IPO Los Angeles 2024

 
Click on artist name to go to their music page
 
CLICK HERE to see IPO Los Angeles 2024 Artist Yearbook Photos
 

Artists From Los Angeles/Orange County

 
George Adrian, Arwen Lewis, and Peter Lewis – Some may remember these three as Yellin’ Bells, who played a few IPO LA’s before the pandemic…this will be a slightly more stripped down set, but even more special, featuring the music and angelic voice of Arwen Lewis, the granddaughter of Oscar-winning actress Loretta Young and the daughter of Peter Lewis, one of the main men of San Francisco psych legends, Moby Grape, whose self-titled album was ranked as number 121 in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” in 2003, and who will be joining forces with Adrian and his daughter again for IPO! Look for their set to include songs from Arwen’s recently released EP, Under The Stars, but don’t be surprised if you hear them throw in a song or two from Peter’s classic catalog!
 
Bat Country – A special reunion 25 years in the making! Bat Country were darlings of the L.A. pop scene in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s and features members of previous band, The Idle Kings and current band, The Canyon Band (who played IPO last year). Known for rockin’ and fun live sets, their debut album, Entertainment Now, is one of the more aptly titled discs you’ll come across from the New Millennium!
 
Jason Berk and The Jerks – A critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who comes to the west coast (he splits time between Los Angeles and San Francisco) by way of New York, Berk has proven himself to be a musical tour-de-force, teaching himself guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo, and garnering nationwide radio-play. His classic musical style has drawn comparison to such greats as The Beatles, Randy Newman, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Costello, to name but a few, and keeps getting better with each successive album! Check out his latest album, Strangers, and his kick ass band at IPO to see and hear what we mean!
 
Black Mail House – Taking inspiration from ‘60s and ‘70s Rock ‘n Roll, Black Mail House crafts songs with lush arrangements and harmonies. Their latest album, Catacombs, is a hook-filled gem that will appeal to fans of Harry Nilsson, Jason Falkner, The Beatles, The Zombies, and anybody that wants to keep power pop alive in contemporary rock music.
 
Bobby Bognar plays The Piper Downs – A special loving tribute show to one of the most beloved pop bands of the LA scene of the ‘00s and ‘10s, by none other than their guitarist/singer/songwriter/frontman! Though he may not rock quite as hard without the rest of the band, you can be sure he’ll more than make up for it with the classic witticism and humor of those Piper Downs lyrics and his powerful vocals!
 
Adrian Bourgeois – The release of his 2014 album, Pop/Art, brought Bourgeois to the attention of pop cognoscenti and media alike, earning much praise for its lush arrangements, “…angelic harmonies and melodies that swoop and soar like a hook-laden roller coaster” (Sacramento Bee). His slew of recent singles do not disappoint, and have us eagerly looking forward to his next full-length album as well as his IPO showcase!
 
Broken Sound – The band is the brainchild of the ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo and Michael Collins, who are also its only members. Their debut self-titled album is a collection of stripped-down alternative rock songs featuring hooks, beats, a few psychedelic vibes, and a refreshing sense of experimentation and just having fun.
 
David Brookings and The Average Lookings – This transplant to the LA area (by way of Memphis and San Jose) has consistently released stellar albums. His smooth vocal style and talent for writing a jangly pop melody have earned comparisons to the likes of Jellyfish, Matthew Sweet, and Rooney. His new EP, Shelby, is a loving homage to his wife.
 
Buzz Killjoy – f you love garage rock, punk pop and quirky pop, you will love this LA combo! Their debut album, Critically Acclaimed, has intelligent humorous lyrics, hooky anthemic choruses, and a ton of energy. Fans of artists from They Might Be Giants and Bowling For Soup to The Stooges or The Clash will dig ‘em!
 
Circlons – A quartet who refuse to be handily categorized into any single genre, they take inspiration from the past, present, and future to create music that is eternally appealing. Each song on their EP, When The Music Was Pretty, has a different musical inspiration that ranges from pop-punk, blues funk, ‘60s cinematic pop, to Krautrock-inspired free-form improvisation. The music will appeal to fans of the Buzzcocks, The Bellrays, Scott Walker, and Can. We can hardly wait for their IPO showcase and a full-length album, which is in the works!
 
Michael Culhane – As the leader of Circle Sky, Culhane rocked the Boston night club scene and college radio, conquered the crowd in New York as the opening act for Tin Machine’s debut, and toured the world after being hand-picked by none other than David Bowie himself. Now based in LA, this fine singer songwriter is performing and recording under his own name, with several singles and a new EP, entitled This Is Now, to show for it. We look forward to welcoming him back for his second straight LA IPO!
 
Dennis Davison – Long-time IPO and LA pop scene devotees will likely remember Davison as one of the leaders of the Grammy-nominated indie band, The Jigsaw Seen, who released nine full-length albums throughout their career, and were featured on numerous compilations and box sets, including the seminal Children of Nuggets. He is also the lead vocalist for neo-psych pioneers, United States of Existence, who have a new album in the works, and whose back-catalog was recently released on the great Spanish label, Guerssen Records. To top it all off, he also writes and records under his own name; his brand-new album, Voice Memorandum, is a collection of vocal and guitar demos recorded using the voice memo feature on his i-Phone!
 
The Dons-A favorite of many in the local scene in the early ‘00s, The Dons were known for their solid live performances, pitch-perfect harmonies and excellent songs. Their debut album, Dawn Of The Dons, finished in the Top 20 of the Audities “Best of 2002” poll, which is no mean feat! Their reunion performance at IPO LA in 2017 after a dozen or so years apart proved they’re still just as good as you remember, so we’re thrilled to welcome them back to do their thing again!!
 
The DOODES – An alternative indie rock band consisting of four band members: Corey Kniss, Rhema Hooper, Judah Hooper and Josiah Hooper. All talented musicians and artists in their own right. They have songs that combine bossa nova, jazz, blues and psychedelic flavors. They’ve had the honor to play at venues such as Chain Reaction, The Mint, Haven City Market and many others. Their goal is simply to express and perform the music we love. Come check out their debut IPO LA performance!
 
Double Naught Spies – IPO is proud to present a reunion show by one of the classic bands of the LA power pop scene in the late ‘90s (who played the second ever IPO show in 1998)! Double Naught Spies are led by none other than Rick Hromadka (more recently of Maple Mars and Ruby Free), so you know you can expect an earful of crunchy guitars, psychedelic harmonies, and Brit pop influences galore. Long-time fans of Double Naught Spies, as well as fans of The Move or any of Hromadka’s current projects, will not want to miss this one!
 
The Dreambots – An LA quartet, including Jerry Juden, who many long-time IPO-ers will recall from The Shamus Twins, so you’d expect a lot of jangle, twang, and harmony…and The Dreambots do not disappoint! Their songs are upbeat, catchy, melody-driven rockers, and their recently released single, “Tightrope”, has already been recognized by Denis Pilon of Pop Rock Record as “a subtle earworm.”
 
Drool Brothers – They put the function back into dysfunction to create psychological pop soul with a slightly warped sensibility. Studio geek real brothers Chuck Mancillas and Tom Slik have had a long reckless relationship with LA’s music culture, and have emancipated themselves within the walls of their laboratory where they amuse themselves and their fans with audio mutations. Their latest EP, Mondo Electra, is another quirky hooky romp with shades of sunshine and psych pop as 2022’s Bring Your Trunks, continuing in the same vein of fuzz pop ‘60s/’70s referenced bubblegum created by a few misfits. Imagine a funkier They Might Be Giants, a more soulful Frank Zappa, or what The Partridge Family might be like if they spent time hangin’ with The Beastie Boys…or better yet, just come out to see and hear them for yourself!
 
The Fantastic Fellinis – A “…vibrant and eclectic band that’s been painting the town with their kaleidoscopic tunes…. With a name that dances off the tongue and a sound that’s as rich as a tapestry woven from the threads of bygone eras, this group is a living, breathing homage to the cinematic flair of Federico Fellini and the unabashed spirit of rock ‘n’ roll” (Get That Beat). Their new album, DEUX, is an ultrasonic mod/pop/soul tour-de-force, available on Soundflat Records and many fine streaming platforms.
 
Feef – Having performed her songs in bedrooms, basements, English and Scottish pubs, Dutch coffee houses, and having worked with the likes of worked of Jon Turner (Cocteau Twins), Richard Perry (Harry Nilsson) and Matt Forger (Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson), Feef brings her unique brand of folk pop back to IPO! Her brand-new album, Special Friend One, came together hanging out with her special friends (and co-producers), Fernando Perdomo and Chris Price. Think Cat Stevens meets Cole Porter while hanging barefoot in Laurel Canyon, and you get the general idea.
 
The Glimmer Stars – Led by one of the nicest guys with one of the coolest names, Mini Mendez, the Glimmer Stars have been an underground pop scene favorite for decades, with numerous singles and compilation appearances to their credit. Remaining true to their roots and strong belief that rock n’ roll should be fun, pure and simple, the Glimmer Stars are sure to put a smile on your face! The good folks at Rum Bar Records certainly agree, as they’ve just released The Rise of The Glimmer Stars, a 22-song, retrospective featuring 20 years’ worth of The Glimmer Stars at their power poppin’ best!
 
Dani Hagan – Born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Hagan has established herself in Los Angeles as a rising star in the music scene. Showcasing a blend of soulful rock with her original music, she has captivated audiences and garnered a strong following, selling out renowned venues like The Viper Room, Molly Malone’s, and The Whisky-A-Go-Go. Her 2023 EP, Kissing You, and her brand-new single, “I’m Jolene”, defy genre categorization, blending pop hooks, roots rock twang, soulful vocals and riot grrrl sass. A new full-length album, produced by Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Jazon Mraz) is due out later this year, so watch for it!
 
Brady Harris – A former busker in London and Paris, Brady is a Texas born, LA-based musician whose music has been heard on Network TV, Portuguese Bank Ads, Indie Films and plush European Hotels. He performs frequently in Southern California and occasionally in France and England, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to IPO after far too long an absence! Check into the Hotel in the Sky, Brady’s latest record, where the riffs are crunchy, solid and sweet and all those memories won’t do you no harm. “From Dan Auerbach to John Lennon, Harris pulls from a wellspring of influences, creating an immersive 5-track tour de force. Brady Harris’s new EP doesn’t just give listeners a place to rest their heads; it offers a journey, a chance to traverse the realms of Beatles-infused Americana Rock and experience the magic of his musical getaway” (LA Weekly).
 
Danny Henry – Voted as The Deli Magazine’s New England Readers Artist of the Year in 2015, the ever-colorful Danny Henry is a jukebox hero, a sexual visionary, and the last bastion of rock and roll! Born and raised in Milford, Connecticut, and now making his home in LA, he continues to write and perform his unique brand of pop, blending influences from the likes of The Beach Boys, The Kinks, Elton John, and Billy Joel. Check out any of his singles and recently released Off-Vaudeville album (many of which were recorded at Reseda Ranch Studios with the ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo – see below) and his IPO showcase, and you too will become an instant fan!
 
Linn Holmstedt – Originally from Sweden, Linn started singing before she could walk – joining her mother in gospel choir as a baby and moving on to performing in choirs herself, singing in harmony with others has always been at the core of her life. Moving on to performing in bands around Stockholm as a lead singer and songwriter, Linn began to explore different musical avenues before setting her sights on Los Angeles, where she’s become known for her work as a session singer, performing and recording background vocals for a vast variety of bands and artists. Her own sound mixes the influences of her mother’s time singing gospel and her father’s love for rock n roll – acts such as the Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt and Fleetwood Mac. “Baby Blue,” the lead-off track of her brand new EP, Introducing Linn Holmes, has been called “…a delightful journey into the nostalgic vibes of the 70s, wrapped in a modern pop sound…” (Josh Brown, Stereo Fade Magazine).
 
Rick Hromadka – No stranger to IPO audiences, Hromadka has been a key figure in the LA pop scene since the ‘90s and is known to many – not just in LA, but around the globe – as the singer/songwriter/mastermind behind the awesome bands Double Naught Spies (see above) and Maple Mars. His latest solo record, Better Days, shot to the top of many 2020 “best of” lists and deservedly so: “Rick Hromadka and a batch of musical pals have created an album that is one of the best power pop releases in memory, a surging and artful effort that is bolstered by excellent song craft, experimental flourishes aplenty and nuanced musicianship” (Robert Kinsler, Rock ‘n Roll Truth). His IPO showcase is sure to be a musical extravaganza not to be missed!
 
Andras Jones – Purveyor of melodic witticism extraordinaire, Jones has toured the US and Canada both solo and with his band, The Previous, and is also the host/creator of Radio8Ball, author of Accidental Initiations: The Kabbalistic Tree of Olympia (from Sync Book Press) and an actor who has appeared in several motion pictures and TV shows, including A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master and Saved By The Bell. His brand-new solo album, Recognize, De-Escalate, and De-Code, released just prior to his appearance at IPO Chicago, is full of melodic and lyrical twists in Jones’ inimitable style…but don’t miss his live show, as the banter and interaction with his audience are often even better than the songs!
 
JonesHouse – Made up of four good friends with credits that include Game of Thrones, Poe, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Adele, Barbie, Herb Alpert, The Carpenters, and more, JonesHouse is all-original mid-century modern sugar-coated pop made with cellos, guitar, drums, and lots of singing. Their latest album, It’s! Bitchin!, is a modern musical shindig circa the 1960s – fans of Burt Bacharach, The 5th Dimension, Petula Clark, and Lulu will dig it!
 
Charlie Kogen- – He may look like a Jewish Kennedy, but (luckily for us!) this native of LA and student on summer break from Stanford sounds much more like a cross between The Oneders (ha!), Fountains of Wayne and Jason Falkner, raised on a diet of Brian Wilson! Check out his 2019 album, Songs From The Front Seat, and slew of more recent singles, all available on many fine streaming services, and his IPO showcase to see and hear what we mean!
 
Corey Landis & The Attacks – Whether or not he chooses to admit it, Landis typifies the recent resurgence of gifted twenty-somethings that evoke the “golden” singer-songwriter age of the ‘70s. The ubiquitous melodies of Elton, Joel, Springsteen, Cohen, Waits, Zevon and Newman hover over Landis’ shoulder like older siblings, and he uses those influences to create his own brand of rollicking power pop….and the band adds the perfect touch of rock orchestration! Check out their self-titled debut album and IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself!
 
The Living Dolls – Mix power pop, rock, psychedelic, garage, mod, and punkv arena rock from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s, and you’ll get an idea of the sound of The Living Dolls! They’re an alternative blend of old and new; somehow familiar yet strangely unrecognizable. Their self-titled CD has garnered rave reviews from their home in the beautiful San Fernando Valley to Ohio to Sweden, and points in between!
 
MacArthur – Melodic rock band MacArthur features the lyrically sophisticated songwriting and guitar music Arthur Winer. Influences range from Elvis Costello to Fountains of Wayne to The Beach Boys with a healthy dose of girl group and psychedelic soul. Yeah…it’s that good. Their last full-length release was 2015’s The Fall Guy, but they’re back and better than ever with a bunch of more recent singles and we can hardly wait to see and hear them do their thing at IPO!
 
Tony Marsico &amp: The Ugly Things – Marsico is a bassist, singer, songwriter, best known to LA audiences as a member of punk band the Plugz and rock band Cruzados. He has also been a session bassist and backup bassist for artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Roger Daltrey, Marianne Faithfull, and many others. We’re thrilled to welcome him to IPO with his latest combo, The Ugly Things, who turn up the punk garage energy way past eleven! This is gonna be fun!!
 
The Matter – Featuring Michael Hamilton and Dennis LeBlanc on guitar and vocals, with Rick Gerardi (drums) and Erikson (bass), The Matter are a young group of old rockers who have come full circle. Gerardi and LeBlanc were part of the ‘80s SoCal punk scene and played together in a band called The Factory; their 45 single is a widely sought collectible as far away as Malaysia! Now all back in Orange County once more, The Matter’s sound is an electric pastiche of familiar shared influences and past and current fever dreams and hallucinations.
 
Fernando Perdomo – Re-located to LA from his former home of Miami Beach where he led Dreaming In Stereo, whose churning style of music was coined by band and press alike as Progressive Pop, an eclectic mix of ‘70s Progressive Rock and ‘90s power pop! He’s also a label head (Forward Motion Records) and producer extraordinaire (the latest album by pop legend Andy Pratt, among others – including a few fellow IPO performers!), and a member or guest of more bands than we can count, who has been dubbed “The millennial answer to Todd Rundgren” by LA Weekly! His past releases have proven his talent as a prog rock arranger and instrumentalist as well as a consummate pop-rock hook-meister, and his newest release, Self, shows he can also do ‘70s-style AM-radio pop! We’ve dubbed him “The Zelig of Pop”, because if it’s happening, he’s somewhere in the picture!
 
Petrified Max – Featuring Vitus Mataré (vocals, organ, guitar) and John Rosewall (guitars, bass, vocals), both veterans of the classic LA band, The Last, and more recently, Trotsky Icepick, along with Danny Frankel (drums, percussion), who has previously played with the likes of Lou Reed and Hal Willner, Petrified Max are a conglomeration of sixties garage rock and psychedelia commingled with harder edged guitar rock and postpunk. Their latest full-length album, Everything’s Beautiful Now, also has a refreshing experimental vibe, with twists and turns of chords and moods galore!
 
Plasma Chasms – An Australian/American neo-psych pop duo who seamlessly shift their brand of psychedelia from moody layers of swirling soundscapes to campy bubblegummy fun that will have you wanting to break out your go-go boots! Their EP, Interstellar Baby, is a trippy wash of psychedelia that has earned comparisons to The Beatles, The Byrds, and King Gizzard. They have an upcoming album, which will be released at the end of August! We can hardly wait to hear songs from it played live!
 
Plasticsoul – Still collecting praise and fans around the world for their third and most rocking album, Therapy (on Big Stir Records), LA & 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. Their IPO Showcase will be their first performance in LA in about a year, and will feature songs from their forthcoming new album, along with a few faves from their prior releases. Definitely a show not to be missed!
 
Sanglorians – “Daniel Brummel knows hooky guitar rock. He has spent more than a decade as bassist-singer in Ozma, played in L.A.-based bands Spain and The Elected and even filled in with Weezer for a time. His work as bandleader of the L.A. sextet Sanglorians is another beast — a maniacal collision of power-pop and prog-rock that at times has the feel of a shredder crashing orchestra practice” (Kevin Bronson, Buzzbands.la). The latest Sanglorians album, Odalisque, is big hooks and big harmonies propelled by a wall of synths, while their forthcoming opus, Haul Away Joe, showcases their unique take on traditional Irish and Celtic Rock!
 
Morty Shallman – Singer/songwriter/storyteller, the #1 best-selling author on the Amazon absurdist fiction charts for his novel, The Tyranny of Desire, whose latest novel, War And Sex, has been called “A roller coaster ride of dark humor and biting social commentary” (Readers’ Favorite Five Star Review). The creator of the Novel with Songs genre, with his Last of the Zacharys and Pop Fiction albums, this dapper, affable Angelino is known for his cutting-edge mashups of pop songs and pulp fiction. Fusing elements of disco, dance pop, indie pop, alt-rock and EDM, with soaring melodies, intelligent lyrics and classic pop song craft, Shallman serves up a glowing succession of catchy tunes and infectious beats that will brighten the playlists of listeners, dancers, Youtubers and radio programmers alike, and was named LA’s #1 Indie Artist (February/March 2018) by Reverbnation! His IPO show will feature his debut performance of the “theme songs” from his two latest novels, as well as some of his past literary pop classics.
 
The Shamus Twins – Yeah, you’re right, there aren’t any real twins in this band, but their sibling-like harmonies, intelligent lyrics, unique arrangements and infectious songcraft will make you forgive their nom de faux pas. They are also all-around good guys who have been good friends to IPO for many years, and are even providing this year’s guitar and bass amp backline, which we truly appreciate! If you like loud guitars, harmonies, jangle, and twang, you’ll want to pick up both of their excellent CDs!
 
SHINE – Many IPOers may recognize main man Bobby Cox as the longtime leader of the classic ‘60s and ‘70s inspired power poppers, The Galaxies. Still firmly rooted in power pop, but with a glammier edge, SHINE also features Jeff Higa, SherryCat-Kitten, and Lon Rozelle and rocks way harder, but their songs are just as catchy! We can hardly wait to see them do their thing at IPO again!
 
The Slamdinistas – If you like raw, in-your-face rock n’ roll, then look no further than The Slamdinistas! Influenced by ‘70s English Pub Rock, Punk & Classic Rock, and especially the British scene, a la Stones and Faces, the songs on their Shoot For The Stars album have earned radio respect from none other than Rodney Bingenheimer on his Sirius XM show, and their live shows are nothing but incendiary!
 
Spanish Kitchen – A show many – including the band themselves – thought would never happen, IPO is proud to host the first show in 25 years by these stalwarts of the LA art-pop scene in the mid-‘90s! Quirky, melodic, and fun, Simon Glickman (who has played a few more recent IPOs as the leader of the Ex-Teens), Willie Aron, Miles Lally, and Perry Ostrin will serve up some of their classic tunes from back in the day! This is definitely one show you will not want to miss!!
 
Supremium – Another reunion-show from one of our favorite bands to grace the stage in the early days of IPO! Supremium combine the new wave power pop of Joe Jackson with the rockin’ edge of The J. Geils Band, and their own gruff meets sweet hooks and harmonies. Singer/songwriter Bruce Witkin used to play in Adam Ant’s band, and guitarist Coz Canler played in The Romantics through 2011. Their now classic Smile Records release, Tales, remains a favorite of the ’00s for many a fan, and these long-time industry veterans know how to put on a live show like nobody’s business!
 
Turning Violet – Turning Violet sits in that satisfying spot between punk and power-pop, with the added bonus of some new wave flair. Singer & main songwriter Simone Siren’s vocals – compared by listeners to Kate Bush and Debbie Harry – helm these well-structured songs that draw on the erratic energy of the early ‘80s and some ‘90s buzz/crunch. Their latest EP, The Broken Wheel, has also drawn comparisons to The Pretenders, The Cranberries, and Patty Smyth.
 
Ward White – On Here Come The Dowsers, his fifteenth release, and first with Think Like A Key Music, art- rock auteur Ward White wields his elastic range to weave compelling character vignettes in a broadly cinematic Hollywood song-cycle, hopscotching through Tinseltown history, illuminating the grime beneath the glamour. Garnering comparisons to the likes of Bowie, Roxy Music, Neil Hannon, and Elvis Costello, White’s “Soaring, lyrical pop” (The New Yorker) is in full bloom on Here Come The Dowsers, continuing to evoke “Scott Walker’s scope with Paul McCartney’s playfulness, all while creating something singular and compelling” (MAGNET).
 
Witkin – If the name sounds familiar – like you’ve just read it in another description – you’re right! Witkin is the brainchild of Veronica “V” Witkin, daughter of Supremium’s (see above) Bruce Witkin, and a musical/graphic artist to be reckoned with in her own right. Although she may be a child of the ‘90s, her heart and soul (and her music) are steeped deeply in 1973, evoking shades of Led Zeppelin and T Rex, combined with a more modern edge.
 
The World Famous – The newest project of Will Harris, who has been in and around the pop scene in various guises for many years. The World Famous is power pop all the way, with punchy guitars, some fun keyboard flourishes, and a whole lot of hooks. Check out their recent Totally Famous album, and their IPO showcase!
 
 

U.S. Artists From Outside of Los Angeles

 
John Batdorf – In his five-decade career, this singer-songwriter has performed as solo artist, one half of Las Vegas Rock and Roll Hall Of Famers folk-rock duo Batdorf & Rodney, and as a member of and ‘70s hit band Silver, whose hit song “Wham Bam (Shang-A-Lang)” became a part of the Guardians Of The Galaxy ll blockbuster movie. He’s also worked with legends, such as David Geffen, Adele, Rod Stewart, Donna Summer and David Lee Roth, to name but a few. He currently makes his home in Redmond, Oregon, and his latest EP, I’m Not Givin’ Up, has been called “…five songs of enthusiastic euphoria and confessional thoughts in country rock style” (Elise Cady, Americana Highways).
 
The Bings – Driven by the songwriting of David Chrenko, and fueled by big guitars and three-part harmonies, The Bings’ Power Pop Planet – The Lost Tapes is a literal time capsule from the pre-MTV 1980s, when new wave, punk, and power pop were still underground genres that flourished mainly in New York and Hollywood clubs. Unearthed from the back of a closet during the pandemic, the 16-track master tape has been lovingly re-mixed and released 40 years after the last recording session. IPO is honored to welcome these guys back to LA for our 25th anniversary to celebrate their music, with a whole new audience of power pop fans!
 
Cat 22 – The latest project of Scott Samuels, who has previously played IPOs in his current home town of San Diego, former home town of Chicago, as well as in LA under his own name and with his previous band, Roxy Monoxide. His flair for fine melodies and ability to turn just about any thought or experience into a hook for a great song lyric – as well as his support and help with IPO San Diego – are very much appreciated! His sixth and newest album, Starlight and Sunshine, showcases his love of ‘70s power pop and glam.
 
The Flower Machine – Dreamy psychedelic jangle and harmony from the shores of Morro Bay, this band got their start in LA, and we look forward to welcoming them back! Their brand new full-length self-titled album is a collection of songs from their various EPs and singles from 2006 – 2021. Whether you’re a fan of the original psychedelic rock of the ‘60s or a devotee of the neo-psychedelic pop of the ‘80s – or both! – you will not want to miss their IPO appearance!
 
Cliff Hillis – 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 latest album, Be The Now, features his clear vocals alternately backed by lush instrumentation and upbeat hooks and handclaps…it’s a return to the sunny ‘60s and ‘70s radio pop style for which he’s most beloved by fans around the world!
 
The Jeremy Band – The eponymous band led by one of the most genuine, unique people on the pop scene, as well as one of the most prolific pop artists around. Jeremy Morris’ John Lennon-influenced pop is as spiritual as it is melodic, and has been rocking a lot more lately; you can hear this for yourself on any of his recent CDs (he’s released over 60 of them, so it’s hard to keep up with which is the latest!) This Kalamazoo, Michigan resident and his band can stake their rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame!
 
Blake Jones & The Trike Shop – Hailing from the unlikely hamlet of Kingsburg, California, this ensemble uses just about every instrument under the sun to create some bizarre, witty, quirky, yet ultimately melodic sounds, and have become an IPO fan favorite from LA to Liverpool! The Trike Shop’s “The Turtles meets Frank Zappa” stylings never fail to be delightful enigmatic and quirky, and their brand-new Big Stir Records release, and still…, showcases them at their delightfully zany and melodic best! Definitely something a little bit different!
 
LuAnn Olson And Randell Kirsch – They wooed each other by writing songs back and forth in the early eighties, co-founded the band Show Of Hands (IRS Records, 1988) then started having babies. Six children, a mountain of songs, a smattering of releases later, and after sharing Randell with The Beach Boys touring band for eleven years, they’ve merrily returned to their favorite road, writing, recording and playing live together, with absolutely stellar results!
 
The Tearaways (acoustic) – They’ve been putting out sweet harmony-filled ear candy and crunchy power pop gems since 1981, and are still going strong! They’ve performed on the Arsenio Hall Show, have been a much-anticipated regular act at the Mathew Street Festival in Liverpool for over 10 years, and their song “Rodney’s Getting Sirius” serves as the theme to the legendary Rodney Bingenheimer’s Sunday Night Channel 21 show. They combine the influence of the British Invasion with the California Sound with a touch of the Ramones, Clash and Blondie (Clem Burke is now their regular drummer) thrown in and are typically known for their high energy performances. Their recently released sixth full length album, And For Our Next Trick, proves they definitely still have a few musical tricks up their collective sleeves (and finished #1 on my Best of 2023 list)! This year’s IPO showcase will feature them in more stripped-down acoustic style that will really let their sparkling vocals shine through – definitely one of Santa Barbara, California’s finest!
 
 

International Artists

 
Rick Kingo Featuring Cherry Fez) – IPO audiences from Liverpool and Copenhagen are almost sure to recognize Kingo as one of the main singer/songwriter/guitarists in Caper Clowns, who have become perennial favorites at both, for their high-octane guitars and pitch perfect harmonies…so there’s no doubt he knows his way around a great melody and catchy beat. He’s been working the past couple years on a solo project (with a little help from a few friends, with whom he’ll be sharing the stage), and is ready to step out on his own to share his music across the US and Canada, making stops at several IPOs. Expect a little bit of folk pop, a little bit of power pop, a little bit of humor, and a whole lotta melody and fun!