2007 Best Local Rock CD
Release
Whatzup Magazine,
Rosemary Gates, six years
after their debut release, Shine, pulled down this year’s Whammy for Best Local CD Release/Rock for Myth and Judgment. The
win itself is quite a feat considering the strong competition from the other
nominees (I, Wombat, Slagg, Vandolah, Sketch Machine and Second Sun). But considering the struggle the band has faced over the
years just to keep it going, the award carries even more importance.
It’s awesome to
be recognized,” guitarist Mike Archbold said following their blistering set.
We’ve been at this for 12 years,” he added, with a touch of weariness. But bolstering that weariness is a certain wisdom and
focused intensity, borne of the knowledge gained from almost making it big,
only to be shrugged out of focus.
At one time,
back in the early 2000s, major labels approached Rosemary Gates with record
deals. But history intervened and the band found
itself, like so many others, grasping at faded dreams. But
instead of whimpering off, Archbold, singer Christian Schult, bassist
Bryan Bankson and drummer John Tingley (as well as unofficial fifth member
Chris Liepe) decided to shift their own focus. We’re doing fewer gigs now,”
Archbold said. We’re working more on music for
television and film, doing a lot of Internet marketing. We’ve invested in our
own studio and production company.”
The results are
encouraging. The band is working on a CD/DVD combo and is getting increasing
attention. And when they do play out, the old magic is
still there. Oh, and so are the loyal, Rosemary Gates fans who have been
kicking around for over a decade now.
(Mark Hunter)