Ambient rockers Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys got the chance of a lifetime when they performed at Austin City Limits after winning the most votes in "The Sound and the Jury," an online battle of the bands. The Rocketboys, an Abilene-based band composed of current students and alumni of Abilene Christian University, were thrilled with the opportunity presented by the Austin City Limits Music Festival.Josh Campbell ('07), bassist from Van, Texas, admits that he felt more like a fan at the festival than an artist.
"This was an incredible experience and a step in the right direction for us, professionally," said Campbell.
The annual three-day music festival, which began in 2002, has become one of the premier rock music events in the country. This year's festival included performances from legendary musician Bob Dylan, indie folk artist Regina Spektor, Björk, Muse and more than 120 other bands.
ACU alumnus Justin Wiseman ('07) and keyboardist from Tucker, Ga., said that he believes their performance at the festival will likely propel the band toward their goal of being full-time musicians.
"Any time a band has a chance to be mentioned in the same sentence as the artists who graced Austin City Limits this year, their chances of success immediately increase," said Wiseman.
Along with Wiseman and Campbell, members of Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys include drummer Philip Ellis, senior management major from Van, and guitarist Daniel Wheeler, a graduate student, also from Van. Recent graduates Mitch Holt ('07) and Brandon Kinder ('06), both from Memphis, Tenn., provide guitar and melodic vocals.
For winning the "Sound and the Jury" competition, the Rocketboys each received a new Dell Notebook PC, and the band received a $1,000 travel stipend, the opportunity to perform at the Dell Lounge, and at a concert sponsored by Paste Magazine. The band will also be included in an upcoming Paste sampler CD.
Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys recently released their new EP, "Sing, Bird, Sing."
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