Local Drummer's Band Nabs Win in WGN Contest

Zach Barvian’s passion for music began early in his life.

At age 4, the resident was taking piano lessons. In his early teens, he took up the drums.

“Music has always been kind of an obsession of mine,” he said.

In January of this year, Barvian, 18, began playing the drums for the band Blood Red Boots, whose members describe their music as “loud, sexy, and ridiculously catchy.” They have played Chicago gigs such as the Metro, Subterranean and The Tonic Room.

After hearing about WGN-TV’s "Rock and Roll Breakthrough Band" contest in May, Barvian's fellow band members, which also includes singer Keith Patrick, pianist and keyboardist Eric Hays, bass player Cyrus Johnson, and guitar player William Heschl, decided to enter.

Among the 91 competing bands, Blood Red Boots won the contest and the coveted grand prize: five days of recording and mixing for a fully mixed and mastered five song EP produced at I.V. Lab located in Chicago, a total value of $10,000.

Voting for the contest began May 30 via WGN-TV’s website and continued through June 6. Then 10 finalists moved to the second phase of the contest where online voting was held June 7 through June 14. From there, two semi-finalists were selected to play at the South Barrington Music Festival in June. The two finalists also competed during WGN’s midday time frame and a panel of judges selected by WGN determined the grand prize winner.

“It was an awesome experience and great publicity,” said Barvian, who is going into his sophomore year at North Central College.

Members of Blood Red Boots plan to begin recording their new songs next month.

For more information about the band, check out their Facebook page.