Votes tallied, six student bands chosen

By Aerin Raymond

Posted on Dec. 04, 2003, at 12:00 a.m.

Chris Barter

now transmission

The votes have been cast and the results are in. The six choices made by the student body for Bumstock 2004′s campus band line-up are Now Transmission, Almost Home, Tomorrow’s Retro Future, Sparkling Joint, Spectacle and Stoplight Rehearsal.

These six bands cover a variety of musical styles, ranging from rock to emo to new wave.

“[The voting process] brought in just under 700 votes. There were some close calls, but the top six bands were clearly defined,” Erin Smith, the director of Bumstock 2004, said.

It seems the chosen bands and the student body are, for the most part, satisfied with the voting process. They all claim to agree that the Bumstock Web site (bumstock.com) was an integral part of helping students decide who they wanted to vote for. The Web site included pictures, MP3s and biographies for each band.

Though the bands were fairly satisfied with the way voting worked, they had a few suggestions for years to come.

“It is absolutely ridiculous to make campus bands compete against one another for a chance to play at a festival that is being held at their own school,” said Nathan Oldham of Tomorrow’s Retro Future. “Only six slots for over 20 bands? If there are over 20 campus bands that want into this festival, then there needs to be the same number of slots available for them.”

On the contrast, Smith sees this method as very effective.

“I hope this is the way campus bands will be chosen from now on. It’s the most fair way to get the general campus opinion. It gives the campus a chance to voice their opinions on the bands they know best,” Smith said.

Several students spoke out about their desire to have more than one vote, especially since there were so many bands to choose from and six that got final slots.

“This is a two-day event, so there should be plenty of time to have more than seven local bands perform. The Bumstock committee should make more room for local bands at Bumstock for sure. However, it shouldn’t get to the point where just any band can get in,” Michael King of Almost Home said.

All six of the campus bands were in agreement that they are extremely honored and excited to be playing at Bumstock 2004. They had nothing but thanks and praise for everyone who voted for them.

The bands chosen to fill the remaining, non-campus band spots will be decided at a later point.

“Due to various logistical reasons, no bands have been contracted, at this point in time, to play at Bumstock 2004,” Smith said. “We expect to make offers and contract the performers by the end of January and at that time, the final set list will be released.”

Campus Currents: Bumstock