Vayden is a local band from Phoenix, AZ that is destined for great things. With the most solid rock album (Children of Our Mistakes) I’ve heard this year along with the support of label Silent Majority Group, the band is on the verge of being a nationally desired act. Twice now I’ve had the opportunity to watch Vayden’s electrifying live show: once when they opened for Sick Puppies and again at their sold-out Phoenix send-off show. On both occasions, I realized why they have become such a highly followed band in the area. I was lucky enough to catch singer Curtis Casey, guitarist Armin Peterson, bassist Jason Salomone, and drummer Bruce Weitz backstage before their final Phoenix performance of the summer.

How did Vayden get started?

Curtis: Vayden got started when Armin Peterson woke up one morning with a dream and then he called up his friend Jason (Salomone)…no, no, we started out of a basement in Mesa, AZ and Milano’s Music Store and it was basically that me and Bruce (Weitz) wanted to start a band. So we went about doing that and picked up Jason to play bass and Armin’s the prodigy student of our guitarist Rob Robbins who will be playing later on tonight, too.

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What does the title Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces mean to you?

Shaun: Philosophy. It�s my philosophy on how to approach the way things have been going this year. I mean, as soon as we think we�re out of it, something bad happens: the guys from Red have a van accident or we�re playing in Portland and one of the security guys goes outside and has a heart attack in the parking lot. It�s just one thing after another. We played San Diego and the fucking crowd didn�t give a shit, I mean not at all. It�s been a bizarre year.
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South African rock band Seether has changed over the past two years. Sure the hard riffs and driving beats are still there, but it is the experience gained through life’s curveballs that really sets their new album, Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, apart. Shaun Morgan, John Humphrey, and Dale Stewart first gained notoriety with their 2002 album, Disclaimer, and its massive single “Broken.” With this one song, Seether was put on the rock map. Now several albums, a highly publicized break-up, and a stint in rehab later, Seether has released their most solid effort yet.
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Described as �blend[ing] heavy-hitting rock and textured melodies with memorable hooks and a moving message,� Miser is the newest promising rock act from Dallas, TX. Formed in December 2005, Miser has quickly taken the Texas music scene by storm, especially in the Dallas metroplex area. Their fans are dedicated, and why wouldn�t they be? The guys are approachable, courteous, and always willing to take the time to greet someone who loves music as much as they do. I believe it is this accessibility that has caused such a fast growth in popularity allMiser over the state.

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In 2005, four musicians from the Chicago area came together to form a rock band that not only would create worthwhile music but would tell an important story. Madina Lake was born out of this desire. Even if you don�t know the name, you would definitely know the infectious riffs and searing vocals of the widely-played single �House of Cards.� You might even recognize two of the band members from an episode of Fear Factor. After signing to Roadrunner Records and extensive touring, Madina Lake has earned a significant following of those who appreciate their honesty and social commentary. This summer, they can be seen on the Projekt Revolution Tour along with Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance.

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