Misery Signals - "Worlds and Dreams"
Album : Of Malice and a Magnum Heart
Label : Ferret Records
Official Site
Myspace
When asked for an epic instrumental that would be a perfect opener for "Dead Air," Misery Signals "Worlds and Dreams" immediately came to mind. Milwaukee's kings of metalcore are long time friends of Orphic, and amongst their perfect balance of brutal metal riffs and melody, they managed to create an atmospheric, ambient treat to the ears. Despite losing their singer, Misery Signals has managed to keep releasing sold albums with amazing production. They are currently recording their new album which should be released later on this year.
1865 – "I Am Gangster, I Am Monkey" and "Mom Says"
Album : Sodium Girl
Label : Unsigned
Official Site
Myspace
1865's infectious grooves are hard to resist. Another local talent who recently relocated to San Francisco, 1865 is the quintessential example of up-and-coming underground hip-hip. With such a unique name for an MC, when asked about the origin of it he replied, "It comes from some unknown being that I have no control over. It's such a wild idea that came to me and now it seems to be really becoming something that I see everyday. 1865 is the balance of everything; even odd, good bad, black white, up down, earth stars, etc…and its wild because now my DJ is a female, thus my "group" 1865 consist of man and woman…wild.” Not only is 1865 the only artist to have two songs featured on "Dead Air," but also is the headlining act for the upcoming premiere. With that said, don't take our word for his high-energy and compelling live set, come see it for yourself.
Doomriders – "Black Thunder"
Album : Black Thunder
Label : Deathwish Inc.
Official Site
Myspace
Don't let the self acclaimed "Christian Rap" genre fool you, Salem's Doomriders are anything but Christian… or rap for that matter. If you are craving some dirty, southern-metal… from the north, then Doomriders has your fix. Not only does the band consist of members from present and past innovative bands such as Converge, they managed to create a sound that is astoundingly unique. "Black Thunder" will make you want to party with a ferocity that cannot be matched while compelling you somehow develop the ability to melt human faces with laser eye beams.
Far From Finished - "A Destination Nowhere"
Album : Eastside of Nowhere
Label : Think Fast! & People Like You
Official Site
Myspace
Besides spending a bruise-inducing Valentine's Day with Far From Finished, their infectious punk riffs, and dirty rocker vocals drew Orphic in like bees to honey. Their integrity, honesty, pain, guilt, and life-style perfectly portray their Boston roots. "A Destination Nowhere" is quite honestly impossible to listen to and not want to launch yourself off the nearest elevated object. Far From Finished is a breath of fresh air in a world where regurgitated mainstream crap is readily available. These guys all survived a near fatal van accident - perhaps some of their good fortune will rub off on Orphic.
Lucid One - "Exp"
Album : Unknown
Label : WannaBattle Records
Official Site
Myspace
"Exp" could be the soundtrack for the moment in time when you transition from consciousness to sleep. This instrumental track by San Diego's Lucid One, juxtaposes orchestral instruments with syncopated hip-hop tracks to create a wonderfully atmospheric piece. With the underground thriving with ground-breaking artists like Lucid One, we are proud incorporate him into our sound.
Anchors Away - "Shit Talkin'"
Album : Eastside of Nowhere
Label : $ignificant Records
Myspace
Anchors Away are a relatively new five-piece punk, hardcore, southern rock band, hailing from Jacksonville Florida. Their fast, abrasive, and confrontational lyrics perfectly embody the rise of Orphic Pro from the ashes of Shades of Gray Productions. We here at Orphic have a mission – to reintegrate the roots of freeskiing: the morals, the hardcore, and the DIY mentality, as the priority of the industry. The emergence of mainstream society into freeskiing has left the pioneering aspects of it in ruins, leaving us with ridiculous fashion trends, message-less music, empty corporate sponsorships, and profit over athlete's well-being. Our soundtrack is mostly hardcore and punk which will no doubt rub the young generation the wrong way. Anchors Away "Shit Talkin" is the perfect response to the negative feedback we have and will receive. We stick by our bands and the choice to showcase them in Dead Air.
Killing Kings – "Music and the Message"
Album : Eastside of Nowhere
Label : Awake/Strong
Myspace
Seeing as most of the employees here at Orphic are Colorado natives, we couldn't resist the urge to represent some local talent. Not only is Killing Kings, in our opinion, the best local hardcore band in Denver, but their music is truly amazing. Their oxymoronic mixture of the toils of the working class, mixed with positive messages of hope, make for a brutal and yet ultimately passionate and moving sound. Mile High Hardcore and the Denver scene have managed to stay under the radar while still hosting some of the greatest talent in the country. Killing Kings "Music and the Message" speaks of precisely the same issue that has infuriated and disillusioned so many fans of the underground scene, which is the music that has nothing relevant to say anymore. The same superficial and ultimately pointless issues of relationships, sex, money, weapons, and pride eventually drain the integrity of the music industry. Orphic supports bands with integrity, cognizance, and passion – and Killing Kings is a perfect addition to the sound of Dead Air.
Crime In Stereo – "Amsterdamned"
Album : Explosives and the Will To Use Them
Label : Bridge 9 & Nitro
Myspace
Official Site
Crime In Stereo has always jabbed fun at authority figures and their previous record labels. Perhaps it was their Long Island roots that bring the upfront, witty, and often abrasive tones in their lyrics. Despite several personal health issues the band has toured incessantly for years and is finally starting to get the recognition and respect they deserve. "Amsterdamned" is not only a full-throttle, pit-inducing punk song, but also lyrically a perfect fit for Orphic. Vocalist Kristin could not said it better, "So let's hear it for living your whole life, like life itself owes you one more night on the town."
Dead Hearts – "Breakdown"
Album : Bitter Verses
Label : Ferret Records
Myspace
Official Site
With Orphic Pro's mission to bring freestyle skiing back to its roots, we would logically want to showcase musical talent that did the same. It is rare to find a modern hardcore band that pays tribute to the foundation of the genre better than Buffalo's Dead Hearts. Simple, punk-derived riffs coupled with easily identifiable lyrics makes "Breakdown" the modern battle cry for the transitioning Generation "Y." Despite its name, DH has more heart and passion for music than the majority of the half-assed, clone bands that seem to consume culture like locusts. No girl pants and eye-liner here, just straight up heart.
Dartanian – "Rock the House"
Album : Path of Glory
Label : Unsigned
Myspace
Another gem from Denver's music scene, Dartanian puts the "rad" in Colorado. Part Iron Maiden, part comedic genius, Dartanian is the only featured band to have a mascot. For years the myth behind Captain Metal's identity plagued the collective conscious minds of Denverites. Despite the humorous content of the lyrics, Dartanian was one of the most musically talented bands in Denver. Singer Jesse's vocal range could rival that of Bruce Dickenson himself! Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and they played their last show in February of 2008. Orphic wants to pay tribute to the musketeer tribute-paying band, by tantalizing your senses with "Rock the House." Some may say it is the ultimate rock song, we here at Orphic do not disagree.
Count Bass D – "Internationally Known"
Album : Act Your Waist Size
Label : Unsigned
Official Site
Myspace
Count Bass D displays talent and creativity that exceeds the common hip-hop act. A trained musician, Count derives many of his influences from earlier forms of music such as jazz, and incorporates them into a modern medium. Upon first listen one would assume a direct influence of Outkast and Andre 3000, but the Count was performing long before anyone knew who they were. Count definitely takes an avant-garde approach when it comes to his music and some songs are not as easily digestible as others. "Internationally Known" contains the creativity and modernization that Orphic strives for with our work.