- The Speaks
Infobox Musical artist
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Origin =Washington, D.C.
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Genre = Rock,Hard rock ,Indie rock
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Years_active = 2003–present
Label =Warner Music Group Philippines
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URL = [http://thespeaks.com TheSpeaks.com]
Current_members = Rafael Toledo Derek Lee Cal Stamp Jerry Delino Archie Dela Cruz
Past_members = Johnny Abelende Ben Tufts Siegfried Fuster Myk Menez Ted Quiroz
Notable_instruments =The Speaks is a five-man band from the Metro Washington, DC area. [cite web|title=Live!|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/20/AR2006122000663.html|publisher=The Washington Post|date=
2006-12-21 |accessdate=2007-02-13] They have played to audiences of up to 25,000+ people, shared the stage with Jimmy Eat World, and are working with high-profile Dragonfly Studios (Dave Matthews Band, N-Sync, SR-71).In January 2005, The Speaks signed a distribution/production/publishing deal with Warner Music Group – Philippines.
Highlights
* Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest WinnerThe Speaks received the Silver Award at the 23rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Songwriting contest in the rock category for the song “High.” “High” competed against thousands of entries from around the region.
*Played with The Rod Garcia Band at Bagio Aid
* Nomination for Best Rock Duo/Group, Best Rock RecordingThe Speaks were nominated for two Wammies at the 20th Annual Washington Area Music Association Awards in 2006. The Best Rock Recording nomination was for their album, "Life’s A Joke."
* Z104 Breakthrough Artist of the Year Z-104, a DC/MD/VA area radio station, named The Speaks - Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The Speaks were also named one of the top 5 local bands by The Washington Post. In addition, the hit single, “High,” was named one of the top 15 local songs, and the import version of "Life's a Joke" was named one of the Top 10 Best Albums by Entertainment DC.
* Philippines “Bring it Back” TourLast year The Speaks went on a 3-week tour where the band rocked out in front of thousands of fans, and even received a key to the city of Manila from the Mayor. With 16-20 hour days full of press conferences, radio/mall/tv/autograph sessions and shows, The Speaks definitely brought it back to the motherland.
* The Speaks sign distribution deal with Warner Music Group (Asia)In January 2005, The Speaks signed a distribution/production/publishing deal with Warner Music Group – Philippines. The release date of the localized cd, “Life’s A Joke,” was in April 2005, and their first hit single “Life’s A Joke” has been on the top 30 countdown for over 5 months! The second single release and music video for “High” has hit #1 for at least 7 weeks.
* 1st Place – DC101 “Last Band Standing” CompetitionThe Speaks competed against hundreds of top rock bands from the DC/Baltimore area, and prevailed as the #1 Band in the area to perform with national acts such Chevelle, Switchfoot, The Donnas, Jimmy Eat World, Cake, and Thousand Foot Krutch at the 25th Annual
DC101 Chili Cook-Off . There were over 30,000+ people. Judges included music industry reps, and local celebrities.* 1st Place -- JAXX “World’s Largest Battle of the Bands”The guys competed against hundreds of other bands from WV to PA -- over the course of 6 months -- to win one of the largest - (60% judging/40% fan vote) true live music competitions on the East coast. Their rabid fan-base resulted in record-breaking crowds for both the Semi-Final and Final rounds.
* 1st Place -- D.C. Hard Rock Café/SoBe “Ultimate Altitude Buzz” Battle of the Band Finals
* 2nd Place -- National CompetitionThe band beat out over 100+ other at the Washington, D.C. Hard Rock Café to be crowned regional champions, and to represent DC/Baltimore in the National Finals. Additionally, The Speaks now have a guitar permanently displayed as part of DC's Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia.* #1 in the United Kingdom 8 weeks straight on FiletopiaLiveThe gang was discovered by DJs in London, England. Working for one of the world’s premier independent online radio stations, they have been listener favorites ever since – a sign of their growing global fan-base. “Life’s a Joke” debuts at #1 and remains on top for 8 straight weeks!
* XM Radio Airplay – featured on R>A>D>A>R ReportThe Speaks were hand-picked as one of several unsigned artists to be selected worldwide and featured on XM Radio’s weekly R>A>D>A>R Report (XM 52 – Radio Unsigned) as one of "the 12 most notable artists in the United States."
Music Videos
* "Life's A Joke" – Produced by DCNrg / Directed by Joe O’Ferrell. Released on MTV Philippines (Asia) and MYX (Asia)
* "High" – Produced by NLM Group / Directed by Cullin Tobin - MTV Europe Nominated Best Music Video Director. Released in MTV Asia, MYX (Asia), MTV Chi (US) Channel V (Asia) and TFC (North America).References
External links
* [http://www.thespeaks.com Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/thespeaks Official MySpace profile]
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