Signal 99 opening for Uproar Festival
By Shondiin Silversmith
Special to the Times
FARMINGTON, Oct. 6, 2011
(Courtesy photo)
Signal 99 is comprised of, left to right, Chuck Haven, Krave and Mark Curley.
The band has shown that they have more than what it takes to make their musical dreams come true.
They have gone from two Native American Music Awards nominations to opening for the major rock group Avenged Sevenfold at the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival Friday, Oct. 7, in Albuquerque.
Signal 99 was nominated for two Nammys for Best Debut Group and Best Video.
The video they submitted was "Banner of Corpses" from their recently released album "The Gospel."
Chuck Haven, front man for Signal 99, said he wants to be recognized not only for the music but the message they are trying to send.
"The anti-hate and pro-culture (message) because we live in a very multi-cultural area and there is a lot of stereotypes that go on," he said. "Music is a universal medium for all cultures."
Voting for the Nammys was done online by the general public and Signal 99 did not make it into the finals.
But Haven said that voting was strong and thanks everyone who took the time to vote and support Signal 99 in this year's nominations.
Not making the final group of nominees didn't slow down Signal 99 because drummer Mark Curley entered them in a battle of the bands with the prize being a gig to open for the Uproar Festival.
Sept. 30 was a normal day until Signal 99 received word that they were winners of the Best Buy Music Gear Battle of the Bands sponsored by Ernie Ball.
"It was quite a shock because we were in the top 20 and for them to go on to pick us is shocking," Haven said. "We're honored to represent the state of New Mexico.
"I wanna thank everyone out there who has been supporting Signal 99," Haven said.
On Friday, Signal 99 will hit the stage at 2:15 p.m. with a 20-minute set inside the Hard Rock Pavilion in Albuquerque.
"We're going to set the tone for the festival," Haven said. "It's a little nerve-wracking but we're honored to open up the festival. I grew up listening to these bands and here we are sharing the stage with them."
Haven started the band in 2005 in Farmington as a solo project that evolved into Signal 99.
The band includes Chuck Haven on vocals/guitar, Krave on bass and Mark Curley on drums.
"Don't be afraid to ask for help," Haven said to all inspiring Native bands. "Don't give up."