IPO Detroit 2012
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Artists From Detroit
Fig – Hailing from the suburb of Wyandotte, Fig combines some in-your-face powerpop with the in-your-face rock n’ roll influence. Their latest CD, The Medicine Isn’t Helping, is their best yet! Main man Matt Fig has also been doing shows with Enuff Z’nuff; how cool is that??
The Joint Chiefs Of Detroit – If you think an original cover band is a bit of an oxymoron, then think again, and come check out The Joint Chiefs of Detroit! Featuring Ron McPherson and Eric Freeman of The Sunday Painters, the Joint Chiefs of Detroit put their own spin on favorite powerpop, rock, punk, and blues songs from the ‘60s through today, and are sure to put a smile or two on your face!
The Pounders – If you like high energy pop with a dash of jangle, you will LOVE The Pounders! Their sound draws comparisons to everyone from Elvis Costello to The Who to The Romantics and MC5, to name but a few, and their debut CD, You And What Army? will also appeal to fans of Tom Petty and Neil Young. The Pounders live show is a musical experience not to be missed…so don’t miss their IPO showcase!
Chris Richards & The Subtractions – Richards is a veteran of several cool Detroit bands, including The Noel Redding Experience, The Phenomenal Cats, and The Pantookas. The band’s latest CD, Sad Sounds of the Summer, is chock full of soaring hooks, shimmering guitars and melodies galore!
Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks – An alternative pop/soul/rock trio whose sound compares to that of Florence and The Machine, Tori Amos, and Adele. Armed with powerful vocals, pulsating percussion, and driving synths their passionate live performances have been winning over fans and generating buzz for the release of their self-produced debut album, New Direction, this Fall/Winter.
The Romeo Flynns – Heavily influenced by the British invasion of the ‘60s, a time when it was all about the song, they learned how to do one thing well: compose songs that people want to hear! Combining their British influences with a sound reminiscent of the Power Pop scene of Detroit in the ‘80s, The Romeo Flynns’ latest CD, Masque of Anarchy, is a perfect example of what Detroit power pop once was and is once again!
The Secrets – The Secrets carry on the tradition of creating the kind of smart -catchy -fun pop songs that made Detroit famous! Blending soaring harmonies with sweetly singing guitars, and adding a dash of Saturday morning cartoon whimsy with a touch of Motown production, any of their CDs will fit perfectly in the collection of many a pop fan!
The Starfire Band – A band of high school buddies drawn together by their love of hard rock and bands like Alice Cooper, Bad Company, Aerosmith, and Led Zeppelin. Today they draw the inspiration for their music from Detroit’s deep musical roots, writing and performing tunes inspired by The Beatles, Cheap Trick, Marshall Crenshaw, The Raspberries, and Eric Carmen, characterized by good melodies and flowing chord progressions, as exemplified by the songs on their latest CD, Livin’ in the City.
The Wall Clocks – This cool quartet was voted as Ambassador Magazine’s “Best Local Band”, with good reason. Their Rock n’ Blues style will appeal to fans of such classic bands as The Beatles, Badfinger, and MC5, but also to fans of more modern incarnations, such as The White Stripes. Their debut album, Odds and Beginnings, has been getting rave reviews not only in the US, but also in Europe and Japan, so check it out now!
Your Gracious Host – Fans of Teenage Fanclub, The Shins, XTC, The Association, and a host of similarly minded sounding bands will enjoy any of their discs, masterminded by former member of Autoliner, Tom Curless. Their latest, 1UP 2DOWN, is their most immediate, blending powerpop guitars turned up to 11 with their trademark harmonies and intricate instrumental arrangements!
U.S. Artists From Outside Detroit
An American Underdog – The latest project of Bay City singer/songwriter/producer, Andy Reed, who has been playing music for the last decade in various projects, including the midwest power-pop trio The Haskels, whose record, Rewind, was produced by Brendan Benson. An American Underdog’s debut disc, Always On The Run, is a melodic songcraft confection, brimming with influences from The Beatles to ELO to Harry Nilsson, so check it out!
Certain Stars – Forwarding the melodic sound and powerpop of bands such as Superchunk and Big Star, Certain Stars hook can take up space in your head for days. All members of this Milwaukee combo take on songwriting duties that uniquely add to the whole. Their new CD, The Great Destroyer, adds a classic album rock feel that’s impossible to resist!
Fireking – Stalwarts of the Boston pop scene, this band is sired by Tony and Smitty, former members of Michigan’s own Figures On A Beach, who claim to be the “rock experience of the 21st Century.” The sound on their Live A Little, Love A Little CD falls somewhere between Face To Face-era Kinks and The Stooges’ Funhouse. Their long-awaited follow up disc is a double CD load of pop-rock power, so watch for it!
The Iveys – You won’t want to miss this up and coming El Paso, Texas band featuring two brothers and a sister, who have been getting lots of attention, with recent appearances on FuseTV, “Good Morning Austin”, and college campuses across the country. Their sound is a testament to their musical journey, with nods to artists such as The Eagles and Matchbox Twenty, but with a voice that is all their own. Their latest CD, Days & Nights, adds a bit more of an edge, and the kind of shimmering harmonies that could only be created by a family.
Jeremy – One of the most genuine, nicest people on the pop scene, as well as one of the most prolific pop artists around. His gentle, John Lennon-influenced pop is as spiritual as it is melodic, and you can hear this for yourself on all of his CDs. This Michiganian can stake his rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame!
Mumble – Mumble’s music could be described as intelligent rock for those who actually believe rock n’ roll can still be an art form. Very accessible with hooks and memorable passages, yet complexly layered with sonic structure and full bodied production, their recorded material could be likened to an immersion experience. So get ready to immerse yourself in Happy Living, the newest disc from one of Ann Arbor’s finest!
Alejandra O’Leary – “O’Leary’s voice sounds like a combination of Jenny Lewis and Victoria Williams, and her songs are both catchy and fun– polished, straightforward, and barroom accessible. But they also have a certain lyrical toughness that’s reminiscent of another Williams, Lucinda. While her songs stand on their own, O’Leary’s between-songs banter shows her confidence in her craft and adds to the entertainment” (Chris Berggren, Ann Arbor Observer).
The Outer Vibe – A unique alt-pop/rock wall of sound experience featuring trumpet and keytar, The Outer Vibe really know how to rock it up while still keeping it fun! Their 3rd and latest release, The Monster EP, has been getting radio play throughout the state of Michigan, and they’re already busy at work on a 4th one! One of Grand Rapids’ hardest working bands!
International Artists
Dave Rave – He began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head and The Shakers, and has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe.” His latest CD, Live With What You Know, was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs “Anne Marie”!! He’s played every IPO the past two years, with many more to come. Thank you, Dave!!
The Eric Welton Band – Welton is member of Chatham, Ontario’s psychedelic legends Square Root of Margaret, and also one of Windsor’s finest songwriters in his own right. His latest CD, Kill Them With Kindness, is quirky noise pop at its best! “With his all-star band of some of Windsor’s most respected players, Eric Welton is always a crowd pleaser.” (JG, Scene) IPO is pleased to have them cross the bridge again to wow crowds on the US side of the border!
