Edgefest 2012

I bitch a lot about the local scene, yet somehow I rarely mention radio stations. 104.1 The Edge is the premier alternative rock station in the Albuqurque/Santa Fe area. So think of watered down Metal, Hard Rock and Punk for those of us who tire of the same 10 songs played on the pop stations, or who are sick of hearing AC/DC a dozen times a day on the otherwise decent Classic Rock stations. The Edge isn't much better. Nu Metal is a guilty pleasure, as is Pop Punk, so I can dig 104.1 most of the time. On the other hand, my pet peeve is a good Metal jam, that they dubbed over the screams with clean vocals. (Seriously, Killswitch Engage? Why would you even MAKE a version of Numbered Days like that?!)

Anyway, my point is, when you're sick of Metal that is too caustic but you still hate Katy Perry, this is a pretty damn good station. I can't really listen to Muse otherwise. And, on top of that, they also interact with the local scene in a meaningful way, albeit a seeming afterthought for a corporation that is obviously focused on keeping  listeners hooked. The most recent contribution to the underground artists is the annual Edgefest. The bigger bands playing this gig include Anberlin, Incubus, Cage The Elephant, and four other bands that I never heard of. See what I mean? Sugar-coated rock for the unwashed masses. That doesn't mean I don't want to go.

Anyway, they are also hosting a contest for the underground artists. Six lucky winners will play the Local Stage, and one REALLY lucky winnner will open for the mainstage. If you want to have a say in who this will be, vote here for your favorites. Cow holy, that's a ton of bands. Most of them have bandcamp profiles, or, at the very least, facebook. Sample their tunes so you know who is worthy of your votes. Best of luck to all of them. Rock on, my angels.