Artist description Originally from Topeka Kansas now Los Angeles comes 8 Degrees, an Alternative metal style band that fuses rap/melodic vocals with heavy guitars, tight mixes, soothing bass and tribal hip-hop drums.

Music Style Alternative- nu-metal

Musical Influences Beastie Boys, Agnostic Front, The Cure, The Smiths, Jane's Addiction,most punk bands..

Similar Artists Linkin Park, Incubus, Dial 7, Downset,Slipknot,Kottonmouth Kings,staind,sevendust,Tool,Deftones

Artist History Began in late 1995 under the name Piss. The name was changed in early 1997 to 8 Degrees.Have shared the stage with such acts as Deftones,Kottonmouth Kings,Snot,Papa Roach,Incubus,Vanilla Ice,Zebrahead,NOFX,the Specials, Quiet Riot,Napalm Death,Rancid, and many more.8 Degrees relocated to Los Angeles in Jan of 2001 to follow up on label interest and spread the sound even further. Check out the calendar for shows near you.

Group Members Aaron Lambotte- Vocals Chris Stuke- Drums James Johnston- guitar Erik Francis- guitar Tim Gentry- bass

Instruments 2 guitars,bass,vocals,percussion

Albums swam the waters and a Series of Moments

Press Reviews There once was a time when quality production and recording was only available for those bands lucky enough to find themselves as part of a large corporate label, and unsigned bands were left to taping their garage band practices with hopes that at the next big show they were at they'd have the chance to throw their demo at one of the bands on stage and be heard. How things have changed since then. Take 8 Degrees for example. Their sophmore effort, A Series of Moments, plays more like a professional album released by a major label than an independent album looking for a little recognition. In every way, shape and form 8 Degrees come off as a skilled band with incredible potential for the future. Since the release of their debut disc, Swam the Waters, the band has honed their sound, and expanded on what they first created. There is a new sense of melody on A Series of Moments, melody led by some of the catchiest heavy music to cross this desk in a while. Also, the usage of turntables to stretch the group's musical boundaries is very apparent, and Vandon (1200 King) artfully scratches through each song without over-powering the other members or sounding out of place. A Series of Moments blasts open with "Clayed and Stitched", which prepares the listener for what's to come with ground-shaking drumbeats and a repetitive aspect that makes the song at once seem familiar. Clayed and Stitched even has been featured on ESPN Extreme Sports, which in the past has played music from then unsigned bands Nonpoint and Darwin's Waiting Room. The title track features a killer turntable solo, where Vandon is given his chance to shine on his own and not just help back the song and he certainly makes the track memorable. 8 Degrees are one of those bands that have a very bold new sound that is entirely their own. With a recent relocation to California in hopes of getting noticed, 8 Degrees have a very good chance at being recognized and awarded with a record contract within the year. If they don't, one really should question the music industry on the whole, for 8 Degrees are obviously ready for more. - LochnessPimpster/www.smother.net/_____________________Just when you think that the rap-metal genre couldn't possibly be taken to another level, in come six guys from, of all places, Topeka, Kansas. The band is called 8 Degrees, and they are currently based in Southern California, hoping to land a record deal. Their second independent release, titled A Series of Moments, is a creative and energetic collection of songs that will no doubt help them get closer to realizing their goals.The first song on the album is an explosive track called "Clayed and Stitched," which has been featured on ESPN extreme sports and is on regular rotation at 99.1 KSEK in Kansas. With brilliant turntable wizardry courtesy of DJ 1200 King, it is no wonder that the boys have enjoyed a modest amount of success with this melodic, yet hard-hitting tune. The entire CD features exceptional production qualities, above and beyond what is normally found in an independent release. The title track to the CD is no exception. This song doesn't just mix metal and rap, it overlaps them to form a funky and delicious layered wave of sound. "Before The Fall" is a harmonious and elegantly flowing tune, with the essential hip-hop element transitioning smoothly into a melodic chorus. 8 Degrees' "lunatic style" continues on the track "Shine," which features a rapid-fire vocal delivery by frontman Aaron Lambotte. "Wipe Away The Surface," a song about facing the imminent end of a relationship, possesses so much rhythm one can choreograph a dance routine to it. The CD ends with an untitled track which, with its hypnotizing strings and airy vocals, sounds like atmospheric music from the Eastern Hemisphere. Perhaps this song is included so that the listener can meditate after surviving the shockingly extraordinary ordeal that is this album.8 Degrees is a truly hard-working band that has been recording and touring for over five years. They even had a stint on the Warped Tour's Kansas stop in 1998. Yet, unlike fellow Kansans Shuvel, they continue to be cast aside by the major record labels. However, as the band's bio states, "In the past five years [8 Degrees] has gone from playing ghetto parties for free beer to opening for mega bands such as Papa Roach and Incubus." While there is no way to predict where their career will go from here, if there is any justice in the world then this band will not remain unsigned for long. -Rikk eLhaj /www.unearthed.com/ Rikk@UnEarthed.com

Location Los Angeles, California - USA

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