Like a Rolling Stone

There's a weekly writing contest running right now over at www.rollingstone.com. Each week, the editors develop a new topic and would-be rock writers submit their best work.

Last week the topic was something along the lines of selling a band on the cusp of making it big. I decided to enter the contest, hopeful of a win because the prize has life-changing possibilities: a 3 month gig with Rolling Stone.

Shockingly, I didn't win. Part of me wonders if my submission simply wasn't good enough. The other part of me wonders if the editors actually read every entry. I must admit the semi-finalists didn't impress me.

Naturally, I chose to write about Vains of Jenna. I decided to post my losing article here since I try to do whatever I can to publicize my favorite Swedish rockers:

“I’ve got a bad reputation just from having fun” warns Vains of Jenna front man Lizzy DeVine during the song “Set it Off.”

Guitarist Nicki Kin, drummer Jacki Stone, bassist JP White and DeVine make up the Falkenberg, Sweden born and Los Angeles based rock band.

Formed at the dawn of 2005, the quartet knew they had a rare combination of skill, bravado and drive to become big in the often cutthroat music industry.

Fast-forward one year and the boys are discovered by Tuff lead singer Stevie Rachelle.  

A deal with Filthy Note Records soon followed as did the full length debut Lit Up/Let Down.

Touring relentlessly with the likes of Wednesday 13 and Hookers N’ Blow, Vains of Jenna continue to amass a steady following, thanks in part to strong media coverage. In their young career the Swedish rockers have created a press splash, appearing in Metal Edge, Spin, Rock City News, Strutter and many more. On the MTV series Bam’s Unholy Union the track “Don’t Give a Damn” plays during the opening credits. Peppered throughout the series are many Vains of Jenna references, appropriate considering Bam Margera owns Filthy Note Records.

At each live performance, Vains of Jenna usher in a new wave of glam metal goodness fueled with a reverence for the past. Sounding like Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses and a touch of Faster Pussycat, Vains of Jenna rock the stage with a unique sound that is both classic and inventive.

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By the way, VOJ are featured in this month's issue of Classic Rock magazine. I figure Rolling Stone was put-off by an actual rock band. Heaven forbid we publicize music that the magazine is built on. After all, we've got trends to follow and emo bands to immortalize.

Comments

[Hard Rock Hideout]

Makes me wonder if Rolling Stone has something against up and coming bands that have a sound that is a throw back to 80's Hard Rock.

At least Classic Rock Magazine isn't afraid to deliver the goods. I started picking it up in December, and it has been one heck of a great source for new music.

[Axl Rosenberg]

Rolling Drone ain't ever gonna run a piece on a band like Vains of Jenna- at least not until they either sell a million records or Lindsay Lohan is spotted at one of their shows, enjoying them ironically. I can assure you, that's the only reason you didn't win.

[Metal Mark]

I still haven't heard Vains of Jenna. I first heard of them on Metal Sludge probably like a year ago. Maybe I will break down and get their cd as I think it's fairly low in price.

[aXe mAn]

You should have won!!
You are a great writer!!
The best that I have ever seen!
Vains Of Jenna is a great new band!
Even though you didn't win, don't give up, keep trying!! You WILL make it big someday.

[Rhodeislandrock]

Vains of Jenna is a great new band! Unfortunately, Rolling Stone will never feature them. They prefer to write about what the sponsors and record companies want them to write about. I was given a free year subscription when I went to the Extreme reunion show in Boston last year, I thumb through it in 10 mins and it's off to the recycle bin!