6Gig
American alternative rock and nu metal band from Portland, Oregon.
6Gig was an American rock band from Portland, Oregon, classified by reviewers as alternative rock and nu metal. They actively played clubs and venues throughout the Pacific Northwest, releasing two CDs and several singles. Their song 'Hit the Ground' became their biggest hit, appearing on the National Lampoon's Van Wilder soundtrack, the Ozzfest 2002 Summer Sampler, and various compilations, and receiving airplay on MTV2. The band separated in 2005 but reunited for shows in 2008 and 2011, releasing an EP called Dogs in 2013 before becoming inactive after 2015.
Quick Facts
- Background
- group_or_band
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- Portland, Maine, United States
- Genre
- Alternative rock, alternative metal, post-grunge, nu metal
- Years Active
- –2005 / 2008 / –2015
- Label
- Ultimatum
- Past Members
- Walter Craven / Steve Marquis / Craig Weaver / Jason Stewart / Dave Rankin (deceased)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
After separating in 2005, members joined other bands: singer Walter Craven joined Lost on Liftoff, and drummer Jason Stewart joined Sidecar Radio. 6Gig reunited for two shows at The Big Easy in Portland during May 2–3, 2008, and again in Portland on July 1, 2011, at The Asylum, after which they began playing shows regularly. They released an EP called Dogs in 2013 and have been inactive since 2015.
Reader's Guide
6Gig represents a notable example of a regional American rock band that achieved brief national visibility through soundtrack placements and MTV2 airplay. Their song 'Hit the Ground' became their most enduring work, appearing on multiple compilations and being covered by another Maine band, Paranoid Social Club. The band's history illustrates the challenges of the early 2000s music industry, particularly the impact of label financial troubles: their album 'Mind Over Mind' was never officially released due to Ultimatum Music's difficulties, leading the band to offer it as a free download. The death of former drummer Dave Rankin from a mixture of prescription drugs and alcohol shortly after leaving the band adds a tragic dimension to their story. 6Gig's reunions in 2008 and 2011, followed by a 2013 EP and inactivity after 2015, show a pattern of intermittent activity common among bands that never achieved sustained commercial success. Their legacy is primarily tied to 'Hit the Ground' and their role in the New England rock scene of the early 2000s.
Did You Know?
- 6Gig's song 'Hit the Ground' appeared on the National Lampoon's Van Wilder soundtrack and the Ozzfest 2002 Summer Sampler.
- The album 'Mind Over Mind' was released in 2003 and was never offered as a free download; the band's unreleased material was handled differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of band was 6Gig?
6Gig was a Portland, Oregon-based group that blended alternative rock with nu metal elements. They were a staple of the Pacific Northwest live scene, grinding through local clubs and venues throughout their run.
What was 6Gig's biggest song?
"Hit the Ground" was their breakout track, landing spots on the National Lampoon's Van Wilder film score and the 2002 Ozzfest Summer Sampler. It also picked up rotation on MTV2, giving the group national exposure beyond their regional following.
What albums and singles did 6Gig put out?
Over their career the band issued two full-length CDs along with a handful of singles. After reuniting, they followed up with an EP titled Dogs in 2013.
When did 6Gig break up and did they ever get back together?
The group called it quits in 2005 but later reformed to play live shows in both 2008 and 2011. They went inactive for good after 2015.
Why do fans still talk about 6Gig?
As a tight-knit Pacific Northwest act, they built a loyal local following through years of relentless touring in the region. Their placement on high-profile compilations and the Van Wilder soundtrack also introduced them to a wider nu metal audience during the early 2000s.
More in American alternative metal musical groups 1-24
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