IPO Hamilton 2019

Artists From Hamilton/Toronto

 
The 905’s – The 905’s are blasting out of the suburbs with high energy power pop and punk-wave rock ‘n roll. It’s sleek, it’s fast, and it’s fun! In the grand tradition of fellow Canadians Teenage Head, and likeminded bands such as The Buzzcocks, Stiv Bators, and Johnny Thunders, The 905’s are here to get the party rockin’! If you want to sing along, dance, stomp your feet, or pump your fists in the air, check out their brand new album, Sub Zero, and their IPO showcase!
 
The Beat Club – A power pop trio in the classic tradition, The Beat Club combine old school punk rock, ‘60s pop, cool jazz, and contemporary fun! This is a band you must see live to experience them at their best!
 
Big Lonely – A testament to the resilience of friendship and hardship, with a tendency to transform open sores into hard-hitting indie-rock, and a consistently honest edge, Big Lonely is made up of close friends navigating the distance and complexity of growth. Their latest album, last year’s Bad Magic, was conjured up in the dark corners of a pessimistic cavern, where optimistic light leaks through tiny cracks. They’ve been quietly transitioning to a new shape and sound over the past few months, and are looking forward to unveil their new tunes at IPO Hamilton, and we are excited to have them!
 
James Clark Institute – The musical outlet of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist James Clark, their latest full-length release, Yesterday’s Misadventures, was produced by iconic Canadian musician/producer Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness). “James Clark is one of Canada’s songwriting treasures. His songs have a timeless quality born of a writer who studied the best and refuses to bow to the wind and rain of any current day. His lyrics never underestimate the audience’s intelligence and his melodies will stay with you long after the record has finished playing.” (Moe Berg) Fans of intelligent quirky introspective pop artists, such as John Lennon, Neil Finn, and Elvis Costello, should check it out!
 
Clockwise – Check out their latest album, This is now…and then, or any of their equally awesome earlier releases, and you’ll be instantly hooked! Their sound is influenced by Elvis Costello, The Kinks, Joe Jackson and Squeeze, tempered with more contemporary artists like Crowded House and The Beautiful South, and they efficiently crank out three and a half minute pop songs with hooks that will stick with you long after that initial investment in time has been spent. Their classic Toronto power pop style fit right in at The World Famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, where they joined us for IPO four years in a row, and we’re very glad they did! Those who attend their IPO Hamilton showcase are in for a treat consisting of dusted off gems from their back catalogue, as well as some brand new soon to be classic Clockwise tunes!
 
Danger!! Death Ray – And now…something a bit different, but also quite cool: a southern Ontario instrumental rock trio who describe themselves as “Dick Dale meets Nirvana.” Taking their influences from third wave surf, ‘60s So-Cal garage bands, prog rock, grunge, circus metal, video games, movies, and lots of whammy bar, they promise a wacky and fun live set you will not want to miss!
 
Goodnight, Sunrise – Founded in 2011 through a shared love of pop hooks, EDM drops, and the raw power of classic rock, their sound has naturally evolved into a hybrid reminiscent of CHVRCHES, Muse, and July Talk, the Toronto twosome made of David Kochberg and Vanessa Vakharia “…rages with such enthusiasm, you can’t help but feel the same way … bridging the divide between straight-up rock ’n roll and hook laden indie-rock.” (Lonely Vagabond)
 
Just Jillian & Carmen Toth – IPO is proud to host this special combined set by two of Toronto’s most gifted singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists. Jillian is the former lead guitar player for ADHD the band, and has played keys for Remote Wonder and bass for alternative synth pop band All Dressed. Her recently released debut solo album, What Day Is It?, makes subtle use of catchy pop choruses and pop-rock guitar riffs to put a lighthearted spin on thought-provoking lyrics. Carmen Toth is an IPO-veteran, both as a solo artist and as the front-woman of her band, Social Potion. Blessed with both a wide vocal range and a voice that can be gritty and sweet at the same time, Toth’s style has been compared to ‘80s and ‘90s era artists including Stevie Nicks, Tori Amos, Jane Siberry, Suzanne Vega and Cyndi Lauper, as can be heard on her latest EP, Safety Net. We can’t wait to see and hear them together again!
 
Christine Leakey – Her debut, Tapping Trees In A Trinket Box of Treasure, is a lush cinematic with a dash of jazz and a pinch of pop album that puts a fresh spin on fusion revealing a new definition with every listen. The album was nominated for various awards including Hamilton Music Awards and Independent Music Awards for Best Eclectic Song, Best Adult Alternative and Best Album Art! It features an array of organic wind, reed, string and world instruments, along with a very rare collection of vintage and museum quality keyboards including the Chamberlin, Mellotron, Optigan, Orchestron and ARP 2600! Her second album, Wanderlust Wishing Well, produced by the ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo, is a quirky pop delight, mixing influences from ‘60s soft pop to gypsy swing and Saturday morning cartoon soundtracks!
 
The Mooks – They combine their jangly power pop sound with spirited melodies and enduring structures to recall a myriad of influences, taking nods from bygone-era rhythm and blues to gleaming indie rock. After a heap of performances (including spots at CMW & Indie Week) and the release of their self-produced EP, Singles, in 2018, the group has cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting, up and coming acts out of Toronto. Fans of Roy Orbison, The Jam, Sloan, and The Vaccines will dig their recent EP, I Hope That You Feel The Same, and their IPO showcase!
 
Mr. Mouray – A man of impeccable 1950s style and taste, Mr Mouray has been reborn a half-century later through modern words and music, and barely over a year since coming together as a band, already have a full-length album and two EPs to their credit! One of the many musical projects featuring the ubiquitous Jaimie Vernon, founder of one of the best pop music labels in Canada, Bullseye Records, and one of the foremost authorities on all things Canadian music. Vernon is the author of The Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia, a hefty two-volume treasure-trove of information about Canadian artists both well- and lesser-known, a story-teller of Bardic proportions, and a pop-meister of the highest caliber, so this is one show you will not want to miss!
 
My Flying Machine – Otherwise known as Brandon P. General, in the guise of his new solo project, My Flying Machine offers “…[s]ad songs from the basement. Resulting in a sound that is somewhere between Ryan Adams and M. Ward“(Melodic Pixel Media). His Happiness Is A Learned Behavior EP offers whimsical pop that perfectly blends melancholy themes with uplifting melodies.
 
Dave Rave – The venerable Mr. Dave Rave began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head and The Shakers, has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe,” and is now an inductee in the Canadian Indie Music Hall of Fame!! (Congratulations, Dave!!) A recent CD, Live With What You Know was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs, “Anne Marie.” His latest album, Adventureland, is “… [j]am-packed with the melodic, catchy pop rock that Dave’s best known for, this ferocious recording captures the rambunctious, boundless energy he always displays on stage.” (Hamilton Blues Lovers) From 2010 to 2014 he played 50 IPO festivals in a row (yes, you read that right), and he still plays many of them…and we look forward to many more. Thank you, Dave!!
 
Ruby’s Revenge – Alternative rock band Ruby’s Revenge offers a unique and dynamically diverse sound with a strong ‘90s influence. By melding hook filled melody within hard beats, they show their ability to compact a vast array of influence and experience into songs, such as those on their latest album, Visions. Their theatrical live show is not to be missed!
 
Standard Electric – Born from the ashes of the excellent Toronto band, The Snows, Standard Electric keeps the torch lit with sophisticated songwriting, a guitar-heavy indie sensibility, and Martha Boucher’s pristine vocals. Check out their self-titled vinyl EP!
 

Canadian Artists from outside Hamilton/Toronto

 
Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold – She sings like Benatar, plays like Jett and has a penchant for writing ‘90s-inspired anthems. Acclaimed one of the Top Ten indie talents across Canada and the Number One local band in their hometown, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold have quickly established a reputation for equally writing catchy songs and compelling audiences. Expect a high energy rock n’ roll experience reminiscent of “all that we remember being great about the ‘90s.”