Searching for Eugene's Next Big Thing

Eugene Weekly’s annual Next Big Thing contest is currently underway, with more than 115 songs vying for the Best Original Single award, along with cash prizes and unbridled bragging rights. This year’s submissions range from heavy metal to techno to bluegrass to swing – a fair representation of Eugene’s music scene. Here are some of my favorites for EW’s Next Big Thing:

Greenlander: Where’d The Music Go? – 3/5 stars
There’s definitely nothing wrong with this song – lead singer Wilson Parks has a great voice, and I enjoyed Trevor Hell’s guitar solo during the bridge. I assume, then, that the its lackluster rating is due to poor voter turnout from the band’s fans or the song’s laidback (therefore, somewhat unexciting) tempo.

Samuel Ferris Harmon: Heart and Soul – 3/5 stars
I’ve seen Harmon play live once, so I’m already familiar with his material. While I prefer his uptempo music over this track, Heart and Soul still showcases Harmon’s talents as a musician and a songwriter.

Green Is For Go: Eugene – 4/5
Admittedly, I’m mostly recommending this song because I’m a sucker for songs about Eugene – and this one hits the nail right on the hippie-hometown head. Once you get past the comical lyrics about smokin’ weed and the Saturday Market, though, you can very clearly hear the impressive bluegrass/folk stylings of Matthew Barnhart and Jeffrey Masteron.

Rare Monk: Hanging House – 4/5 stars
This song caught me off guard when it switched from a low-key groove to mosh-worthy jam in a matter of seconds – truly an “eclectic yet uniquely cohesive manner,” as the band described itself on EW’s website.

The Sugar Beets: Pretend the Moon – 4/5 stars
I saw The Sugar Beets perform this song at the Oregon Country Fair this summer. Its fast-paced rhythms and silky-smooth vocals make for an eclectic, unique-to-Eugene dance party.

Tyler Fortier: Fear of the Unknown – 5/5 stars
This song was my favorite of Fortier’s set at the Whiteaker Block Party, and I’m very glad he decided to submit it to EW’s Next Big Thing. In Fear of the Unknown, you get a taste of Fortier’s songwriting, vocal and instrumental talents, as well as what can be expected on his next album, which he plans on recording this fall.

The Whiskey Spots: Yer Mom – 5/5 stars
I’m 99.9% certain The Whiskey Spots are my new, must-see band of Eugene. During my interview with the guys from Highwater, they gushed about how much they enjoy playing shows with The Whiskey Spots. After listening to this song, I can see why: the combination of old-timey instruments, Jamie Jameson’s super sweet vocals and slightly obscene, did-they-really-just-say-that lyrics is enough to make anyone’s jaw drop, feet stomp and hands clap.

Voting for EW’s Next Big Thing ends on September 27, so be sure to vote for your favorite artists and check the Eugene Weekly in the near future for the winner’s list.