Last year, recess made a tough decision on how to handle our presentation of student band's EPs. After a lot of discussion, our staff agreed that the best way to treat bands with respect was to judge them as if they were any other band on the market-not give them brownie points for being Dukies.
Although many students disagreed with our choice, we felt like it helped create a closer bond between this publication and student artists, who are often overlooked in favor of nationally-recognized artists. I had the pleasure of reviewing Stella by Starlight, one of my favorite new bands... period.
If you haven't listened to Stella, please do yourself a favor and pick up their last EP, Made of Fire, or check out their music on their MySpace page. More importantly vote for them in mtvU's Best Music on Campus contest. I have personally made over 100 votes just today (hit refresh and go again).
It is hard to believe it, but a Duke band is actually in the running for a mtvU Woodie Award. Only a few years ago-when I was a wee p-frosh-the Duke music scene was more dead than Jimmy Carter (he died right?). The only notable student band was Kenin and they were good, but hardly anything to wet your pants about.
Stella is currently one of the final 25 bands left in the running for the nation-wide award. If they win it, they recieve a cash prize and a trip to New York, but more importantly it is great publicity for the newly emerging throng of Duke musicians. Watch for a feature on Stella to hit these pages next week. And don't forget to vote For Stella!
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