IPO Los Angeles 2018

 
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Artists from Los Angeles/Orange County

 
Anchor & Bear – Featuring the songwriting and vocal talents of Katy Pearson and Brian Bringelson (aka Paul Starling, who has some fine albums in his own right), Anchor & Bear perform original folk/rock songs layered with lush harmonies and solid musicianship. Their recently released debut album, Raincoats and Gold, will appeal to fans of Lindsey Buckingham, Elvis Costello, and Harry Nilsson, to name but a few!
 
The Armoires – Led by the paisley-clad duo of Rex Broome and Christina Bulbenko and hailing from Burbank, CA, The Armoires have turned heads worldwide with their unique harmony-driven, jangly songcraft, blending the sounds of SoCal legends like The Byrds, X, and hits-era Fleetwood Mac with a lyrical sensibility that’s all their own. It’s on display on their acclaimed debut album Incidental Lightshow, with more to come on a follow-up release later this year. Renowned as community builders on the global pop scene, they’re also the founders of the Big Stir: Power Pop & More concert series, which has blossomed into a record label and touring company, which they used to turn their IPO Liverpool appearance last year into a whirlwind month long tour of the UK, alongside a cavalcade of the UK’s finest pop bands!
 
The Automatics – David Philp was lead singer and songwriter for The Automatics, the English Punk/Powerpop band that headlined London’s Marquee Club in the late 1970s. His hit record of that period, When the Tanks Roll (Over Poland Again), was produced by his then-roommate Steve Lillywhite and featured guitars by Johnny Thunders(!). It became one of the first number ones in the early days of the Punk/New Wave charts and has remained a favorite of punk rock devotees, leading to a recent revival of interest in the band. Living in LA since 1987, Philp has continued to write and perform songs in his classic Britpop style, and we’re honored to have him do his thing at IPO!
 
Basement Beat Revival – Born in the East Village and raised in Brooklyn, this indie-rock blues trio creates original sounds in the vein of the Black Keys with heavy doses of David Bowie, the Doors, and the Clash – all wrapped up in an old school NYC attitude. Driven by deep lyricism, their sound is built around vintage guitars, classic synths and deep rhythms…call it “GlamWave”, the digital age love child of glam and new wave with a healthy dose of psychedelia and soul added for extra flavor. Basement Beat Revival also features IPO’s favorite soul-man, Norman Kelsey (see below), on bass and backing vocals. Be on the lookout for their new EP, Heavy, due out soon!
 
Jason Berk – A critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who comes to the west coast (he splits time between Los Angeles and San Francisco) by way of New York, Berk has proven himself to be a musical tour-de-force, teaching himself guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo, and garnering nationwide radio-play. His classic musical style has drawn comparison to such greats as The Beatles, Randy Newman, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Costello, to name but a few! Check out his latest album, Everything Old Is New Again, and his IPO showcase to see and hear what we mean!
 
The Bognar Brothers – Nick & Bobby Bognar have long been known, both separately and together, for their clever lyrics, catchy hooks, and enthusiasm with which they play and interact with their audiences and debate which of them is the handsome one. They’re joined by Garner Knutson (the brother from another mother, and Bobby’s long-time band-mate in The Piper Downs), to bring you poignant yet hilarious pop you can actually dance to if you so choose…let the fun commence!
 
Rob Bonfiglio – IPO audiences may recognize Bonfiglio as one of the main men of Wanderlust, who played the very first IPO in 1998, and who got back together in 2012 to release a great power pop album, Record Time. Bonfiglio’s brand new album, Trouble Again, embraces a confluence of styles and textures, ranging from troubadour folk to beautifully orchestrated soft pop to muscular power pop, and funk-edged Philly soul. It’s his fifth release as a solo artist, and the fourth on which he’s a veritable one-man band, playing all the instruments, following in the grand D.I.Y. tradition of artists like Paul McCartney, Todd Rundgren and Prince…and like those artists, he’s pulled off a mighty difficult trick: delivering an album full of rich instrumentation, vibrant harmony and can’t get em out of your head hooks!
 
Brian Jones Was Murdered – IPO is proud to host a rare showcase by this classic punk-pop L.A. quartet (by way of Bakersfield) ! Their debut album, Death of a Popstar!, was released on Sparkletone in 1997, and draws on influences such as The Jam, The Buzzcocks, The Plimsouls and The Beatles, (the reissue will once again be available at their IPO show!) but they’re even better when seen live as their in-your-face vocals really hit you…in your face, so don’t miss them!
 
Blaine Campbell – If Blaine Campbell could afford therapy, he probably wouldn’t have to write songs. But as it is, music takes better care of him than his HMO does. With a few albums in his catalog, Campbell is currently working on his upcoming album, Blue Mind. He is currently setting the course to redefine what the left coast sounds like. When he’s not engaged in a political discussion that he probably didn’t start, he is caught up thinking about the world around him as a score while he attempts to write the soundtrack to his life. And with a past full of playing the same old gigs at the same old places in front of the same old people, Campbell looks to the future as an ocean that is deep and wide, so it’s no wonder that he still uses floaties.
 
Counterpush – They got their start doing ‘90s alt pop covers way back in 2002, but shifted their focus to original material inspired by The Smiths, The Sundays, and the like with the release of their De Anima EP in 2004. After taking a break for “life” to happen, main man Velardo Dala is back with a re-invigorated version of the band (featuring Bobby Cox of The Galaxies – see below), and we’re glad to welcome them to rock IPO in their classic adult alternative style!
 
Daisy House – Drawing influences from The Beatles, Fairport Convention, Elliott Smith, The Byrds, REM, Nick Drake, The Mamas and Papas, and Joni Mitchell, Daisy House are Doug Hammond on guitar, bass, vocals and keys, and his daughter Tatiana Hammond on vocals. Their latest album, Bon Voyage, features a mix of sunshine pop, gorgeous ballads, and a touch of garage that goes far beyond their folk pop roots!
 
Danny De La Matyr – An LA artist by way of Dallas, TX, De La Matyr has been making a name for himself as and in-demand guitarist/singer (playing for Rhett Miller, Jesse Malin, Lukas Haas, and Luther Russell). His debut album, Crybaby, released last year on Pretty Olivia Records, has earned some heavy praise by pop greats Jon Auer and Jody Stephens. “Crybaby is a beautiful record. Danny’s voice is soft but emotive, in part because of his sweet melodies.” (Jody Stephens, Big Star/Golden Smog/Those Pretty Wrongs) With praise like that, how could you not check it out?!
 
Diamond Hands – The debut self-titled album by this duo comprised of Jon Flynn and Joel Wall has been gaining much well-deserved attention from premier power pop labels, such as Burger and KoolKat, and cognoscenti of the genre. Drawing comparisons to such greats as The Raspberries, Nilsson, McCartney, and The Kinks, “…they have an uncanny knack for melody and retro-influenced instrumentation all under 3 minutes” (Powerpopaholic.com). Their latest, titled simply Diamond Hands II, keeps the should-be hits comin’, and we’re honored that they chose IPO to host their vinyl release show! Check ‘em out now!
 
Double Naught Spies – IPO is proud to present a reunion show by one of the classic bands of the LA power pop scene in the late ‘90s (who played the second ever IPO show in 1998)! Double Naught Spies are led by none other than Rick Hromadka (more recently of Maple Mars and Ruby Free), so you know you can expect an earful of crunchy guitars, psychedelic harmonies, and Brit pop influences galore. Long-time fans of Double Naught Spies, as well as fans of The Move or any of Hromadka’s current projects, will not want to miss this one!
 
Drool Brothers – They put the function back into dysfunction to create psychological pop soul with a slightly warped sensibility. Studio geek real brothers Chuck Mancillas and Tom Slik have had a long reckless relationship with LA’s music culture and have emancipated themselves within the walls of their laboratory where they amuse themselves and their fans with audio mutations, the latest of which can be found on their recent Exile on Whittier Blvd album. Imagine a funkier They Might Be Giants, a more soulful Frank Zappa, or what The Partridge Family might be like if they spent time hangin’ with The Beastie Boys…or better yet, just come out to see and hear them for yourself!
 
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 colored vinyl called The El Dorado Seven Inch – is totally hip!
 
The Ex Teens – Featuring former members of 20/20, The Geraldine Fibbers and Spanish Kitchen, The Ex Teens describe their sound as “new wave by old geezers”…but those geezers have still got it! Mixing influences from ‘70s and ‘80s punk and power-pop with ‘60s psychedelia and garage, they sound like a human mix-tape of Bowie, The Move and Joe Jackson! Check out their recent Get on an Ice Floe EP and their IPO showcase!
 
Baz Francis – Having toured the world as both the front-man/chief song-writer of London pop-art combo Magic Eight Ball and as a solo performer, Francis now makes his home in LA, and London’s loss is definitely LA’s gain! His recent Face That Launched A Thousand Shipwrecks album has a bit of something for all lovers of classic pop and rock from ‘70s radio-inspired pop and soft rock ballads to ‘80s glam and new wave, to ‘90s alt rock – it’s all in there and Francis makes it his own!
 
The Fulcos – Following in the footsteps of The Partridge Family, The Osmonds, The Cowsills, and The Jacksons, The Fulcos are the next Great American Family Band! Fronted by kids Joei, Jesse, Stevie, and Tyler (aged 21 to only 12!), and backed by parents Joey and Vanessa, their sound contains a bit of everything from country to power pop, and even a touch of world music and hip hop! As catchy as they are on download or record, their live show is truly electrifying!
 
The Galaxies – With all the power of Pop and all the edge of Rock, The Galaxies’ music is a unique mix of melody, harmony, beat and full-out fun that really rocks!! Each member brings with him knowledge and love of ‘60s pop, ‘70s rock, and today’s energy and excitement! After just one listen, we dare you to try getting the songs on their latest CD, Here We Go!, out of your head!
 
Jessica Gerhardt – Now writing and performing as a solo artist, the former leader of Feronia (who played IPO in 2015) continues her exploration of discernment, vulnerability, and the challenge of loving well in her music. Her gentle yet resonant voice infuses her earnest, lyric-driven songs with a soothing and passionate spirit that will appeal to fans of artists such as Kate Bush or Alanis Morissette. Her latest single, “Aquarius,” is the first off her new EP, Be My Hands, which is due out later this summer – watch for it!
 
Danny Henry – Voted as The Deli Magazine’s New England Readers Artist of the Year in 2015, the ever-colorful Danny Henry is a jukebox hero, a sexual visionary, and the last bastion of rock and roll. Born and raised in Milford, Connecticut, Danny Henry has been known for his vibrant energy, whimsical hair, and dance hypnosis. Now making his home in LA, he continues to write and perform his unique brand of pop, blending influences from the likes of The Beach Boys, The Kinks, Elton John, and Billy Joel. Check out any of his recent singles (many of which were recorded at Reseda Ranch Studios with the ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo – see below) and his IPO showcase, and you too will become an instant fan!
 
Hollow Fortyfives – Stemming from roots of sixties rock n’ roll, garage rock and a DIY punk mentality, Hollow Fortyfives formed in the summer of 2013. Noted for their mod and psychedelic song sensibility, the songs consist of driving drums, booming bass, and swirling guitars all held together by three part harmonies. Their recently released full-length album, Strange Times, took them out of their home recording environment and into a professional studio. This allowed the band more time focus on the creative side of making a record, the result being a more polished album from start to finish both musically and lyrically. Classic California-pop cool-ness!
 
Jes Hudak – With a songwriting style that combines shades of everything from Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple to Otis Redding, Beyonce, and Justin Timberlake, Hudak is perhaps best known in the US for her appearances on Bravo’s reality show, Platinum Hit. The show featured 12 emerging singer-songwriters as they battled through innovative songwriting challenges on their way to becoming the next hit-maker, and although Hudak placed second, she has actually achieved said “hit-maker” status in Australia! Her performance of the song “Different Worlds” made it to the number 6 position on the Australian iTunes charts and achieved gold record status, after being heavily featured in promotional campaigns for The Voice, Australia. Constantly exploring new musical territories, she’s also been known to front the electronica/soul duo “Bang, You’re Dead” with DJ/producer Quickie Mart, and is producing a hip-hop EP with New Orleans rapper/artist Know One. Definitely an artist to watch for exciting things to come!
 
Mike Isenberg of The JETS – Fans of ‘70s mid-west power pop may remember The JETS, who were led by Isenberg and also featured Graham Elvis of the Elvis Brothers before he was Graham Elvis! Their single “Be For Me” backed by “I Play For You” garnered plenty of local airplay shortly before the band broke up, and you can still find some of their other recordings on Twin/Tone Records. Now based in LA, Isenberg continues to write and record some of the finest power pop in the classic style that fans of Eric Carmen, The Beatles, and Badfinger will adore. His latest album, In Rena’s Room, features some the first collaborations with some of his old band-mates from The JETS in over thirty years! We’re really looking forward to their IPO show!
 
Jed’s A Millionaire – Led by the vocal and song-writing talent of R Shawn Harrington, Jed’s A Millionaire casts a wide musical net; setting crisp layered guitars and keys on driving pop rhythms. Their soaring melodies propel Harrington’s personal and unabashed lyrics of passion, heartbreak and hope; twin guitars lead the way while stark piano, swirling organs complete their modern yet classic dynamic rock sound. Fans of Coldplay and Radiohead should definitely check them out!
 
Kalina & Kiana – A poetic pop duo whose sibling harmonies were first heard while they were still buckled into their car seats. School talent shows and experimentation with different instruments eventually landed Kalina on piano and ukelele, while Kiana settled in on guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica. Their pre-teen band, The Raymies, toured the country and was courted by various major labels, and as they’ve grown, they’ve only gotten better! If clever lyrics and catchy hooks matter, then these are your girls!
 
Norman Kelsey – IPO’s favorite soul-man is back doin’ the solo thing (as well as lending his not inconsiderable rhythmic and vocal talents as a member of Basement Beat Revival– see above), and we’re glad to have him! His latest album, On The Rebound, produced by his Pacific Soul Ltd band-mate, Adam Marsland, 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. His brand new single, “Sun Rose,” drops in August, and we can hardly wait to hear it! Whether he does it with up-tempo pop tunes, or heart-felt ballads, Kelsey will make you think it’s 1978 all over again, but without the polyester!
 
Justin Levinson – Inspired by the music of ‘60s greats such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Zombies, Levinson’s music offers a unique blend of Beatlesque melodies and modern indie rock/pop. His songwriting prowess has earned him quite a few accolades, including Billboard Song Contest Winner, International Acoustic Music Awards (Best New Male Artist), and a nomination For Sirius Songwriter Discovery of the Year. His 2017 album, Yes Man, is a “must have” for lovers of classic California sunshine pop, as is his latest, and (at least if there’s any justice) somewhat prophetic single “I’ll Make It in Hollywood”!
 
The Living Dolls – Mix power pop, rock, psychedelic, garage, mod, and punkv arena rock from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s, and you’ll get an idea of the sound of The Living Dolls! They’re an alternative blend of old and new; somehow familiar yet strangely unrecognizable. Their self-titled CD has garnered rave reviews from their home in the beautiful San Fernando Valley to Ohio to Sweden, and points in between!
 
LoveyDove – A seductive high-grade modernist pop duo, comprised of lo-fi indie rock pioneer Azalia Snail and psych-rock virtuoso musical maestro Dan West. On their recent album ShowStopper, Azalia and Dan pull out all the stops to showcase their uncanny ability to blend anthem rock, bubblegum pop, old-school soul, BeeGees disco, and modern electro-pop in a way that is completely irresistible and memorable. “Melodies to die for; a dance beat to live to!” (LA Record)
 
Linus Of Hollywood – This jack-of-all-trades’ debut album, Your Favorite Record, really took the pop world by storm, with its lush, elegant melodies direct from the playbook of Jellyfish, Wondermints, and late‘60s pop. All of his albums feature his characteristic rich production, catchy hooks and sweet vocals, and his latest, Cabin Life, is a great blend of so many styles in which he excels – everything from feel-good West Coast pop to twangy Country-tinged jangle pop and inventive art-pop – check it out now!
 
Roger Joseph Manning Jr. – One of the few artists to ever play IPO who truly needs no introduction. He’s long been revered for his landmark recordings with Jellyfish and Imperial Drag; since then he’s been part of the delightful ‘80s synth project TV Eyes (with Jason Falkner), has lent his production and keyboard talents to everyone from Beck and Cheap Trick to Adele and Lana Del Ray (as well as fellow IPO artist, Danny Wilkerson – see below), and has released several critically acclaimed albums under his own name. His latest EP, Glamping, is his first solo release in over a decade, and we can’t wait to hear him (and the kick-ass band he’s assembled for his IPO showcase) do these songs live!!
 
Sam Marine – An LA-based singer/songwriter by way of NYC and Vero Beach, FL, Marine pens and performs catchy guitar driven Americana heartland-style rock. The songs on his latest album, Big Dark City, will appeal to fans of Tom Petty, Paul Westerberg, Bruce Springsteen, REM, Drive By Truckers, and the like!
 
Mason & The Jars – Led by twenty-two year old singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer, and all-around musical phenom, Mason Summit, this is a band to watch for great things to come! Summit has been playing around LA since the tender age of 13, and has developed a sound blending an eclectic group of influences such as Elliott Smith, The Beach Boys, Wilco & Elvis Costello. He’s released four full length albums of original material, including this year’s Summer Cold, to growing acclaim and recognition. Revered Americana authority No Depression describes him as a “pop prodigy,” while Parcbench names him “one of the most exciting songwriters out there,” so be sure to catch him at IPO!
 
Davey Meshell & The Transatlantics – Starring Davey Meshell, Colin McGuinness, Zach Jones,Tony Horkins,Preston Edmundson & Luca Fredericksen, this half American/half British band bridge the cultural divide with Love Is For Lunatics, a soul album written for today but recorded like the soul classics of yesterday. Fans of Marvin Gaye, Solomon Burke, and other Motown & Stax faves will dig both the album and their IPO showcase!
 
The Motion – Do you love pure power pop bands like Big Star, Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers, Badfinger, or Fountains of Wayne? Well, so do The Motion, and their love of that classic power pop sound is evident in everything they do! David Wilde of Rolling Stone has called their Whatever Pleases You album “…true power pop written, sung and played with pride and passion. Like the musical masters they clearly admire, The Motion deliver the kind of songs that hit you hard right away, and then just keep growing on you.”
 
The p-22s – A young, energetic rock band that plays a mix of originals and covers that bassist Ernie Kamp calls “Blunkpunkenko,” which is a mix of Blues, Funk, Punk, and Flamenco. With Liam Butler on keys, Greta Fannin on guitar, Ernie Kamp on bass and lead vocals, and Riley Wagner-Lewis on drums, this small young band pumps out a big, mature sound. They’re directed by LA rock veteran, Dan West (aka “D’Animal” and one-half of fellow IPO performers, Lovey Dove – see above). Come out to see and hear what the future of rock is all about!
 
Fernando Perdomo – 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 power pop! He’s also a label head (Forward Motion Records) and producer extraordinaire (the latest album by pop legend Andy Pratt, among others – including a few fellow IPO performers!), and a member or guest of more bands than we can count, who has been dubbed “The millennial answer to Todd Rundgren” by The LA Weekly! His latest album, Out To Sea, showcases his talent as a prog rock arranger and instrumentalist!
 
Popdudes – This Orange County combo led by Sparkle*jets UK main man Mike Simmons (see below) and drummer/pop-journalist/author John Borack , are sure to please with a multitude of cover tunes done in their inimitable fashion…along with some groovy originals! A revolving cast of supporting players that reads like a Who’s Who in the LA power pop underground scene adds to the fun!
 
Chris Price – An engaging artist, either solo as one of the driving forces behind LA power pop paragons, Bebopalula, Price is becoming known for his penchant for blending ‘60s and ‘70s sensibilities into pure ear candy filled with lush arrangements, clear vocals, and captivating melodies. Price is also building quite the reputation as a producer extraordinaire, having worked on the latest album by Emitt Rhodes (!), among others! His latest album, Dalmatian, is available now on Omnivore Records!
 
Raised On TV – An ocean breeze, a dirty van, three guys reaching for the horizon and making something bigger than themselves, all in the aim of keeping the rock and roll spirit alive one show and one song at a time, Raised on TV have had the honor of sharing the stage with Jefferson Starship at last year’s Topanga Days Festival, and we’re delighted to welcome them and their modern take on California pop to IPO! Their debut album, Season 1, is one of just a handful by (as yet) unsigned bands to make the North American College and Community Radio Top 200 chart, and they’ve become known for “making waves (or is it flames?) with arena worthy jams that have California inspiration in every note.” (Emillie Marvel, IdobiRadio.com)
 
The RAZ Band – A band who proudly proclaim they are older than your parents, and who have been rocking and rolling for over 30 years! The band is built around Michael Raz and Jeff Hutchinson, who have been playing together since their high school days in New Jersey, but are now based in LA, and often features some of their long-time pop and rock heroes, such as Joey Molland (of Badfinger) and Jim Vitale (who has toured with Joe Walsh) as members of the band! Their latest CD, Madison Park, was named 2015 Album of the Year by Roadie Crew Magazine Editor Airton Diniz, proving that – like fine wine – some things only get better with age!
 
The Seven & Six – The latest project led by the dynamic duo of Elsie (Lisa) Mychols (of The Masticators and NuShu) and Tom Richards (of The Waking Hours), The Seven & Six are upbeat bubblegum, Brit pop, and mod garage influenced power pop fun at its finest! Fans of The Jam, The Ramones, or any of Richards’ and Mychols’ current and former projects will want to keep an eye out for their soon to be released debut album!
 
Morty Shallman – Creator of the world’s first Novel with Songs, Last of the Zacharys, this dapper, affable Angelino is known for his cutting-edge mashups of pop songs and pulp fiction. Fusing elements of disco, dance pop, indie pop, alt-rock and EDM, with soaring melodies, intelligent lyrics and classic pop song craft, Shallman serves up a glowing succession of catchy tunes and infectious beats that will brighten the playlists of listeners, dancers, youtubers and radio programmers alike, and was recently named LA’s #1 Indie Artist (February/March 2018) by Reverbnation! Check out the brand new summer remix of his single, “HALO,” and his IPO showcase!
 
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 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!
 
Michael Simmons – Mr. Simmons has been known in pop music circles as the main man of Sparkle*jets UK since the Last Millennium, and has been passing on his vast musical and production know-how to the next generation, through his day job as a music educator at Huntington Beach High School. He is also a member of Popdudes (see above) and The Yorktown Lads. His recently released album, First Days of Summer, is his first as a solo album in 20 years! Created with the format of The Beach Boys Today in mind (albeit in reverse), side one is the “pop” side and side two the “rock side,” so there’s a bit of something for everyone to love!
 
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! Their latest album, Shag, with its stick-in-your-head melodies and classic ‘70s radio pop feel, is just too good…check them out and hear for yourself!
 
Twenty Cent Crush – A perennial fan-favorite of IPO attendees from coast to coast in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, Twenty Cent Crush is still going strong! Sounding like the illegitimate love children of The Replacements, Cheap Trick, and The Beatles (or at least like they love their music), this long-standing band is comprised of good friends that share a love of rock n’ roll and great songs with hook laden, pop sensibilities…and who couldn’t love that?!
 
Wet & Reckless – Described by L.A. Record as a “purveyor of power-pop influenced electro-acoustic succulent ferocity,” Wet & Reckless is an all-girl outfit from Echo Park, made up of singer/guitarist Emily Wilder, Jalise Woodward on drums, Jessica Gelt on bass and Ashley Berry on lead guitar. Their debut self-titled album will appeal to fans of all manner of ‘60s girl groups, Heart, or The Dum Dum Girls. A new one is in work, and we can hardly wait to hear it!
 
Jeff Whalen (of Tsar) – IPO is proud to welcome Whalen to our roster! As the leader of Tsar, he earned a reputation for both his catchy take on modern power pop, and his ability to strut the stage like Jagger or Bowie. His new album, 10 More Rock Super Hits, is a bubblegum fan’s wet dream!
 
Jim Wilson – The very prolific Mr. Wilson makes a lot of music, as he’s played with the likes of Motor Sister, Mother Superior, Daniel Lanois, Sparks, and Rollins Band, in addition to having two solo albums. His latest release, the most excellent Now Playing, also features producer/drummer Phil Jones, who’s credits also include Tom Petty, Crabby Appleton, and Roy Orbison. A veritable rock power house, to be sure!
 
The World Record – Led by Andy Creighton, The World Record are West Coast rock classicism personified: a roar of guitar-jangled exuberance that weds a sturdy, shimmering collection of hooks, heart, and crackerjack songwriting to a record collection in which wax by Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, and Alex Chilton spin in abundance until they form an aural magnetic north. They are bent on making you happy, and not repeating themselves. Check our any of their albums and you will not be disappointed!
 
The Yellin’ Bells – IPO is proud to welcome this band, featuring the combined talents of singer/songwriter Arwen Lewis and her dad, Peter Lewis, who was one of the main men of San Francisco psych legends, Moby Grape, whose self-titled album was ranked as number 121 in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” in 2003! Look for their set to include a collection of Moby Grape classics, as well as some of Arwen’s own brand of psychedelic, folk, and jazz inflected rock n’ roll.
 
 

U.S. Artists From Outside of Los Angeles

 
Almond & Olive – Comprised of Chicago-based singer-songwriters Natalie Alms and Ollie Davidson, Almond & Olive creates inspiring songs that span the folk and Americana genres, while also incorporating Alms’ timeless vocals and the duo’s distinct songwriting. Together their voices lay down a solid base and tone, funneling you into succinct chorus melodies that build into a crescendo of rich and powerful harmonies. The end result of each song is satisfying and expressive, weaving together themes of love, fear, hope and loss. Check out their debut album, Standing At The Precipice, and their IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself!
 
The Bobbleheads – An absolutely engaging band from San Francisco who’ve created, as they put it, a “niche of niceness” with their “bubblegum flavored indiepop”, in which can be heard musical influences ranging from Flower Power Pop to experimental chamber music! Their Automatic Fun CD still ranks as one of the good feelin’ CDs of The New Millennium, and their latest, Make Yourself Happy, is even better, and more good feelin’!
 
Cait Brennan – A singer-songwriter from Phoenix, AZ who has been receiving lots of great press, and deservedly so, as her unique brand of glitter glam soulful rock n’ roll sung straight from the heart is truly special. 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 latest album, Third, on Omnivore Records, the follow up to last year’s critically acclaimed Debutante, was recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis – check it out!
 
The Jay Goeppner Band – He’s performed in over 15 countries, and has sung with Roger Daltrey, Dave Matthews and Cheap Trick, but Chicago rocker Jay Goeppner is perhaps best known for his love of The Beatles. In fact, if you live in Chicago, you may have heard him on the Johnny B or Kevin Matthews radio shows as a Beatle Brother! You are therefore in for a real treat as he combines his penchant for penning Beatle-esque melodies with his considerable chops performing with the aforementioned power pop legends, and steps out as the leader of his own kick-ass band doing his own original material! Goeppner also wears shirts which are almost as cool as mine!
 
The Jeremy Band – The eponymous band led by 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 Kalamazoolander and his band can stake their rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame!
 
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! The Trike Shop’s “The Turtles meets Frank Zappa” stylings never fail to be delightful enigmatic and quirky, and their latest album, Make, showcases them at their delightfully zany and melodic best! Definitely something a little bit different! Let’s welcome them back from their recent tour of Europe!
 
Sean O’Brien – If you like the grittier, angular side of folk rock with just a touch of twang, you will certainly appreciate the music of this man! Having been a member of The Meantime, True West, Cottonmouth, The Mariettas, and Denim TV, he now makes his home in San Francisco, where he performs with his band The Dirty Hands. Whether with or without band, O’Brien can deliver pure twangy power pop better than just about anyone! O’Brien’s brand new album, My Colors Dark, is due out in late 2018 or early 2019, but you can pre-view the title track on this year’s IPO CD!
 
LuAnn Olson And Randell Kirsch – LuAnn Olson and Randell Kirsch wooed each other by writing songs back and forth in the early eighties, co-founded the band Show Of Hands (IRS Records, 1988) then started having babies. Six children, a mountain of songs, a smattering of releases later, and after sharing Randell with The Beach Boys touring band for eleven years, they’ve merrily returned to their favorite road, writing, recording and playing live together.
 
Suite 100 – Hailing from north San Diego County, Suite 100 is a mix of sing-a-long melodies, lush arrangements, thoughtful lyrics and pure pop sensibilities. Exploring intricate, lavish and sometimes haunting territories, their long-awaited sophomore album, The Only Cure For Gravity, harkens back to the days when you would throw on headphones and listen to an album in its entirety. Seamlessly crafted, each song is led into the next with a vignette that enhances or foreshadows the ensuing track. Eschewing the theory that lush harmonies and arrangements are for critics alone, Suite 100 also backs up their songwriting with an energetic live act that is not to be missed…so don’t miss it!
 
The Tearaways – They’ve been putting out sweet harmony-filled ear candy and crunchy power pop gems since 1981, and are still going strong! They performed on the Arsenio Hall Show after their 10th year performing at the Mathew Street Festival in Liverpool, where they’ve become a much anticipated regular act. They combine the influence of the British Invasion with the California Sound with a touch of the Ramones, Clash and Blondie thrown in to deliver high energy performances wherever they perform. Anthems and Lullabies, their fifth full length release in the past four years, was produced by Earle Mankey, and features Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer, Clem Burke of Blondie, on drums. The album has been getting regular play on SiriusXM’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage where seven of the 13 tracks have been featured, and The Tearaways’ “Rodney’s Getting Sirius” serves as the theme to the legendary Rodney Bingenheimer’s Sunday Night Channel 21 show. As good as they are on CD, they are even better live – definitely one of Santa Barbara, California’s finest!
 
Jesse Vaz and The Velvet Reign – Vaz may be familiar to some as the lead singer and co-founder of Tramps In Stereo, whose recent Perfectly Broken CD melded ‘80s new wave influences with classic guitar rock. His solo project with his new band, The Velvet Reign, is even better, offering up an unabashedly retro feel-good blend of power pop and glam that fans of T Rex, The Beatles, and ELO will surely enjoy! We can’t wait for a debut CD!!
 
Danny Wilkerson – He’s been a Mayor, a Pickle, and a Pengwin. He’s played music all over the world, sang on a Weird Al Yankovic record, and recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Danny Wilkerson has accomplished quite a bit since he first began playing music at age 13, but there’s one thing he hasn’t been able to check off his bucket list – until now. With the release of his most excellent, 10-song debut – simply titled Wilkerson – Danny can now cross that off his list. The album itself, however, is anything but simple, as it’s filled with an abundance of intricate harmonies and lush arrangements to dazzle the senses, and is a hot contender for the #1 position on many a “best of” list for 2018!
 
 

International Artists

 
David Myhr – Fans of Jellyfish, The Feeling, Fountains of Wayne, Brendan Benson, Matthew Sweet, Paul McCartney in general, fans of Swedish ‘90s indiepop like the Wannadies and Popsicle…and fans of Myhr’s own ‘90s band, The Merrymakers in particular, will rejoice to know that Myhr is back touring the US West Coast after far too long an absence in support of his brand new album, Lucky Day! The album features the kind of timeless melodies and captivating chord changes his fans have come to expect, and is definitely his most introspective release yet. We’re thrilled and excited that he’s able to make IPO LA part of his US West Coast tour!
 
Spythrenius – Inspired by bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Robyn Hitchcock, Spythrenius (the stripped down three-piece version of London-based four-piece, Spygenius) offer ultra-melodic music with a light ‘60s influence. They play original guitar-based pop for people with an appreciation for harmonies and clever wordplay….and who among us can’t appreciate that!? A fifth Spygenius album is under development, but in the meantime, you can experience their unique brand of jangle pop madness on their two-song digital album, Highway Code Revisited, or the recent Big Stir Records US release of their fourth album, Pacephale. As good as they are on record, they are truly at their best when live, so don’t miss their IPO showcase!