IPO New York 2012
Click on artist name to go to their music page
Artists From New York/New Jersey
The Anderson Council – These Jersey boys have the most authentic, Creation-influenced mod-psych sound conceived by any band west of The Thames, and the band has both the smarts and skill to convey the sense of whimsy that defines late ‘60s British pop-psych. Their brand new disc, Looking At The Stars, will be available just in time for IPO New York!
The Baghdaddios – These self-declared “runts” of the Lower East Side’s post-Ramones power-punk era have outlasted the majority of their original peers, and are still going strong! Their latest CD, Autopsy-Turvy, tackles multiple styles and achieves a major-label sound that not only adheres to their original pop-with-a-mutated-twist signature, but also serves to enhance it!
Bastards of Melody – A rather aptly named band who adhere to a simple formula: impossibly catchy songs with great melodies and interesting arrangements. The songs on their latest CD, Hurry Up and Wait, feature crunchy/jangly guitars with some folky, acoustic flourishes thrown into the mix. Add melodic bass, straightforward drumming with vintage keyboards and sweet harmonies and it’s clear why they draw comparisons to classic power pop bands such as Big Star, Cheap Trick or the Raspberries. Check ‘em out now!
The Beat Rats – These rats are so cool, even cats (or should I say Kats?) love ‘em, as their debut CD, A Cellar Full of Rats!, was released on Kool Kat records. Their blend of Merseybeat, surf guitars, and campy pop chic a la the Batman TV Show is totally infectious and almost impossible NOT to dance to! A new disc, Have Mersey!, will be out soon on Cavern Records, so watch for it!
The Brixton Riot – Combining American and English influences, The Brixton Riot fuses elements of ‘70s power-pop and punk, ‘80s jangle-rock and ‘90s indie rock into a sound that is both familiar and distinct. Their latest LP, dubbed Palace Amusements as a nod to their earliest rehearsals in Asbury Park, is sure to appeal to fans of The Replacements, Elvis Costello, The Jam, and Fountains of Wayne!
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). Not surprisingly, Bubble also excels at loving recreations of The Beatles repertoire, which they have been performing to sell-out crowds!
Madison Cano – A chanteuse who embodies the modern Lower East Side folk pop sound! She’s become known for her whimsical melodies, catchy hooks, and breathtakingly heartfelt and powerful vocals. Check out her latest disc, Pulleys, Levers, and Other Simple Machines, and you’ll hear what we mean!
Changing Modes – Led by Wendy Griffiths and Yuzuru Sadashige, a pair of classically trained composers whose influences range from Bartok, Stravinsky to Nirvana, King Crimson & Sparks, Changing Modes creates unique, darkly complex art rock delivered with punk energy and prog-rock flair, all the while maintaining a melodic pop sensibility. Their latest CD, In Flight, features meticulous arrangements with intricate vocal harmonies and tight rhythms, shifting from prog to punk to funk and a bit of everything in between! Fans of Zappa and The B-52s will love this band!
Stephie Coplan & The Pedestrians – Like musical M&Ms, Coplan’s songs are coated with a hard shell of sharply observational cynicism and wit, but often reveal a sweet, gooey, melancholic center. Blending storytelling with humor, poignancy, and one hell of a vocabulary, Coplan creates characters ranging from wild-child hippies to hipster snobs to sadistic flight attendants, all within catchy, carefully-crafted pop songs. If you like Fountains of Wayne, The Dresden Dolls, or Ben Folds Five – and what self-respecting pop fan doesn’t?! – you will LOVE Stephie Coplan & The Pedestrians! A 5-song EP is available now, and we can hardly wait for a full length!
Crazy Mary – Crazy Mary carries the flame for a time when downtown Manhattan was at its post-punk apex: gritty, smart, artful, edgy and sexy, before its soul was taken over by corporations. But true to the ideals of the era from which they emerged, the band remains fully engaged with the modern, eschewing sentimentality and nostalgia. Their new album, Dreaming In Brilliant Color, carries their music forward and keeps their mélange of psychedelia, tribal music and Velvet Underground-inspired no wave very much alive and well. Check it out now!
The Electric Mess – Featuring reverb-drenched guitar, fuzz bass, manic drumming, and Farfisa organ, they combine British Invasion, ‘60s garage-punk, futuristic surf rock, psychedelic pop, and early R&B stylings into a sound all their own on their latest CD, Falling Off The Face of the Earth. Pair that with an exciting and dynamic live show, and it’s a combo that can’t be beat!
The Great American Novel – Their name may be The Great American Novel, but their stock-in-trade is a cache of Great American pop songs! Said songs, which can be heard on their latest disc, Kissing, whimsically blend New York garage with California sunshine pop, and are sure to appeal to fans of Guided By Voices and The Beach Boys, to name but a few. And in case you weren’t sure where their sensibilities lie, Kissing is also available on spiffy red, white, and blue vinyl!
Doug Khazzam of Buddy Love – One of the main men of local ‘80s sensations, Buddy Love, whose recent CD, Now & Then, offers a cool mix of re-issues and new recordings. Khazzam keeps getting better with age, as his high octane shows with the band over the past few years at IPO New York will attest! This is a special solo performance you will not want to miss!
John Laprade -John Laprade-A former member of New York power pop outfit Astro Chicken, who throughout the late ‘90s and early 2000’s were much praised by such as New York Daily News, Mojo Magazine, and Hits Magazine. His excellent disc, World Class Faker displays his obsession with The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Squeeze and others, and has won the hearts of many an Americana and powerpop fan!
Latvian Radio – As their name might imply, Latvian Radio plays super catchy radio friendly pop songs. Their CD, Kill The Static, blends influences from some of the most beloved pop bands from the ‘60s through today, such as The Kinks, Fountains of Wayne, The Archies, and The Ramones – yes, it’s that good!
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!
London Egg – This totally groovy band blends the chic of swinging London with the modern mod rock energy of their New York home turf. Fans of artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Small Faces, T-Rex, and The Jam will dig their debut CD,…In The Beginning!
Michael Lynch – Michael Lynch (who regular IPO audiences may remember as the main man of The Anything People) missed out on the ‘60s but likes to pretend he didn’t. Does he pull it off? That’s up to you. But whether he does or not, he still puts forth some catchy songs, dipping them in dishes of Beatles, Kinks, Byrds, Hollies, Gants, E-Types, Cryan’ Shames, The Move, and virtually every band on the two ‘Nuggets’ box sets!
meyerman – A band who strive for crunchy power pop goodness in all they do – and succeed quite nicely! Their long awaited debut CD, who do you think you are? was mixed by Kurt Reil of the Grip Weeds, and was hailed as one of the best powerpop releases of 2011! If you like Badfinger, Big Star, Cheap Trick, Teenage Fanclub, and The Replacements – and let’s face it: what powerpop fan doesn’t? – then you will love meyerman.
The Modulators – Their reunion show at IPO New York in 2009 meant a lot to me personally, as in the early ‘80s I used to hang around guitarist Joe Riccardello as he managed the quintessential northern New Jersey record store, Vintage Vinyl. Joe is responsible for turning me onto artists like R.E.M. and Marshall Crenshaw, and when I found out he was a member of a Crenshaw-inspired band called The Modulators, I couldn’t wait to buy their first 45 (“She’s So Cynical”). They have the distinction of playing The Dirt Club more than any other band, and their excellent album from 1985 is available as a reissue on CD by Kool Kat! They’ve floored IPO audiences from New York to Liverpool every time they’ve played, and I can’t wait to see ‘em do it again!
Freddy Monday – A Long Island based singer songwriter with numerous TV and film credits, Monday certainly knows his way around a good hook. His latest CD, Everything Anyhow, shines with sparkling melodies that can’t help but make you feel good. Fans of artists from Brendan Benson to The Monkees to Marshall Crenshaw will want to check him out!
Papercut – Papercut is the dynamic pop-rock duo of Jorge and Cheeto Davila, originally from Houston, Texas, but who now base themselves in New York. They fuse different styles of music into an emotional rollercoaster, allowing their catchy electronic rhythms and melodic vocals to drive the music, while still remaining true to their rock band roots. Their stage performance is an epic experience you will not want to miss!
The Peaces – Concentrating on the three-minute song and the six-part harmony, The Peaces are here to refresh, renew and remind you that tunes that make you feel good are a reward. Their latest CD, Is, Are, Was, Were, was one of the best of 2007, and we can hardly wait for their next one!
Jana Peri – Jana has had two critically acclaimed CDs: Catching Flies With Vinegar, produced by Daniel Rey (Ramones) features “Go Ahead,” (also on International Pop Overthrow – Volume 7) and a self-titled EP, which boasts “Dating Sucks.” In 2009, Jana released her single “I Hate The Holidays (But I Love Spending Them With You)”and 2010 saw two new ones: “Ballerina Of The Bowery” by Gar Francis (Doughboys) with drums by Kurt Reil (Grip Weeds), as well as Jana’s own, “Gallery Whore.” Jana also sings with Loser’s Lounge.
Matthew Pop – Matthew Pop is an artist who you’ve probably heard a dozen times but couldn’t pick out of a lineup. Still, Pop has had his music featured in a number of popular MTV shows, in film, on NYC radio and has even been the opening act for Regina Spektor. This prolific songwriter whose songs sound like a cross between Weezer, Superdrag, and The Beach Boys, has recently released Lights Out: The Best of Matthew Pop, featuring 20 of his “greatest hits.” Definitely an artist well-deserving of powerpop stardom!
Pemberton Roach & Trouble Club – Pemberton Roach is a New York based bassist, vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, with a penchant for writing tasty pop hooks that will stick in your head for days! A dynamic live performer, he has played thousands of gigs with over 100 different artists at venues ranging from hay wagons to soccer stadiums, sharing the stage with a variety of music legends, such as the Dictators, INXS, Living Colour, Psychedelic Furs, and New York Dolls, so this is one show you will not want to miss!
The Rousers – Do you dig to rock? Discover the new standard for old school hard rock and roll. The Rousers, NYC rockers baptized at Max’s Kansas City/CBGB’s, born to bring it with already-classic sounds you will love forever after. Their IPO showcase will be the release show for their long-awaited (and very aptly named!) CD, Playing the Rock and Roll for You! We can hardly wait!
The Royal Drag – The brainchild of Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Josh Fox, who has played with, recorded, produced, managed, and hung out with countless musicians in New York City and abroad. The songs on their eponymous EP center around themes of disaffection and isolation, with a draggy but cheery pop sound, influenced by artists such as The Eels, Elliot Smith, Wilco, The Smiths, and Pavement. Pretty compelling stuff!!
Sonny Lee & The Layovers – A band with a plan to keep it sneaky simple: make a little noise, rattle some glasses, pound some tables, and tip some chairs..and in the process, put a smile on your face with their brand of indie rock meets twangy powerpop. Fans of artists such as Steve Earle, The Rolling Stones, REM, and The Smithereens may want to sit up and take notice of this one!
Lane Steinberg – One of the main men of The Wind (see below), the prolific Mr. Steinberg has penned many a quirky pop song and hauntingly beautiful melody, and has graced quite a few IPO stages, both in his guise as a solo artist or in one of his many duo or band projects. Case in point: his latest release is a collaboration with his old schoolmate, powerpop darling David Grahame …never mind that they haven’t been in the same room in 30 years! We never quite know what he’s got up his ample musical sleeves when he comes to IPO, but we know it is sure to be something special!
Joel Streeter – Joel Streeter has been hailed as “one of pop’s best kept secrets”, as “a true pop talent”, as “an indispensible songwriting talent”, and as an “avowed melody junkie” drawing comparisons to Neil Finn, XTC, Elliott Smith, Paul McCartney and Badly Drawn Boy among others. Having followed-up his debut album, Hear Me Out, with his second effort, Matador, he continues to draw praise and attention from music lovers everywhere.
The Thigh-Highs – Swimming against the tide of the current Brooklyn sound, The Thigh Highs are unrepentantly pop! Kinda Big Star on different drugs.
Time Travelers – A very aptly named trio whose Vacationland EP features indie folk pop songs with a timeless appeal. Their blend of simply woven guitar melodies layered with haunting vocal tones channels influences from both British folk-psych pop and the coffeehouses of Paris and New York!
The Turnback – As their name might imply, they take much of their inspiration from the past, but these guys from the boroughs and environs of New York have a sound that is also sure to appeal to fans of modern indie rock jangle and psychedelic garage pop. Check out their debut CD, Drawn In Chalk, (as well as the movie to which the CD serves as a soundtrack, Drawing With Chalk), and you’ll hear what we mean!
The Whims – A band who could well be the musical love-child of Elvis Costello-style powerpop and The Shins’ gentle indie rock, raised on the glitz and glam of T Rex! Their debut CD is due out this winter, so watch for it!!
The Wind – What an honor it is for me to have these guys at IPO again! The band were regulars of both the Florida and New York scenes in the ‘80s, releasing two ultra-fine albums and one EP during that period. Main men Lane Steinberg (see above) and Steve Barry (nee Katz) did some solo projects in the ‘90s, and have lately teamed up and released several cool albums as Tan Sleeve. You can also re-fall in love with The Wind’s 1984 classic, Where It’s At With The Wind, available for digital download on iTunes!
Zombies Of The Stratosphere – The duo of J and A Zombie continue to churn out gem-like compositions with maddeningly infectious tunes and obscure lyrics, as they have on their latest CD, Ordinary People. Following in the tradition of their idols, Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, and Brian Wilson, their sound is evocative of classic Britpop wrapped in a cloud of gorgeous yet sometimes quirky orchestration.
U.S. Artists From Outside New York/New Jersey
Steve Barton – Most of you know Steve as the man behind the awesome ‘80s band Translator (you know you can sing “Everywhere That I’m Not” in your sleep…and you probably have!). His Charm Offensive CD, with his LA band, The Oblivion Click, earned three stars from MOJO Magazine – which ain’t easy! – and their latest, Gallery, is just as good, if not better! If you love Barton’s music, you’ll also want to check out Different Time, a Translator double-CD set of outtakes, demos and live tracks hand-picked by the band!
The Demos – A Rochester sextet whose debut CD, Lovely, and intricate boy-girl harmonies are sure to appeal to fans of crunchy powerpop, sunshine harmony pop, and indie rock alike! Fans of The Beach Boys, The Strokes, Big Star, and The Cars should definitely check them out!
Marvin Etzioni with the Marvin Country! String Quartet – IPO is proud to host a very special performance by Grammy award winner Marvin Etzioni! Known 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!
Lannie Flowers – The second CD by this Texas gent, Circles, flew to the top of many a powerpop best of the year list, and with good reason! Badfinger-esque in-your-face guitars and vocal harmonies blend with softer shifting sounds more reminiscent of XTC. Fans of artists from The Raspberries to The Velvet Underground will also appreciate this one, and we appreciate that Lannie and his band have played many an IPO, including Liverpool!
The Lazy Suns – A tasty brew of twangy Americana-rock is served up warm and inviting by five seasoned musicians from New York’s Hudson Valley. The songs on their debut self-titled EP will appeal to fans of Townes Van Zandt, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and The Traveling Wilburys, to name but a few!
Milkshake Jones – Some call it power-pop. Some call it alt-country. Some call it rock. Just call Milkshake Jones the hottest star in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s musical universe, as they’re a blistering combo that blends the best of contemporary power-pop, ‘60s-vintage rock and a sprinkling of alt-country to create something entirely new. Check out their latest CD, Gala Days, and their IPO showcase, and you’ll hear what we mean!
Starbelly – Beloved power poppers, they’re one of the finest bands ever to emerge from the Baltimore pop scene, and their latest CD, Everyday And Then Some, is gorgeous from start to finish. Fans of Velvet Crush, Big Star, and Badfinger, take special note!
The Super Fuzz – The Super Fuzz makes no apologies about wearing their classic rock sensibilities on their sleeve while infusing ‘70s-style production reminiscent of the post-punk movement. With influences from Jellyfish and Redd Kross to The Beatles and The Beach Boys, the Miami-based group’s debut CD, Art Noise, is a 12-song reflection of their unabashed love of guitar rock and indie pop.
Ari Vais (of The Campbell Apartment) – This one-time New Yorker who now resides in San Francisco pens some of the catchiest indie-pop tunes around. Fans of Fountains of Wayne and Guided by Voices will want to check out The Campbell Apartment’s latest full length disc, Insomniac’s Almanac, as well as their more recent singles.
International Artists
Airwaves – If you miss those halcyon days of mid-‘70s radio where powerpop, glam, and disco combined into one gloriously catchy sound, then look no further than this band from Sweden who channel Abba in all they do! Check out their latest disc, Hey You (Ring Me Tonight), and you’ll hear what we mean!!
Lisa Ljungberg – A Swedish singer and pianist, she is a renowned songwriter who has worked with many national and international acts. The songs on her debut album, Pretty Good Life, are an eclectic mix of jazzy ballads, soul and acoustic pop that fans of Diana Ross, Katy Perry, the late great Amy Winehouse, and Disney movie soundtracks are sure to appreciate! Her brand new single, Short Stories, proves she also knows her way around a great powerpop hook!
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!!
SirJoe – Their sweeping melodies, layered thickly with jangle and just a touch of twang, prove that this Swiss band has made the classic Americana sound quite at home in the heart of Europe! Their brand new 5-song CD, Half The Story, will leave you yearning for 5 more!!
The Sweet Mack – Purveyors of crunchy-sweet hook laden, sun drenched melodic-guitar-pop, these four friends from Toronto have never worried about the cusp of a trend or what was deemed “cool.” Instead, their cohesive focus on melody and rhythm combine to create something that just so happens to put a smile on your face and make you want to dance. Their debut CD, First Cut, should be in the collection of every true powerpop fan!
