Underdog rockers
Aron Scott Earthquake asking for community support in contest
Aron Scott is looking to cash in on his Islander card.
That is, he’s looking from some support from his community and he’s betting that being from a relatively small province, with a big reputation for looking out for its own, will help his band seize an opportunity.
Aron Scott Earthquake is vying for a chance to play on the main stage of one of the biggest annual rock festivals in North America – Amnesia Rockfest in Montebello, Quebec.
“We realize it’s kind of a long-shot that we’ll get to play it, just because we’re serious underdogs in terms of location and population. But maybe if we can … get all of P.E.I. behind us, voting for us because we’re the local band, maybe we can springboard it into (success),” said Scott, lead guitar and vocals for Aron Scott Earthquake.
The rest of the band consists of Aaron Einfeld, on rhythm guitar; Yves Arsenault, on drums; and Jeff Smith on bass.
The guys have been playing together for a while now, slogging it out in a genre they love but that doesn’t have a huge following locally. They routinely travel out of province for shows and have found live performances to be the best way to spread their sound. Amnesia Rockfest holds a vote-based Rocker Contest to give bands a chance to win a paid gig at the big show. Fans can vote once per day for their favourite group. The winner will be announced a week before the June 22 to 25 event. Playing at that event would be a huge coup for a band from a little place like P.E.I., said Scott.
“If we get to get up on that big stage and play in front of those thousands and thousands of people we’d certainly feel validated for all our hard work. Provided I don’t die of a heart attack when I get out on stage in front of 20,000 people.”