IPO Los Angeles 2012

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Artists From Los Angeles/Orange County

 
A Million Pieces – A straight-ahead pop rock outfit set to take the world by storm! Their super-catchy sound is built on a solid foundation of pop-rock hooks, danceable riffs, and soaring harmonies – underscored by deeper anthemic tones. Check out their debut EP, Hauntings!
 
Bad Suns – Constantly writing, recording, and playing to ever-growing legions of fans, Bad Suns have grown into an indie-rock powerhouse, led by dynamic frontman/singer-songwriter Chris Bowman, who will be celebrating his 18th birthday at IPO! Their sound will appeal to fans of artists such as The Clash, The Police, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers, to name but a few. A new EP is scheduled for summer release, so watch for it!
 
Patricia Bahia – A singer/songwriter and recording artist who started her career as a soloist with the acclaimed Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir–recording with Linda Rondstadt, performing with Joan Baez, and opening for Bonnie Raitt. Her sound is a fresh melding of electro-acoustic pop and country, clear and emotionally expressive vocals, inspiring lyrics and timeless melodies.
 
Benjamin r – A recovering engineer/producer from Studio City by way of Talahassee, FL, Benjamin r has stepped out from behind the board and put his singing and songwriting front and center…and we are extremely glad he did! The songs on his debut record, the other side of nowhere, are hook-filled gems that even greats such as Elvis Costello, The Beatles, or The Pixies could be proud to call their own!
 
Cannoneers – A cool slice of British Invasion inflected indie rock with a dash of classic rock swagger is on tap when these gents strut onto the stage – which they recently got to do at The Staples Center and broadcast on Fox Sports as one of four finalists in the LA Kings live music contest! Their debut self-titled LP is available now, so check it out!
 
Michelle Carter – With her piles of blonde hair, sparkling grey blue eyes, and a sound that pushes the borders of pop music, Carter is a force to be reckoned with and will have a career to aspire to for years to come. Her voice has already been heard on the first season of The L Word , as well as on Sony Music (Media Software) Pocket Diva Acid Loop Pack and her debut LP, So Simple! Not one to rest on her laurels, both her latest solo CD, Tequila Nights, and a duet project with Keith Megna, entitled Under The Moon, should both be released later this year!
 
The Cherry Bluestorms – After discovering their mutual love of ‘60s guitar based melodic rock, guitarist/vocalist Glen Laughlin (formerly of The Dickies) and vocalist Deborah Gee immediately began working on what would become The Cherry Bluestorms. Their debut album, Transit of Venus, is a garden of unearthly delights for those who cut their teeth on the vinyl pressed between 1964 and 1970! We can’t wait to hear their sophomore effort, a concept album called Bad Penny Opera, which is available for pre-order through their website, and should be released very soon!
 
City Of Blue – A band who strive to create a perfect blend of their wide-ranging styles and influences – from classical to jazz to hard rock and punk – by incorporating rich vocal harmonies and complex chord progressions, with driving and upbeat rock. The resultant debut album, Goodbye to Everyone, is part brooding concept album/part in-your-face rock extravaganza!
 
Walter Clevenger & The Dairy Kings – This Orange County, CA quintet distills the best of Nick Lowe, Marshall Crenshaw, The Beatles, and Hank Williams to create a fresh, original brew that works well both live and on CD. Their latest CD, Full Tilt & Swing, took everything up yet another notch, but if the new songs on their website are anything to judge by, the next one (which we hope will be out soon!) promises to be a downright Blues-Rock scorcher!
 
The Condors – They make absolutely no bones about the fact that they’re classic stylists, influenced by the best that rock ‘n roll, pop, punk, glam, and R&B has had to offer. Their sophomore CD, Wait For It, has been receiving excellent airplay and press all over the United States, as well as in Europe and South America, and was well worth the wait…and their next CD, which is due out later this summer, promises to be even better!
 
Xenia Dunford & The Eastern Exile – Dunford blends her captivating voice with a catchy and eclectic mix of jazz, indie, and pop styles that is sure to appeal to fans of artists such as Carly Simon, Amy Winehouse, and Billie Holliday. Check out her Lonely Streets EP, and you’ll hear what we mean!
 
The Electric Starfish – They’ve got classic pop harmonies reminiscent of lazy afternoons by the river Mersey, jangly psychedelic guitars, and infections melodies that will have you dancing and clapping and humming along, all the more remarkable when you realize that they’re all in their early ‘20s! A debut album is due out later this year, and we can hardly wait!
 
Especially The Green Ones – A collection of very talented young artists from the Commercial Recording Arts Department, part of The Academy for the Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School! They have shared the stage with Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean and with Jeff Foskett of Brian Wilson’s current touring band, as well as with their mentors/friends/teachers, Jamie Knight and Mike Simmons of Sparkle*jets UK (see below)! Their collective sound is greater then their years and they are guaranteed to please. Come hear first hand what the next generation of singer-songwriters will sound like!
 
Marvin Etzioni with the Marvin Country! String Quartet – IPO is proud to host a very special performance by Grammy award winner Marvin Etzioni! Known over the years as one of the founders of Lone Justice, producer (Toad the Wet Sprocket, Counting Crows, Peter Case), sideman (T Bone Burnett, Dixie Chicks, Grey Delisle), and songwriter (Cheap Trick, Victoria Williams), it’s safe to say Etzioni is revered in music circles worldwide. His latest album, Marvin Country, is an ambitious two disc set, and features guest appearances by Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and many more!
 
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 coloured vinyl called The El Dorado Seven Inch – is totally hip!
 
Jason Falkner – What more can be said about this pop icon that hasn’t been said? Falkner has a rich history in the music business; from his tenures in The Three O’Clock, Jellyfish and The Grays to his amazing, melodically and texturally rich solo albums like Presents Author Unknown and Can You Still Feel? to his latest disc, All Quiet on the Noise Floor, you won’t find anyone who’s done it better, folks! Catch the master pop craftsman in his only LA appearance this year!!
 
The Furys – If you remember the ‘70s, then you may remember The Furys, who straddled the line between the local punk and powerpop scenes, like a compromising position between The Weirdos and The Knack. The band released three singles and a 12” EP before splintering, leaving behind the chant-along classic “Say Goodbye to the Black Sheep.” They’re back, and they rock, and now also feature Glen Laughlin of The Cherry Bluestorms (see above) on guitar, and IPO is glad to have ‘em!
 
Sheyna Gee – Writing songs since the tender age of seven, Gee (who is still only twenty-one!) has already made quite a career for herself in country-pop-rock circles, opening for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and The Donnas, and recently nominated for Best Country Single and Best Singer/Songwriter at the 22nd Annual LA Music Awards! She’s spent the last year writing and recording her new album, Hit n’ Run, taking her rock n’ roll roots and mixing in some raw country lyrics to creating a whole new sound. She will be taking the industry by storm, weather it’s ready or not!
 
The Hunting Accident – A powerpop trio with the emphasis on POWER! Their sound is big and raucous with many a clever chord change, just as indie as it is poppy, with shades of garage, glam, and new wave thrown in for good measure! Their brand new 10’ disc, Trees and Parks, will appeal to fans of The Cars, Queen, and Jason Falkner (see above), to name but a few!
 
Images – A trio who rocks it old-school (which is a GOOD thing!): kick-ass powerpop meets punk pop with some sweet vocal harmonies thrown in for good measure! Their debut 7” EP, Thought Patterns, is out now, and fans of The Buzzcocks, The Ramones, and The Clash will want to check ‘em out!
 
Ingenue – Ingenue delivers in-your-face female fronted rawk just the way you like it! Their Lolita EP has been described as Julianna Hatfield getting together with Louise Post and Mary Timony to party. So come join the fun and watch ‘em rock!
 
The Issue – They describe themselves as four guys who DIG power-pop/punk/garage, Rickenbackers and Vox amps, and their sound remains true to that heritage with in-your-face vocals and infectious melodies. Now who wouldn’t dig that?!!
 
The Janks – They’re fronted by the irrepressible Zack and Dylan Zmed, whose influences range from Bob Dylan and The Beatles to Zappa, Queen, King Crimson, and Mozart! Their latest record, Hands of Time, melds these into sweeping Americana ballads and vaudevillian powerpop gems that sound like no one else, and are truly captivating!
 
Paula Kelley Orchestra – The venerable Ms. Kelley keeps getting better and better with each release! Her last full length album, The Trouble With Success (Or How You Fit Into The World), is replete with the kind of lush, melancholic songs that made The Zombies Odessey And Oracle the landmark disc that it is. Her latest EP, Airports, features four stunning new Paula Kelley songs, blending influences from Al Green to Margo Guryan, and more!
 
Norman Kelsey – IPO’s favorite soul-man has completed his new album, On The Rebound, with producer Adam Marsland. It is a continuation of his journey into disco-pop that began with A Talent For Loving, taking cues from the Brothers Gibb and James Brown, along with the usual Motown suspects. The album is set for release in September, and is filled with uptempo pop tunes and ballads that will make you think it’s 1978 all over again, but without the polyester! If you can’t wait that long, you can hear the title track on this year’s IPO CD!!
 
King Washington – Saturated in complex harmonies and intelligent chord progressions alike, the music of King Washington is a throwback to when rock n’ roll was a songwriter’s game. A renaissance of musical flavors, KW’s influences range from classic acts like John Lennon, The Beach Boys, David Bowie and Cat Stevens to contemporary talents Radiohead, REM, and The Negro Problem. Yup…they really are that good…if you don’t believe us, then check out their brand new LP, The Gears, and you’ll hear what we mean!
 
Mark Lane – We’re glad to welcome this fine singer/songwriter and his band back to IPO Los Angeles! Lane’s warm sound has drawn comparisons to key artists such as George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, and Elliott Smith and current interpreters of classic sounds, such as Wilco and Fleet Foxes. His new album, appropriately enough entitled Something New, boasts a unique blend of contemporary sophistication and ageless rock feel.
 
Lovers Drugs – If you’re addicted to both Britpop inflected indie rock and California sunshine pop, then Lovers Drugs will help you get your fix! Their latest CD, Drift Off, is an infectious blend of crooning harmonies and pop rock swagger that will appeal to fans of David Bowie, The Kinks, and The Beach Boys!
 
Maple Mars – A dash of Pink Floyd, a sprinkle of Cheap Trick, some Jellyfish on the side, and a big dollop of the Beatles describe this Los Angeles band. If they never did anything but their debut CD, Welcome To Maple Mars, we could have all been satisfied, but thankfully they keep cranking out their psychedelic pop perfection! The fourth and latest CD, Galaxyland, weaves a dreamy Bacharach meets Rundgren element into the mix, and is definitely their best yet!
 
Math & Science – Quirky, subversive, and fun are just a few of the adjectives to describe the unique musical stylings of this project led by the inimitable Mr. John Wolf. Wolf uses overachieving low-fi methods to continuously churn out the finest in simple, sweet, beguiling pop. He refers to their latest CD, Tapping Into That Ecstatic Vein, as the band’s ‘70s rock album: ten songs; guitar, bass and drums; great harmonies – the tom fills alone are worth the price of admission!
 
The Mayberrys – What happens when you turn up the amps, bang the shit out of the drums and drown all that out with three part harmonies? You get The Mayberrys! Their debut self-titled CD is sure to appeal to fans of heavy melodic powerpop. Filled with crunchy hooks and clever lyrics reminscent of Nirvana, Cheap Trick, and The Smithereens, their songs will reel you in and make you an instant fan!
 
Monster Island – A cool combination of dancehall electronica, punk pop, and powerpop that really ROCKS! Topped off with delicious hooks and the sultry vocals of lead singer Cortney Osborn, these songs are bound to stick in your head for days!
 
New Maximum Donkey – “New Maximum Donkey is poised and ready to make a charge at the world of music with a brand of power-pop that is all their own, fueled by a wry sense of humor and rich melodies that have you singing along by the 2nd time through the disc.” (Jeff Johnson, CDReviews.com) Said disc, Square Root of All Evil, will appeal to fans of artists as diverse as The Ramones, UB40, Frankie Lymon, Jet, and The Banana Splits!
 
Nushu – A powerpop combo fronted by Hillary Burton and Lisa Mychols who, in addition to penning ultra-catchy and melodic songs, sing and handle all the instruments on their three releases. Joystick, the latest EP by this dynamic duo, is filled with their take on some of your fave classic pop tunes!
 
The Paper Hearts – These young Hollywood hipsters combine strong ‘60s influences with a modern pop sensibility. Fans of solid rock ‘n roll of all eras – from British Invasion to late ‘70s and early ‘80s punk/new wave, to the current brand of edgy indie rock, will totally dig this!
 
Peachfuzz – Talk about a band making a 90 degree turn! This trio went from power pop to an exciting Guided By Voices-influenced garage sound, which never fails to please on their great Dionysus Records CD, Catch Your Snap. A truly wonderful band who we are thrilled to have back at IPO!
 
Fernando Perdomo – Recently 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 powerpop! Miami Beach’s loss is definitely LA’s gain, as this multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter has more soon to be classics up his sleeves, and we can hardly wait to hear them!
 
Phlying Saucer – A young quartet who write and play upbeat, fun, catchy, powerful melodic rock with tight vocal and guitar harmonies – just the way it should be! The songs on their recent Pancakes EP, as well as radio play on KROQ, prove they also know their way around a great hook and clever chord change too! Check them out now!
 
The Piper Downs – One of the most entertaining bands on the scene, who’ve been together for over 15 years and show no signs of slowing down! Their CD, Varying Degrees of Failure and Tunelessness displays both their excellent sense of melody and harmony as well as their tongue in cheek humor. Look out for their upcoming CD, Women, Like Children, Crave Discipline! You always get more than a bang for your buck with The Piper Downs!
 
Plasticsoul – Led by singer/songwriter/producer Steven Wilson, who over the past decade has been performing various roles in multiple bands while compiling a large catalogue of original, dynamic pop songs. The latest Plasticsoul CD, Peacock Swagger, took the top spot on several best CDs of 2009 lists – check it out for yourself and you’ll hear why!
 
Popdudes – Jokingly described by co-founder Mike Simmons as “an amalgamation of lost souls,” Popdudes have been playing their wacky-ass brand of covers (and sometimes originals) for more than a decade in and around OC and LA. With a rotating cast of stellar players supporting drummer/co-founder John Borack, you never know what you’re going to get at any given Popdudes gig – but rest assured, it will be cray-cray.
 
The Rebel Pebbles – That’s right…they’ve reunited after a 20 year hiatus and IPO is thrilled to have ‘em! Gaining popularity in the late ‘80s, inspired by such bands as The Go-Go’s and The Ramones, The Rebel Pebbles quickly became darlings of the LA scene and industry alike, courtesy of catchy hooky tunes and their brand of happy, high energy pop songs. The band’s IRS album, Girls Talk, and self produced EP, Party Time, are both now available for the first time in 20 years, for download on iTunes, Amazon, and over 350 online music retailers, just waiting to be adored by a whole new generation of fans!
 
The Records-Featuring John Wicks -None of us old enough to have listened to the radio in the late ‘70s will ever forget The Records’ signature song, “Starry Eyes.” Not one to rest on his laurels, the band is still going strong, and better than ever, with the tireless Mr. Wicks still at the helm, and we at IPO are honored to have them play. Their latest CD, ROTATE, was released on the Kool Kat record label in April 2007, nearly 20 years after their debut! How cool…or should we say “kool” is that?! As a testament to their timeless appeal, the album was recently re-released late last year on the Fuel Label Group…with a brand new version of “Starry Eyes”!
 
The Relatives – This powerful quartet belts out classic powerpop that all lovers of the genre are sure to appreciate! They’ve released two CDs, and are currently working on their third, tentatively titled Tilted World, which we can hardly wait to hear! If you like Cheap Trick, Material Issue, and The Smithereens, you will also dig The Relatives!
 
Stephen Roth-This young graduate of the Jacobs School of Music is just beginning his ascent in the industry, and is off to a great start as he’s wowed just about everyone who has heard him with his captivating vocals and a repertoire of 40 original tunes in three genres! He’s poised to take the music world by storm, and if you attend his IPO Los Angeles performance you’ll have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something special.
 
Ruby Free – Any project led by the one and only Mr. Rick Hromadka (of Maple Mars fame, see above) is sure to be good, but Ruby Free promises to be something truly special! Featuring Hromadka and his wife/choirgirl, Lisa Cavaliere, Ruby Free’s sound melds all kinds of psych, softpop, and early ‘70s radio pop influences, from Brian Wilson to McCartney & Wings to ELO to The Steve Miller Band! Their debut album, Introducing Ruby Free, should be available just in time for their IPO showcase!
 
Ruby Sue & The Ethereal Blues – The brainchild of songsmith Chezz Monroe and lead vocalist Ruby Sue, Ruby Sue & The Ethereal Blues songs will sear themselves into your brain with their Vaudevillian Rock power. The combination of Ruby Sue’s sultry vocals, a glam-rock flair, and a permanent horn section make this band – as the title of their latest CD proclaims – Superfabulous!
 
The Running Jumps – The latest project led by the irrepressible Joel Martin, who has previously fronted several noteable LA power pop ensembles, such as Every Single Saturday and BIMBO. As one might expect, all the great jangly pop influences – like Guided By Voices, The Beatles, and Superdrag – are still there, sprinkled liberally with Martin’s tasty hooks, clever chord changes and the band’s sparkling harmonies. A full length CD is due out in January!
 
Ryan & Faris – A California pop duo who craft timeless Americana pop songs following in the footsteps of such artists as Neil Young and The Eagles. Their recent Homeward Bound CD evokes the spirit of the open American road, filled with lyrics that tell a story and speak to the heart-laid-over-guitar harmonies that are intricate in their simplicity.
 
Scarlet Crush – The undisputed Pop-Rock Champions of Orange County, the band is the all-time leading award winner at the Orange County Music Awards, scarfing up more accolades than we can count! Filling clubs, appearing on local TV and radio, and winning fans at every turn, Scarlet Crush has become known as a powerful creative force, excelling in writing, recording and performing a catalog of consistently irresistible pop/rock, sure to appeal to fans of bands from Squeeze or The Beatles to Fuel or Weezer!
 
Brandon Schott – A singer/songwriter/producer who wields a voice that comforts you like an old friend through warm melodic pop songs that cut to the bone. As the title of his Golden State CD suggests, his music embraces everything that is California sunshine-folk-harmony-pop. His latest release, 13 Satellites, which features his penchant for quirky instrumentation – such as kazoos – against a backdrop of pure pop orchestration complete with strings, horns, and crystal clear harmonies – is his best yet!
 
Morty Shallman – The fine CD by this dapper, affable Angelino, Love’s Oblivion, warmed the hearts of pop fans everywhere with its beautiful, tragicomic roller coaster ride of lust, obsession, betrayal & regret, told in a series of twelve hook-filled song “chapters.” Leave it to Mr. Shallman to expand upon the literary bent of his songs, as his latest “release,” Last of The Zacharys, A Novel with Songs, is a true multimedia feast for the senses! Both the book and the songs are available for download 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. If you like loud guitars, harmonies, jangle, and twang, you’ll want to pick up both of their excellent CDs!
 
Shplang – They’ve long been mainstays of the L.A. music scene, have also got lots of excellent CDs, including their most recent release, My Big Three Wheeler, and have a very cool, unique sound as well, with swirling psychedelics meeting solid pop sensibilities. One minute they’re sounding like the Strawberry Alarm Clock, the next: The Stranglers. Intrigued? Check ’em out!
 
Sidewalk Society – Psychedelic sunshine jangle pop meets glam rock is the stock-in-trade of Sidewalk Society, and they do it better than just about anyone! Think Hendrix meets The Move meets Small Faces, The Turtles, and T. Rex, and you get the idea! Or better yet, check out their IPO showcase and pick up their latest release, Venus, Saturn and the Crescent Moon, (on CD or shiny blue vinyl!) and hear them for yourself!
 
Sitcom Neighbor – They’re a band who wear their late ‘60s and early ‘70s Brit-pop sensibilities proudly on their sleeves. Here’s what CD Baby has to say about their self-titled debut: “Quarter and thinly slice one Apple (green, red or white label, 1968 vintage approx) add one cup Kinks, one teaspoon XTC and a pinch of Nilsson.” Yup, pretty much!
 
The Small Hours – They definitely live up to their name on their latest album, The Battle of Airstrip One. Their sound creates a futuristic soundscape of layered guitars and vocals mixed with powerful rhythms, and covered by a slick sheen of electronica that evokes the hush in the dead of the night towards the end of a great party!
 
Sparkle*jets UK – They’re proud to say they combine unabashed playfulness with rockin’ toughness. Leaders Mike Simmons and Susan West have helped take this Orange County band’s performing, arranging and songwriting skills to a new level on their excellent disc, Bamboo Lounge, and we can’t wait for their next one!
 
Spycamera – The very cool indie-rock project led by the sturdy vocals and guitar playing of Matthew K. Spycamera’s sound will still appeal to indie hipsters and power-poppers alike, with its combination of catchy hooks and dark undercurrents. Pretty cool!
 
Sunken Ships – From the unholy union between Morrissey, Johnny Cash, and Jeff Buckley, and gestated in the womb of eastside L.A., a band was born. Sprung from the mind of singer-songwriter Ray Argyle, and fleshed out with a motley crew of thieves, ruffians, and beggars, Sunken Ships plays a darker shade of folk, a wistful indie rock with relatable hints of bitterness and hope. A debut EP is in the works, so watch for it!
 
Seth Swirsky – A renaissance man in the truest sense of the word. Swirsky has penned songs for the likes of Taylor Dayne, Al Green, Celine Dion and other luminaries, and has partnered with Mike Ruekberg in The Red Button to lay his rightful claim to his crown as one half of the Holsapple and Stamey of the new millennium. He has also written three books compiling letters he received from baseball players and noted baseball fans, including someone you may have heard of: Sir Paul McCartney! His latest solo CD, Watercolor Day, was co-produced by Rick Gallego (of Cloud Eleven), and is filled with tasty electric guitars and walls upon walls of harmonies you will just love!
 
The Russ Tolman Band – The leader of True West, one of The Paisley Underground’s most beloved bands, whose “guitar poetry” will never be forgotten, nor will landmark albums like Drifters. We had one of those rare, unforgettable “pinch me” moments at International Pop Overthrow, when the original line-up of True West performed together for the first time in 20 years at IPO Seattle in 2006, and we’re sure IPO LA is in for something really special as he steps out in his new hometown performing under his own name!
 
The Trainwrecks – The band led by Piper Downs’ guitarist Garner Knutson; they’ve got a powerful, punk-pop sound that fans of The Piper Downs (see above), Green Day, and more traditional power pop will love! Check out their debut full length self-titled CD, which was well worth the wait!
 
Trenchtown – They continue to blow away new fans with amazingly energetic shows and a thick dynamic sound with catchy hooks and a great emphasis on four-part harmony vocals. Their recent full length release, Against The Sun, adds a fun splash of reggae to the mix without sacrificing one bit of the powerpop for which we loved them in the first place. A truly original band!
 
Phil Vandermost and Telesound – Vandermost’s music reflects a penchant for three-to four-minute songs with guitars and vocal harmonies, and the band really kicks it up! His debut CD, Automatic August, calls to mind such influences as The Eagles or James Taylor, blended with a heavy dose of Northern Soul, while his latest, The Long Path, rocks a bit harder without losing a bit of warmth! IPO is truly honored that both of Vandermost’s CDs were released at past IPO shows, and we can hardly wait for the next one!
 
Young Beautiful In A Hurry – A band dedicated to bringing you all-organic, free-range, thoroughbred rock/pop, with an infusion of glam you haven’t heard this side of the late ‘70s. If you love Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie, Queen, and T. Rex (and who doesn’t?!), you will LOVE Young Beautiful In A Hurry!
 
 

U.S. Artists From Outside Of Los Angeles

 
Cait Brennan – A Tempe, AZ-based indie piano rock singer/songwriter with dark cabaret, power pop and ‘70s glam rock influences. She can also belt out vaudevillian ditties, honky-tonk rock, and soul with the best of ‘em!
 
Trevor Childs &anp; The Beholders – These Bay Area boys miss big arena rock. Melody, sing alongs, celebration of a grand old time, cheerfully sung bad times, guitar solos (before bad ‘80s solos wrecked guitar solos) and songs that fade out…and it clearly shows in their music! The super catchy songs on their recently released Spirit Guide CD will have you clapping and toe-tapping back to when rock was…well, ROCK!
 
Jeremy – One of the most genuine, nicest people on the pop scene, as well as one of the most prolific pop artists around. He can move from gentle, John Lennon-esque pop to psychedelic rock in the blink of any eye, all the while retaining a palpable spirituality, something you can hear for yourself on all of his CDs. This Michiganian can stake his rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame as he played more IPO shows than just about anyone!
 
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! Their latest opus, entitled The Underground Garden, pays homage to a little known garden attraction in Fresno. Definitely something a little bit different!
 
The Names featuring Dave Galluzzo – IPO loves a great reunion show, and this one promises to be truly unique!! Galluzzo is the lead singer, songwriter guitarist for The Names, whose 1977 single “Why Can’t It Be” b/w “Baby You’re A Fool” gave them an indelible stamp in powerpop history, earning a spot as one of the Top 30 Power Pop Singles of All Time in Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide by noted author (and Popdude, see artists from LA/Orange County) John M. Borack! Galluzzo is back after a 25 year hiatus, and with a little help from his friends (most notably, Plasticsoul – see artists from LA/Orange County), he’s recreated The Names for a special performance you will not want to miss!
 
Talk Tonight – The latest project by Bay Area denizen Christian Navarro, whose previous band Smith Point were known for their catchy melodies and hooky riffs. Talk Tonight continues in a similar vein of straight up rock n’ roll with a pop twist. Their brand new EP, A Single Day, is now available, so check it out now!
 
 

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 hopefully many more to come. Thank you, Dave!!
 
Spygenius – Inspired by bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Robyn Hitchcock, Spygenius offer ultra-melodic music with a light ‘60s influence. The London-based four-piece play original guitar-based pop for people with an appreciation for harmonies and clever wordplay….and who among us can’t appreciate that!? Pop fans will also appreciate their recent CD, Red Lounge, and their latest, soon-to-be released A Comforting Suture!