We love featuring cool, local artists on our blog. This is Madman Orchestra:
Photography by Nika and Dušan
Madman Orchestra is a six-piece rock orchestra that blends melodies together with crazy lyrics. The only name that suits them is their own. Made up of varied influences, are they hip hop or are they rocknroll? From Michael Jackson to Metallica, their influences have been thrown together to make a new sound that works. They have a captivating stage energy that has to be witnessed in person. Sounding like Black Eyed Peas with a rock edge and a touch of the Beastie Boys, the band channels this sound into a unique and highly energetic live show where the melody stays in your head long after the show is over. The lyrics and rap style of Homie Smiles, the sweet and sexy vocals of Mz. Dee, and the seasoned musicianship of the band combine to create a highly energetic group that is destined to be one of the largest successes to come out of Newfoundland.
QUOTES/REVIEWS:
Madman Orchestra play rap music, but in a much different way than rapping over a record beat. The group does it all live, what they call “rap and roll.” Their performances are definately “shows”. When you hear strains of the classical masterpiece of Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries that opens their show, you automatically think it’s going to be big. They don’t disappoint.
-Kevin Kelly, The Newfoundland Herald
Madman Orchestra is a six piece group that meshes hard rock with energetic rap in a manner far-removed from the horrors of nu-metal….The group’s primary focus is on rocking the audience, providing a raucous live show that would always be memorable.
-Anshuman Iddamsetty, The Muse
The St. John’s sextet is far from a classical orchestra - the group, fronted by rapper Homie Smiles, spits out alternative hip hop rhymes combined with rock and roll tunes in a style that could make Linkin Park jealous.”
-Tara Bradbury Bennett, The Telegram
QUICKFACTS & SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
+ Nominated for four 2004 MusicNL Awards: New Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, Pop/Rock Group of the Year; Homie Smiles for SOCAN Songwriter of the year for Danielle’s Song
+ Performed MIANL Gala Awards Show, November 2004
+ ECMA MuchMusic Alternative Rock Showcase, February 2005
+ Winners of the Atlantic Regional Xtreme Band Slam (XBS) Competition, Feb 2005
+ Canadian Music Week National Xtreme Band Slam (XBS) Finalists, March 2005
+ Headlined OzFMs Concert In The Plaza for St. Johns Days, Prince Edward Plaza, George Street, June 2005
+ Headlined Club One’s Post Pearl Jam Party, September 2005
+ ECMA Sneak Peak Showcase by Warner Music Canada & CBC Galaxie, February 2006
+ Headlined Salmon Festival’s Red Cliff Rocks! Concert, July 2006
+ Shared the stage with: Theory of a Deadman, Thornley, High Holy Days, The Salads, Fefe Dobson, Classified
Check them out at one of their upcoming shows:
22 Jul 2009 20:00 Cameron House Toronto, Ontario
30 Jul 2009 20:00 The Reverb Toronto, Ontario
31 Jul 2009 22:00 All Stars Bar & Grill Brampton, Ontario
26 Aug 2009 20:00 The Velvet Underground Toronto, Ontario
www.wildorchidcreations.com
~Nika
