Judge for Ghosts of the Great Lakes

Ghosts of the Great Lakes was formed in the summer of 2008 in the notoriously musically inclined city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. A four piece band comprised of seasoned and educated musicians. Benny West (Vocals), Jeff Goodman (Guitar),
Mike Snyder (Bass) and Dane Mcclarren (Drums) are the cohesive unit which produces this signature sound. “Ghost” music can hardly be classified into one genre but can be generalized as Alternative Rock. Ghosts of the Great Lake’s music is emotionally driven and connects almost instantly with those who listen to it. Lyrically, Benny draws from the characteristics of a dark, modern city lifestyle including: fashion, substance abuse, parties, love, boredom, sex and despair. Collectively they draw influence from bands such as Smashing Pumpkins, Portishead, Radiohead, Team Sleep, A Perfect Circle, and The Deftones.
Ghosts of the Great Lakes independently released their first full length album in late March of 2009. “Death of the Party” was an extremely well received album achieving fantastic revues. The album was recorded and produced at Raygun Studios in Kalamazoo by Chris Frankhauser and mastered by Kim Rosen at West West Side Music New York. The photography used in the album was taken by notorious underground photographer Chase Lisbon of Super Cult.
The band in its short existence has not only accomplished releasing a full length album but has earned opening slots for local support with numerous national bands and has even received public recognition from a majority of them. Ghosts are also part of a local music scene saving organization called “Kalamazoo FunCore”. This is an organization that supports local musicians, venues, tattoo shops, studios, and other businesses of the alternative/artistic lifestyle. Through this organization Ghosts of the Great Lakes have taken part of numerous charitable causes. The members of this band as individuals and as a whole are professional. They work hard at being precise band that not only puts on well rehearsed shows, but also emotional and exciting shows that stick with audience long after they have left the stage. Ghosts of the Great Lakes hopes to bring a feeling to the music scene reminiscent of the emotion and angst driven bands of the 90’s with a fresh style and perspective.