Peavey & Imprint Records find 'Next Rock Stars'

NEW YORK (www.peavey.com) - Atlanta-based hard rock quartet Illbreak won a record deal from Imprint Records in the Peavey-sponsored "Search for the Next Rock Stars" contest, which involved hundreds of up-and-coming hopefuls across six Southeastern U.S. states. Judges chose the band during the event's final round, held Saturday, August 14 in Gulfport, Miss.
An esteemed panel of music industry professionals, including executives from top management firms and major record labels, picked Illbreak based on vocals, songwriting and stage presence.
Imprint Records - the brainchild of 3 Doors Down bassist Todd Harrell and his wife, Jennifer - held the search in order to find new talent.

Emcee and former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield praised Harrell for seeking unsigned artists and giving them the opportunity to succeed. "That's what it's all about," he said, "bringing up new bands and giving them a shot." He added that while only one band is assured a record deal, the 11 semi-finalists were able to showcase their talents to the judges---a winning situation for all.

Harrell, a Peavey endorser, was excited to have his gear company support the event. "When you hear the name Peavey, you automatically think music," he said. "I think having the Peavey name associated with this search gives the event legitimacy and recognition."

Illbreak will begin recording its album immediately at London Bridge studios in Seattle, where 3 Doors Down recorded its most recent album, Away From the Sun. Imprint Records will then promote the band through radio and concerts.

The other finalists included Drake Equation of Tallahassee, Fla.; Brian Fuente Band of Jackson, Miss.; Secret Theory of Lafayette, La.; and Half Down Thomas of Birmingham, Ala. Peavey provided a Firebass 700 amp head and 810TVX cabinet for the event's bass backline.

Harrell's bass rig consists of a Peavey Pro 500 head, two Peavey Pro 810 cabinets and a Crest Audio Pro 5200 power amp. "They're awesome," he commented. "They're the most powerful amps I have ever used." 3 Doors Down guitarist Matt Roberts, who plays through Peavey 5150 and Triple XXX amps, also attended the event.

Peavey Electronics Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment in the world. Peavey holds more than 130 patents and produces more than 2,000 products, which are distributed throughout the United States and to 136 other countries. To find out more about Peavey Electronics and its products and artists, visit www.peavey.com.