IPO New York 2023
Click on artist name to go to their music page
CLICK HERE to see IPO New York 2023 Artist Yearbook Photos
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, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, (recorded and produced once again by Kurt Reil of label-mates, The Grip Weeds) deftly convey the sense of whimsy that defines late ‘60s British pop-psych, and also really rocks! Psychedelic power pop at its finest!
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). Their debut album, A Good Sign, is out now…check it out!
Joe Benoit – A New York based singer/songwriter who loves rock n’ roll in all its wonderous variety…and lets this love shine through in his music. His latest album, What Kind of World, was recorded at home during the pandemic, and weaves together jangly guitars with poignant lyrics into a beautiful and compelling whole.
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??
Changing Modes – The ensemble led by Wendy Griffiths and Yuzuru Sadashige, a pair of classically trained composers whose influences range from Bartok, Stravinsky to Nirvana, along with King Crimson & Sparks! Changing Modes creates unique, darkly complex art rock delivered with punk energy and prog-rock flair, all the while maintaining a melodic pop sensibility. Their latest album, Wax World, is wonderfully quirky with tons of angular changes and beautiful bursts of harmony. Fans of Zappa and The B-52s will love this band!
The Color Pink – From the mind and passion of singer /songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist Mikey Iansito comes The Color Pink’s curated aesthetic, interweaving jazz, rock, and imaginative melodies into a captivating soundscape. The debut album, Mazes, offers an enchanting blend of surreal lyrics, dreamy keys, and funky rhythms—a heartfelt expression of authenticity and creativity that fans or artists such as Steely Dan, Chicago, and Brain Wilson will truly appreciate.
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. He’s got a new album in the works, which – judging by his recent singles – promises to be a funky orchestrated pop extravaganza for the senses…we can hardly wait!
Curtis Suburban – A power trio of comic book power pop heroes (yes, they really do have comics of their adventures on their website) who do hooky fun energetic power pop, just the way we love it! Fans of artists such as The Rubinoos and Cheap Trick in particular will dig their Perfect In My Mind album, and their IPO showcase.
the dt’s – Otherwise known as Tom and Dave, formerly of The Vaughns, this Springfield, New Jersey duo pens and performs “…some of the best Britpop you’ll ever hear from a non-British band” (Owen Redford, Robojack Records). Fans of artists from Fairport Convention to The Beatles, REM, Elton John, and ELO will dig their debut EP, You With Me, and their brand new single, “All In My Head.”
Harrison Clock – Harrison Clock is beyond category. Big hand, little hand, second hand, everyone shake a hand. The music speaks for itself, as always, literary and current. Something unique is a special way to conceive it, and their latest Birs Recordings album, 2072, takes their quirky brand of indie pop to a whole ‘nother level. Come one, come all and enjoy!
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 performances always feature some new stories 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!
Joy Buzzer – Bringing together the talents of Kevin Lydon (vox), Jed Becker (guitar), KG Noble (guitar/vox) Michael Lynch (bass/vox), and Mark Brotter (drums), Joy Buzzer describe their music as “power pop for wow people.” Their debut single, “I Wanna Scream” earned them instant attention from fans of classic bands such as The Beatles, The Rubinoos, and The Knack, and their latest, “Judy Judy Judy” was hailed by none other than Little Steven Van Zandt as “The Coolest Song in the World!”
Karma Gambit – An Asbury Park foursome who take inspiration from bands such as Fountains of Wayne, Weezer and Oasis in creating their own brand of hooky indie rock. You can get your fill of catchy lyrics, wry humor, and bursts of harmonies on their recent album, When Does Rock ‘n’ Roll Start to Get Sad? Their brand new single, “Cable Knit Sweater” is set to drop on RebelNoise Records!
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!
The Living Roomers – A trio who do unabashedly in-your-face new wave punk rock with a touch of grunge and a whole lotta good vibes and fun times. Think Blondie meets Nirvana, and you get the general idea…or better yet, come check out their IPO showcase!
LUV DOT GOV – Offering the best emotionally honest power pop, this side of the ‘90s, the songs on LUV DOT GOV’s latest album, the good times are over, run the entire range of the genre: everything from hooks and harmonies to anthemic rockers, quirky chord changes, and even a bit of orchestration. If you miss ‘90s radio, you need to check them out!
meyerman – A band who strive for crunchy power pop goodness in all they do – and succeed quite nicely! Their long-awaited sophomore CD, happy to see you, released a mere 12-years after their first, was once mixed by Kurt Reil of the Grip Weeds and has all the hallmarks of their power pop roots, based on influences from the likes of Badfinger, Big Star, Cheap Trick, Teenage Fanclub, and The Replacements, but also feels like a natural progression in the maturity and complexity of their sound. If you love power pop, then you will love meyerman!
Dan Miraldi – Best known for his power-pop and retro rock-inspired works, the two-time John Lennon Songwriting Contest Finalist has shared show bills with an eclectic bunch of performers such as J. Roddy Walston & the Business, Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, the Wailers, the Trews, Wally Bryson of the Raspberries, Beatle offspring James McCartney, Family of the Year, Blackalicious, the Cool Kids, Fiery Furnaces, and even Wang Chung. His latest full-length album, The Midnight Special/Hundred Song Highway (Alternate Takes), features studio re-imaginings of two of his previous mostly acoustic EPs. If you don’t think of NYC as a heartland rock hotbed, then listen to Dan Miraldi and think again! We are very much looking forward to seeing and hearing him do his thing at IPO!
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 rather extensive catalog (he’s got eight full length albums…and counting!) go far beyond Hollywood. “He’s the lord of deadpan cool. He’s Ben Vaughn meets Chuck Prophet. He’s Eytan Mirsky and he’s back with a fabulous new LP…Lord, Have Mirsky delivers what we need right now: some wry wit, a bit of earnest self-reflection, and melodies that will make you smile (Dennis Pilon, Poprock Record).”
Eli Musser – A New York singer songwriter with a unique voice, Musser pairs the spirit of boundless, inspired songcraft of earlier decades, with a more modern sensibility rarely found in lyrics, chords and melodies. A student of classical composition and improvisation, Musser prefers to let instinct and feel lead the way when it comes to his own material. His debut album, Content, is absolutely amazing!
Onesie – The musical moniker of Brooklyn-based singer songwriter Ben Haberland, Onesie stitches together vivid, hooky guitar pop anthems from scraps of British pop, American punk, angular post punk, and classic rock, dealing in the currency of anthems written on the voyage toward modern adulthood. On their recently released third full-length album, Liminal Hiss, the band channel doom-induced anxiety into their most ambitious effort yet- a dense “all singles” collection packed with pop culture references, texturally rich guitars, and a defiant bounce that is more party time than end times.
The Other Steve Katz – One of the main men of The Wind and Tan Sleeve, Katz goes it solo for his IPO performance! Beautiful and rich melodies along with his own distinctive style of guitar work compliment Katz’s soulful voice. His style can be likened to Cat Stevens, Damien Rice, David Gray and James Blunt. His recent EP, Barricades, is a confident five-song debut…[and] should serve as a perfect demo to intrigue any record company interested in this breed of pop.” (Wes Britton, Blog Critics)
The Road To Ruin – The band’s latest album, Original Cynic, released last year on Spotify and Bandcamp, offers hook-filled psychedelic garage with a nod here and there to country-twang and Brill Building production, quirky chord changes, and witty lyrics. There’s something here that almost any pop fan will love!
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, Days of Carefree Living, is full of tight pop rock sounds that reminds us of better times. Fans of George Harrison, The Kinks and The Band will dig ‘em!
PERRY SERPA AND HIS SUPER EGO – We’re glad to welcome back this singer/songwriter/arranger, who will be remembered by some as the leader of the acclaimed symphonic pop band, The Sharp Things, for another fun-filled IPO performance. With an eclectic assortment of influences ranging from classic orchestral pop to rock, including Mark Eitzel, Scott Walker, Jimmy Webb, David Bowie, Burt Bacharach, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Radiohead, Randy Newman and The Beatles, Serpa’s latest release, Laying Low in The High Lands, is “…a kaleidoscope of sounds and genres that he employs to express himself introspectively, as well as express his angst about environmental and societal ills.” (The Aquarian)
Strange Neighbors – Making groovy tunes that bridge the gap between the Beatles and My Chemical Romance, Strange Neighbors have been unleashing their brand of jangly fuzzy pop tunes on NYC since 2018, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to their first IPO. Check out their Party Of None EP and their IPO showcase to experience their new nostalgia for yourself!
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/New Jersey
IT’S MY PARTY! – Producer John Giotto, manager/songwriter Paul Kanack, and songwriter Syeed Abdulal-Haqq of Rochester, NY, together with a dynamic, ever-changing cast of musicians and singers are only a part of the IT’S MY PARTY! phenomenon—the beautiful, vintage sound they create completes the story. IT’S MY PARTY! is everyone’s chance to experience the exhilarating joy of a genre that started with the 1960s girl groups and continues to enthrall audiences today. One of the most fun bands we’ve ever had at IPO, and we can’t wait to welcome them back!
The Jellybricks – A rock group in the classic two-guitars-bass-drums tradition, this Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based crew persevered for two decades before claiming the spotlight with Some Kind Of Lucky, their latest album and first for Wicked Cool Records. Their next full-length release, with Grammy-winning Producer Geoff Sanoff behind the board, features a guest appearance by guitarist Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices, Nada Surf) on “Monday’s Never,” the first single, due for release on Wicked Cool Records in November, just in time for their IPO appearance! If you like guitar and melody forward songs that feel both new and familiar at the same time, this is one show you will not want to miss!
Dan Kibler – A well-respected, road-tested rock musician hailing from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He first started playing in bar bands at the age of 17 and quickly made a name for himself in the local music scene and locales as far flung as Los Angeles, Australia, and Germany. His latest album, Idiomatic, was started just before the pandemic, and features Michael Giblin of The Split Squad and Parallax Project as mixer/engineer, and Tom Kristich of The Jellybricks (see above) on drums. Lush countrified pop at its finest!
The Chris Listorti Project – Some IPO’ers may recognize Listorti as the leader of New London Connecticut’s Oberon Rose, who have drawn comparisons to such greats as The Posies, The Zombies, The Kinks, Thin Lizzy, and Big Star, and whose music has been described as “…grand retro pop/rock replete with nostalgic aromas of Beatlemania and psychedelic progressive rock of the ‘60s and ‘70s. The melodies shimmer with coruscating energy, while the vocals exude nuanced textures and pastel hues (Randy Radic, Thriveglobal.com).” Their latest album, Purple, Blue & Crimson, released earlier this year has been hailed as “…Bluesy psych rock that rings with charismatic frontman soul” (Glide Magazine). Listorti’s project under his own name is a bit more Laurel Canyon than London, but still really rocks!
The Malibooz – Walter Egan and John Zambetti are celebrating 60 years making beautiful music together as The Malibooz. Formed in the “surf-mecca” of New York City, The Malibooz proved to be a major attraction on the Eastern seaboard from 1964-66, including appearances at The New York State World’s Fair. First, at the New York State Pavilion and then as part of the first color TV broadcast live from the RCA Pavilion. They’ve since enjoyed careers both separately and together including multiple albums, appearances, film and TV scores, and of course Egan’s top 10 Billboard hit, “Magnet and Steel” (which the band still play live). Their latest album, QE2, the follow up to their previous album, Queen’s English, was mastered at Abbey Road Studios, and continues the theme of original tunes in the ‘60s British Invasion style, topped off with The Malibooz’ gorgeous harmonies.
International Artists
Jose Estragos Band – A singer/songwriter from Madrid, Spain, along with his band, who became a much anticipated fixture at IPO Liverpool in the pre-pandemic years, so we’re thrilled to welcome them to their first IPO in NYC! Their songs are heavily influenced by Lennon-McCartney and other Merseybeat greats, and their on-stage energy and obvious love for what they do is infectious! Check the merch tables to get yourself a copy of their many fine albums!
Noelle Hannibal – An award-winning actress/singer who appeared in the film Star Trek: First Contact, she has the unique distinction of portraying the first female Vulcan on Earth. Although she is originally from LA, Noelle currently resides in Montreal where she runs her award-winning, independent theatre company, In the Wings Promotions. She also performs regularly in concerts, cabarets and musical theatre productions as well as travelling the world to appear as a guest at Comic Cons and Pop Culture events. Her latest EP, Ain’t a Tourist, produced by Grammy Award winner and past IPO performer, Scot Sax (Wanderlust, Bachelor Number One) was recorded in Nashville, TN earlier this year and is set for release in conjunction with her IPO showcase. Whether she’s doing power pop or something more R&B flavoured, one thing is certain: Noelle Hannibal’s songs will put a smile on your face!
Dave Rave – 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 latest album, the appropriately titled Seven, is his sixth release with his Minnesota-based backing band, The Governors, and showcases him at his in your face twangy garage pop best! 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. Thank you, Dave!!