Judge for Merrill

Packing houses since 2006 with self-described, "emotionally charged rock 'n roll for the masses," Merrill will pull you in and just possibly melt your heart with their high energy and pure positive vibes.

While born and bred in the great city of Portland, Oregon, don't be expecting your typical northwest indie-grunge rock or melodic hipster tunes from these guys. In fact, they pride themselves on offering an alternative sound from Grungetown by taking on a classic pop/radiorock vibe.

When it comes to street cred, Merrill doesn't fall short. On top of playing regular shows throughout the northwest, they have rocked the house as opening acts for bands such as Maroon 5, Counting Crows, and Augustana. They played the 2007 Bumbershoot Music Festival in Seattle among artists like Crowded House, Fergie, and Kings Of Leon and have received regional airplay for their song "The One Thing" off their first album Evolutions.

In fact, "The One Thing" was also selected as the "2010 Portland Song of the Year" by West Coast Songwriters (WCS), and went on to place second in the western US that same year at WCS's annual songwriting competition. Fox Sports was also feeling the rock love when they signed a licensing agreement with Merrill for the use of their song, "Back 4 More."