Dallas band Shorelines End competes for cash in Las Vegas

by Graciela Razo of North Texas Daily

The band's first show first show was a label showcase in Las Vegas at the Celebrity Theatre.

Musicians usually find themselves working their way up in the industry, from playing tiny venues with small crowds to arena shows with a sold-out audience.

But for Dallas alternative rock band, Shorelines End, its first show was a label showcase in Las Vegas at the Celebrity Theatre.

To add to the pressure, it was the first time the group of musicians had played a live show together.

"It was a little nerve-racking because we didn't have stage presence with each other yet," bass player Justin Burns said.

Shorelines End began when drummer and assistant manager John Gomez invited singer and guitarist Patrick Alan to join the group through MySpace, and, soon after, the writing and practicing process began.

"If you start a band with a friend, it's almost like the friendship takes precedence over the music," Alan said. "But if you meet somebody to start a band with, it's more about being truthful to the music because they know you share the same common goal."

The band put its first album From Across This Crowded Room on ourstage.com so fans could download it for free.

Alan said it was a matter of letting anyone access their album so their music can be heard.

"We're not about making money, and we don't have greed in our eyes," Alan said. "We love playing music so much that we would put the record out there for free."

Alan said the music industry of today does not have the same passion as it once did, and by providing its music to its fans for free, Shorelines End is bringing back the original intent of music.

"To me it seems like music these days are losing so much meaning, and people are singing about stuff that doesn't make any sense," Alan said. "We want to still write about things that are relevant, like emotions."

Fans can expect more Shorelines End music with its untitled EP set for a May 30 release.

"I feel good about it. It shows how the band has grown," Burns said.

Shorelines End was also selected as one of the Top Unsigned Bands in America to participate in the Next American Star Competition, which ends April 30.

If the band garners enough votes, Alan said the $25,000 cash prize would be put toward the national tour it hopes to go on in the fall.

"It's really exciting but scary at the same time. We're at the point where we wanted to get to in a short amount of time," Burns said.