IPO Liverpool 2019
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Artists From Liverpool
Alex Gavaghan – As the guitarist for The Cubical, Alex has traveled the world, and met some very talented and interesting people, but when you boil it down, he’s a grown man still pretending to be Del Shannon/Buddy Holly/Brian Hyland et al but still not David Essex (and a damn fine singer/songwriter/producer in his own right!) Wool Behaviour, Gavaghan’s recently released album with his band The Boss Jockeys, was recorded in a single boozy afternoon at The Caledonia, resulting in a fizzing album of raucous Mersey beat rock n’ roll bubbling over with melody and harmonies, but retaining a distinctly rough edge.
Sue Hedges – If it isn’t remarkable enough that she has met Prince Charles and has performed on bills with Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris, this Liverpool lass has been blind almost since birth! But there are many sides to the prolific Miss Hedges – she’s been known to display her rock diva persona, throw in a jangle-pop song, a bit of country twang, a heartfelt ballad, and then belt out some soul all in the space of a single set! Her title of her latest full-length album, Strong, typifies both the woman and her work: “…catchy, feminine, full of beat, scorn and promise in one all-consuming package” (Ian Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision), and her powerful vocals on this one have earned some well-deserved comparisons to greats such as Barbara Streisand and Carly Simon!
Paul Iwan – Long-time IPO Liverpool fans may remember Iwan from his days as the Liverpool member of the mostly Brighton-based White Star Liners, who played the festival from 2008 – 2010. He’s been in a variety of other bands since the age of 14, been championed and mentored by Ray Davies of The Kinks, and has just put out his own debut record, Reveal, to stunning reviews. “Completely encapsulates you…beautiful… intelligent… astounding” (thepentatonic.co.uk)
KingFast – It is very apparent on listening to KingFast’s music that there is a fusion of several genres but seemingly most prominent is a cross between soul and pop. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Belfast (which is where the name comes from) before settling in Liverpool, KingFast melds all of his influences from this varied upbringing on his debut EP, Dream World. His spine-chilling vocal range and tone has been stunning audiences regularly throughout the UK since 2012. Fans of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder should definitely check him out!
Lloyd & Daly – Dave Lloyd of The Suns has teamed up with talented singer/guitarist Lauren Daly to play some stripped-down easy listening ‘70s classics, with a few gems from The Suns thrown in for good measure. Lloyd & Daly’s IPO Liverpool show will definitely be one that fans of The Suns and IPO regulars will not want to miss! Long time fans will also not want to miss The Suns’ latest album, Time To Burn, which is now available on multiple digital outlets!
Ludovico – Any project featuring the songwriting and showmanship of Jack McAllister (main man of the dear departed Watchtower) is worthy of attention, so we’re thrilled that he’s debuting his latest band at IPO Liverpool! From old school skiffle and Mersey beat to classic rock n’ roll to psychedelic swirl, he’s a master of his craft, and we can’t wait to see and hear what he does with Ludovico!
Mark Pountney – Having previously led various musical projects, such as The Mojave Collection and Mark Delaney & Friends, Pountney is now performing under his own name, shedding the restrictions of a “band” format and working with no fixed musical style and with an extended family of musicians to have fun and make music. His songs are influenced by everything from The Beatles to The Move to Cat Stevens to Howlin’ Wolf, and a whole lot in between! He’s got three studio albums to his credit, and his latest album, Live at Home, shows off his troubadour folk singer side; a fifth album is also on the way, so watch for it!
Joe Symes & The Loving Kind – Like four other who also called Liverpool their home city, Joe Symes & The Loving Kind take great pride in the fact they churn out songs that are not only catchy, memorable, and instantly appealing, but cater to a wide range of people from all walks of life. September 2018 saw the eagerly anticipated release of the band’s second album; a ten track rock classic that will leave the listener wanting more. The production of this album took place in several locations such as Peter Gabriel’s Solid State logic Studios, Oxfordshire, The Motor Museum, Liverpool, Parr Street Studios, Liverpool, and Abbey Road, London.
UK Artists From Outside of Liverpool
The 48ks – The driving Britpop sound of these boys from Doncaster in South Yorkshire is pure gold! Think The Gallagher Brothers with Bruce Foxton as their front man and The Arctic Monkeys as their backing band, and you get the general idea…or better yet, just come check out their IPO Liverpool showcases!
4 Brothers – A South Wales based brotherhood whose music evokes the rich country harmonies and spirit of a sound that has influenced generations. Their interest in melody and harmony makes for an interesting blend of styles and a truly uplifting live performance experience. Fans of Crosby Stills & Nash, Tom Petty, and Neil Young will want to check out their debut album, These Are The Ghosts!
The Aim – A 6-piece band from London who do things their own way: a bit of mod, rock, indie, ska, and blues, and a lot of soul…but they can also do orchestrated pop ballads when they choose! Fans of artists from Paul Weller to The Clash to ELO and The Partridge Family will appreciate their latest album, Days Like These!
ALBA – While growing up in France and Spain, ALBA fell in love with the guitar and by the age of sixteen she was already the leader of her own rock band, Sons of Rock, showcasing her virtuoso guitar and soulful voice. Four studio albums and multiple world-wide appearances later, she is now based in London and embarking on a solo career. ALBA’s new single “Lucky,” recorded at Ralph Salmins’ (The Waterboys, Van Morrison) studios in London and mastered by Frank Arkwright (The Killers, Coldplay) at legendary Abbey Road Studios, is shaped around the essence of rock with a touch of neo-soul and funked-up pop. Check it out now!
Amoeba Teen – Founded by critically acclaimed songwriting team, Mark Britton and Mike Turner in the dying embers of the last century, Amoeba Teen meld lush harmonies, hooky melodies, the odd sample and overdriven guitars. Hints of power pop can be heard: Teenage Fanclub, Jellyfish and Big Star spring to mind, but Turner’s raucous guitar and reverb soundscapes keeps the vibe punky and a little dirtier. They reformed in 2016 after a three year hiatus, and are better than ever! Their brand new Big Stir Records album, Medium Wave, is due out in June, so watch for it! One of Stourbridge’s finest!
The Bad Losers – This Bristol-based quartet were brought together by a shared love of ‘60s garage and Freakbeat, and that love is clearly evident in their songs! Although their latest album, Easy, was recorded in a garden shed as opposed to an actual garage, it perfectly captures the appropriate lo-fi ambience to complement their sound. Fans of The Monkees, The Creation, and The Move will want to be sure to catch both of their IPO sets!
Jack Bartlett – Do you like mod rock? How about ‘60s rock n’ roll? Or maybe a little ‘90s Britpop? Well so does Jack Bartlett, and he does all his influences proud! Whether as a solo acoustic performer, playing around his home in Cornwall or in Devon as part of the duo The Dulcet Tones, or as the leader of his own 5-piece band, influences from The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Phil Spector to Bryan Adams and Oasis shine through!
The Beatniks – A Mod/Hammond/Garage/Soul/Beat band from Southend in Essex formed on the ashes of previous incarnations, the current line up have been together since the Spring of 2014. In addition to their very authentic rendering of covers both obscure and classic, they’ve been writing original tunes since September 2015. There are some exciting times to look forward to, as they’ve been spending time back in the studio, and we can’t wait to see and hear what they come out with! Look out for the Beatniks playing a stomping set of original songs, cover versions and instrumentals to set your mind a-swirl and your feet a-dancing!
Nathan Bennett – A Birmingham-based gent with an ear for a great melody and a hook that can stick in your head for days, combined with a storyteller’s warmth to his lyrics, Bennett has performed over 900 gigs throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East, both as a solo artist and as part of the duo Beneva. He can also occasionally be seen on national TV playing keyboards for Enrique Iglesias. Check out his latest CD, Nathan Bennett Volume One!
Brave New World – A band from Nantwich/Hanchurch and Shrewsbury who musically are hard to categorize, but if you think melodic ‘60s psych/folk/pop you might be getting near to the mark. The band have played The Cavern at Liverpool for the 5th successive year now, have had a track released on the UK’s premier psychedelic label, Fruits de Mer, and have had both local and international radio play with fans in both Australia and Denmark. All their material is written by their lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Chris. The band will be hitting the studios later this year and have a couple of EPs out currently which can be purchased on the night of their IPO showcases.
Darling BOY – Self-proclaimed as “The World’s Greatest 21st Century Musical Polymath That No-One’s Ever Bloody Heard Of….Yet,” Darling BOY is a self-taught singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/actor, who has starred as The Clash’s Topper Headon alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Joe Strummer in the feature film London Town, and has played Ian “Mac” McLagan in the West End Small Faces musical, All Or Nothing. His debut EP, In Flames, features complex harmonies, punchy guitars, and catchy hooks that should be on the radio! Also be sure to check out his recent singles!
The Deep Six – Comprised of ex-members of Makin’ Time, The Upper Fifth, The Threads and The E Types, this Medway area quartet have played in various bands and permutations over the years, and songwriters Mark (Syd) McGounden and Marty Street have been writing both together and separately since the early ‘80s! Influenced by the likes of Bowie, The Move, The Hollies, The Small Faces, The Monkees and The Pretty Things, their brand new 14-song album, It’s Happening, will officially be released in June on Heavy Soul Records, but in the meantime, you can check out their recently released single, “Like Emily,” and their IPO showcase!
Dlugokecki – Sometimes a trio, sometimes a band, sometimes just the man himself, Dlugokecki (pronounced Der-Loo-Go-Ken-Ski) is, and has for over 15 years been, the outlet of singer/songwriter Ben Dlugokecki of Southampton, whose musical influences include David Gray, Paul Simon, Elbow, Tom McRae & Ed Harourt. Having supported million-selling artists David Gray, Snow Patrol, Corinne-Bailey Rae, The Proclaimers and Lu Lu on their world tours, and performed at Stonehenge and atop the 3,200 foot summit of Mt Snowden in Wales, they make their triumphant return to IPO Liverpool sporting their newest album, Come Find Us, and several killer new singles, and we’re glad to welcome them back after far too long an absence!
The Dream Factory – Some may remember this Tamworth-based combo (which includes Mark Mortimer of DC Fontana and The Know Escape – see below) from their heyday in the mid-‘80s, but alas, their trajectory to international stardom was blown off-course by the rise of the Manchester scene. Despite their “almost-made-it” status, they were the archetypal proto-indie group of that time, releasing two records on staunchly independent northern soul label, Inferno, and building up a huge and loyal fan base of scooterists and mods. The band’s first ever demo recording – “The Haze” appears on Another Splash of Colour, a Cherry Red compilation of ‘80s psychedelic music, alongside other songs from artists as diverse as The Cure, Julian Cope, The Prisoners, Robyn Hitchcock, the Monochrome Set, and The Barracudas, to name but a few!
The Dying Lights – More than a solo project or band, The Dying Lights are meeting of musical talents from Wistaston formed to breathe life into original material: neo psyche, new wave, alt rock and whatever else strikes their fancy. Fans of the ‘80s Liverpool and Paisley Underground bands will dig it!
Edgar Road – Having won several Scottish Battle of the Band competitions, and having had many of their songs featured in the New Music Scottish Chart Top 40, Edgar Road bring their charismatic performance back to IPO Liverpool for the 2nd year in a row! The depth of Edgar Road’s sound comes from the combination of keyboards, 2 electric guitars, drums, bass, vocals and backing vocals with the occasional use of acoustic guitars and samples, blended into melodic and anthemic songs with a feel good vibe that can be somewhat contagious! Check out their Looking Glass EP and their IPO showcase to hear what we mean!
The Electric Stars – Unlike any other band on ‘The Scene’ right now, The Electric Stars have managed to soak up all the best music, from the best bands, from any era & spit it out as original tunes! They confidently swagger like The Stones & hold an audience like Kasabian. The songs can be as whimsical as The Kinks or violent like The Sex Pistols. The Electric Stars are a psychedelic rock n’ roll speedball bursting with glamtastic guitars, hippy lyrics & drenched in soul. Their recent single, “Sunshine,” is a trippy acid laced slice of ‘60s inspired sunshine pop and a tantalizing preview of their forthcoming album, Velvet Elvis, The Only Lover Left Alive! We can hardly wait!!
Emperor Penguin – Rising from their own ashes after a 16 year hiatus like a penguin shaped phoenix, Emperor Penguin have reformed and revived themselves, and set about rehearsing, recording, and performing again, with just one aim: to bring their pure power pop to the ear candy deprived masses! Their 2018 Walnut Fascia album was hailed by Powerpopaholic.com as “the coolest psych-pop album of the year” and earned an impressive – and very well deserved – 4 stars from Shindig! Magazine! “One of the most clever bands you’ll have heard in a while…whimsical power pop with unusual, unexpected chord changes…as catchy as a cold in December… a delight from start to finish” (Shindig! Magazine). If you don’t believe these Londoners could possibly be that good, then come to their IPO showcase and hear for yourself!
The Fast Camels – Glasgow is a veritable fountain of psychedelic garage music, and these guys are quintessential purveyors of that sound. Their trippy, ‘60s-inspired sounds bring to mind such bands as early Pink Floyd, Love and The Byrds. They’ve been scarfing up airplay and fans in the UK, US, and Europe since the release of their 2007 debut album, The Magic Optician. Their latest album, Tales of The Expected, adds just a touch of early ‘70s-inflected experimental prog-rock, and made a splash on many a 2016 “Best Of” list, and they’ve got a brand new single set to release on June 1st! If you don’t already know them and love them, you must come to their shows at IPO Liverpool to see and hear for yourself why they’ve become a perennial favorite at the festival of both fans and fellow performers alike!
Nick Frater – A Croyden-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist (and sometimes producer and label – under the name Great Shieks), Frater’s music lives in a land of ‘60s and ‘70s sophisticated pop, a nerdy interest in old keyboards/recording, and a “more is more” approach to production. In other words, he’s a perfect fit for IPO!! His recent EP, Goodbye Kayfabe, has a bit of something for everyone: if you like Jason Falkner, Paul McCartney, Roger Joseph Manning Jr or David Myhr (and who reading this doesn’t?!), you need to check him out!
Luke Gallagher – If you thought mod and folk-pop were two different sub-genres, then think again! Gallagher effortlessly blends the two so seamlessly, you’d think this is just how it’s always been done! Come check out this Wrexham-based gent at his IPO showcase, and see and hear what we mean!
The Gold Needles – Hard to pigeonhole, The Gold Needles wear their eclecticism on their sleeves – fusing power pop with psych and prog. Sometimes compared with The Church or Be Bop Deluxe with hints of The Byrds, the songs on their PEARLS album will also appeal to fans of Crowded House and XTC. One of our favorite new bands from Hull!
Rory Holl Band – Holl is a singer/songwriter from Leeds who has been writing his own songs and playing in a variety of bands since the age of 14. He’s recently returned to basics and what feels more natural to him. The result is a warm blend of folk rock and Brit pop. His latest EP, Planets & Jackets, also includes some cool ‘70s soul and orchestrated pop influences.
Honeybug – Since their first appearance at IPO in 2006, Honeybug has been one of the highlights of the festival, and their main man Ni has been a ubiquitous and welcome fixture on the scene. Ni’s brought 13 other musicians to IPO over that time – most of them several times – and has also played drums (Mini) and sung backing vocals (Fun of the Pier) with other bands at IPO. Masters of self-reinvention, Honeybug has been everything from a three-piece acoustic lineup to a big seven-piece production with seven vocals, and we can’t wait to see what Ni has up his sleeves for this year’s performance! There’s still no CD this year as Ni’s been very busy teaching songwriting and other music-related subjects to the next generation at Edinburgh College where he’s lectured for the last 20 years, so if you want to hear his latest creations – as well as old favorites – you’ll have to catch Honeybug at their IPO showcase!
The Icon – A band with a difference: young, quirky and energetic with a ‘60s vibe, an incredible live performance and superb vocal harmonies to match. Originating from Stafford / Wolverhampton, the four lads (aged 17 – 20 years), first became a band in 2015 after a musical theatre concert in which they played a medley of songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s featuring their idols The Beatles and also The Jersey Boys. Since that time, they’ve appeared on live local radio in The Midlands, as well as on BBC Merseyside, and at Beatles Week in 2017. They’ve released 3 singles so far, with more on the way, and we’re excited to welcome them back to IPO Liverpool for their 2nd year in a row!
Kascarade – A five-piece band with a retro/modern crossover sound from the city of Bradford, Kascarade formed with the aim of making music that is fresh, full of hooks, riffs and beats with each song having a different direction, vibe, emotion and message to get across. Their debut album, The Start Of It All, will appeal to fans of Oasis, Ryan Adams, and Pink Floyd, and has been getting some attention on BBC Radio! A 2nd studio album is nearly complete and should be available later this year – watch for it!
Kim and Lee – Otherwise known as the husband and wife dynamic duo of Kimberley Rew (of Katrina and the Waves and The Soft Boys) and bass player extraordinaire Lee Cave Berry, Kim and Lee play classic folk-edged blues rock with a pop sensibility. Their brand new album, Enjoy The Rest of Your Day, and their IPO showcase are sure to put a smile on your face!
The Know Escape – The post-DC Fontana project of Mark Mortimer and Donald Ross Skinner, with songs that display a vivacious desire for freedom, and speak of love and loss in a frank way. The Know Escape promise songs that are more lysergic than before, that will blister and soothe in equal amounts. Their IPO showcase will preview songs from their forthcoming debut album, and will also include some special guest appearances by Andy Rennie of The Fast Camels (see above) and Luke Smith of Ulysses (see below), and promises to be a pop extravaganza not to be missed!
The Last Hurrah – A Leeds-based combo who make music that is jangly, noisy, alt country, rock, all mashed up with some three part harmonies on their brand new self-titled EP. If you love telecasters you’ll love this!!
The Len Price 3 – Hailing from the Medway Delta, their sound is forged in the Medway tradition, fusing driving energy, catchy hooks and a raw ‘60s garage edge. They’ve got four excellent CDs (if you don’t have the most recently released Nobody Knows, you need to get it – now!), and a live show that will blow you away and re-define what it is to be a power trio…as a testament to this fact, at one of their IPO Liverpool performances, the manager of another band was heard to say: “These are TOO GOOD…I’m going to go home and cry!”
Col Lewis – A gent from Burton-on-Trent with a fine-tuned ear for melody, Lewis has played with a number of bands, including Postcards From Places That Don’t Exist (who played IPO Liverpool from 2010 to 2012). He’s currently working on his solo material with producer Fran Ashcroft, who has produced The Quarrymen, The La’s and many more artists in and out of Abbey Road Studios. If you like simple catchy sing along choruses with an early timeless sound, you will want to make a point of catching his IPO showcase… and watch out for some soon to be released singles!
Logan’s Close – Blues, Soul and Rock n’ Roll…nothing more needs to be said for this band. But if you need a comparison, think The Beatles before they disembarked in Hamburg. With their blend of suave ‘60s sensibilities and ferocious live energy, these Scots from the outskirts of Edinburgh could get a mortuary shaking! One listen to their latest EP, Fried Bangers, and you will be instantly hooked!!
The Lost 45s – IPO is thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite bands from Leeds for the 3rd year in a row! Influenced by ‘60s beat, psyche & pop, classic soul, blues & R n’ B and all their bastard offspring, they were the quintessential champions of the Leeds mod/psyche scene before going on hiatus to pursue other projects. Their classic album, What Time Do You Call This?, is available for download from Detour Records, and their recently unearthed “lost” track, “Outta Sight,” has been made available as a Rowed Out Records 7” vinyl! We’re excited that they are back in the studio with several new tracks due out soon and can’t wait to see them do their thing live again!
Charlie Louise – IPO is glad to welcome this young singer/songwriter, who has been rather active recently in the Cornish pub and festival circuit, to her first ever IPO Liverpool. Her acoustic guitar and hauntingly clear vocal combination will appeal to fans of artists from Joni Mitchell to Kate Bush and Katy Perry to Adele!
David Luke – The keyboardist from Nine Violets (see below), stepping out and doing the solo singer/songwriter thing! He plays IPO on the heels of recording material for a brand new album due out very soon! Fans of Billy Joel and Elton John should check him out. One of Wakefield’s finest!
The Marbles – Marco Rae (see below) has been a fixture at IPO over the past few years with his solo sets and with his harmony sunshine psychedelic combo, The Wellgreen. As a special treat for this year’s IPO, he’s back again and has brought his band from the ‘80s and ‘90s out of hibernation! Aficionados of Glaswegian power pop from back in the day may remember their classic album, Fallin’ Overground, which actually made the Top 15 on MTV in Japan! Don’t miss this special IPO performance!
Carl Morris – A popular figure on the local Mod amp; Scooter scene, Carl has played at many events and there are plenty more in the pipeline. Highlights include Manchester’s “March of the Mods,” helping to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust, two weekly residencies at A Tavola restaurant in Reddish (EVERY Thursday since January 2017) and The Snipe pub in Audenshaw (EVERY Sunday since February 2017), and past performances at legendary clubs such as Manchester’s Night & Day Café and Band on The Wall, The Jacaranda in Liverpool, and an exclusive club night hosted by Inspiral Carpets’ musician and DJ, Clint Bloom! He’s continued to amass a large catalog of original material in addition to covers from some of his favorite artists, and we’re glad to welcome him back to IPO Liverpool!
Multinut Butter – A psychedelic pop band born in Nottingham, but now based in Leeds, who bring you some of the finest in excessive reverb and difficult to decipher vocals, and are quickly gaining some media attention. “Cool, drifting dream pop with jazz and psych elements reminiscent of John Lennon and Tame Impala.” (HOT WAXX) Their leader, George Hattersley, is a 2nd generation IPO artist, being the son of Richard (Snow) Hattersley of Richard Snow & The Inlaws, and proves the songwriting talent apple does not fall far from the tree!
mylittlebrother – “There is something happening in the Lake District that is really rather special” (Louder Than War), and these Cumbrian indie-poppers are a big part of that. Their music is a mixture of ‘60s harmony pop, experimental Britpop, and folk pop that will appeal to fans of Fairport Convention and Brian Wilson – in fact, their em>We’re All Gonna Die! EP, was produced by longtime Brian Wilson band member, Scott Bennett! A second full length album is due out later this year, and we can hardly wait to hear it!
Olly Neasham – An engaging singer/songwriter from Bolton who has captivated pop fans from Liverpool to Chicago and up and down the American West coast in his previous IPO appearances, first as the leader of A Foreign Town, and more recently as a solo artist and member of The Grande. His work has always had a pleasing indie-pop-folk style reminiscent of Neil Finn or Crowded House, but his solo music adds a more personal touch: part Bob Dylan, part Bing Crosby…and totally enjoyable!
The Neighbourhood Strange – A garage/psych/proto-punk outfit from Salisbury, The Neighbourhood Strange play loud West Coast influenced garage-rock tunes that sound like unearthed gems from the ‘60s. Think The Doors meet Buffalo Springfield at a party hosted by The Monkees and you kind of get the idea…or better yet, check out any of their groovy singles and their IPO showcase!
The Newds – An alt-pop sextet from Bolton whose passion for what they do is evident in their songs. “It’s as if The Newds have stumbled across a musical jumble sale and they’ve picked up the threads of melody dropped off by the obvious greats like Harry Nilsson, Simon & Garfunkel, Lennon and Heather Mills’ ex-husband…” (Austin Collings) If this sounds too good to be true, just pick up a copy of their Ready EP and you too will understand why they’ve recently been getting lots of attention from the pop radio underground all over the world wide web! A taste of their latest tunes can also be found on The Big Stir Singles – The First Wave compilation.
Nine Violets – The hooks and harmonies of this Yorkshire-based sextet will instantly embed themselves in your brain! Their next studio album, Wakey Wakey, will be out just in time to give as a holiday present to yourself and/or your music loving friends, but we suspect we may hear a few of the songs from it as a preview at IPO. If you like The Beatles and ELO – and, let’s be honest, who reading this doesn’t? – you will dig Nine Violets!
The Occasional Orchestra – Purveyors of fine indie folk pop songs, this band of five men and one woman are making new friends at venues and festivals up and down the country, releasing critically acclaimed albums bulging with stories of humanity and joy, rooted in the UK past and present from the Sussex Downs to Peckham Rye. The combination of compelling hooks, sweet harmonies, insightful lyrics and accomplished musicianship on their latest release, Urban Foxes, has led them to be described as “The Mumford and Sons you don’t want to punch” by Richard O’Hagan of RNR Magazine. Not that The Occasional Orchestra would hold with punching fellow musicians of course.
Andy J. Palmer – A London-based gent whose recent album, Take Courage, combines elements of mod with orchestral pop, psych pop, new wave, and all kinds of good stuff in between! Imagine Burt Bacharach taking a wild ride with The Jam, Elton John, Echo and The Bunnymen, Tears for Fears, and Stone Roses…and then turn it up loud!
Pecker – A talented bunch of waifs and strays from Cockermouth in the wilds of Cumbria, where the wind bites your cheek and ghosts hang in the trees, they gather together to create original music filled with hooks and harmonies that you can dance to! Their recently released self titled EP is the first with their new six-piece line up, and sounds like a more soulful Partridge Family with balls!
Pelikan Rogue – Another of the new breed of Scottish rock bands, Ayr’s Pelikan Rogue blend searing guitars and arena rock intensity with bouncy catchy pop hooks that we dare you to try to forget! Check out their recent “Feel The Pain” single and their IPO showcase to see and hear what we mean!
The Plastic Youth – Glasgow-based four-piece The Plastic Youth infuse a backdrop of crisp and exciting guitar tones with shiny, jangle-pop textures, topped with sugary, infectious melodies. Their new single, “Comfort,” recalls the likes of White Album-period Beatles, Television, Syd Barrett, and The Strokes. A full length album targeted for a 2020 release is officially in the works!
Marco Rea – Fans of The Wellgreen take note: in addition to being one of their main men, Rea has also branched out with a fine crop of songs under his own name. The sunny melodies and ‘60s influences are there to be sure, but mixed with a refreshing touch of whimsy! Fans of Burt Bacharach, Randy Newman, Brian Wilson, and (of course) The Wellgreen will love this! One of Glasgow’s most prolific and gifted singer songwriters!
The Restless Souls – Hailing from Atherstone, The Restless Souls play guitar driven British indie pop music, infused with soul. This talented band have previously played with a range of well known artists such as Wham!, The Beat, The Dream Factory, Six x Seven and The Dance Stance. Lead vocalist Beth Dyson recently had a #3 placing on the I Tunes Country Chart and this summer will be releasing her first single with Restless Souls guitarist/songwriter David Stevenson, entitled “Just You and Me”.
Rinaldi Sings – These Londoners play a stylish and uptempo brand of pop that acknowledges a deep debt to the bubblegum soul of the late ‘60s. With a complicated pop sound sometimes likened to My Life Story and the Divine Comedy, the band are fronted by Steve Rinaldi, described by NME as “a cocksure 21st Century Scott Walker”. Their debut album, What’s It All About?, was featured among the Best Albums Of 2004 in Village Voice’s annual Rock Critics Poll, and their latest, Bingo, is even better!
The Rising – A Southampton seven (and sometimes eight)-piece who have many influences which they unashamedly wear on their collective sleeves, ranging from the Hammond driven sound of the ‘60s, the chaotic late ‘70s punk scene and the ‘90s Britpop era. Their debut self-titled CD earned so many rave reviews from various blogs that it attracted the attention of Detour Records, who have made a re-release available with bonus tracks. Their long awaited follow up disc, Are You Ready To Fly?, is “…a bold statement by a current rock band, which owes more to Oasis and The Stones than it does to Squire (Shindig! Magazine), while still retaining the quintessential sound for which their loyal fanbase knows and loves them!
Michael Roberts – A Swansea-based artist who merits a listen (or two, or three…) by any self-respecting fan of ‘70s pop! His debut album, Suspended In This Space features dynamic hooks garnished with dreamy lyrics that will take you to a magical place of Utopia, fantastically produced into a joyous experience, and his latest, There Is No Blue, picks up right where the debut left off. A prolific songwriter and producer, Roberts also wrote the latest single for up and coming Welsh songstress Katie George, who will be joining him as a special guest at his IPO Liverpool showcases. Definitely one of our new favorites that we look forward to seeing each year in Liverpool!
Rogue Frequency – Stockport based IPO veterans, Rogue Frequency are a three piece with classic, prog and alt rock influences that generally write music that appeals to the darker side of the human psyche. They have, to date, written and self-produced three albums and their fourth, a concept album, is near completion. Original, big sounding classic rock influenced anthemic songs that sound greater than the sum of its parts.
Rogue State Circus – By turns driven, melodic, melodramatic, widescreen and a even little bit noir in places – the happy-sad tunes of the Rogue State Circus will soon make themselves at home with you like old familiar friends. Formed in 2009 in Northampton UK, Rogue State Circus quickly developed a distinctive eclectic, energetic and passionate brand of song-led indie folk-rock power pop, mixing acoustic, electric and electronic sounds and twists of flavour from classic rock, folk, new wave, alt-country, funk, jazz and even progressive rock. The songs on their Songs From The Sea of Serenity album have drawn comparisons to XTC, Big Star, and Squeeze. Their new disc, Songs From The Sea of Storms, which should be available later this year, adds a cool psychedelicate touch!
The Ronains – A filthy breed of classic rock, glam and grunge with a controversial twist has the music world talking about Glasgow’s The Ronains. Their second (and most recently released) album, Love, Drugs & on The Dole, will appeal to fans of Heart, No Doubt, and The Clash to name but a few!
David Sayle – Some may recognize this one-time Liverpool resident (now based in St Helens) as the main man of Private Universe, but over the years has established himself as solo performer as well. His acoustic rock style aims to show great songs at the bare minimalist level, which allows him to better convey his musical ability as a guitarist. It also showcases his vocal style and range and the lyrical detail behind the songs.
Searching For Sylvia – This South Yorkshire-based band has evolved from its folk/country/indie roots in to create a body of work which can be best described as an eclectic mix of guitar-driven, rock with true pop sensibilities. Their sets include all manner of frothy pop tunes: A well observed mix of ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s pop/rock that echoes American acts such as Big Star, Gigolo Aunts and The Gin Blossoms, UK bands such as Teenage Fanclub and Be-bop Deluxe and takes in newer influences along the way. Melody is king here and whether it’s a ‘dumb as you like’ rocker or a jangle pop ballad, you’re never more than a few seconds away from a tasty hook!
The Shudders – With energy, driving rhythm and heartfelt melodies, The Shudders combine their melee of musical influences to produce a refreshing brand of indie-country-rock on their latest CD, No Angels in the Slipstream. Vocal harmonies, screaming guitar, warm acoustic and a commanding rhythm section weave a rich tapestry of noise cut from a cloth made up of Crazy Horse, Bright Eyes, and Wilco! One of Swindon’s finest!
The Side – An infectious rock band from the Scottish Highlands, The Side draws influences from the likes of The Beatles, Ben Folds Five, and Ocean Colour Scene, and have been drawing great praise from press and fans alike: “A Great band from the highlands, The Stone Roses meets Ben Folds Five with dazzling results” (Daily Record); “A modern day Elvis Costello and the Attractions” (Sharleen Spiteri, a fan from Texas). We can’t wait to see and hear them at their first ever IPO appearance!
Sleuth – Essentially the nom-de-plume of bookish indie-popster from Woverhampton, Christopher Taylor-Ashcroft, Sleuth’s gentle piano pop and catchy melodies have been called both “lyrically thoughtful and musically enticing” (Songwall). The latest Sleuth EP, Group of Bears, has garnered airplay on BBC6, and was hailed as “EP of the Month” by Ryan’s Gig Guide. With this sort of praise, you owe it to yourself to check him out!
Slide Machine – A raucous old-school rock n’ roll band from Stoke-on-Trent, Slide Machine bring things back to basics: Think of your favorite Sun Records and Stax artists from the ’50, then add a touch of The Beatles when they were just starting out and you might come close…but better yet, just come to their shows at IPO Liverpool to see and hear them for yourself!
Spygenius – Inspired by bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Robyn Hitchcock, Spygenius offer ultra-melodic music with a light ‘60s influence. The London-based four-piece play original guitar-based pop for people with an appreciation for harmonies and clever wordplay….and who among us can’t appreciate that!? A fifth Spygenius album is under development, but in the meantime, you can experience their unique brand of jangle pop madness on their two-song digital album, Highway Code Revisited, or the recent Big Stir Records US release of their fourth album, Pacephale. As good as they are on record, they are truly at their best when live, so don’t miss their IPO showcase!
Squ!re – Yes, this is THAT Squ!re….the London band that has been cranking out perfect pop gems since the late ‘70s, and has shared the stage with such legends as The Jam! Their sound ranges from psychedelic mod to Beatle-esque jangle to straight on power pop, often with lush instrumental arrangements, and always full of energy and harmony. Check out any of their albums, and you won’t be disappointed! We are truly honored to have these guys back at IPO Liverpool again!
Starry Skies – They come from Glasgow to IPO Liverpool after an impressive debut IPO performance in New York on the heels of the release of their Be Kind album. Recorded at Belle and Sebastian’s rehearsal room & La Chunky studios, the album was mastered by the famous Geoff Pesce at Abbey Road, and features an unruly group of mixed up melodies tearing up a path of Garage Pop, Americana and Nue Punk Folk. Come out and give them a big Liverpool welcome!
Lee Michael Stevens – An original indie-melodic acoustic act hailing from Hornsey, North London UK best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of The Swagger. During his time with The Swagger, Stevens had the opportunity to work with top producers such as Mike Bennett (Ian Brown/The Specials/The Fall) and Graham Bonnar (The Brian Jonestown Massacre/Swervedriver), releasing their debut EP recorded at the famous Konk studios in North London owned by brothers Ray & Dave Davies of The Kinks and to play to a sell-out crowd at The O2 Academy Islington for the launch of their latest single, Heart ‘N’ Soul. Now going the solo route, Stevens is working on material for a debut EP and tour later this year…watch for it!
Neil Sturgeon & The Infomaniacs – Sturgeon last played IPO Liverpool way back in 2006, when he fronted the goldenhour (one of our favorite Glasgow bands ever – which says quite a lot!), so we’re thrilled to have him back with his latest project! Their latest album, Geography and Luck, was produced by Sturgeon along with Teenage Fanclub’s Raymond McGinley, and showcases both Sturgeon’s talent for writing a great hook and the band’s easy feel for jangle and harmony.
Suncharmer – Formerly known as The Crew, Suncharmer are a guitar-based indie band from Kent, consisting of 4 long-haired, tea-addicted, instrument-wielding plebs who have developed an infectious, hard-hitting sound that pulses with sharp riffs and shimmering surf guitar. The band sculpt their songs with colourful melodies and psychedelic poetry that draws influence from Jimi Hendrix, T.Rex, David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys, as well as many new artists such as Black Honey and Blossoms. Prepare for an onslaught of modern psychedelic sight and sound!
Turner – Salfordian singer/songwriter Louise Turner already enjoys a successful career as an in-demand session singer with a string of collaborations and guest appearances on tunes featuring Primal Scream’s Denise Johnson, Manc poet/song-writer Edward Barton, indie outfit Bluebird Kid Clark, as well as being a regular guest with The Electric Stars (see above). “With her platinum bob, panda kohl eyes and expressive voice…Part Dusty/ part Debbie Harry, she’s very adaptable to many styles and sounds” (No Other Press). Her debut mini album, This Is Turner, showcases the many sides of Turner, all part of her vintage charm, one minute classic Dusty, the next epic Scott Walker style ballads & just for good measure a track that could easily fit into the next Bond Film. She and her band have been hiding away working on some new material, and we’re honored that they’ve chosen IPO as their first gig of 2019, where we get to hear it unveiled!!
Twister – An energetic pop/punk/rock band out of Durham, who are quickly exploding beyond the confines of their local area. They write strong, hook-laden melodic rock, shifting seamlessly from anthems to more garage/blues influenced numbers. Their brand new album, Young & Affected drops right on the heels of their IPO Liverpool performance, but you can get a sneak preview by listening to their singles or seeing them play IPO. Fans of Motion City Soundtrack and Oasis should definitely check them out!
Ulysses – Praised in major publications from The Guardian, Shindig! and Classic Rock Magazine, Bath’s rock upstarts deliver quirky pop delights and to die for big riffs with what is fast becoming Ulysses’ own distinct sound – a nether land between psych, glam and rock, guitar stroking and pop sheen. Their latest album, Law And Order, bursts in equal parts with great harmonies and glam rock swagger that fans of T Rex, The Rolling Stones, and Thin Lizzy will love! Their explosive live show will make you think Isle of Wight!! Long time fans and new converts will also want to keep an eye out for their brand new album, On Safari, which will officially be released in June!
Venus Rising – Named in support of The Venus Project’s global aims for peace, sustainability and abundance for all, Venus Rising are a 4-piece folk rock band that is sure to put a smile on your face. Their debut album, Happy Daze, was released to a packed crowd in their home of Cheshire, and has received BBC 6 Music and Radio Caroline airplay, and support from Tom Robinson, Kim Wilde and Mark Radcliffe. They have shared festival lineups with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Paul Carrack, Midge Ure, Paul Young and many more, and we’re happy to add IPO to their list of growing festival credits!
The Viewers – A Cornish rock four-piece who found the world lacking in the kind of music they wanted to listen to themselves, so they did something about it, and we are certainly glad that they did! They play ‘60s-influenced original music, inspired by iconic names such as The Beatles, The Byrds, The Kinks and The Hollies. Their recent Let Light In album is a must have for jangle-a-holics everywhere! Their third album, Universal Sky, is more driving in its intensity, while losing none of the jangle and harmonies!
Jack Woodward – A young singer-songwriter from North-West England who writes and performs catchy and intimate songs in indie and pop genres. All three songs from his second EP, Higher, have received airplay on Amazon Radio and BBC Introducing and have been featured on Gigslutz, Fresh on the Net and Unsigned Music Awards. His recently released single, “How Can I Fall In Love” builds on this foundation. “Fans of Mike Snow and Tom Odell – take note…One to watch…” (BBC Introducing).
International Artists
The Arcadeans – Take Phil Lynott’s energy, Eric Clapton’s melody and Keith Richard’s subtlety, blend for four minutes and add course helpings of Nic Cester’s (Jet) vocals and you get The Arcadeans, a four-piece melodic rock and indie blues band from Cork, Ireland. Fans of KISS and AC/DC will also appreciate their Another Day EP!
Armchair Oracles – Classic-style power pop with great melodies, quirky tempo and chord changes, and spot-on harmonies are what this band from Norway are all about. Their songs bring to mind such influences as The Beatles, Big Star, and Love. Their recently released 3rd studio album (and Kook Kat Records debut), Caught By Light, adds a bit of Teenage Fanclub to the mix. Truly a band after IPO’s heart!
Borka Balogh – “Amsterdam-based singer-songwriter Borka Balogh has been mesmerizing audiences with her dark and haunting music inspired by her Hungarian roots….The indie singer has taken cues from some of her music inspirations including Janis Joplin (who inspired her to start writing her own music) along with Patti Smith, Vashti Bunyan and Aurora. These powerful and eclectic female musicians have not only inspired the type of music she creates, but they have also encouraged her to be different.” (Bojana Duric) Her debut album, Befriend Your Darker Side, is due out later this year, but you can get a sneak preview of some of her songs on her website and at her IPO showcase!
Beat Degeneration – A power trio from Berlin who play a heady combination of slacker pop and classic rock n’ roll, with generous nods to ‘60s psychedelic soft pop and ‘90s radio-friendly power pop. Fans of artists from The Monkees to The Grateful Dead to The Stone Roses and The Charlatans will appreciate their 2016 album, Dream Machine, and look forward to their next one, which they just finished recording in Mexico earlier this year at the end of their Mexican tour. We can hardly wait to hear it!!
The Beautiful Art of Decay – Influenced by The Velvet Underground, The Stooges, and Ziggy Stardust era Bowie, this Stockholm quintet are “the other ones…the ones on the other side of the street…the ones your mother warned you about”…in other words, they write and play great rock n’ roll. Check out their We Are The Other Ones EP to see and hear what we mean! Their latest single, “Every Day” provides a sneak preview into their next release!
The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club – Drawing from a diverse array of musical styles, The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club’s latest disc, cheekily named Don’t Buy This Record, has a bit of something for everyone. Song arrangements are the product of technique, style and innovation with great attention to detail in the areas of tone, rhythm, harmony and song structure. The band’s instrumentation is largely guitar-based but includes a wide range of other instruments, such as keys, trumpet, synth, harmonica, percussion instruments and even occasionally a theremin or ukulele, to craft unique sounds, moods and tones. The result is a mix of indie rock, power pop new wave, and dance club R&B that is truly infectious and that they’re excited to bring from Chicago (where they’ve been an IPO favorite for the past couple of years) to IPO Liverpool!
Jay Bird and Haley Bee – A guitar and keyboard-based duo from Meadville, PA, with influences including The Beatles, Radiohead, Nick Drake, Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, Chopin, and Debussy. They perform classical, pop, rock and more for any occasion, and are starting to gain attention from film and television music supervisors. They played their first IPO ever in Philadelphia last November, and we look forward to welcoming them to their first IPO Liverpool!
The Brass Buttons – Influenced by the likes of The Byrds, Gene Clark, The Jayhawks, Emmylou Harris, and Big Star, The Brass Buttons bring their brand of Americana and folk rock jangle from El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain to IPO Liverpool. Their excellent Rock Indiana disc, Seven Seasons, is sure to quickly become a new fave of many a fan of the genre!
Caper Clowns – A quartet of young Danes from Odense who made an immediate splash on Danish radio and the world wide power pop blog underground with the release of their debut The Buca Bus late in 2016! The lead single “Pockets” was immediately chosen as the “weekly hit tip” on Danish national radio station DR P4, and received much airplay. Their latest album, A Salty Taste To The Lake, has been called “simply delicious indie power pop” and “an album which has strength in depth rather than being reliant on a couple of hit singles” by Nordic Music Review. With multiple comparisons to the likes of McCartney, ELO and Jellyfish, it’s understandable why they have quickly become a fan favorite fixture at IPO Liverpool!
Chefetage– We’re glad to welcome this band from Bad Duerrenberg, Germany to their first IPO Liverpool. Their outgoing style includes a good mix of improvisational talent and fun on stage, turning every gig into a rocking experience. Chefetage’s sound is characterized by its driving, groovy drums, clear guitars, crisp electric bass, and an outstanding upright bass performance. Their recorded material is mostly in English, but they’ve also recently recorded a few songs in their native language, so we can’t wait to see and hear what they’ll do at IPO!
The Details – If you normally don’t think of Bucharest Romania as a hotbed of excellent power pop, The Details are here to help change your mind about that!! Their recently released To Charles Dickens and Back is the richly ornamented sound of a re-imagined past that is sure to appeal to fans of The Beach Boys, The Walker Brothers, Burt Bacharach, Dwight Twilley, and Jellyfish, to name but a few!
Eastock – This band from Užice, Serbia blend native folk traditions with hard hitting anthemic rock for an exciting sound and live experience. Their recently released Dnevnik Genija album will appeal to fans of artists from Styx to Gypsy Kings to Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Eliaz – Oslo-based Powerpop/Alternative/Classic Rock artist and multi-instrumentalist Eliaz was the singer in The Circus Sideshow in the late ‘90s. Since ‘07 he’s been the singer in the classic rock band Bangkok Babes, but he’s also an artist to be reckoned with in his own right. His songs are heavily influenced by such as Enuff Z’Nuff, Bowie, Jellyfish, and Queen, and his latest album. High In Low-Fidelity, will certainly appeal to fans of those artists!
The Expected – By the side of the oldest church in Southern Finland, there’s a small cottage where four guys started jamming in the Spring of 2011, and we’re certainly glad they did! Dedicated to the mission of bringing great music to the masses, they blend influences from power pop, soul, R&B, psychedelica, and garage rock to create their own brand of insanely catchy pop. Fans of The Beatles, The Kinks, ELO, and The Rolling Stones will want to give their recently released album, Coming Out, a listen (…or two…or three…)!
Los Giros – Influenced by the British invasion, pop art, psychedelia and the garage of the American West Coast, Los Giros bring their sunny fuzzy reverb-y jangle from Elche Spain to IPO Liverpool. If you like The Who, the Spanish music of the ‘60s, the beat and the soul, you will dig Los Giros! Think The Music Machine, Powder, Los Flechazos, Miles Kane, and even Temples all molded into one!
Goodfellows – They’ve been a fixture in the Spanish power pop scene since 1995, have played previous IPOs in both LA and Liverpool, have released several fine albums and appeared on numerous compilations and internet radio stations, with no sign of slowing down! These boys from Mallorca wear their influences proudly on their sleeves, taking cues from all the classic power pop bands of the ‘80s and ‘90s – artists such as DM3, The Lemonheads, The Plimsouls, and The Knack, for instance, come to mind. Their latest release, Ten Bites, is – you guessed it – ten songs of deliciously catchy jangly power pop goodness!
Cliff Hillis & The Forward Thinkers – One of the Philadelphia area music scene’s favorite sons, Hillis has long been a favorite of hardcore power pop fans worldwide, drawing comparisons to Matthew Sweet, Bread, Elvis Costello, and every great pop artist in between, but has been making a name for himself nationally since the release of his critically acclaimed Better Living Through Compression CD. His recent EP, Many Happy Returns, features his clear vocals backed by lush instrumentation, driving guitars and floating synth sounds. Very cool!
In Deed – Their roots go back to the flourishing Swedish indie power pop scene of the ‘90s and early ‘00s, and they are among the true exemplars of what many among us have come to love as one of THE best power pop scenes of all time! Their first album in 16 years (!), Everest, is quite a disc, as it’s a fine combination of softly rockin’ power pop (not a misnomer), and a few harder edged tunes. Hooks, harmonies and cool chord changes abound, amid a bit of psych, with many of the tunes sounding like they could (or should) be on the radio. Everest was originally released in Sweden on vinyl only, but thanks to the good folks at Big Stir Records, will officially be released for the first time on CD later this summer (although we have it on good authority that some unofficial pre-release copies may be available at the IPO Liverpool merch tables)! One of our new favorites from Uppsala, and we’re thrilled to have them back at IPO Liverpool for the 2nd year in a row!
The Jeremy Band – The eponymous band led by one of the most genuine, nicest people on the pop scene, as well as one of the most prolific pop artists around. His gentle, John Lennon-influenced pop is as spiritual as it is melodic, and you can hear this for yourself on all of his CDs. This Kalamazoo resident and his band can stake their rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame!
Joe Electric – Formed around the singing and songwriting of main man Joe Bloeck, Joe Electric play short catchy songs dealing with life, love, and the depths of society. Fans of classic power pop bands such as Big Star, The Knack, and The Replacements will dig the 2016 EP, We Are Not Alone, and recent singles by this quartet from Hanover, Germany!
Johnny Remember Me – A sextet from Hanover, Germany, who pride themselves not on producing songs, but rather, on producing sugar-coated bullets that aim straight for your heart. Their debut album, No One Is Ever The Same After, accomplished this task quite nicely, as it blends influences from ‘60s baroque soft pop to Beatle-esque harmonies, and modern indie pop. Sure to be a new favorite among many at IPO Liverpool!
The Lilacs – IPO Liverpool is thrilled to host a rare performance by one of the classic Chicago power pop groups of the early ‘90s! Fronted by Ken Kurson and David Levinsky, and backed by a revolving rhythm section, the group was given their name by none other than Material Issue’s Jim Ellison, who produced their debut 7” record, The Lilacs Love You! Their debut full length, The Lilacs Rise Above The Fifth, garnered much play on college radio for its “witty, post-adolescent, rock and pop originals…[and]…sprightly ‘70s-styled youth-pop.” (Ira Robbins, Trouser Press) This is one show you will not want to miss!
The Malibooz – John Zambetti and Walter Egan are celebrating more than 50 years of making music together as The Malibooz. Along the way they have accomplished quite a bit, both with the band and as solo artists, the most notable of which was Walter Egan’s 1978 Top 10 classic, “Magnet & Steel” and the band’s 2010 album, Queen’s English! Their Cavern Front IPO Liverpool performance will have some very special guests. Intrigued? You should be, so be there!
Meadowlake – A young indie band from Groningen, The Netherlands whose latest album received rave reviews and boasted “Dead Man on the Payroll”, a single which was number one in the Dutch Indie Chart, and was also chosen as the Best Song of 2018. The band is recording a new album and is in the middle of a European tour, of which IPO Liverpool is a part…and we’re very glad!
Barry O’Brien (Slumberjet) – Dublin based singer/songwriter Barry O’Brien may be familiar to some IPO fans as the leader of Slumberjet, who’s debut CD earned some rather apt comparisons to the likes of Elvis Costello and XTC(!). He’s been doing the solo thing, but has also found time to record a 2nd Slumberjet album, which is currently in the mastering stage, and we can hardly wait to hear it! Expect his acoustic set at IPO to include folked up versions of Slumberject “classics” from the first album and possibly a preview or two of the power pop goodness yet to be released on the second one!
Christine B Phelan – As lead singer/writer with indie band Parallel, Phelan released two studio albums, after which she set forth as a solo singer-songwriter. Her debut EP, Sapphire, consists of elements of folk, blues, pop and country, depicting influences such as Gillian Welsh, Lucinda Williams, Imelda May and Sheryl Crow. Mind Games, the second EP from this Cork County, Ireland, songstress adds a touch of gypsy whimsy that fans of Fleetwood Mac will love!
Alain Pire Experience – The lefty guitarist Alain Pire received a PhD for his thesis on ‘60s British psych music – he continues his devotion for that period with his psychedelic trio from Marchin, Belgium. Their aim is to restore the spirit of psych bands from the ‘60s such as Cream, Tomorrow, Beatles circa ‘66/’67, Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd, Blossom Toes, The Syn, The Open Mind, etc., and their latest album, Songs From The 13th Floor, does so quite nicely!
Plasticsoul – Celebrating the much-anticipated release of their third and most rocking album, Therapy (on Big Stir Records), Central California-based Plasticsoul are a hook-propelled American spin on the history of British rock from The Beatles to the Bunnymen to Oasis, blessed with the powerful voice and sharp-edged tunes of front-man Steven Wilson. Their prior releases both won multiple Album of the Year awards and garnered rave reviews. With a formidable and propulsive live act that’s pure rock and roll energy and a deep catalogue of finely crafted and emotive songs, Plasticsoul is currently at the height of their considerable powers. Check them out and pick up a copy of the album!
Popincourt – The outfit fronted by the keyboardist of the Parisian band, French Boutik, who has played IPO Liverpool, Popincourt’s latest EP, 4 Colours, 4 Seasons, will please fans of Belle and Sebastian and acts who showcase moodiness in their music. Each of the four songs on the EP reflect a particular season, and do it with perfection!
Posterboys – Four young men from Oslo who like to eat pizza and love to create ultra-melodic music even more! Their upcoming LP, Ladies and Gentlemen…The Notorious Posterboys, will definitely please fans of Teenage Fanclub with its lush harmonies and thick wall of guitars, but they’re just as adept at pretty ballads. Great stuff!
Matt Purcell – Purcell had played in a number of bands in his former home of Sydney, Australia, before stepping out under his own name. His latest album, Silver Man, is the first he’s made solo and was recorded in his home studio in Tiperary. His music combines influences from folk rock to power pop. The debut single from the album, “Carry Me Home,” has received a favourable review by Hotpress Magazine in Ireland, and will appeal to fans of Wilco, Big Star, and traditional Irish folk! Look out for some music by his new project, Clover!
Dave Rave and Hailee Rose – The venerable Mr. Dave Rave began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head and The Shakers, has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe,” and is now an inductee in the Canadian Indie Music Hall of Fame!! (Congratulations, Dave!!) A recent CD, Live With What You Know was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs, “Anne Marie.” His new album, Adventureland, is “… [j]am-packed with the melodic, catchy pop rock that Dave’s best known for, this ferocious recording captures the rambunctious, boundless energy he always displays on stage.” (Hamilton Blues Lovers). From 2010 to 2014 he played 50 IPO festivals in a row (yes, you read that right), and he still plays many of them…and we look forward to many more. Miss Hailee Rose has been his protégé and backup singer for the past few years, but is also a gifted songwriter and quite the dynamic performer in her own right. The songs on her debut CD, Introducing Hailee Rose, range in style from power pop to soul to blues and the power of her voice will blow you away! They’ve teamed up for a special combined set at IPO Liverpool that you will not want to miss!
The Recalls – Hailing both from Stuttgart, Germany and Santiago, Chile (!). As the band says, “We were born. By our mothers. We bought ourselves some instruments. Then we taught ourselves how to play them. Now we play music loud and live. People enjoy it. It’s a kick in the nuts. End of story”. No truer words have been written!
Richard’s Orchestra – From the unlikely location of Poviglio, Italy come Richard’s Orchestra, who may turn the festival name into International Prog Overthrow with their sounds which will appeal to fans of the genre as it was back in the day and as done by prog guitar geniuses like Anthony Philips and Steve Hackett!
The Rodeo – The nom de plume of Dorothee Hannequin, who lists her residence as The Moon, making The Rodeo the most “international” artist we’ve ever had at IPO! The latest album, Thérianthropie Paradis, is sung completely in French; Hannequin’s sensual and evocative mother tongue guides her songwriting and voice onto new paths, full of hidden trails and nuances. A harmonic lushness that in no way detracts from the music’s clarity and fullness.
Scarlet Rose – A group of enthusiastic young men from Aalst, The Netherlands, who make catchy indie rock you can dance to. Their trip to Liverpool and IPO comes on the heels of the release of their brand new single, which drops on May 3. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details on where you can download the single, and come see them live at IPO!
The Seasongs – A powerpop band from Madrid who add a mixture of folk, garage and psychedelia to their sound, influenced by bands like The Who, The Kinks, The Beatles, David Bowie,The Byrds, Small Faces, The Creation, Led Zeppelin, Supergrass, Ocean Colour Scene, etc, etc…it’s no wonder that the songs on all of their work, including their most recently released full album, Buscando el Sol, bring to mind the British pop sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but mixed with a sunny Spanish flair!
Frank Secich (of Deadbeat Poets) – The sharp-eyed among you will recognize Secich’s name as one of the main men of Youngstown Ohio’s Blue Ash, who were part of the long-recognized power pop scene of the early ‘70s! Their debut album on Mercury Records, No More, No Less, will always be considered a classic! In the late 2000’s Secich formed The Deadbeat Poets, who graced IPO Liverpool with their presence at the time, have since recorded several discs on Pop Detective Records and have toured the world with their powerful pop! This year’s IPO Liverpool gives us a rare glimpse of Secich as a solo artist, and we feel confident it will be illuminating and transcendent!
Jonathan Segel – Segel is best known in indie pop circles as the violinist and guitarist in Camper von Beethoven, but throughout his over quarter century with the band, he has continued to make his own records in a variety of genres ranging from guitar-based rock music to way-avant-garde electronic music and many places in between. He describes his classic release, Superfluity, as “an album of songs about significance and insignificance of love, life and well everything.” Anyone who can appreciate a beautiful melody – whether delivered in new age, psychedelic, prog, or rock style – will dig it!
The Shades – Made up of five hardworking, accomplished young musicians from Dublin, and taking inspiration from artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, as well as various Motown and Garage groups, The Shades are on their way to bringing their raw rock n’ roll inspired sound to the mainstream. They won ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Pure M Awards 2015, and have supported The Strypes at a sell¬out event in Dublin. With new music in work, a large catalogue of diversely influenced songs at the ready, and a thrilling live show, The Shades are an act not to be missed!
The Sharona – As if their name wasn’t a dead giveaway, the quartet formed by Kenrona, Mitzrona, Darona, and Junlona typically make a joyous, raucous power pop noise and their typical stage garb consists of white shirts and skinny black ties. And yes, they are heavily influenced by The Knack…but fans of The Beatles, The Stones, and Cheap Trick will also dig ‘em! One of Tokyo’s most fun new bands!
Slim Loris – Slim Loris blends Indie Pop/Rock with Americana and a pinch of Swedish melancholy. They “… create beautiful, melodic songs with emotional vocals that address love, inner tranquility and consciousness, and possess a charismatic singer capable of captivating any fan of Indie music”. (mostdef.blogspot.se) Their latest full length, Love and Fear, earned quite a few nods across the internet music blogs as one of the best albums of 2015, and they’ve just released a brand new EP, Wild & Untamed, which lives up to its name by adding an extra layer of intensity to the “classic” Slim Loris sound!
Slow Sunday – Inspired by a variety of sounds from the ‘60s to the ‘80s, these Hanoverians blend mod, moody psychedelic soft pop, and cinematic soundscapes that in a way that fans of Burt Baccharach, Nancy Sinatra, Francoise Hardy, and David Byrne will love! Check out their Light It UpEP and their IPO showcase to see and hear what we mean!
The Spylocks – Do you like punk pop? Surf? A bit of garage and girl group? How about some Nederbear? If you answered yes to any or all of the above, then you will love The Spylocks – a group from Hoorn, The Netherlands, who mix all these influences in the songs on their sound. Fans of Thee Headcoatees, The Donnas, The Pandoras, The Delmonas, and The Runaways will dig their debut EP, Dickie, and their IPO showcase!
Starbelly – Beloved power poppers, they’re one of the finest bands ever to emerge from the Baltimore pop scene! Their debut CD, Lemon Fresh, is considered a power pop classic in the vein of such heavies as Velvet Crush, Big Star, and Badfinger! Their recent album, Four, celebrates both the varied sounds and textures that come from having four accomplished songwriters in the band, as well as their luscious 4-part harmonies. We’re always honored to have Starbelly at any IPO festival they choose to play, and are thrilled that the boys from Baltimore have finally made it across the pond to play IPO Liverpool!
Stootsie – Some of you may recognize this gentleman from Salzburg, Austria as the main man of The Seesaw, who have played many an IPO festival and who achieved major label success in their home country! As a solo artist, Stootsie carries on the band’s trademark quirky chord changes and fun, upbeat pop melodies! One listen, and you’ll see why he and the band achieved so much success back home!
Strand – They describe themselves as “the priceless flotsam washed up on the electric music beach of your dreams,” and if you dream of pop music that shifts from psychedelic soft pop to folk pop to hooky power pop and back again, replete with layers of keyboards and reverb and scintillating spine tingling chord changes, then they’d be right! (But then again, what would you expect of a band including the great Duncan Maitland on guitar and vocals?) Their single “Best Laid Plans” has been called “[a] welcome blast of summer to light the winter dark,” (Pat Carty, Hot Press) and provides a preview into their forthcoming album, which we can hardly wait to hear! One of our new favorite bands from Dublin!
Victoria Thoizon – A 19 year old singer/songwriter from the outskirts of Paris who combines elements of classical music, jazz, orchestrated pop and rock n’ roll into her music. Her debut album, Inked, will appeal to fans of artists from Amy Winehouse to Sara McLaughlin and Gillian Welch and from Debussy to Gershwin!
The Vinylos – These islanders who hail from Tenerife (in the Spanish Canary Islands) are passionate about the sounds of the first half of the ‘60s. They swing between beat, mod, garage, and R&B, staying faithful to the era they admire, but giving their songs their own identity. Their latest Clifford Records album, Blow Me Up, will appeal to fans of The Sonics, The Kinks, Small Faces, and the “Girls in the Garage” compilations!