The No Label Needed Contest & Series is a collaboration between Metal Insider and Scion to give one unsigned artist an entire DIY music industry education and launch a release without the help of a label. We’ll be posting features and updates on the contest & series periodically on Metal Insider. Find out more about No Label Needed here.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a closer look at each of the No Label Needed finalists. Today, we’re featuring Scorched-Earth Policy.
Formed in 1998 in San Francisco, the band is comprised of Judd on vocals, Lance on drums and Mark and Terry on guitars, bass and backing vocals. Mark and Terry took some time aside from campaigning for the lead in public votes to answer a few of our questions.
What do you hope to gain from winning this contest, beyond the prizes?
We’re honored to have been selected and consider it a great opportunity to network with 19 other metal bands who are in the same position that we’re in. What are the chances of Scion sponsoring a 19-band van tour for the runner-ups? Ha!
Actually, we’re getting ready to release our fifth album come Summer 2010, so any additional avenue of exposure is welcome. Connecting with a good booking agent would be great, too.
What’s been your greatest highlight as an unsigned act?
Terry: Holding our own on stage with the likes of Prong, Strapping Young Lad, Superjoint Ritual, Full Blown Chaos, Mercyful Fate, Skinlab, etc.
Mark: Having our song “Dropping Names” included in the ESPN motocross documentary 199 Lives was pretty cool, too. I hope we can secure more film and video game work in the future. Does that forthcoming “A-Team” movie need any metal jams?
Who’s career do you admire?
Mark: Ronnie James Dio.
Terry: Tool, Radiohead.
If you could get one endorsement/sponsorship, what would it be?
Terry: Sundries! – strings, picks, cables, sticks, etc. That’s where all the money goes!
Mark: Sears. I love that place! Where else can you get an arc welder, a crock pot, a lawn gnome and clean underwear all in one shot?
What metal trend would you like to see end?
Terry: There are many, but at the same time, if there’s a fanbase for it then who cares? the terrible stuff makes the good stuff so much better… I do get annoyed with Jeckyl/Hyde screaming/whining though….
Mark: One trend I would like to see continue is the recent resurgence of vinyl. Kids today didn’t grow up with the experience of staring at the classic artwork/live photos on the first three Iron Maiden albums, all while getting your scalp peeled back by some of the most vicious jams ever – in full analog glory! We did and we miss it. Plus, you can’t download the vinyl experience.
Public voting for the No Label Needed Contest & Series presented by Scion runs through March 8. Visit the No Label Needed microsite to listen to Scorched-Earth Policy and the 19 other finalists and cast your vote!
