IPO New York 2026

 
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New York/New Jersey Artists

 
Alphabet City – With a penchant for gritty guitars and catchy melodies, they’ve been described by their friend Ema as “The greatest ‘90s rock band that never existed!” Ther latest single, “Year Of The Tiger,” is loaded with quirky chord and tempo changes that angular pop fans will also love!
 
American Darlings – After a few “farewell for now” shows, American Darlings are back and better than ever! Their new Fly Forward EP features both new songs and live versions of a couple of classics; those unfamiliar with their work will also want to check out their It’s All Been Said: 2010 – 2024 Retrospective. Definitely a band after IPO’s heart, as both the album and the EP are filled with the sweet and crunchy ‘90s style pop upon which the festival was founded!
 
Eric Barlow and The Temporary Layoffs – Barlow made a name for himself in both the New England and New York pop scenes of the ‘00s and ‘10s…and then took a break. Flip forward to “post pandemic” and he’s back with a new kick ass band. Whether your thing is classic power pop, angular pop, psych pop, or punk pop, you will find something to love their latest album, Still Moving Parts, and their live IPO showcase!
 
Jz Barrell – Musician, producer, and recording engineer…and this November, also joining the ranks of IPO performers, and we can hardly wait to see him do his thing live. The songs on his latest album, Don’t Give Away Your Magic, run the gamut from classic Americana meets Brit Invasion-styled rock n’ roll to quirky angular/experimental pop with chord changes that appear from nowhere…almost like magic!
 
Seth Benjamin and The Philistines – A Brooklyn-based alt rock band whose songs manage to be both sad and melancholic, yet catchy and uplifting at the same time! Check out any of their digital releases and their IPO showcase to see and hear them for yourself!
 
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??
 
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. Their more recent On Our Way Downtown EP also channels shades of Lou Reed. Check out their IPO showcase and hear them for yourself!
 
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 the juxtaposition of sophisticated prog pop meets sweet hooky jangle with a disco-pop edge on their latest single, “Bummer.” We can’t wait for these guys to put out a full length!!
 
Fascinations Grand Chorus – A indie pop experiment of grand proportions, featuring the songs of Stephnie Cupo and Andrew Pierce. Their prolific output of singles, EPs, and concept albums runs the range from bubblegum and girl group inspired retro pop to folky orchestrated pop with dark pop undercurrents to fuzzy shoegaze-inflected power pop. We can’t wait to see and hear them do their thing live at IPO!
 
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 latest – and ninth – full length release, Soul Bender, released last year “…captures the band at their best. It features the differing patterns of the 1960s in a distinctly modern weave…[T]he album is a tour-de-force of melody, guitar crunch, a pounding rhythm section, and exquisite vocals…[T]he beauty of the Grip Weeds is that they have assimilated their influences so well that they transcend them” (Brendan M Stewart, Shabby Road). As great as they are on record, they are even better live – so don’t miss their IPO showcase…where they’ll also be celebrating the brand-new 20th anniversary re-issue of their Rainbow Quartz classic, Summer Of A Thousand Years! A psych pop extravaganza for the senses to be sure! We can hardly wait!!
 
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. Their latest album, Seen, recorded by Martin Bisi and mastered by Fred Kevorkian, captures some of the energy and feel of their live performances – or better yet, come to IPO to see them live!
 
Joy Buzzer – Bringing together the talents of Kevin Lydon (vox), Jed Becker (guitar), KG Noble (guitar/vox) Nick DeMatteo (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 they’ve since have had several others hailed by none other than Little Steven Van Zandt as “The Coolest Song in the World!” It’s therefore no surprise that their debut full-length album, Pleased To Meet You, was released on Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool label. If you wanted to know the definition of power pop, just listen, and you’ll know! As good as the album is, you’ll also want to catch them live at IPO, as they always put on quite the electric and engaging performance!
 
Allie Kenny – A New Jersey–born singer and songwriter raised just outside New York City, who grew up playing piano in a musical household; she fell deep into the world of ’60s and ’70s records as a teenager, beginning with David Bowie and the Beatles. From there, she gravitated toward the soft rock and Laurel Canyon artists of the era, before eventually discovering Big Star and the jangly, harmony-driven “power pop” groups that followed. Her songs are melody-driven, built around vocal harmonies and lyrics pulled from real experiences—often introspective with moments of wit, paying homage to the records and songwriters that first inspired her. She recently recorded her debut album, which is set to be released in 2027, and we can’t wait to get a bit of a live preview when she joins us for her first IPO.
 
Dennis Kenter & The Baldy Monks – From the West Coast to the East Coast, no matter where he makes his home, Kenter is a music maker of the finest order. Layers of harmonies, intricate instrumentation, and melodies that feel a once quirky and inventive, yet warm and familiar characterize his work. Don’t just take our word for it – come out and see and hear him do his thing at his first IPO New York appearance!
 
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)
 
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!
 
Annie Minogue Band – Eschewing the polished artifice of modern rock, Annie Minogue Band (AMB) steers toward a driving, straight-ahead rock sensibility. With influences ranging from rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, and Fleetwood Mac, to iconic female vocalists like Janis Joplin, Sheryl Crow, and Patti Smith, the resulting sound is a mixture of vintage rock n’ roll, gutsy Americana, and a hint of the Blues, wrapped up with introspective songwriting and a pop sensibility. Their latest full-length album, Better Days, features several songs that have received worldwide recognition, and they’ve got more new material in work for a new release soon, so watch for it!
 
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 album, Ulysses, which had its international debut at IPO Copenhagen in 2023, “…does what he does best; delivering an unbridled love of rock and roll, unapologetically” (Music for the Misfits). We’re so proud that he’s been signed to the awesome label, Wicked Cool!
 
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 nine full length albums…and counting!) go far beyond Hollywood. His latest – as the title might suggest – is All Over The Map, and showcases his talents as a master of melody and lyrical satirist, with himself as the prime target…delivered in a variety of catchy pop styles. Whether you’re already a fan, or new to his music, this is an album and show you will want to check out! The Steven Wright of Pop!
 
Ojahara – Dreamy melancholy pop, classic pop in the vein of McCartney and ELO, synth-laced ‘80s style new wave or energetic angular pop…this fine young band can do it all! They’ve got a slew of catchy singles on YouTube and Spotify that have us hoping a physical full length is not far away. We can’t wait to see and hear these guys do these songs live at IPO!
 
Rome 56 – A band who certainly know their way around a great song, Rome 56 is led 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. They’ve been scarfing up new fans and rave reviews for their eighth full-length record, Pony Tales, on Think Like A Key Records. The album is twelve song tales that “…swing from future-gazing anthems…to sci-fi dreamscapes…, with melodic rock that knows when to floor it and when to ease off the gas. Knopfler-esque guitar lines weave through lush keyboards while Lamonica’s vocals carry that Costello-like bite that cuts through the prettiness (Think Like A Key website).”
 
Safe Houses – A jangle-garage/powerpop from the NYC outer boroughs who mix layers of keys and boy girl harmonies for a sound that has a distinctive ‘80s/’90s radio pop vibe, with loads of catchy hooks and just the right touch of quirkiness to keep things interesting and fun!
 
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 back to IPO. The title of their latest full-length album, People Pleasers Pleasing People, tells you everything you need to know about their fun-loving attitude towards their music and spreading that love to their audiences!
 
Sunbuzz – An independent pop/rock band from Northport, on Long Island’s North Shore, known for piano-driven 1970s-style rock and roll. Main men Joe Mannix and Ed Fingerling are no strangers to the spotlight: Mannix was signed as a solo artist to Canadian label Bongo Beat Records, and has toured the world, opening for artists such as Nora Jones, Hall & Oates, Peter Frampton, Joe Cocker, Bruce Hornsby, and CCR Revisited, not to mention playing a few past IPOs under his own name and with his band, Oral Groove, while Fingerling fronted The Wild Deer, landing multiple song placements, including licensing deals with MTV. We’re thrilled to welcome them in their latest band incarnation!
 
The Wag – Got songs? Got harmonies? Got fun and unbridled enthusiasm? Then you’ve got The Wag! Hailing from the Bayshore area of New Jersey, this four-piece unit has been entertaining and moving audiences for 25 years but still sounds as fresh as it did on day one! With four alternating lead vocalists, catchy melodies, and sophisticated harmonies, they will take you on a journey of pop rock delight! Their latest full length, Blue Bottles and Copper Coins, was released in celebration of their 25th anniversary as a band, and showcases both their versatility and their catchiness!
 
Alan Walker and the Accomplices – Walker was the lead singer/keyboard player for NYC’s rootsy/melodic pop band, The Brilliant Mistakes, and is now a solo artist (with a few accomplices joining him for a full band experience). His second full length album, A Little Too Late, just released on Aunt Mimi’s Music, blends roots rock, soul, and orchestrated pop in a seamless confection!
 
Andrew Weiss and Friends – IPO is always glad to welcome this Long Island band and their “Power-Pop-iCana” music, a unique blend of Laurel Canyon folk rock and ‘70s power pop, that we think fits right in with everything the festival stands for! Their recently released album, …To Change A Lightbulb, combines art pop, progressive pop, power pop, and blues rock with their own quintessential sound, and will appeal to an even wider range of fans. Think Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Neil Young collaborating with ELO, and you get the idea!
 
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 latest release, Shot An Arrow, available from Kool Kat Records, has a little of everything for those who love all their previous albums and new fans alike: there’s some new wave, a bit of crunchy pop and Americana, plus some Beatle-eque bits and plenty of jangle, harmony, and hooks…it’s all in there, and it’s all good!
 
 

US Artists Outside New York/New Jersey

 
The Candy Rocks – Although none of the band members – or even their parents! – are old enough to clearly remember the ‘60s and early ‘70s, these youngsters from Annapolis, Maryland, capture the whimsy, melody, and harmony of songs from that era perfectly! Check out their recently released single “Can’t Seem To Find A Reason” and their IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself!
 
DelCobras – A three-headed pop-rock monster out of Philly, DelCobras made their IPO debut last year on the heels of releasing their recent New Skins EP. The songs on the EP show the group’s range, with big arena rock sing-a-longs, to surf rock, to synth filled breakdowns. We can’t wait to see and hear them do their thing again at IPO!
 
Log Flume – Hailed by several reviewers as one of the best power pop albums of 2024, this Chester County PA four-piece’s Splash Hit! is filled with well-crafted melodies, harmonies, and arrangements that are both timeless and fresh, evoking comparisons to ‘90s pop greats such as Weezer and Teenage Fanclub. One listen to their recently released sophomore album, Go Where The Money Goes, and “…you’ll be reminded immediately what makes this band so much fun. Log Flume are fearless when it comes to catchy parts, stacking one irresistible idea on top of another until resistance feels pointless” (Niek, Add To WantList).
 
Wednesday Week – What? Another reunion show at IPO?? Yes, it’s true! One of the LA pop scene’s most respected bands in the mid ‘80s, Wednesday Week featured the guitar and lead vocal talents of Kristi Callan (more recently known as the leader of Dime Box Band), her sister Kelly Callan (also of Dragster Barbie) on drums, husband David Nolte on lead guitar, and Heidi Rodewald (who is currently making her mark on Broadway) on bass and vocals. They were introduced to the world via the legendary 1983 LA compilation, Warf Rat Tales, and went on to release an EP and two albums of their own, featuring their patented mixture of country twang inflected pop melodies and new wave punk energy. Their classic album, What We Had has been reissued on CD on Noble Rot Records (a subsidiary of Collector’s Choice Music), with the Betsy’s House EP included (the first time Betsy’s House has been available digitally!) and more (23 tracks, total!). Rodewald was not able to make it when they last did a reunion for us in LA back in 2017, so we’re excited to have them join us for IPO New York, only a few blocks from where the Callan sisters went to elementary school way back in the day, for a true reunion of the classic Wednesday Week lineup!
 
 

International Artists

 
Jose Estragos – A singer/songwriter from Madrid, Spain, along with his band, who became a much-anticipated fixture at IPO Liverpool in the pre-pandemic years, and who still brings his sense of style and infectious energy whenever he joins us for IPO, be it in Liverpool or here in New York! 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, postcards and souvenir magnets!
 
David Stevenson & The Restless Souls – Hailing from Atherstone, UK, The Restless Souls play guitar driven British indie pop music, infused with soul. This talented band have previously played with a range of well-known artists such as Wham!, The Beat, The Dream Factory, and Paul Weller. They originally formed in 2019 to play IPO Liverpool, but unfortunately the pandemic nixed that, but they’ve recently re-formed with a new all-star line-up, some brand new songs, and a renewed energy and purpose. Stevenson has brought a slightly different configuration of the band to each IPO he’s played earlier this year, but they’ve all been magnificent, so we can hardly wait to see and hear what he’ll do next!