Epic Records, is proud to announce the signing of Flickerstick, winner of VH1’s 2001 “Bands On The Run” contest.
Flickerstick, an emotionally charged, melodic five-piece rock band from Dallas, TX, competed for several months against three other talented, unsigned bands for the top prize in VH1’s Emmy nominated and critically acclaimed series (currently being re-run in its entirety). In the end, Flickerstick was left standing as the victor in both the main contest and the on-line competition, which was decided exclusively by viewers of the show.
“We think it’s great that the exposure from “Bands On The Run” has lead to Flickerstick securing a deal with Epic Records,” says Rick Krim, Executive Vice President of Talent and Programming at VH1. “The groundswell of interest and excitement from fans across the country is a testament to both their musical abilities and great personalities.”
During the past five months, Flickerstick has evolved from hometown favorite to nationwide phenomenon. Their devoted (and rapidly expanding) fan base has helped garner them critical acclaim and commercial success throughout the U.S. Flickerstick’s independently produced album “Welcoming Home The Astronauts” has sold in excess of 15,000 copies as the band continues to tour, selling out venues of 1,000+ capacity in such major markets as New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Boston and Dallas/Ft. Worth.
Epic will release a remastered and remixed version of “Welcoming Home The Astronauts” on October 16, 2001. Venerable producer/mixer Tom Lord-Alge (Blink-182, Hole, Marilyn Manson) is currently remixing the album, which will feature the previously unreleased track “Smile.” Their VH1 produced video for “Smile” is also currently in heavy rotation on VH1.
“Epic Records is thrilled to sign Flickerstick to the label,” notes Polly Anthony, Epic Records President. “Flickerstick’s strong fan base from relentless touring and exposure from the VH1 series has already opened many doors for the band. All of us at Epic are ready to take advantage of this solid foundation and create even more opportunities for Flickerstick.”
“Beautiful,” tentatively scheduled as the first single from “Welcoming Home The Astronauts” will be serviced to alternative and rock radio on September 11th. Flickerstick has already been warmly embraced by the airwaves, registering top 3 phones in Pittsburgh and Orlando for the song “Coke” as well as top 5 phones in Oklahoma City in response to “Beautiful”.
The band plans to continue its success on the road, with college dates booked throughout the fall followed by a national tour promoting the formal release of the remastered album.
“Live, Flickerstick are invincible and awe-inspiring… ” New York Press
“We’re proud to be part of a label that has such a history. The past was great, the present is great, and the future will be wonderful, as well.” Cory Kreig of Flickerstick.
