Local group finalists for music award

Steve Koc and Sara Wiseman, the two members of the Salem group Martyrs of Sound, mix their instrumentations and songwriting to add an ethereal sound to their electronica. Following the release of two albums, Mantra Chill and Uncoiled, their music has now placed them in the running as one of five finalists of the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards. Whose winners will be announced in January.

Their layered music which incorporates drumming, rhythmic guitar, and chanting is up for an award in the best new age song category. Koc and Wiseman, who also work as a chiropractor and writer, respectively, will advance to the final round of judging by artists and industry insiders.

Among the judges at this year’s event are Peter Gabriel, Suzanne Vega, George Jones, Keith Urban, Clint Black and more. Winners and finalists, who will include Martyrs of Sound, will be a part of the 11th annual edition of The Musician’s Atlas 2009 that will be available for sale this January. The atlas is used by independent musicians to market and sell their music. Winners receive year-long marketing campaigns, partnerships and distribution alliances to help spread their work.

New release from The Blacklights

Founded by two brothers in March of 2007, The Blacklights are a four-piece band who work and perform in Salem as well as Portland. This January they release a new EP titled “A Night on the Town.”

Anthony Mudrick performs on the guitar, keyboard, and lead vocals while his brother Bryan Mudrick is the band’s drummer. Oscar Oriano backs the brothers on the bass, and Cory Sheldon rounds out the band by performing guitar, keyboards, and vocals. Their experimental rock heard on their new EP feature the titled track “A Night on the Town,” along with “Got Nowhere to Go” and “Space Highway.”

The band will give away their new EP at their shows in the Portland and Salem area. Three shows are booked in Portland, with one to be added in Salem in the near future, according to the band members.

Winter blues concerts

With fading sunlight and cold temperatures, the chilly days of winter may create some dour moods, but Go Downtown Salem presents a concert series sure to bring out some of the Northwest’s best blues.

On January 7, the third and final installment of the series brings to the microphone singer Duffy Bishop and her band. As part of Portland’s All-Star Band, she performs throughout Oregon and Washington. In support, local bands will open for Bishop, including Gary Burford, Gary Mezziere, Dennis Ayres, Beth Poole and Nathan Olsen.

The evening show will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission to the concert is $7. The benefit concert will donate proceeds to the Marion-Polk Food Share.