, I will lose faith in the musical community forever! Go Thrown to the Wolves!

To Mike Hunt
31 Jan 2010, 13:16
times change, and certain styles become obsolete. the breathing tree is a breath of fresh air compared to that other band. and they may look emo but at least 3 of them aren't trying to look cool dragging cigarettes to the camera. hahah, lame as hell. good message too.

Razbaque
31 Jan 2010, 13:33
Trying? lol 8)>

John
31 Jan 2010, 14:09
Here's the difference in the long run:
Razbaque and I showed our REAL names admitting we're part of one of the bands in question.
Cheers

Joe-e
31 Jan 2010, 14:12
If this is a competition of skill and individuality, with us as a music community looking towards the future of our seen and the medium at hand, then TttW is the best choice. If we want to go commercial and look for the more generic, and overall pleasing sound to the masses, then I suppose TBT is the way to go.

It's ultimately up to you, the listeners, on what you want to hear.

Lisa
31 Jan 2010, 14:31
Thrown to the Wolves!!! If The Breathing Tree is a breath of fresh air, Thrown to the Wolves is an oxygen bar. :P

To Incognito Mosquito
31 Jan 2010, 14:36
The Breathing Tree is a generic piece of shit and what is will all this calling them "unique" bullshit? You're "unique" if you sound like every other band out there right now. "the breathing tree is a breath of fresh air compared to that other band." Thanks for that awesome review Gene Shalit, were you up all night coming up with that goldmine? If they are “a breath of fresh air” why do I feel like I'm suffocating every time I turn on the radio or walk by Hot Topic in the mall? I also enjoy how their website listed is their myspace page... that is very "unique". This contest is a complete joke. It’s more like someone has asked if you prefer Dr. Pepper or Dr. Thunder. Well, I’ve grown bored with this… I just recommend dusting off your window and finding some actual music Incognito Mosquito.

Love,
Joey

Shawn
31 Jan 2010, 15:01
I disagree with the comment that The Breathing Tree is more original and unique than Thrown to the Wolves. While my opinion may be a little biased, as I know the band members, the fact of the matter is that I've been following TttW for the last nine years, and I've seen and heard the growth and maturity of the band in person, lyrically, musically, and personally. The Breathing Tree sounds good, but they can't match TttW in the growth or originality departments. TttW just keeps getting better with each passing year, and that's why they should win this round, and the next live round, and the Grand Finale in March.

The Breathing Tree
31 Jan 2010, 15:02
Everyone's opinions are appreciated and there is no need to fight. We don't agree on starting a mess anyone. This is a good clean competition. Please don't lose sight of the purpose.

Thrown to the Wolves
31 Jan 2010, 15:37
Our fans are vicious. lol

I agree with TBT... let's try 'n keep things civil, everyone... "let's not bicker and argue about who killed whom... this is supposed to be a happy occasion!"

Personal preference is what it is... leave it at that. 8)>

The Breathing Tree
31 Jan 2010, 15:42
Thanks for agreeing guys!
Best of luck on the road ahead.

Ringo Starr
31 Jan 2010, 18:48
Peace and Love.

smoo snoo
02 Feb 2010, 04:24
I believe both bands show a remarkable amount of talent and deserve to be heard all over! thank u guys so much for your music, u'll change lives.

Al
02 Feb 2010, 12:01
I don't understand whats up with that weird shitty sound effects on that song by thrown to the wolves. Is it cause you cant sing lol. breathing tree is way more raw sounding and doesn't need sound effects to sound good! Go Breathing Tree!

Chuck
02 Feb 2010, 15:28
Obviously Al has some sort of genetic defect that effects his hearing.

jennifer
02 Feb 2010, 15:59
Yeah... nothing AGAINST BT, I am just FOR TttW. Granted, I may be biased as I am married to the singer, but hey... his voice and songwriting was a big part of my falling for him in the first place. Honestly, the construction of Thrown to the Wolves' songs is amazing. I have not heard songwriting at that level or consistency from any WNY band since the GGDs (and I used to see them play at the Cont all the time). TttW has about 35 recorded songs (in formal studios) at this point, and about 70 more songs fully done and ready to record. My husband is a genius songwriting machine. On top of that, in his side project we has another 300 songs recorded; each unique with it's own melody and feel.

The song TttW submitted in this particular contest is "Republic". I have to challenge ANYONE who claims that "Republic" is something they have heard before. Anywhere. It's a pretty different song; not a typical nor predictable pop song.

My two cents (and then some)...

Joey
02 Feb 2010, 16:23
Al, you should definitely invest in a pair of ears and probably a brain while your at it. At least Thrown to the Wolves don't need to squeeze the balls to sing. They also don't need to sit in front of a stereo and practice mimicking the singing style of every other band in their genre. You're probably one of those idiots who like the smell of their own farts and you should probably stop letting people ejaculate in your ears, so that you can hear the deference between music and generic mainstream bullshit. The Breathing Tree should stick to High School talent shows and their mothers basement. They also shouldn't use Fruity Loops to record an album...

Sincerely,
Fuck you

fungo
02 Feb 2010, 18:04
Breathing tree u guys r awesome i believe ur music is a great inspiration to everyone that listens to it. great music breathing tree u guys r gonna make it big i no it follow ur hearts and u can do anything!!!!!!!

shimzy
02 Feb 2010, 18:25
the owl sits high in the trees, and calmly he doeth breathe while the wolves stand still waitng for their kill! stupid dogs, birds fly! HEHEHAHAHOHO!!! THE BREATHING TREEEEEEEEEEEEEE WAHOOOOOOOOOO!!! :o

eldonimo
02 Feb 2010, 18:29
LOOKS TO ME LIKE THE DOGS ARE BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BREATHING TREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! U GUYS R AMAZING VERY INSPIRATIONAL!!!

Spencer
02 Feb 2010, 20:17
It's nice to see real creative comments going for TBT (sarcasm). Your insulting comments towards a somewhat decent band are just as creative as the band you so actively support.In other words, not at all.

Go TTTW! All I can say to ANYONE is vote for them and check'em out live. They played a show at The Yard that was absolutely amazing. The drummer blew my mind. If I was half as good as that guy, I'd be famous. And the singer can blow any of these other BOOM bands out of the water.

sue
02 Feb 2010, 21:13
I vote The Breathing Tree!!! good luck guys, you're great

Carter
02 Feb 2010, 21:37
So this is a "battle of original music"? Then Thrown to the Wolves has this locked. Nothing against BT but they aren't original. I went to both groups sites and listened to the music they've released. Each track TttW has recorded sounds original to them, whereas BT's music could be from anyone. As far as the music is concerned: Thrown to the Wolves is original and is putting out quality music that separates itself from anyone else. I look forward to hearing new material from them.

Dave
02 Feb 2010, 22:54
Cute comments about birds and trees and dogs and stuff. Don't forget that dogs piss on trees.

Inigo Montoya
02 Feb 2010, 23:23
Shimzy... you should stick to fortune cookies for the mentally ill.

shimzy
03 Feb 2010, 00:36
ya know i never really thought of that dave, thats a good point. but they also lick hiney and eat poo! :) inigo, u should stick to yer short thoughtless comments they make u seem funny. and i didnt know there r special fortune cookies for the mentally ill?!?!? where do u eat yer chinese? :)

P.S.: i love u guys!

Jess
03 Feb 2010, 00:37
now what i do not understand is all the negative arguing. These are two bands who have very different styles of music. If this was any sort of fair contest each band would be put up against another band that is in the same genre. It's amazing how childlike this has become.

Shawn
03 Feb 2010, 01:09
Jess, I agree. The voting is over now, so let's wait and see who comes out on top in this round.

Louis
03 Feb 2010, 01:16
You should learn how to spell before you try to talk smack shimzy. Thrown to the Wolves!

Jordan
03 Feb 2010, 01:19
Last I heard this was a music competition, not a place for people to make fun of the mentally ill. Your sick and you must have insecureties of your own. Also sorry if this is a shock to everyone but NO band out there is completly ORIGINAL. Being a musician you are inspired by music you love and life experiences. If your all so damn concerned with having original music in your life TttW should stop playing "original" music and leave it to Meatloaf.......

GOD
03 Feb 2010, 01:23
Jordan,
Shut the hell up...

Alex
03 Feb 2010, 01:35
Oh wow, "GOD" supports trashing the mentally ill. Seriously, to the fans of TttW... you're taking things way to far.

smoosnoo
03 Feb 2010, 02:39
HAHHAHAHA you thrown to the wolves fans are SO hostile! is it because you're afraid they'll lose? lol it doesn't matter who loses it won't make them any less known or talented! you guys need relax! i wish you weren't so angry, it just makes tttw look like they only attract douche bags! is it the music that makes you mad? hahhahaha if it is maybe you should listen to something different because you're not making any freinds. tttw deserves a better class of fans! they are very talented!

shimzy
03 Feb 2010, 02:58
louis, i apologize u r right. i must have gotten caught up in all the stupid remarks, from people who can't handle an opinion different from their own, that i forgot about all the politically correctness goin on here. i am truely sorry my freind, and i'll hold my self to a higher standard next time! and smoosnoo, i'll kill u! how dare u draw attention to tttw's lack of human fans!! :O do u know how many douche bags read that and got offended??? TONS!! prolly all of them on here! i really hope u feel accomplished man!! but at least we can c now how many there r by the angry comments they'll leav in response! :)

P.S.: i luv u guys! ;)

james
03 Feb 2010, 03:07
Wow! You guys are something else! I totally agree with jordan though, and at least the band mates are all doing something with their lives, unlike some of you guys, so how about u show some freaking respect! But hey, may the best band win! Good luck The Breathing Tree, i love your music!!

jennifer
03 Feb 2010, 08:14
Let's keep a little perspective here. While it's nice that this contest is here (and weird that the bands were not alerted to being in the running; I know TttW found out about it through a friend telling them they saw it in AV)) let's remember what this is all about: Winning the opportunity to play at Nietzche's on a Sunday in February. Nietzche's will waive their normal fee that they charge bands to play there, and whoever wins this will bring all their friends/fans/family into a bar and bring Nietzche's business on a nightt when otherwise the place would be empty. So... whoever wins is really sortof paying to play there anyway (if not the band themselves, then the friends and family they get to come support them).

Not really something people should be screaming at each other over. Not saying it's not a good thing; just trying to show a little perspective/reality.

Andrew
03 Feb 2010, 12:01
wow. i cant believe all of this that i just read?

Garrett
03 Feb 2010, 17:22
guys u got to realize that every band has a different style and whoever wins good for them and btw the breathing tree WON! good job guys but nobodys stuff is ORGINAL bc it is an ispiration that starts a band from another artist. and for TTTW u guys have some good music but not qiute my style but good though and i just like breathing tree bc kyle the drummer lived in my nieghbor when i was like 10 then he moved up to new york and my friend brandon told me he found him a facebook and he went up there to c him and im gonna go up there soon also. so guys i hope this sheds a little light and u guys can stop dising the bands they r both good so good luck to guys and make big i believe u can!!!!!

The Breathing Tree
03 Feb 2010, 17:34
Thank you Garret for your support and words. Also, Thank you to everyone who voted for us! You are the greatest fans a band could have. See you soon! :]

John
03 Feb 2010, 20:16
Congrats to TBT.

And all of you out there should be ashamed of your childish behavior

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