IPO New York 2021
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Artists From New York/New Jersey
The Anderson Council – These Jersey boys have the most authentic, Creation-influenced mod-psych sound conceived by any band west of The Thames. All of their excellent albums, including their latest JEM Records release, Worlds Collide, deftly convey the sense of whimsy that defines late ‘60s British pop-psych. Recorded and produced by Kurt Reil of label-mates, The Grip Weeds (see below), Worlds Collide is The Anderson Council at their best!
Astro Chicken – A band featuring Barney Miller (he had the name first!) and John Laprade, the latter of whom played IPO several times. Laprade has moved to Nashville, so this set will feature Miller taking the lead reigns. Their latest album, Different Town, has been described as “[having] so many beautiful lyrics and strong songs on this poppy, accessible rock album. As long as this kind of good music is being made, there is hope.” (addtowantlist.com). Indeed!
Bastards Of Fine Arts – They’re a “new band with old roots”, featuring IPO veteran Matt Keating, and Steve Mayone. “In a career spanning more than 20 years, Matt Keating has established himself as one of America’s great under the radar songwriters. His work is rife with clever and incisive tunefulness.” (NPR). “The stark truth is Mayone is a master songsmith. He crafts and molds his stories eloquently and intelligently and there’s not many that you can say that about.” (Americana UK)
Bubble – A tight, rugged power pop band whose 2000 CD, Bash Bish, sounds exactly as the title would imply. “Principal songwriter Dave Foster constantly gets it right, fashioning killer hooks into a collection of songs which demand the listener’s attention throughout and are guaranteed to provide a lot of pleasure to those of a pop inclination” (Luke Magazine). Their latest album, Other Broken Dreams, got Culture Sonar magazine to ask the musical question, “What if The Beatles were a 2020 indie band from NYC?”. How’s that for praise??
Michael Collins – Fans of ELO, XTC, and Klaatu: rejoice – this may be your next new favorite artist you’d never heard of! His Last Laugh album has everything a power pop lover could want: sweet vocals, lush orchestration, and energetic hooks galore! We’ve been (understandably!) looking forward to having him back at IPO, and hope the rest of New York power pop fandom feels the same after catching his set! Look out for a trilogy of albums (yes, you read correctly) soon!
Eric Crugnale – A fixture on the New York pop/folk/alternative rock scene playing in a variety of bands, Crugnale’s own music, as can be heard on his latest album, Time Kills, will appeal to fans of early ‘70s radio, as he perfectly blends soul, soft pop, and gently orchestrated power pop. Don’t miss this extremely rare opportunity to see him play a set of his own flavor of power pop with an amazing band of New York Roots Music Association & Saturday Night Social Club All-Stars including Thomas Ryan, Don Olsen, Tom Licameli, Dan Weymouth, Jessica Upham and Michele Sivori!
The Extensions – An Asbury Park, NJ quartet who bring neuron-tingling chord and stylistic changes with their hooky brand of angular power pop that we at IPO surely appreciate….and we think you will, too!! Check out their recent Bellicose EP, and their IPO showcase!
The Grip Weeds – A long-time favorite of power pop, psych pop, and garage pop fans, The Grip Weeds just keep getting better and better. Jangly guitars and soaring harmonies combine with power-house drumming and inventive chord changes to make fans of The Byrds, The Who, and The Creation swoon with pleasure. Never ones to rest on their laurels, their brand-new JEM Records release, DiG, is an ambitious collection of heretofore lesser-known psych and garage tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s that they make all their own. Their IPO showcase is also the record release, so don’t miss this chance to see them play live and get yourself a copy!
Wendy Ip – This very impressive New Yorker (by way of the Canadian prairies) writes some of the coolest songs around, with eccentric hooks that sneak up on you and hit you hard! Her latest full-length CD, A Different Kind Of Life, is replete with unforgettable melodies that linger in your head even if you’ve heard them only once. Her IPO performance is sure to feature some new songs and surprises which we can hardly wait to hear!
The James Rocket – With chunky bass lines, counterpoint harmonies, quirky angular post-punk melodies, and even quirkier lyrics, The James Rocket may just become your new favorite modern power pop band. Check out their recent Burnout album and their IPO showcase!
The John Sally Ride – The trio of John Dunbar, Sal Nunziato, and Sal Maida – known collectively as The John Sally Ride, are quite a powerful combination of talents! While more harmony jangle pop than power pop, their gentle hooks will work themselves into your brain and remain long after the song is gone. Their latest full-length album, Doing Nothing, has earned comparisons to Squeeze, The Monkees, and The Kinks, and was lauded by several critics as one of the best of 2017…and their new one, Now Is Not A Great Time, is coming shortly!
Lieder – Formed in the spring of 2007, Lieder (which means “songs” in German) was personally given its name by rock legend Pete Townshend of The Who! They display an aggressive style of power pop, steeped in the tradition of American and British rock n’ roll, and thrive on playing live. They revel in the immediate response to their energetic style of play and challenge anyone not to enjoy their enthusiasm! They’ve become a perennial highlight of IPO New York each year, so make sure you don’t miss them!
meyerman – A band who strive for crunchy power pop goodness in all they do – and succeed quite nicely! Their long-awaited debut CD, who do you think you are? was mixed by Kurt Reil of the Grip Weeds (see above), and was hailed as one of the best power pop releases of 2011! If you love Badfinger, Big Star, Cheap Trick, Teenage Fanclub, and The Replacements – and let’s face it, what power pop fan doesn’t? – then you will love meyerman!
Eytan Mirsky – A New York City-based singer/songwriter best known for the songs he contributed to the indie films “Happiness,” “American Splendor” and “The Tao of Steve,” Mirsky’s talents and catalog go far beyond Hollywood. His seventh – and latest – full length album, If Not Now…Later, showcases his talents as both a guitarist and a lyricist!
Rome 56 – A band who certainly know their way around a great song, Rome 56 is lead by Arthur Lamonica of The Shirts, who’s song “Tell Me Your Plans” shot to the Top 10 in Holland some 35 years ago, and still has some regular airplay. Their latest full-length album, Mashville, and recent single, “Platinum Girl”, prove they’ve still got it! Fans of George Harrison, The Kinks and The Band will dig ‘em!
Leo Sawikin – A talented singer/songwriter whose previous work was released under his band name, The Chordaes, has recently released his latest album, Row Me Away, under his own name. Lush, soulful, and cinematic are just some of the adjectives that leap to mind. “Row Me Away is excellent, pushing out piquant sonic aromas, contagious rhythms, and the plush, swanky voice of Leo Sawikin.” (Randy Radic, The Young Folks).
Jordan Siwek – Inspired by the legendary songs of The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Joel, and John Legend, Siwek draws inspiration from any genre of music which revels in beautiful and catchy melodies and lyrics. His musical roots stem from his experience on Broadway as a child actor as well as his love for blues, jazz, and soul, which he infuses into his piano-based tunes. The L.A. Music critic, Bob Leggett wrote that Siwek’s music, “…truly belongs on the radio, and his songs would also make great placements for commercials as well as television and film…we may be witnessing the birth of the next Elton John…” Pretty high praise, indeed, but also spot on! If you don’t believe us, just check out his debut album, Sun Inside You, and his IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself!!
Slyboots – IPO was proud to host their debut performance in 2016, as well as their Liverpool debut in 2017, and we’re even more delighted to have them back to do their thing in their hometown again as we all collectively emerge from our pandemic-enforced hiatus, as they just keep getting tighter and funner (if that’s not a real word, then it should be!) with each passing performance! This is the latest band featuring KG* Noble and Margaret LaBombard, whose guitar hero glitter glam and solid bass lines were the power behind the great Lily Sparks, but we think they’re even better as Slyboots, with the addition of lead vocalist Tiffany Lyons!! Expect cleverly crafted songs, an engaging performance, and the rock turned up to 11!!
Zombies Of The Stratosphere – The duo of J and A Zombie follow in the tradition of their idols Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, and Brian Wilson, i.e., churning out gem-like compositions with maddeningly infectious tunes and obscure lyrics – songs built to last by nerdily obsessive craftsmen with big record collections. Their fifth – and most recent – release, On The Wing, features them at their jangly lush “AM Gold” ear-candy best!
U.S. Artists From Outside New York and New Jersey
The Airport 77s – Another great band in the JEM Records stable of artist, this Silver Spring, Maryland trio is power pop all the way: tight harmonies, chunky guitars and a relentless beat that will get you up and dancing before you realize what’s happening! Their recently released album, Rotation, is very aptly named, as it will certainly find its way into the regular listening rotation of many a pop fan, and should be on rotation on the radio!