RiffRumble IX

Contestants' Choice Category Winner

ShredRex received the most votes from the RiffRumble IX competitors for his song "ID the Killer". He wins an Line 6 TonePort™ UX2 USB audio interface, a one year RiffWorld.com Creator Membership, a one year subscription to Recording Magazine and 25 RiffWorks InstantDrummer Sessions of his choice. ShredRex had this to say when asked about himself and his music:

"Like most other members of the Sonoma family, I have become a home recording enthusiast. For years I wanted to get into it, but was scared away by the complexity of the software and hardware, figuring I would never be able to afford the gear, or be able to learn how to use the stuff."

"It was Chip (Timejunkie) that turned me onto RiffWorks. I can honestly tell you in doing so, he changed my life! I was not playing much anymore, and had even sold all my gear at one point and had given up on playing completely. But once I was plugged into what was possible playing and recording with RiffWorks, my love of music was rekindled again. I adopted the alter ego ShredRex, and began living vicariously though that moniker, and in a sense found my inner rocker again! "

"For years, back in the day, I played in various cover bands and took at stab at an all original act as well. For me playing covers was fun, but writing songs and hearing and seeing people react to the material was much more fulfilling. Writing music can be a difficult process, but the payoff is well worth the effort."

"Today as it just me in my basement banging out the tunes. I write guitar instrumentals. I am not a singer, have no desire to be, and find it easier to speak through my guitars. It is not a genre for everyone, but as I learn to become a better song writer, I am hoping I can get the non-instrumental people to give a listen. I try to strike that fine balance between melody/feeling, with the occasional flurry of notes per second fun. When all is said and done I want the listener to come away as fulfilled as I am with the total song...not just the fretboard gymnastics."

"To record "ID the Killer", I used my Schecter C-1 guitars. The Elite for the rhythm guitar parts, and the Exotic for the leads. I used the Killer 52 ID for the main beats, and Reason to supplement the song with some fills & cymbals shots to give it some more life."

"My inspiration behind the tune was simple - to write something ripping enough to get some attention in the RiffRumble, but still be a good listening experience to appeal to the non-shred fans as well. Just enough to entertain me, as well as you the listener...lol."

"RiffWorks is simply amazing software, there is simply no other program I would ever use to record. As always the entries in this version of the RR were all top notch! There is such an abundance of talent, players as well as song writers/composers, I am honoured to be selected by my fellow RiffRumble competitors. I can't tell you how much it means to be able to post and share music with you all, and read the comments and compliments that are left. I want to thank you all! I have met many friends through the extended Sonoma family, and hope to meet many more as the family continues to grow. Seems the secret is out and more people have come to realize what we all have known for years...Sonoma rocks! Thanks again to the whole Sonoma gang!"

Popular Category Winner

michaelx1968 received the most votes from the public in RiffRumble IX for his song "Go Down Fighting". He wins a one year RiffWorld.com Creator Membership, a one year subscription to Recording Magazine and 5 RiffWorks InstantDrummer Sessions by Submersible Music. Michael had this to say:

"WOW! I am very happy to have won the popularity category of RiffRumble IX! To me this is the most important category in the Rumble. It allows me to get my music out there, and heard! This leads to my first Thank you: Sonoma for RiffWorks, RiffWorld, and the Rumbles! The sponsors, and my fellow contestants for all of the great entries, and comments! Matt and Kat for opperating a kick ass street team! My friends at MSU, and ICC, my friends in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Florida, Texas, California, and Canada! I also thank my son and my parents for all of their love and support!"

"I am 39 years old, and a single father - my favorite, and most important job! I started playing guitar in 1983, and became addicted to music. My music is a blend of my influences that I listed on . To boil it down I would say my music is Punk/Metal with a Blues influence. The heavy brutal tone of Metal (R.I.P. Dimebag), The energy and attitude of Punk mixed with a Blues based lead style."

"I used my AXL Wavepoint for most of the guitar parts. I would have used my new Epiphone SG custom Prophecy EX more, but it arrived a little late, so I could only use it in a couple of areas. For the Guitar parts I plugged my Wavepoint in to my GuitarPort, and used the "2 hands, Big hair" setting in GearBox for my rythmn, and lead tones. I ran my Dean Playmate Bass through my 10 band MXR EQ into the GuitarPort, and used the basic bass tones in GearBox. For vocals I used a Superlux ECO-88 microphone, my 10 band EQ, and the basic vocal tone in GearBox."