KOKO Gig Watch

Federated Wins Malaysian GBOB

Out of over 60 bands that registered for four gruelling weeks of successive qualifying heats, GBOB “veterans” The Federated finally clinched The GBOB Challenge Malaysia 2009 National Championship after three consecutive years of joining the competition for a shot at representing Malaysia at The GBOB Challenge World Final in London.

The four-man funky punk group - composed of Fauzi on vocals and guitar, Amir on bass, Eddy on lead guitar and Ejad on drums - prevailed with albeit a narrow margin over first runner up, Kyoto Protocol (alternative), and 2nd runner up, Hyper Act (rock), at The GBOB Challenge Malaysia 2009 National Finals presented by ELEVATE held before an overflowing fired-up crowd at Titanium Super Dance Club in Petaling Jaya on 14th November. The event showcased a variety of musical genres ranging from punk ska, reggae, heavy metal to pop rock with a wildly entertaining display of showmanship from the bands that did everything from floor rolls, leg splits, head banging to guitar smashing which drew roars and cheers from the audiences.

Their victory was likewise hard-earned over other seeded former GBOB finalist bands, well-known and hugely-cheered groups that included Tashya’s Ink (Acoustic Pop Rock), Benchmarx (Pop Rock), Pure Vibracion (Reggae), Coda (Pop Rock), Revenge (‘80s Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal), Forty Winks (Punk Ska), Car Crash Hearts (Power Pop), Arabella (Modern Rock/ Funky) and Khalfah (Rock).

“In terms of crowd turnout and energy, and the level of talent displayed by the bands, I’d say this was our best finals yet,” remarked GBOB Malaysia National Director Issa Rodriguez. “The finalists faced serious competition and they all made their mark on that stage. But it’s been a long time coming for The Federated which has been hungry for the GBOB title since 2007. It was a very close fight but The Federated’s victory is well-deserved. Now, more than ever, they’re ready to take on the world at the GBOB World Finals in London,” she added.

The Federated first joined the challenge in Malaysia in 2007 but did not manage to advance to the finals then. In 2008, they placed first runner up and worked their way back this year to grab the top honours, bringing home over 50,000 Ringgit Malaysia worth of prizes (more than USD15,000 in value) which includes RM25,000 in cash and musical instruments courtesy of Ultimate Music. They will also receive a marketing, media and local and international music distribution package to record a song which includes editorial support and strategic marketing via digital and mobile platforms sponsored by Voize. On top of that, they will go on an all-expense paid trip to London for The GBOB World Final on January 31, 2010. As an added incentive, they were likewise offered the opening act at the main stage of next year’s Rock the World, Malaysia’s biggest music festival, as a fitting send-off just before they fly to London to represent the country at the World Final.

A powerhouse panel of judges was composed of Maverick Yap, key man at the helm of GBOB sponsor, Ultimate Music; John Thubron, CEO of Koko Asia; JD, noted producer, sound engineer and guitarist of Pop Shuvit; Jason Lo, Founder of Rock the World; and Nasir, the iconic bass player for Search.

With a guideline from GBOB to keep an open mind and judge bands on their potential to become internationally successful, the distinguished panel of music professionals chose to The Federated as Malaysia’s best bet at The GBOB Challenge World Final and hopefully position them for possible worldwide success.

Formed in 2000, The Federated has had a long history of joining band competitions, emerging as champions of the Battle of the Band Greenday and representing the country in Jakarta, Indonesia at the Asian Beat 2005. Aside from winning competitions as a band, they have also won awards for best drummer and best guitarist. They also performed as opening acts for Malaysia’s top artistes, including Ella, Wings, and many others.

 

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