Meet the student bands competing this Wednesday at 9 p.m. for their own headlining Legends show next semester.
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ARSON DAILY
Members:
– Quincy Platt, bass, Appalachian junior.
– Zach Dunham, vocals and rhythm guitar, Appalachian senior.
– Chip Cannon, lead guitar, Appalachian junior.
– Adam McLean, drummer, Appalachian junior.
Sounds like:
“Villainous rock,” Platt said.
Influences:
Cage The Elephant, Dr. Dog, Black Keys, general blues and garage rock.
History:
The band formed around the start of the fall semester when Dunham and Platt moved from school in Greenville, after Cannon and McLean had met previously in Boone. 
Why compete?
They want to network and meet the other bands, above all else, in hopes of joining forces in the struggle for local exposure.
What are they bringing to the competition?
A diverse lineup of psychedelic, blues rock and contemporary — played at high energy with some experimental showmanship.
“At the end of the day, I think people will have our songs stuck in their heads — I’m confident that they will,” Dunham said.
Final word:
“I’ve heard good things about everyone, but it’s hard to gauge when you haven’t seen them live. If you’re like us, the recordings are pretty raw, but I’ve only heard good things from the rest of them,” Platt said.
“We’re trying to think of it less as a competition and more as a showcase,” McLean said.
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THE ROMANTIC EGOTISTS
Members:
– Matt Carter, drummer, Appalachian senior.
– Wilson Billingsley, guitar and vocals, Appalachian junior.
– Bailey Faulkner, guitar, Appalachian junior.
– Logan Hall, bass, Appalachian senior.
– Cramer Lewis, guitar, Appalachian junior.
Sounds like:
“If Bryan Adams and Zeppelin had a baby, that’s us,” Carter said. 
Influences:
’70s and ’80s rock, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Fleetwood Mac.
History:
Faulkner, Lewis and another roommate — high school friends — were placed with Billingsley by their housing agency at the last minute. When Billingsley said he played guitar the deal was done. He brought in Hall from their previous band in Wilkesboro.
Why compete?
“We’re brand-spanking new, and we just want to get our name out there so hopefully it will snowball and we can start playing bars,” Faulkner said.
What are they bringing to the competition?
“We’re going to be bringing some energy, and there’s a lot of talent in the group – everyone can really play their instruments.”
He considers their set fun above all else. Their three guitars also bring a different aesthetic to their classic jams.”
Final word:
“It’s not about trying to beat these other guys down,” Billingsley said. “We’ll see what happens on the stage and let the music do the talking.”
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WAY DAS
Members:
– Russell Bomer, drummer, Appalachian senior.
– Nick Eichen, guitar and vocals, Appalachian sophomore.
– Joey Frost, guitar and bass, Appalachian junior.
– Emily Kolakowski, vocals and bass, Appalachian sophomore.
Sounds like:
“Sad, poppy Nirvana, in the loosest way possible,” Eichen said.
Influences:
Neutral Milk Hotel, The Hold Steady, Nirvana.
History:
Kolakowski and Eichen first began playing together in loose preparation for open mic nights they never ended up attending. Frost found himself at regular practices after leaving his and Bomer’s previous group last April, and worked on original songs together. When Bomer too switched over in September, the group solidified its sound.
Why compete?
“Playing at Legends would be a super cool thing to do because we will sound check and there will be people actually adjusting our levels. There’s a lot of people who will hopefully show up, and it will be fun no matter what,” Eichen said.
Kolakowski, who works at Legends, has tried to bring in local bands, but said this is a unique opportunity.
“We want more shows and this is the way to do it — build connections,” Frost said.
What are they bringing to the competition?
As a female-fronted band, they bring an element of originality to this lineup.
Final word:
“Even if we win, we’ll still be losers,” Bomer said.
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STORY: Lovey Cooper, Senior A&E Reporter
Photos: Chris Deverell, Video Editor & courtesy of Arson Daily, The Romantic Egotists