System of a Down

System of a Down, also known by the acronym SOAD and often shortened to System, is a rock band from Southern California. The band was formed in 1994. It consists of Serj Tankian (lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass, background vocals) and John Dolmayan (drums). All four members are of Armenian descent, and are widely known for their outspoken views expressed in many of their songs confronting the Armenian Genocide of 1915 as well as the ongoing War on Terrorism.

The band has achieved commercial success with the release of five studio albums; three of their studio albums debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. System of a Down has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and won the award in 2006 for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song "B.Y.O.B." On August 13, 2006, the group went on indefinite hiatus, but announced a reunion on November 29, 2010 with several shows planned at European music festivals for the summer of 2011. This tour has continued through the west coast of North America as well as South America, with dates announced throughout the summer.

Style and influences

The stylistic variety and level of experimentation in System of a Down's music has made it difficult to describe, but System of a Down has, for the most part, maintained a single style throughout their body of work. This style has variously been termed alternative metal, alternative rock, rock, art rock, experimental rock, hard rock, heavy metal, nu metal, progressive metal and progressive rock. Malakian has stated that "We don't belong to any one scene" and that "I don't like the nu-metal drop-A 7-string guitar sound; it is not my thing, at least not yet". According to Tankian, "As far as arrangement and everything, [our music] is pretty much pop. To me, System of a Down isn't a progressive band. [...] But it's not a typical pop project, obviously. We definitely pay attention to the music to make sure that it's not something someone's heard before."

The band has used a wide range of instruments, including electric mandolins, baritone electric guitars, acoustic guitars, ouds, sitars and twelve string guitars. According to Malakian, he would often write songs in E♭ tuning, which would later be changed to drop C tuning in order to be performed by the band. Malakian states that "For me, the drop-C tuning is right down the center. It has enough of the clarity and the crisp sound—most of our riffy stuff is done on the top two strings, anyway—but it's also thicker and ballsier."

The band's influences include Middle Eastern music, Ozzy Osbourne,Dead Kennedys,Frank Zappa, Slayer, The Beatles, Deftones, and Van Halen.One reviewer claimed that their music encompasses different sounds, from sounding like "Fugazi playing Rush" to sometimes "tread[ing] close to Frank Zappa territory".Malakian has stated that "I'm a fan of music. I'm not necessarily a fan of any one band." Dolmayan stated "I don't think we sound like anybody else. I consider us System of a Down." Odadjian stated "You can compare us to whoever you want. I don't care. Comparisons and labels have no effect on this band. Fact is fact: We are who we are and they are who they are."

Band members

First Soil line-up (1992–1993)	Daron Malakian – guitar, back-vocals Serj Tankian – vocals, keyboard Dave Hakopyan – bass Domingo Laranio – drums	Soil's second line-up (1993–1995)	Daron Malakian – lead guitar, back-vocals Serj Tankian – vocals, keyboard Dave Hakopyan – bass Domingo Laranio – drums Shavo Odadjian – rhythm guitar
System of a Down's first line-up (1995–1997)	Daron Malakian – guitar, back-vocals Serj Tankian – vocals, keyboard, keytar Shavo Odadjian – bass, back-vocals Andy Khachaturian – drums	System of a Down's standard line-up (1997–present)	Daron Malakian – guitar, vocals Serj Tankian – lead vocals, keyboard, keytar Shavo Odadjian – bass, back-vocals John Dolmayan – drums

Occasional contributors

• Arto Tunçboyacıyan – percussion, composition (on Toxicity: "Science" and "Arto". Steal This Album!: "Bubbles" and some live concerts in 2005)
• Harry Perry – rhythm guitar (Ozzfest 2006)

Discography

• System of a Down (1998)
• Toxicity (2001)
• Steal This Album! (2002)
• Mezmerize (2005)
• Hypnotize (2005)

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Otep

Otep (also written as OTEP or OT3P) is an American heavy metal band formed in 2000 in Los Angeles, California by Otep Shamaya.

History

Otep originally was a four-piece nu metal band that began in Los Angeles, California in early 2000. They were invited to play Ozzfest before they had even signed to a label after Sharon Osbourne witnessed a brief part of their live performance. They have since played Ozzfest several times. To date the band has released five full length albums, and two EP's.

In 2007, after the dismal performance of The Ascension, Otep was officially dropped from Capitol Records.

In 2009 Otep signed with Victory Records. Their 2009 album, Smash the Control Machine, was to include a reunion with former members Mark "Moke" Bistany on drums and Rob Patterson on guitar. The album also featured Koichi Fukuda on piano, and Emilie Autumn on violin. The band appeared with 2Cents, Five Finger Death Punch & Shadows Fall on the 'Shock & Raw Tour' of North America in the fall of 2009.

On September 30, 2010, Jay McGuire left the band.

In 2011, Otep toured as a supporting act, along with Earth Crisis, for Cavalera Conspiracy.

 Current members

• Otep Shamaya - Vocals (2000–present)
• Markus Estrada: guitars (2010–present)
• Rani Sharone: bass (2010–present)
• Gil Sharone: drums (2010–present)

Former members

Guitars

• Dave Aguilera - guitars (2000)
• Tarver Marsh - guitars (2000–2001)
• Rob Patterson - guitars (2001–2004, 2009)
• Karma Singh Cheema - guitars (2006–2007)

Bass

• eViL j - bass (2000-2010)

Drums

• Brian Wolff - drums (2006–2008)
• Mark "Moke" Bistany - drums (2001–2004, 2009)

Session Musicians

• Greg Wells - guitar & custom percussion on House of Secrets
• Joey Jordison - drums on House of Secrets
• Holly Knight - mellotron, piano on The Ascension
• Koichi Fukuda - piano on Smash the Control Machine
• Emilie Autumn - violin on Smash the Control Machine
• Tony Campos - bass guitar on Atavist
• Collyn McCoy - bass guitar on Atavist
• Ulrich Wild - guitars, keyboards on Atavist

Touring Musicians

Guitars

• Steven Barbola - touring guitars (2008–2010)
• Aaron Nordstrom - touring guitars (2007–2008)
• Scotty CH - touring guitars (2005)
• Lee Rios - touring guitars (2004)
• Lane Maverick - touring guitars (2001)

Drums

• Chase Brickenden - touring drums (2010)
• Dave Gentry - touring drums (2008–2010)
• Doug Pellerin - touring drums (2004-2005)
• David Lopez - touring drums (2004)
• Scott Coogan - touring drums (2003)

Discography

• Jihad 2001

• Sevas Tra 2002 

• House of Secrets 2004

• The Ascension 2007

• Smash the Control Machine 2009 

• Atavist 2011

 

 

 

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Oasis

Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass guitar) and Tony McCarroll (drums, percussion), who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar and vocals). They have had eight UK number-one singles and eight UK number-one albums, and won fifteen NME Awards, nine Q Awards, four MTV Europe Music Awards and six BRIT Awards, including one in 2007 for outstanding contribution to music and one for the best album of the last 30 years as voted by the BBC Radio 2 listeners; they have been nominated for three Grammy Awards. As of 2009, the band have sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide. Also the band was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010 for “Longest Top 10 UK Chart Run By A Group” after an unprecedented run of 22 top 10 hits in the UK. The band also holds the Guinness World Record for being the "Best band Britain has produced in the Last Decade" in the UK between the years 1995 and 2005, spending 765 weeks in the Top 75 singles and albums charts.

Its members were signed to independent record label Creation Records and afterwards released their record-setting debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994. The following year, the band recorded (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) with their new drummer Alan White in the midst of rivalry with Britpop peers Blur in the charts. The Gallagher brothers featured regularly in tabloid newspapers for their sibling disputes and wild lifestyles. In 1997, Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now, and although it became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history, the album's popularity tapered off quickly. The band lost members Paul McGuigan and Paul Arthurs as they went on to record and release Standing on the Shoulder of Giants in 2000 and were replaced by Gem Archer and Andy Bell who joined the group for the tour in support of Giants. The band found renewed success and popularity starting with 2005's Don't Believe the Truth.

In August 2009, Noel Gallagher announced his departure from the band after a backstage altercation with Liam before a festival appearance. The band, comprising the remaining members of Oasis and led by Liam Gallagher, decided to continue working together under the name Beady Eye.

Musical style

Oasis were most heavily influenced by The Beatles, an influence which was frequently labelled as an "obsession" by the British media. In addition members of Oasis have cited The Stone Roses, T. Rex,Sex Pistols, Slade and The Smiths, as an influence or inspiration.

Legal action was taken in the case of Neil Innes (formerly of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and The Rutles) who sued after the song "Whatever" borrowed from his "How Sweet to Be an Idiot". He was awarded royalties and a co-writer credit. Noel Gallagher claimed in 2010 that the plagiarism was unintentional and he was unaware of the similarities until informed of Innes's legal case. Oasis were also sued by Coca-Cola and forced to pay $A500,000 in damages; When asked about the incident, Noel Gallagher joked "Now we all drink Pepsi." "Shakermaker" allegedly lifted words and melody from "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing". When promotional copies of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? were originally distributed, they contained a song called "Step Out". The promotional CD was quickly withdrawn and replaced with a version that omitted the controversial song, which was allegedly similar to the Stevie Wonder song "Uptight (Everything's Alright)". The song later appeared as the B-side to "Don't Look Back in Anger", albeit now listing "Wonder, et. al" as cowriters. The initial promotional CD of the album featuring "Step Out" is now a collectors item.

Legacy and influence

Many bands and artists have cited Oasis as an influence or inspiration, including The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, The Enemy, Lily Allen, Maroon 5, The Libertine, Coldplay, The Coral,Ryan Adams, The Rifles, The Pigeon Detectives, and Kasabian.

No Way Sis were a cover band from Glasgow who had a top 40 hit in the UK with "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing" a cover of the New Seekers song sung in the manner of Oasis. The Japanese band Little by Little derived their name from the Oasis song of the same name.

Discography

• Definitely Maybe (1994)
• (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
• Be Here Now (1997)
• Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
• Heathen Chemistry (2002)
• Don't Believe the Truth (2005)
• Dig Out Your Soul (2008)

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Seether

Seether is a post-grunge/alternative metal band from Pretoria, South Africa, formed in 1999. The band is currently signed to Wind-up Records. Originally named Saron Gas and signed to Musketeer Records in South Africa, they changed their name in 2002, coinciding with the release of their second album and major label debut, Disclaimer.

Band members

Current

• Shaun Morgan – lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar (2000 – present)
• Dale Stewart – bass, backing vocals (2000 – present
• John Humphrey – drums (2004 – present)

Former

• Dave Cohoe – drums, backing vocals (2000–2002)
• Nick Oshiro – drums (2002–2003)
• Pat Callahan – lead guitar (2002–2006)
• Troy McLawhorn – lead guitar, backing vocals (2008–2011)

 Discography

• Fragile (2000) (as Saron Gas)
• Disclaimer (2002)
• Disclaimer II (2004)
• Karma and Effect (2005)
• Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007)
• Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray (2011)

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Mocca

 

Mocca is an Indonesian four-member band formed in 1997 in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. The band's musical style is inspired by the retro sounds of the 70s, with influences of swing, bossa nova, Swedish pop, and jazz. The core of the band is Arina Ephipania Simangunsong, Riko Prayitno, Achmad ("Toma") Pratama, and Indra Massad. When playing live, MOCCA is supported by six additional players on keyboards, guitar, percussion, trumpet, trombone, and sax.

History

While in college, Arina and Riko decided to get together and form a band. For a year, they struggled with performing other people's music, finding themselves bored with the lack of innovation, at which point they decided to write their own songs. In 1997, they composed four songs that unfortunately were not well-received by the rest of the band. After much squabbling and conflict the band split up, leaving only Arina and Riko with their songs.

In late 1999, they asked Indra and Toma to join and Mocca was born. They now had a group with the same vision and awareness of music.

Having signed a contract with FFWD Records, helped Mocca a lot to go international. FFWD is previously a distributor for international indie-pop labels from Japan and Singapore to Sweden. All Mocca's album are distributed by FFWD's partner labels : Fruit Records in Singapore, Small Room in Thailand, Apple Crumble in Japan, Beatball from Korea, and My Honey from Italy

Their debut album My Diary contains 13 songs written from a girl's point of view and her diary entries. The lyrics are in English, and the music mixes waltz, bossa nova, 70s disco, and rock.Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine placed My Diary on their "150 Greatest Indonesian Albums of All Time" list at number 59.The magazine also ranked Mocca's song, "Me and My Boyfriend" at #150 on "150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time" list.

With simple and beautiful songs, all in English, the band gained popularity in neighbors countries especially in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Mocca has performed plenty of times in these countries. In 2006 Mocca collaborated with Swedish singer Karolina Komstedt, lead singer of the Swedish pop group Club 8. In 2007 Mocca performed in Japan as one of the headliners, long before that in 2004 they have performed in Okinawa as well. In 2008 they held in Malaysia and several gigs in Singapore too. Mocca’s latest international show was a solo concert held at Seoul, South Korea on May 2009

in 2010, their songs are used for several movie soundtracks in Korea, including Bandhobi and Personal Taste.

They have decided to take some vacuum time since 15th of July 2011. Their last show titled "Annabelle and the Music Box" held at Hall A Basket Senayan, Jakarta.

Band members

Arina Ephipania Simangunsong(vocals and flute) was born on 4 May 1978 in Bandung, West Java, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Institut Teknologi Nasional (Bandung), together with bandmate Riko. A fan of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, Arina uses stage gestures and musical dynamics often found in jazz and folk-dixie tunes.

Riko Prayitno (guitar) was born on 29 January 1977 in Bogor, West Java. Like Arina, he also graduated from the Institut Teknologi Nasional (Bandung). He began playing guitar at an early age, and began playing professionally with Arina while still in college.

Ahmad Pratama aka Toma (bass) was born on 27 June 1976 in Bandung, West Java and has lived there ever since. A product designer by training, Toma has excelled in setting up the key components of their music. His punctual bass tone accentuates the tempo and rhythm set by Indra's drumming skill. His influences include Sting and Phil Collins.

Indra Massad (drums) was born on 31 January 1976 in Medan, North Sumatra. He and Toma studied product design in Bandung together, and joined Mocca at about the same time. Unlike other drummers that use many tom-toms and cymbals, Indra prefers the simplicity and versatility of a single snare drum. His brush technique during acoustic sessions acts just like seven different mallets making seven different tones.

Discography

Albums

• My Diary (2002)
• Friends (2004)
• Colours (2007)

EPs

• OST Untuk Rena (2005)
• Mini Album (2010)

 

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Saosin

Saosin is an American rock band originally hailing from Newport Beach, California. The band was formed in 2003 and recorded its first EP, Translating the Name, that same year with original singer Anthony Green. Green left Saosin following the band's decision to sign with a commercial label, Capitol Records. Vocalist Cove Reber took over as frontman as the band recorded its self titled debut album. Its second studio album, In Search of Solid Ground was released on September 8, 2009 on Virgin and contains three re-recorded tracks off of The Grey EP. The band parted ways with Reber on July 21, 2010 and currently consists of guitarists Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski, bassist Chris Sorenson, and drummer Alex Rodriguez.

The band has sold 1,362,000 copies worldwide.

Origin of name

Anthony Green, the former vocalist, had initially suggested the name "Saosin" for the band. Saosin means "caution" in Chinese (小心 xiao xin). The word comes from a 15th century proverb about fathers admonishing their sons who are being married off for money to not get emotionally involved with their wives, as they could die at any time. Green explained the meaning behind this as being a reference to the fact that nothing is eternal, and that it is a mistake to become overly attached to any one or thing, because that thing will eventually be lost. While Green's personal interpretation of the word 小心 xiao xin is obscure, 小心 xiao xin is generally used in Chinese as a means to express caution. Green had previously used "Saosin" as a track name in his high school band, Audience of One's CD, I Remember When This All Meant Something.

Band members

Current members Beau Burchell - rhythm guitar (since 2003); lead vocals (touring, 2010-2011) Justin Shekoski - lead guitar, backing vocals (since 2003) Chris Sorenson - bass, keyboards, backing vocals (since 2003) Alex Rodriguez - drums (since 2003) Former members Anthony Green – lead vocals (2003–2004) Cove Reber – lead vocals (2004–2010) Zach Kennedy – bass (2003)

Touring members Philip Sneed – lead vocals (2004) Ken Floyd – rhythm guitar (2010) Pat McGrath – drums (2003)

Discography

• Saosin (2006)
• In Search of Solid Ground (2009)

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