Wickhead

Infobox musical artist
Name = Wickhead


Img_capt = Woodstock 9
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Johannesburg, South Africa
Genre = Rock

Wickhead is a band from Johannesburg, South Africa formed in 2000.

Overview

WICKHEAD

WICKHEAD is a driven, passionate alternative rock band that hails from the beautiful yet volatile city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Against all odds they have risen through a challenging time of violent crime, social change and cultural alienation in an evolving country.

“Homeland, Harsh land, it forged us out of hottest fire Each love, each life each challenge helps to make us who we are” Bittersweet Farewells

Since February 2000 they have received numerous accolades in their challenging but stimulating segment of the South African Rock market. WICKHEAD’s achievements are listed below *.

WICKHEAD’s energetic and inspiring live show goes hand in hand with their powerful music and positive lyrics. Their own message carries them through all adversity they face on their exciting journey:

“Don’t give in, don’t ever give it up – If the sky is falling down on your head” – Bright Lights Blvd

“I must carry on, no matter what goes on, and I’ve gotta not get ahead of myself… Gotta live for the moment” - Anthem

After winning two LA Music Awards in 2006 and making the necessary contacts, WICKHEAD decided, in July 2007, to throw caution to the wind and relocate to Los Angeles, California. The greater the risk, the greater the gain and after eight years of experience and challenges, WICKHEAD believes in itself. Fortune Favors the Brave.

The choice paid off… having never worked with a producer before, Rob Hill did wonders producing their debut international release “End Is The Beginning”. He brought cohesion and an experienced edge to their work.

WICKHEAD is extremely proactive and hard working with a clear vision and dedication and continue to grow as they build a strong fan base and awareness in LA.

*• # 1 South African song of 2005 on TUKS FM (Largest College Radio Station) and charted at # 3 on TUKS FM international countdown.

• Nominated for the nationwide “VODACOM4U” award in 2005 for Best Live Performance.

• Appeared on various TV Shows including, NOTED, PITSTOP, GERAAS, KTV, YO TV, WILD ROOM, WORLD OF WINNERS, MORNING LIVE, MELTDOWN, GO!, WE’LL DECIDE, LATE NIGHT WITH DARREN SCOTT, CURIOUS CULTURE.

• Numerous newspaper and magazine reviews and articles in YOU, HEAT, THE STAR, SUNDAY TIMES, NATAL WITNESS, THE MERCURY, BLUNT MAGAZINE, LOCALLY WHIPPED, SL, FHM, SALTWATER GIRL, HUISGENOOT.

• Headlined the Blunt Stage and Main Stage in 2004, 2005 and 2006 at South Africa’s premier music festival, WOODSTOCK.

• Completed three national tours of South Africa and headlined all major music festivals.

• Nominated for “BEST ROCK ALBUM” in 2005 at the South African Music Awards (SA’s Grammy’s) for their debut album “If It Hurts It’s Healing”.

• Toured to the UK in 2006 to perform at the launches of the “Rock Star Lottery”.

• Won “ALBUM OF THE YEAR” in 2006 for “A Crush on Revelation” at the 16th Annual International Los Angeles Music Awards in the category of HARD ROCK.

• Won “SINGLE OF THE YEAR” in 2006 for “Bright Lights Boulevard” at the 16th Annual International Los Angeles Music Awards in the category of HARD ROCK.

• Performed after Evanescence at My Cokefest 2007, other artists on the bill included Hoobastank, Staind. Three Doors Down.

• July 4 2007 WICKHEAD relocated to Los Angeles California and almost immediately started preproduction for debut international release with Rob Hill (Korn, Queen, Cypress Hill, Everlast, REM)

• September 21 2007 WICKHEAD played a showcase at the Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

• WICKHEAD returned to tour South Africa and headline “WOODSTOCK 9” 2007 (SA's largest local music festival)

Notable performances

Wickhead were nominated for the vodacom4u award for Best Live Performance at Woodstock 2004 in front of 10,000 people. This performance was recorded through seven multi-cameras and released on DVD format distributed through Sony BMG Worldwide. It also includes: music videos, live footage and interviews with the band members.

Mid 2005, Alter-Ego Records invited Wickhead to perform on Mode of Obscurity, an SA tribute to Depeche Mode. The band recorded their version of “ Waiting for the Night To Fall ” which subsequently reached #4 on the TUKS FM chart.

November 2006: Wickhead won awards at the 16th annual Los Angeles Music Awards. The awards incorporate independent artists from around the world who do not have record deals. Wickhead were nominated for three awards and won 'Album of the Year, Hard Rock' as well as 'Single of the Year' for their hit "Bright Lights Boulevard." (source The Star [http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=430&fArticleId=3542723] 16 Nov 06)

April 2007: Wickhead were chosen to play alongside the likes of Evanescence, Staind, 3 Doors Down and Hoobastank in the Johannesburg My Coke Fest concert

July 2007: Wickhead relocate to Los Angeles and sign a distribution deal with independent record company Mozambique Records.

Wickhead plan to record their debut international album between August 2007 and November 2007 in Los Angeles, before returning to South Africa in December 2007 for Woodstock 9 before releasing their international debut.

Members

* Bronic Bednarek: Vocals
* Randall Knight: Guitar
* Mark van Heerden: Guitar
* KJ Forde: Drums

Former Members

* Johann Strydom: Drums
* [Cheers to our buddy Jason!Tuesday, April 22 2008 at 7:11am] Hey guys,

For the last month Jason's been taking a lot of strain being away from his two beautiful girls, aside from his support they need his love a lot more than WICKHEAD does right now - but we put up a good fight! hehe

So Jason has decided to leave WICKHEAD and will be sorely missed! It was great seeing the relief and the smile on his face at the airport as he left to be reunited with them. We all had heavy hearts but this definitely feels like the right thing for Jason and his family.

We've been auditioning bassists in the US and have a prospective candidate to fill his boots.

It's been an uphill battle cracking into LA but we've been making excellent progress and we're having some important meetings and may have some exciting things just over the horizon now that we've finished our album.

Thanks for your never ending love and support!

Bronic, Mark, Randall and KJ

P.S. Cheers Jason - We love you man! Kick Ass!

Discography

* "Bit by Bit" (EP) : 2003
* "If It Hurts It's Healing": 2004
* "A Crush on Revelation" : 2006
* "Sexita Chiquita" (EP) : 2007
* Various compilation contributions

External links

* http://www.wickhead.net
* http://www.myspace.com/wickhead