Second Place 2008 BotB winners get set to record.

“I have experience as a music major in college, and I worry a little bit about multi-tracking,” said Chris Metcalf, guitarist for Open Arms, when asked about their plans as they get ready to enter the studio. A one-day recording session was included as part of the prize package the Harriman quintet garnered for finishing in second place at Big Mama’s Karaoke Café’s 2008 Battle of the Bands.

But Metcalf, who also is a music instructor, was thrilled to learn that Big Mama’s Recording Studios can accommodate the entire five-piece in one studio, so that the band can harness their chemistry and commit that energy to their tracks. “It’s great to know that we can all set up together if we want,” he said. “We’ve already started doing our promotions for after the tracks are down.”

“We’ve been together for a year, now,” said guitarist and vocalist Jamie Hackler, “and we’re gearing up with our MySpace page, calling all our fans, doing a lot of self-promotion.”

The band is also refining their sound on stage, and is currently finalizing plans to play Dan Fest in Crossville, TN on June 6, and is exploring the possibility of partnering with Third Grade Haters in an east Tennessee tour.

“We’re fired up about it and ready to get our stuff out there,” said Hackler, who also noted that the band has already submitted tracks to Knoxville radio stations, and hopes to get a better reception once the professionally recorded and produced tracks are finished.

The outfit, which broadcasts a heated combination of pop vocal and power delivery, are already very near the mark. Judging from their award-winning performance onstage at the 2008 Battle of the Bands, they should have no difficulty in translating their vision into reality.

Forced to go with an alternate lineup at the show following the short-notice loss of previous drummer Quenton McCollough, the band quickly retooled with replacement Zach Stevens on skins, and never missed a note, despite having only four hours practice with their new beat-setter.

Now their sights are set on making it to the next level. “We feel real good. There’s still a little bit of polishing that we can do, but we just need to make sure everything is studio-ready,” Hackler said.

Open Arms MySpace Page myspace.com/roanerocks

Open Arms performs at the 2008 Battle of the Bands