IPO Los Angeles 2025
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Artists From Los Angeles/Orange County
20th Century Boys – This stripped down three-piece serves up brand new, but incredibly familiar songs that beg, borrow and steal from glam, power pop, hard soul and prepunk pub rockers from both sides of the pond. Fand of artists from The New York Dolls and The Bay City Rollers to Cheap Trick, The Jam and The Who will be pleased to find this band from Fullerton rocking their way into your heart!
George Adrian and Arwen Lewis – Some may remember Adrian and Lewis as two-thirds of Yellin’ Bells, which also includes Arwen’s dad, 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. Their sets are always special, in no small part due to Arwen’s angelic vocals, and will likely include songs from Arwen’s latest EP, Under The Stars, and perhaps a hint of something new… but don’t be surprised if you also hear them throw in a song or two from Peter’s classic catalog!
Bat Country – They re-united for IPO last year after a 25-year hiatus, and have been back together ever since, for which we – and hosts of other power pop fans – are extremely grateful! Bat Country were darlings of the L.A. pop scene in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s and features members of Norman Kelsey’s previous band, The Idle Kings and his (other) current band, The Canyon Band (who played IPO in 2023). 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 don’t miss him and his kick ass band at IPO as they reveal a new song or two and rock some of the favorites from his prior releases!
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!
Anisha Brady – Blending influences from radio pop, soul, and jazz, Brady weaves a warm and compelling sound, perfect for enjoying a cool drink on a summer afternoon. Fans of Anita Baker or Regina Belle in particular will really dig it!
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.
Ottle Michael Butkovic – Keeping the spirit of ‘70s radio alive, Butkovic’s music is a blend of yacht rock, indie pop, quirky experimental pop, and hook-filled ballads …with a touch of jazz and power pop thrown in for good measure. We can’t wait to see and hear what they’ll do for their full band set at IPO…but we know it will be full of fun and surprises!
Champion – A reunion by an amazing band led by singer/songwriter/producer from East LA, who long time IPO attendees may also recall as the frontman of local indie pop darlings, Shapes of Racecars, who last played IPO over a decade ago! Since then, his music has appeared in multiple films and TV shows, and he’s produced for various artists from around the globe. Champion also used his pandemic quarantine to good effect exploring hidden corners of his music and emerging with a soon to be released solo debut album, The Rebellion, as well as releases soon to be unveiled for several side projects. The preview songs from the album are a blend of light and dark themes, deceptively simple folk pop melodies, intricately layered in complex instrumentation, with an undeniable cinematic beauty. We’re honored that Champion deigned to have this reunion at IPO!
Michael Culhane – As the leader of Circle Sky, Culhane rocked the Boston nightclub scene and college radio, and conquered the crowd in New York as the opening act for Tin Machine’s debut after being hand-picked by none other than David Bowie himself. His NYC band Circus Guy sold out Mercury Lounge and toured the world following the release of the acclaimed CD The Lovely Luna. Now based in LA, this fine singer songwriter is performing and recording under his own name, with several singles and a recent acoustic EP, entitled Present Perfect (Hence), to show for it. We look forward to welcoming him back for his third straight L.A. IPO!
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 Dreambots – An LA quartet, including Jerry Juden, who many long-time IPO-ers will recall from The Shamus Twins(see below), 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 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 Eternal Lights
Gerald Emerick – Emerick first gained notoriety at the dearly departed CBGBs with his band Quincy, which Columbia Records signed to its biggest deal ever in 1980. Sued upon their debut by Quincy Jones over their name, the band released a second album as Lulu Temple. Emerick then went on to create the PTL Sound Club, a satirical alternative music/performance art club act and continued to develop a career as an actor and composer in film and TV. His guest appearances as an actor include TV shows such as Married with Children and Ally McBeal and films such as Pleasantville and This Is 40. As a songwriter and composer, his range and style is quite prolific, with singles running the gamut from punk pop to indie pop, orchestrated pop and Americana. We’re excited to welcome him to our IPO LA family and can’t wait to see and hear what he’ll do in his first ever IPO appearance!
Evil Maria – After releasing and touring behind three CDs on his Spill Records label, singer/songwriter and guitarist Evren Goknar formed Evil Maria. Their sound evolved into what Goknar describes as “maximum garage pop”, infusing ‘60s-influenced farfisa and edgy rock elements with pop and early new wave. Their latest release – a limited edition 7” on colored vinyl called The El Dorado Seven Inch – is totally hip!
The Faith Irons A groovy psychedelic funk rock combo out of Indio who meld influences from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s into a mesmerizing sound all their own. Check out any of their EPs and their IPO showcase to see and hear them for yourself! You’ll also see main man Steven Fahlsing in Bobby Bognar’s band (see above)!
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 latest 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 latest album, Special Friend One, came together hanging out with her special friends (and co-producers/fellow IPO performers), Fernando Perdomo and Chris Price (see below). Think Cat Stevens meets Cole Porter while hanging barefoot in Laurel Canyon, and you get the general idea.
Ruthann Friedman – Best known as the writer of The Association’s hit song “Windy,” Friedman was an active participant in the California folk-pop scene, along with Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, and Van Dyke Parks, and released her debut album, Constant Companion, in 1971. After an extended hiatus from music spent raising children, running her own company, and earning a degree from UCLA, she re-emerged on the scene in 2006, with the release of Hurried Life: Lost Recordings 1965 – 1971 and Windy: A Ruthann Friedman Songbook (on Now Sounds!) and has been going strong ever since. IPO is honored to present a special showcase by this legendary singer/songwriter!
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, having released The Rise of The Glimmer Stars, a 22-song, retrospective featuring 20 years’ worth of The Glimmer Stars at their power poppin’ best!
Mr. Bruce Gordon – A long-time IPO performer in many different guises, having previously appeared as Mr Encrypto and as part of the combo Pop Co-Op, Gordon appears this year under his own name. His music is catchy power pop at its best: sparkling melodies, repeating hooks that stay in your head for days, with just the right balance of searing guitars, soft pop harmonies, and a touch of soul. Check out his latest album, One Tall Order, and his IPO showcase to hear for yourself!
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 debut 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 & Friends – 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 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!
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!
The Killing Floors – Voted one of Music Connection Magazine‘s Top 100 Live Performers, The Killing Floors are a Los Angeles five-piece rock n’ roll ensemble formed over a shared love of ‘60s music and Punk Rock. Since their inception, The Killing Floors have been cranking out infectious ’60s- style bangers that fit perfectly next to the unearthed ‘60s Garage Rock and Psych compilations. If you love that trifecta of jangly guitars, swirling keyboards, and throaty vocals, this is one band you will not want to miss! Bring your dancing shoes!
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!
Lavelles – An LA indie rock band with a sound both unique and familiar: bits of ‘90s grunge, ‘80s post punk, and 21st century angular Britpop will have your head bobbing along like they’ve been one of your favorite bands for years, even if it’s the first time you’ve seen them!
The Lazy Janes – Alternating a frenetic guitar attack with bouncy catchy melodies and sneaky angular chord and tempo changes, The Lazy Janes will leave you constantly guessing at which direction their songs will take you next, but exhilarated that you came along for the ride! Check out their recently released self-titled EP and their lPO showcase!
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!
Barbara Manning – We’re honored to have at IPO the legendary singer/songwriter/bass player of the bands 28th Day and World of Pooh, and several excellent solo albums! 28th Day epitomized jangle pop; Pitchfork said of their 28th Day-The Complete Recordings compilation, “…this stuff still sounds as beautiful and rich and satisfying as it ever did. Anthems of heartbreak, odes to in-articulatable sadness, paeans to the dead! Sandy Denny could have sung most of these tunes without breaking a Brit-folk sweat.”
Tony Marsico & 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.
Courtney McKenna – A talented young LA-area indie-folk artist, with songs that combine poetic lyrics with the sounds of classic rock, Americana, and country…in other words, they will appeal to a very wide range of audiences. A charismatic and powerful performer, with a Stevie Nicks meets Pat Benatar style, she is always seeking new ways to engage her audience and to use her unique voice as a platform for empowerment.
The Mighty Vornados – A dynamic and eclectic band playing the original music of Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/producer Bruce Garnitz. Influences and comparisons range far and wide: everything from pop and prog to funk, R&B, and experimental quirky pop, jazz, folk and theatrical vaudevillian pop. But it’s all melodic, interesting and fun!
The Motion – Do you love pure power pop bands like Big Star, Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers, Badfinger, or Fountains of Wayne? Well, so do The Motion, and their love of that classic power pop sound is evident in everything they do! David Wilde of Rolling Stone has called their Whatever Pleases You album “…true power pop written, sung and played with pride and passion. Like the musical masters they clearly admire, The Motion deliver the kind of songs that hit you hard right away, and then just keep growing on you.” We’re thrilled to welcome them back for their first post-pandemic IPO appearance!
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 extensive list of past releases have proven his talent as a prog rock arranger and instrumentalist as well as a consummate pop-rock hook-meister. He’s got not one, but TWO, brand new albums due out just in time for IPO: Waves 8, the latest in his chill instrumental series, and 45’s The Best, a monster 32-song collection of some of his best and catchiest songs yet! We’ve dubbed him “The Zelig of Pop”, because if it’s happening, he’s somewhere in the picture!
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 debut album, Chyrsalis, is a trippy wash of psychedelia that has earned comparisons to The Beatles, The Byrds, and King Gizzard.
Chris Price – An engaging artist, either solo as one of the driving forces behind LA power pop paragons, Bebopalula, Price has become known for his penchant for blending ‘60s and ‘70s sensibilities into pure ear candy filled with lush arrangements, clear vocals, and captivating melodies. Price has shared the stage with such luminaries as The Who, Ringo Starr, Micky Dolenz and Beck, and has also built quite the reputation as a producer extraordinaire, having worked on the final album by Emitt Rhodes (!), among others!
Psoma – Founded in 2000 by Justin Fisher, a long-time friend and collaborator of Weezer, they are still rocking after nearly 25 years! Their two self-released albums are fine examples of the energetic in-your-face catchy power pop rock that we love. Bring the kiddies to our afternoon showcase, and see them rock their way into the hearts of the next generation of fans!
The RAZ Band – A band who proudly proclaim they are older than your parents, and who have been rocking and rolling for over 40 years! The band is built around Michael Raz and Jeff Hutchinson, who have been playing together since their high school days in New Jersey, but are now based in LA, and has from time to time included some of their long-time pop and rock heroes, such as the dearly departed Joey Molland (of Badfinger) and Jim Vitale (who has toured with Joe Walsh)! Their recent CD, Madison Park, was named 2015 Album of the Year by Roadie Crew Magazine Editor Airton Diniz, proving that – like fine wine – some things only get better with age! Never ones to rest on their laurels, a new single, recorded with Joey Molland before he passed, and their brand-new rollicking album, Copy This, are both due out later this year, with an updated remastered version of their classic Razfinger album to follow!
Ridel High – Yes, you read correctly: the ‘90s band led by singer/songwriter Kevin Ridel (who also sang lead in Avant Garde, a band he was in with Rivers Cuomo of Weezer) and featuring Steve Coulter (of Tsar and The Brothers Steve) and Justin Fisher (of Psoma, see above) are back and better than ever! The 1998 album, Emotional Rollercoaster, is a fine example of the mid-to-late ‘90s power pop on which IPO was founded, and we’re honored to welcome them for a special IPO performance!
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 recent singles showcase their unique takes on traditional Irish/Celtic Rock and Protest songs…they even released a special collection of 10 of their favorite Christmas Carols! Definitely something a bit eclectic, but also incredibly fun for all!
Nick Santa Maria & The Dirty Shirts – Originating in Dallas and relocated to LA, Santa Maria and his band exude smoky disco-ball-lighted dance floor glammed up rock n’ roll. Think Bowie and Bolan mixed with a heavy dash of more recent bands like Jet, The Strokes and the Kaiser Chiefs…or better yet, come check out their IPO showcase and pick up a copy of their In The Get Up From The Get Go album!
The Sea Tease – Formed in Philadelphia, but now based in LA, The Sea Tease have been described as Led Zeppelin meets Adele. Front-person Michaela Jordan’s vocals are heavily influenced by classic rock and soul artists such as Robert Plant, Amy Winehouse, Etta James and The Scorpions, and their guitar playing has evolved from classic rock and blues to also include more modern folk and emo influences. Their recent album, Come Home To Yourself, explores themes of breaking codependency and generational curses, while wrapped in the guise of a classic “break up album.”
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). Named LA’s #1 Indie Artist (February/March 2018) by Reverbnation, this dapper, affable Angelino is the creator of the Novel with Songs / Literary Pop genre; his seminal works include Love’s Oblivion, A Novel in Twelve Pop Songs (2002), Last of the Zachary’s, A Novel with Songs (2010), and Pop Fiction, An Indie-Noir Musical Thriller (2017). 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! His brand-new single, Our Love, provides an uplifting message of hope in a time of chaos. Check it out now!
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 Jeffrey Shapiro 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 brand-new – and very aptly named – record, Wild N’ Restless, is out now on the excellent Rum Bar Records label. As good as they are on the albums, you owe it to yourself to check them out in person, as their live shows are nothing but incendiary!
Solitary Friends – A power trio whose in-your-face loud sound compliments their often subtle and introspective lyrics, and have been compared to Blondie or PJ Harvey. Songwriter and lyricist Ken LaMere drills ear-worms into your brain, while front-woman Michelle McGregor blows your face off with her belting pipes and dynamic delivery. Powerhouse drummer Nick Liberatore demands your attention at all times, carrying the band past the normal threshold of pop and into a darker and grungier world. Their latest album, Bite The Hot Wire, was cooked up in a pool-house in the San Fernando Valley and shaped in dive bars, through lockdown and in old warehouse spaces deep in North Hollywood. The album also features Tears for Fears keyboardist Doug Petty, whose piano playing makes you feel like you’ve been day drinking on the lower east side in 1977. Very cool stuff!
Olya Sonica – Here to prove that rock is not just a boys’ club, Sonica blends her distinctive voice and timeless song writing style on her brand-new album, You Only Live Forever. “Sonica’s voice manages to be both alluring and commanding. Not really soft or raspy but something in the middle. The lyrics are relatable and are perfectly balanced with her vocals” (Rival Magazine). Fans of rock pop and grunge bands from the ’70 through the ‘90s, such as Blondie, Oasis, The Pixies, Garbage and Nirvana, will dig it!
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!
Talking With Hands – Equally inspired by the pop sensibility of XTC and the ethereal styles of Air and My Bloody Valentine, Talking With Hands blend intelligent song craft and mesmerizing atmospherics into a sort of pop-art that aims to change the way people think about music. Their recently released EP, The Coin, was written in direct response to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The project captures a rising tide of political despair, pairing tightly wound arrangements with a sharpened vocal edge.
Wax Owls – An LA indie-folk duo who have drawn comparisons to Nouvo Amor, Bon Iver and Mumford & Sons. Their mellow sound and captivating lyrics have been gaining them airplay on KCRW and other fine stations. Check out any of their recent singles to hear the for yourself!
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.
Xray Xeroxx – The brainchild of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Anthony Kapfer, Xray Xeroxx play frenetic lo-fi garage punk. Their humorous lyrics and catchy hooks will also appeal to the staunchest of power pop fans. Check out their just released Nevermind, Whatever album and their IPO showcase!
John Zambetti of 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. Zambetti and his long-time Malibooz co-lead singer and song-writing partner, Walter Egan, have 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”. 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. We can’t wait to see and hear Zambetti’s solo rendition of some timeless Malibooz songs and a few from his solo career.
U.S. Artists From Outside of Los Angeles/Orange County
Joe Dilillo – A Chicago studio veteran, influenced by well-crafted pop music, Dilillo has worked with A Girl Called Eddy, The Lickerish Quartet, Cactus Moser (Wynonna, Highway 101), Eric Dover, Maddi Jane, Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes), Bill Callahan (Smog), and many others. His Superhero Star EP is five songs of intricately arranged melodic bliss.
High On Stress – Comprised of Nick Leet (vocals/guitar/piano), Mark Deveraj (drums), Jim Soule (bass/backing vocals/organ), and Chad Wheeling (guitar/piano), High On Stress have been getting rave reviews for their latest album, Hold Me In. “High on Stress carry on in the grand tradition of Minneapolis music – great rock ‘n’ roll with a rootsy slant; cheeky at times, consistently well written and played.” (Peter Jesperson, New West Records). They are also quite prolific, as both Nick’s first ever solo record, Detours, and Tethered, and a brand-new collaboration album between Dan Murphy (Soul Asylum / Golden Smog / Scarlet Goodbye) and High On Stress have both just been released!
Hotel Saturn – Blasting off from Boston, unleashing cosmic sounds and electrifying riffs that will take you on a wild ride through the universe of rock and roll! What started as a few song enhancements with Rock Garden Studios Producer Todd Erickson turned into a full-blown album project. Their recently released singles mix bubblegum, glam, garage, psychedelia and Brit Invasion vibes into a heady brew that demands to be turned up loud. We can’t wait to see them do their thing at IPO and are eagerly looking forward to a debut album due to be released this fall.
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 latest Big Stir Records release, and still…, showcases them at their delightfully zany and melodic best! Definitely something a little bit different!
The Seagulls – These rockers from the city by the bay (San Francisco, that is) pour their hearts into every song, and it shows! Their latest album, This Time Next Year… is chock full of hooks, anthemic rockers, Britpop bangers, psychobilly stompers…and that’s just the first few tracks! We can’t wait to see them do their thing at IPO LA!
The Sonny Wilsons – The original power pop project of Memphis residents Adam Yancey and Allen Couch joined by Chris Swenson, Danny McGregor and Johnny Norris, their music is “…riddled with hooks, not afraid of being accused of being commercial, but still holding on to some strong indie cred (Denis Pilon, Pop Rock Record). Think Big Star meets The Posies, and you get the idea. A debut album is due out this year, and we can hardly wait!
Richard Turgeon – A musician, writer, designer and illustrator based in Marin County, California, who has (thus far) released seven LPs and EPs, all of which have garnered positive reviews and airplay around the world, with songs regularly featured on Rodney Bingenheimer’s show on SiriusXM, The Bob Cesca Show, Bagel Radio, and many more. As a screenwriter, he’s recently optioned his feature film screenplay, HOLY MAN (about Beach Boys Dennis Wilson), which has placed in numerous industry competitions, including 5 finalist awards! His new album, Shungite, is due out later this summer, so watch for it!
