IPO Hamilton 2022

 
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Artists From Hamilton/Toronto

 
Andy Butler & The Diplomats – Butler is known to many as the main man of IPO veterans, The 905s. He’s back with a brand-new backing band and some new material from his recent solo EP, The Isolators, and an upcoming full-length, and we can hardly wait to see and hear him do his thing. If you love classic punk-edged rock n’ roll in the vein of Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, and Dave Rave, you will LOVE Andy Butler & The Diplomats!
 
Los Chukos – The musicians in Los Chukos grew up Hamilton, Ontario and bonded over their shared passions for sound, rhythm and beats. Each member brings a unique musical aesthetic to the band, and over the years they’ve grown comfortable jumping genres and mashing up influences. The result is quirky, inventive, and fun – just check out any of their recently released singles and their IPO showcase to see and hear what we mean!
 
James Clark Institute – The musical outlet of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist James Clark, their latest full-length release, The Colour of Happy, 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 most recent 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!
 
CODA FACTO – Influenced by a wide array of artists from Paul McCartney and The Beatles to Arctic Monkeys, Queen, Talking Heads, Paul Simon and Ed Sheeran, CODA FACTO fuse melodic Brit-Rock and Americana with modern vocals and lyrical stories. Their debut Jamesville and soon to be released Honey Harbour EPs will appeal to fans of all these, and more!
 
Cool Blue Halo’s Barry Walsh and Jason Ives – Cool Blue Halo were an integral part of the ‘90s Halifax power pop scene, who released an independent cassette before being signed to No Records and releasing their landmark full length, Kangaroo, to great reviews. IPO is proud to welcome two of the band’s main men for a special performance, featuring a more intimate version of their classic power pop sound, as well as a taste of what they’ve been up to lately. A show not to be missed!
 
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!
 
Bill Majoros (Foreign Films) – The band is masterminded by Bill Majoros, whose gift for writing catchy psychedelic pop is quite remarkable. He really went all out on the conceptual route with his three LP (!) box set, The Record Collector, but reigned things in a bit with his latest, Starlight Serenade, which is brimming with hooks. We’re so glad to welcome this band back to IPO after a bit of a hiatus!
 
Andy Griffiths and The Lost Groove – Whether you call it folk rock, roots rock, or power pop, Griffiths has been doing it for a good long while, with several albums – including one targeted to kids – to his credit and a new one called Stella Started It in the works. Comparisons have been made to artists from Crowded House, Tom Petty, and The Beatles to Fred Penner and Raffi. His live band, The Lost Groove, is made up of some of the finest musicians in the Toronto/Hamilton area, and together they really rock!
 
Just Jillian – One 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 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.
 
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 make their triumphant return to IPO with their brand-new full-length album, What’s The Stouray, in hand. 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!
 
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 a feast for the senses!
 
Sunflower Machete – As the name of their 2017 album, Raw and Unrehearsed, might imply, this Burlington, Ontario combo take the energy of early alt-rock, classic punk rock, and a little bit of grunge, and mash it up into their own brand of completely unpretentious – but totally fun – take on rock n’ roll! They slash and slice swathes whilst sowing bright melodic flowers. They are Keelin, Angelica, Owen, Zack. Daydream away!
 
 

Canadian Artists From Outside of 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 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” (Pittsburgh Music Magazine). Check out their recently released single, “Not My Time,” to hear for yourself!
 
Roscoe GT – Main man Lawrence Roscoe (who played several IPOs in the early and mid-00’s as the leader of The Roscoe Project) is back, and we’re mighty glad to have him! His new power trio really rocks and helps to showcase what Roscoe does best: radio-friendly roots-rock-influenced power pop with glorious harmonies.