+++ Surface Underground +++ By: Kim Worpek Fresh from Toronto, Ontario, Canada comes a new face in the modern rock scene, and her name is Sylvia Niewinski. Sylvia is the lead vocalist for Surface Underground, a band featuring veteran musicians such as John Pacheco (drums/vocals) and George E. Vee (guitar/vocals) who's combined musical experience adds up to over 25 years. Add Brad Whetham on bass and Rick Van Dyk on guitar, and you get a very exciting, intense, and energetic sound that can be compared to the likes of Tool and Deftones. John and George have worked with renowned artists and producers, such as Liona Boyd (guitarist), punk legend Art Bergman, and producer Arnold Lanni. One of the many bands John and George worked together on - 'Helldrivers,' a Pantera influenced band, was beginning to take on a Tool and Deftones feel. After about a year into the project, they had tried eight different vocalists and still hadn't found the right one. Sylvia and John met at a wedding in 1996 and have been good friends ever since, working together on such projects as 'Better Than Blue' in 1999. When Better Than Blue didn't work out, Sylvia joined John and George in 2001, forming the beginning of Surface Underground. Later that year, the trio decided to go into the studio and begin working on their first demo. Over the course of a year, that demo turned out to be a full length cd, and Surface Underground was able to take on two more members - Brad and Rick. Two years later their cd went to press, and is now available to buy at the band's official website. Surface Underground has recently shot their first music video for Mad World, a Tears for Fears cover, due to be released in early January 2004. They are currently organizing shows for the new year in hopes of playing as many shows as possible. "Getting our music heard is number one. We have a lot to offer, people just need to hear it." Sylvia states in her own words. With over 25 years of experience, and a female vocalist (a rarity in the world of rock), I believe this band does have a lot to offer and I look forward to hearing more about them in the future. Click here to visit their official site for more info, tour dates, music, etc Click here to read about other future stars we've featured in the past

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