IPO Phoenix 2015
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Artists From Phoenix
Action Jets – A trio who put the power in powerpop, they play fast catchy fun originals and are also known to throw in a powerpop classic from time to time. Check out their recently released single “Action Girl on Instagram”/ “Action Party Epic Fun!” and watch for a soon to be released full length!
Cait Brennan – A singer-songwriter with a unique brand of glitter glam soulful rock n’ roll sung straight from the heart. Plus, you gotta love anyone who can channel Roy Orbison, Elton John, Freddy Mercury, John Lennon, and Etta James in the space of a single set! Her two-night sold-out concert performance at Arizona’s Tempe Center for the Arts was filmed for public television’s Emmy® nominated “Songwriters Showcase” series, which aired on PBS stations and Tempe 11; check it out on YouTube!
Lemon Krayola – Fans of No Doubt, Blondie, Zero Zero and other bands featuring super sticky pop hooks and a powerhouse female lead singer will be surely appreciate Lemon Krayola, who follow in similar tradition. With over 1,500 shows under their belt since the ‘90s, they’re at it again! Check out their recent EP, The First Time, and their IPO showcase!
Lo-Fi-Hi – A brand new project fronted by Naked Chollas (see below) guitarist, Daren Sweet, Lo-Fi-Hi melds their love of bands such as Fountains of Wayne and The Smithereens, but are also influenced by The Beat, The Plimsouls, and many late ‘70s early ‘80s power pop bands. They’ll be debuting their first single at their IPO showcase, so this is one show you will not want to miss!!
Mister Lucky – An indie-rock power trio who make their own catchy twangy fun brand of classic powerpop meets desert rock! Their music has been inspired by a wide variety of artists and styles, including Crowded House, Wilco, Ben Harper, The Gin Blossoms, and Elvis Costello to name but a few. Check them out now!
Annie Moscow – A poet, singer, and hit songwriter (her songs have been performed by Sarah Vaughn, Sister Sledge, and Mickey Mouse!), Moscow is also a commanding performer in her own right! Her memorable songs often cut below people’s comfort levels, expressing what others think but don’t dare say, and take her audiences to unexpected places through creative musical arrangements, storytelling and lyrical twists. Fans of Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Carole King will dig her!
Ed Masley (of The Breakup Society) – If you like Elvis Costello, The Replacements, The Beatles, or Cheap Trick (and what self-respecting powerpop fan doesn’t ?!), then you will love The Breakup Society! Their recently released third album, So Much Unhappiness, So Little Time…, will appeal to long-time fans and new converts alike. IPO is proud to present a solo showcase by the main man of one of the Phoenix area’s most respected powerpop bands!
The Naked Chollas – If you long for the heyday of a real band that plays real instruments that can sing and actually have melody and some killer harmonies then you need to listen no further then The Naked Chollas. Their critically acclaimed 1998 Let’s Go! CD is considered by many to be a desert powerpop classic, and we at IPO are thrilled that they’re reformed and back at doing their thing – and they can still do it better than just about anyone!
Carol Pacey and The Honey Shakers – Originally from the East Coast, Pacey moved out west and became enamored with what Arizona and Mexico had to offer. Her uncommonly upbeat songs blend Americana’s mix of folk, alt-country and rock and roll, with a touch of the desert rock style of her adopted home. She brings it all to her shows with enthusiasm, ease and pure joy, so come check her out now, and while there, pick up a copy of the band’s new album, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!
U.S. Artists From Outside Of Phoenix
Phil Angotti – The venerable musician is practically a household name in powerpop circles, and especially in his home town of Chicago. Both he and his band The Idea have released a bunch of tremendous CDs, and Phil’s latest effort, Life and Rhymes, proves he just keeps getting better! We were honored to host the debut performance of Material Re-Issue at IPO Chicago in 2011, and Phil Angotti’s lead vocals and guitar channeled the spirit of Jim Ellison as well as it could possibly be done. Don’t miss this special Phoenix area performance by one of powerpop’s most venerable statesmen!
Plasticsoul – Led by singer/songwriter/producer Steven Wilson, who over the past decade has been performing various roles in multiple bands around the LA scene 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, and he’s been busily mixing up a new one that is sure to follow in similar vein!
Tommi Zender – Chicago-based (but locally grown!) producer, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Zender plays all the instruments on his latest CD, Will Work For Harmony. We think the title says it all, but if you want a bit more, think Jon Brion, Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, and Joni Mitchell all rolled into one! He’s always got a few fun surprises in store for his live shows, so come out for this rare homecoming performance!