New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Underground Hong Kong) The anticipation that was building up since early this year, finally peaked as the Planetrox China Final arrived on 6 July 2013 and five finalist bands went head-to-head to win it.
And it was a final that didn't disappoint; we started off with the thudding, screaming metal of Synergy, followed by the fast psychobilly-pop sounds of Say Mosquito. Dr. Eggs, being the consummate pro, played a clinical set, with their huge hip-hoppy, funky and hard rocking tunes, followed by the mellower, calmer pop-rock of Fame. Finally, with their catchy songs and infectious energy, Shotgun Politics closed the night with their typical sky-high spike in enthusiasm. Being fun to listen to and even more fun to watch live, it turns out, was the formula to win, as Shotgun Politics claimed the first prize. Being a hard-working band who put astonishing energy into every show and care into fashioning their heavy melodic hooks and beats, this was a victory well-deserved.
All this was witnessed by a record crowd of above 200 people in Backstage, and was judiciously overseen by a panel of judges from the music industry. In the panel were, music scene observer and critic, Edwin Lo of Bitetone, HKGFM's music director Cliff Babbs, and none other than the director and chief designer for Albion, Steve Grindrod.
Each of the finalist bands were also presented with an iTrack Solo, courtesy of Focusrite.
First runners up, Dr. Eggs, took home an Albion 40 watt hybrid guitar combo amp, which was handed to them by Steve Grindrod himself, (the founder and legendary designer of Marshall & VOX amps).
The moment of reckoning elicited some very emotional reactions and huge cheers emanated from the crowd, as Shotgun Politics was declared the band to represent China at the Envol et Macadam festival in Canada.
Says Chris B, organiser of Planetrox China, "An amazing night and it wasn't all about winning, because every band played great music. Local bands standards get higher and higher every year and there is more creative focus on their own style and compositions. Competitions like Planetrox give them international opportunities to perform and share the stage with International acts at a genuine live music festival."
Says Timmy Gunn, lead singer and guitarist for Shotgun Politics, "Planetrox has been a great ride and we thoroughly enjoyed playing our set at the final to such a supportive crowd. We're honored to be selected to help represent our vibrant music scene and hope to make Hong Kong bands proud when we take to the stage at Envol et Macadam. We wouldn't want to waste such an excellent opportunity!"
Shotgun Politics are a Hong Kong-based four piece band. They have been pillars of the local music scene since 2009, wowing crowds all around Hong Kong & Southern China.
