Hats off to the ladies! We’re proud to announce the third band to win a spot in our next live showdown at Nietzsche’s on Friday, February 13: Congratulations, Paul’s Grandfather!

This week, to shine a light on a couple of those unsung acts known as solo artists, we give you Sonny Baker versus Marlon Brando, Pocahontas & Me. You’ll notice by the brevity of their questionnaire responses that they’re men of few words. But don’t let that fool you. Check out both acts below, and cast a vote for your favorite by February 3.

Of course, bands, or in this case, one-man bands, are encouraged to get out the vote any way they can short of stuffing the ballot box. Our IT guy is very savvy, and he’ll be monitoring the votes more closely than an election lawyer in Ohio. If you’re caught cheating, you can be disqualified. And there’s nowhere to appeal our decision.

Musicians, there’s still time to enter BOOM, even if you’ve entered before. Click here to find out how your band can enter the fray.

The rewards for the winners are great. They will receive a recording package from Audio Magic, and 100 CDs of that recording from ESP CD & DVD Manufacturing. The four winners of our live quarterfinals will face off in our Grand Finale in May. The winner that night will win a slot on WBFO’s Wednesday night concerts live from Allen Hall, a video produced by Artvoice, and a nice cash prize as well.

We’re happy to present this contest with the help of our great sponsors below. They all play a vital role in making our town a hotspot of original music. But we can’t make msic without u. Cast your vote below. And may the best band win.

Voting is closed for these bands, visit the BOOM page for current contestants.

Marlon Brando, Pocahontas & Me You need to have the Adobe Flash Player installed to listen. Download it for free here. Listen to Write Like This by Marlon Brando, Pocahontas & Me Band name: Marlon Brando, Pocahontas & Me (aka. Aaron Celentano) When did the band form? In my head. You might like us if you like: The Postal Service, John Mayer, Sparklehorse, Dr. Dog. List of recorded releases: Show Me All The Blueprints Why you should win the Artvoice.com Online Battle of Original Music: My intentions are strong but my ambition is quite low. Website: myspace.com/marlonbrandopocahontasnme

Sonny Baker You need to have the Adobe Flash Player installed to listen. Download it for free here. Listen to It Was Those Chicago Nights by Sonny Baker Band name: Sonny Baker When did the band form? It is me name, sir. You might like us if you like: Gram Parsons, Ryan Adams, Ani Difranco, Neil Young, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Tweedy, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan etc. List of recorded releases: Marmalade Suit (2007) Why you should win the Artvoice.com Online Battle of Original Music: Because David Cross once lost his hat on a windy afternoon in New York City and I was there to get his hat back to him. Website: myspace.com/sonnybaker

Visit the BOOM page for more