Grindig Takes Top Honours at
Canadian Music Week XTREME Band Slam National Talent Search

Grindig, the band that 'plays the high energy rock and roll that you deserve'’, rocked their way to a win on Saturday March 2nd, 2002 at the Canadian Music Week XTREME Band Slam.

Nine bands, chosen by radio stations across the country, traveled to Toronto to represent their city at the National level. Grindig was Toronto's pick, representing New Rock EDGE 102. Proving that these types of events really do help advance careers and create tomorrow's stars – Shocore, last year's winners from The Fox 99.3 in Vancouver opened the show as feature performer.

Held at the trendy Steamwhistle Brewery in Toronto, the finalists performed to a packed house consisting of the general public, CMW delegates and a judges' panel of music industry experts of various professions.

Grindig had some stiff competition, facing off in a two-song playdown which included competing bands Color, The Jack Union, Fifth Season, Sonic Bloom, Blasternaut, Moonraker, Re-Defined and Nectar. As the last band of the night, Grindig took the stage at 10:30pm after being introduced by former Much Music VJ and producer Michael Williams.

"It was such a treat," says front man and guitarist Derek Downham, "to be in the company of so many really good bands. It makes you work harder and play better!"

It took 15 minutes of deliberation for the panel of judges to tally their votes. Asked about his reaction to the win, bassist Henry McKeown adds "It's a bit overwhelming – when everyone keeps telling you 'No!'- you sort of get used to it and you just keep going about your daily routine. Then one day you find yourself standing on a stage amidst a great group of bands, talented musicians and industry people in this talent search and you get singled out as 'the best unsigned band'– How are you supposed to react?"

CM'W president Neill Dixon presented the band with their award, after which Grindig were interviewed by Edge TV.

Grindig have been flying under the radar for the past 3 years, playing shows with bands like King Apparatus, Big Sugar, By Divine Right and The Watchmen as well as performing at special events such as Aidswalk 2001, Festival of Beers in Toronto and Ottawa, NFL Tailgate Parties in the US and a recent swing through Ontario colleges on the NXNE Campus Roadshow as well as several acoustic appearances on Mojo Radio’s Humble and Fred Show.

As XTREME Band Slam winners, Grindig received over $50,000 in prizes:
30 hours recording, mixing and mastering time from Metalworks Studios
Recording Studio with producer/Engineer Nick Blagona
Band Website design and hosting courtesy ISYS Technology
Washburn WI64DLB electric guitar
Washburn 5 string XB125MBZ bass guitar
Pearl 5 pc. EX825 Drum kit with Sabian matching cymbal package
Marshall 100 watt AVT combo
Korg 61 note X5D synth
Digitech RP300 guitar multi effects pedal
AKG Emotion series microphones
Quik Lok mic stands w/boom

Are You The Next Band To Take The XTREME Title?
Canadian Music Week is looking for the hottest unsigned band in Canada!!

Keep checking www.CMW.net for details on prizes, participating radio stations and how to apply for The XTREME Band Slam 2003.

Below are the participants of The XTREME Band Slam 2002

Participating Radio Stations - Sponsors - Prizes