By Jonathan Devoy
After 13 long weeks of competition at the Evening Star Concert Hall in Niagara Falls, local band Robots are Thieves won out over 19 other bands in the Rage on the Stage battle-of-the-bands competition.
Tonight, the four band members play in the Gallagher Center at their own Niagara University. Prior to taking the stage, the band will receive a proclamation from Niagara County Legislator Dan Sklarski, honoring them on their success.
“Overall the competition was a fun time with the overexposure and meeting different bands,” said guitarist Peter Heuer, “It was a great way to promote the local music.”
Robots are Thieves is comprised of four, 19-year-old members: Mike Smith, lead singer; Thomas Filosofas, drums, singer; Peter Heuer, electric guitar, backup singer; and Brent Feuz, bass, singer.
Initially started in middle school by friends Peter Heuer and Thomas Filosofas, the band went through three reformations before it became Robots are Thieves. Now it’s “a mix between indie and alternative,” according to Heuer, “But we usually call ourselves an indie jam band.”
Today, the band has completed 12 original songs and currently plays locally at venues such as Club Diablo, Mujunz, Evening Star, Niagara University, the Brickyard in Lewiston, and the upcoming Music is Art show this March.
Due to winning Rage on the Stage, Robots are Thieves has been awarded a package of three days of recording, editing, packaging and production of their own CD. Their recordings will then be sent out to major labels with other marketing promotions. The band expects the CD to be released early this summer.
“Robots are Thieves” will be performing tonight at Niagara University, along with bands Sirsy and Achilles Revival at 8 p.m. The event will be located in “Under the Taps” in the Gallagher Center. Admission is $5 with pizza and refreshments provided. Students with their ID will receive free admission.
