Midstokke
Midstokke was formed in the winter of 2004. With the end of their previous band, founding members Fraser (bass), Kenny (guitar), and Ted (guitar) set out to create a band that would make music that as much fun to listen to as it was to play. Cory (drums) and Steve (vocals/harmonica) completed the group and sent them into the studio to create their debut Album “Private Stokke.”
After winning the first annual Sound Harley Davidson battle of the bands competition, Midstokke found themselves on their way to the Buffalo Chip at the Sturgis, SD rally in 2007, where crowd appeal and their ability to make the party better lead them to consecutive years performing at the Buffalo Chip.
You can find out more about Midstokke at www.midstokkemusic.com or on their myspace page www.myspace.com/midstokketheband.
A Comment about their Sound Harley contest experience
Steve and Cory sent in our demo. All we had to do was take a few hours out of a Saturday, roll up to Sound Harley Davidson and play an hour long set. It was another battle of the bands. We had a bad taste in our mouths from previous competitions. Weren’t “pop” enough to win, had to pre sell tickets, had a 25 minute set, and had to play through other peoples gear. This time it wasn’t going to be like that. This time we didn’t have to pre-sell tickets, we could use our own amps, we knew we would be playing through a Mackie PA, and be able to play a full length set. Most of all we didn’t have to play “pop.” So it will take a few hours out of our day, but we could play a full set on a decent stage for a bunch of bikers? And if we win we have shows already set up for us at the Buffalo Chip at the Sturgis rally? Over 600,000 people were there the year before. That would be a tremendous amount of exposure. Ok, I’m in.
Everyone else from the band was too.
Despite saying we would never play another battle of the bands, we found ourselves on stage at the first ever Sound Harley Davidson and Mackie battle of the bands. We knew it would be a Mackie stage, but were not expecting our own stage monitors. Most local venues you can’t hear everyone else, sometimes even yourself, when you are on stage. I think that was the best stage mix I’ve ever had. It sounded good for the crowd too. After our set we talked briefly with the crew trying to gauge how well we did. It was a good response, but so were the other competitions we’ve played.
A few weeks later we were back at Sound Harley, awaiting the announcement of the winning band. All of the bands were there. We were all waiting for the last band to finish, and for the judges to deliberate. The winner would then play a set, like a victory lap to close out the competition. The band finished. The judges walked away. There was a deep thud in my chest. Then another in my head, and in my feet. That’s when it finally hit me. The MC took the stage. Opened the envelope... “The winner is… MIDSTOKKE!”
First I smiled. Then I started breathing again.
Our first show was in the afternoon on the day after we got there. It was hot. Hot and a little dusty. There were people and bikes and beer everywhere. I think most of them came over from the sea of RV’s and trailers just to the south of the stage. People looking for something to do, something to drink, and someplace to get some shade. We were happy to entertain this small crowd.
Our next show was after the main act finished playing a few days later, around midnight. We took the side stage right as people were wandering out of the amphitheater. They needed a reason to keep the party going. So we gave them one. That night thousands of people wandered by us, many on their way to get a drink, and many of them stayed. We kept their party going.
I guess word spreads fast.
We played again in the afternoon a few days later, but there were more people this time. By now a lot of people actually knew us by sight, or even knew our name. It’s an interesting feeling to stand in line for some coffee and have someone see you and say “Hey! You’re those guys! From that band! You guys ROCK! When are you playing again?”
We had our last show the next night, and like I said, word spreads fast. Until then I had never played in front of a sea of people. It looked like the crowd moved from the main stage to the side stage. That was the largest party I’ve ever found myself in the middle of. We have never had the opportunity to play in front of that many people ever, let alone keep them partying. One step closer to making this whole Rock and Roll thing a reality.
The next day we met with a guy named Woody. He caught some of our shows and really liked us. He wanted to know if we would be interested in coming back to play at the Buffalo Chip next year. Woody owns the place. Hell yeah we will. Thanks for having us back, Woody.
Not only did a whole lot of people find out who Midstokke is, but we were able to make friends with a lot of people. Sound Harley opened the door for us. Mackie provided our sound on stage, some of the better sound we’ve had. Ampeg let us use an SVT bass stack. All of those people are coming back, they go every year. Along with many other folks from around the world; you never know who you’ll run into, or better yet, who they will talk to about you. We’re going back this year, but instead of entering into a contest, we entered into negotiations.
“You want me to come back to the biggest party I’ve ever been to, and pay me to play music?” Ok, I’m in.
Everyone else from the band is too.