K2 blog – written by AzzaK2 are a band that has been around the Walsall/Birmingham area since late 2002. Bringing a unique blend of classic rock and metal to audiences who have missed classic riffs and catchy choruses, they’ve had enough of drowned out screaming and feedback guitar (basically crap in a nutshell!). K2 don’t follow trends, they stick to what they know. And that’s pure R’NFR!!!(Rock ‘N F**Kin Roll)Back in the good old days, when K2 started out at the age of 12-13, the members were, Matt Shaw / Spoon on vocals and guitar, Tom Jackson /Jagger on bass, Azza Potter on lead guitar and finally Ste Woodhams on the drums. They became the youngest ever band to appear in the Rock and Pop Academy at Forest Arts Centre, at the tender age of 13, setting the path for many young bands in the area to follow in our footsteps to the Forest Rock Academy. K2’s time at forest with the original line brought such classic’s still known to this day, such as ‘FIRE’ and ‘Funky Town’.Sadly splitting in mid 2004, K2 found themselves without a singer or a bass player, and had a gig coming up in the very near future, how could they solve this problem?With the help from Becky Breakwell, a student from their school and Lizi the bassist from a fellow band Intrusion, they managed to put on a great show, getting a write up in a music magazine. K2 had fought the hardship of their first band breakup.Now reformed, and whipping out Sweet Child O’ MINE, as our most remembered cover song. A song that would test, any strong bands playing abilities, let alone a newly formed band. This became their trophy song and their popularity to grew faster than anyone could expect!Sadly this line-up didn’t last long with the singer, though talented, having other engagements as well as exams. Led too arguments and the eventual firing of Becky, left K2 again without a singer, a big thank you to Becky who helped K2 through a very difficult time, and performed a gig at very short notice.Unfortunately Lizi was unable to practice regularly as she was only helping the band out, K2 began their search for a stable bassist. Eventually stumbling on fellow pupil Jess Dryden, who had been friends with Az and Ste for a while, but unknown to them she was learning bass.With jess joining the band, K2 now searched for a singer, but unsuccessful for over a month, suggested Jess try out, unknown to the band Jess appeared to have a surprisingly good talent for singing, which suited both the bands material and their chosen covers.With a new line, again in August 2004 K2 set off to dominate the world. Writing songs, which showed their talent as mature musicians, showing the band had a huge amount of potential. These songs are such a crowd pleaser; they have yet to leave the set. Being allowed back into Forest Arts centre for a 4th time, they created their most popular E.P to date, “Beneath His Skin.â€Receiving good reviews from long time fans and new ones, K2 toured Walsall showcasing their pure talent, for near to 2 years. During this time, rumors had spread that K2 had been signed, gladly they weren’t true. Though K2 were approached by an unnamed independent label they were advised not to sign.Until, late 2006 when school and band related issues led to the departing of bass player and vocalist Jess, it became aware to their fans why there had been a lack of new material, K2 believed that it was time to clear the air. K2 weren’t enjoying their time in the studio, rehearsal or at gigs, this sadly led to bad atmosphere, and the inability to write new material.‘K2 didn’t fire Jess she left because she wanted too, we are still good friends with Jess, because she choose to leave at a suitable time. So we thank Jess and past members for helping us along the way to what we are today, there are no bad feelings between us, as we have stayed close friends. We would like to thank you all again...’K2 seemed to have fallen to pieces, with no rehearsal sessions or material written, all seemed lost. However with the original members Azza and Ste not feeling totally satisfied with their departure from the scene, they decided to scout for musicians equal to their standard of playing. On and on the search went, when again from their local school appeared long term friend of Azza’s, Rich Lee.‘I hadn’t spoken to Rich since we were like 11 when we used to play footy together; I never even knew he was a fan of rock. Let alone an awesome bass player.’ With the arrival of rich the band was ready to rock.... or was it.There was still a lack of presence in the band. So it was decided to search for a rhythm guitarist/vocalist to fill the sound. When playing in the music block, Azza heard a shrieking sound coming from the recording suite. This noise was to become the final addition to the K2 line up, Sam Cox, in the year below blasting out some blues/metal riffs.Blown away by what he saw, Az discussed this with Ste. Both coming to the conclusion that, if he couldn’t sing a note, he was still good enough to join the forefront of K2.Auditioned as a singer and a guitarist it was clear Sam’s ability on guitar was affected when he sang. After much debate Sam was given the role of joint lead player. By debate, this means Azza didn’t want to give up his long time title as soul lead guitarist, but as you now know, Sam has got the balls to fill his shoes.Though their music now tight and ready to be shown, the role of singer was still yet to be filled. For near to a year, K2 had been searching for a suitable singer, having many possible applicants, none seemed to be the missing link in the K2 mob.When for his GCSE, Azza recorded himself playing and singing Black Sabbath’s 'Paranoid', on an 8-track decided to audition as the vocalist.At first it was decided that Azza, due to having a weaker voice than some. Would be a stand in singer until they found a permanent front woman/man. Would Azza receiving a bad cold later that year, affecting his voice, mean there was no hope for the newly reformed K2? Ha you wish. It actually led to the improvement of his voice and the overall sound.Azza’s voice has finally dropped, only took him till he was 16. And with this discovery it was decided, Az be the full time singer and front man of the revolution, known as K2.Now on the free-way to rock ‘n roll, K2 have been blasting out new songs left, right and centre.Songs such as ‘A little while longer’, which was debut at the Schofield's bar gig in November 07. And ‘Jealous Eyes’ which debut at the battle of the bands concert in Jan 08.‘The new members have brought so much to this band, Sam has brought an element of classic and catchy riffs and Rich, the thumping bass behind him.’‘Ste and I still have that electricity between us, due to such a long musical relationship.’ This unique formation allows for a new genre of rock to be brought to your ears, but for the sake of argument we’ll just call it... K2!K2 are now back in full swing and are glad to be back; ‘We have great hopes for 2008 with plans to capitalise on our E.P and releaes an Independent album entitled "A new direction’’. This E.P will feature tracks, with help from local talented musicians all will be named at a later dateIt will also feature tracks that have been written by K2 but never preformed, a must have for any fan.
We would like to thank, our whole fan base especially the ones who have stuck by us these past 6 years. Also our new fans, for supporting us through this speech but mainly to our family and true friends, we love you all. R’NFR Dudes!The members that make up K2 are - Azza on Guitar and vocals, Sam on lead guitar, Rich on Bass guitar, and Ste on drums.Please check back soon for new recordings!-Videos!!!A Little While LongerGirls and SlutsJealous Eyes
Beneath His Skin
