IPO Los Angeles 2022
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Artists From Los Angeles/Orange County
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. Their latest album, Incognito, “…reveals The Armoires as a much more ambitious, dynamic outfit than we ever imagined…” (Dennis Pilon, PopRockRecord.com), and earned them some much deserved recognition near the top of several 2021 “Best of” lists. 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 featuring some of the best power pop practitioners around!
Ricky Lee Berger – An LA-based singer/songwriter/visual artist whose style includes elements of folk and jazz and has a classic cinematic feel. Fans of artists from Gershwin to Ella Fitzgerald to Edie Brickell will dig her!
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, and keeps getting better with each successive album! Check out his latest album, Strangers, and his IPO showcase to see and hear what we mean!
Black Mail House – Taking inspiration from ‘60s and ‘70s Rock ‘n Roll, Black Mail House crafts songs with lush arrangements and harmonies. Their latest album, Catacombs, is a hook-filled gem that will appeal to fans of Harry Nilsson, Jason Falkner, The Beatles, the Zombies, and anybody that wants to keep power pop alive in contemporary rock music.
Bobby Bognar’s Handsome – IPO is proud to host the debut of the latest project led by Bobby Bognar. Known to many as the leader of the late great Piper Downs, and his more recent stripped down acoustic project, The Bognar Brothers, Bognar is loved for his witty, often humorous lyrics and engaging stage banter, not to mention his modesty…or lack thereof (wink)! He’s got new songs, and a new band, and is seriously gonna rock!
Adrian Bourgeois – The release of his 2014 album, Pop/Art, brought Bourgeois to the attention of pop cognoscenti and media alike, earning much praise for its lush arrangements, “…angelic harmonies and melodies that swoop and soar like a hook-laden roller coaster” (Sacramento Bee). His brand-new single, “Deserve” – his first release in two years! – does not disappoint, and has us eagerly looking forward to more new music as well as his IPO showcase!
David Brookings and The Average Lookings – This transplant to the LA area (by way of Memphis and San Jose) has consistently released stellar albums. His music has been compared to the likes of Jellyfish, Matthew Sweet, and Rooney. His latest release, 2021’s Mania At The Talent Show, showcases both his smooth vocal style and his talent for writing a jangly pop melody…or 12 of them!
Blaine Campbell and The California Sound – 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. His latest album, Under The Tidal Wave, offers a new take on classic West Coast Pop, mixing in elements of twangy Americana, Brit Invasion, and funky jazzy bossa nova beats.
Cynthia Catania – We’re really glad to welcome back to IPO “LA’s original indie-girl”. Beyond being a wonderful singer/songwriter, she’s performed on The Larry Sanders Show, given voice lessons to rock stars, sound-engineered at The Knitting Factory (including one of IPOs first shows there), and has fronted two wonderful LA Bands, Saucy Monky and The Secret Things! Of the former, “Saucy Monky shares a lot of the qualities of pop’s classic female-fronted bands — irrepressible melodic-ism and smart lyrics” (Los Angeles Times). She’s now embarked on a solo career, and she’s even better than ever!
Circa 62 – Fronted by two veterans of the LA music scene, Max Goldman and Gina Romantini, who are taking center stage with their own music after years playing out as hired guns to the likes of The Wallflowers, The Jayhawks, Fountains of Wayne, Nick Fradiani, Tiffany Houghton, and many others, their self-titled EP offers a variety of classic pop sounds – the way AM radio used to be! Fans of girl group/soul to hooky rock n’ roll to twangy Americana will dig it!
Darlington Mansion – Offering hooky power pop rock with a touch of soul and a punk pop bite, Darlington Mansion will appeal to fans of classic bands, such as The Romantics, The Knack, and Cheap Trick…in other words, they will fit in perfectly at IPO!
Diamond Hands – Since the release of their debut self-titled album, this duo comprised of Jon Flynn and Joel Wall has been gaining much well-deserved attention from premier power pop labels, such as 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, Thank You, keeps the should-be hits comin’! Check ‘em out now!
The Dons – A favorite of many in the local scene in the early ‘00s, The Dons were known for their solid live performances, pitch-perfect harmonies and excellent songs. Their debut album, Dawn Of The Dons, finished in the Top 20 of the Audities “Best of 2002” poll, which is no mean feat! Their reunion performance at IPO LA in 2017 after a dozen or so years apart proved they’re still just as good as you remember, so we’re thrilled to welcome them back to do their thing again!!
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. Their latest EP, Bring Your Trunks, is quirky hooky romp with shades of sunshine and psych pop. 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 Wigs 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 Get on an Ice Floe EP and their IPO showcase!
Michael Faherty Band – Faherty is a transplant to LA from Portland, where his band Cartoon Spirits battled the grey skies and drizzle with their trifecta of hooks, fuzzy guitars, and raspy harmonies. An R& B singer in rock clothing, Faherty is also a prolific songwriter whose song “Bridges” was in the 2014 documentary Riot on the Dance Floor (featured on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart), and has performed in supporting acts nationally for Goo Goo Dolls, Buzzcocks, The Posies, Ween and many more. He’s assembled a new kick-ass band, and we can’t wait to see and hear what they have in store for us!
Falling Doves – Main man Christopher Leyva delighted the crowds at IPO Liverpool with his engaging songs and equally engaging stories between them, so we’re very much looking forward to seeing and hearing him rock with the full band at IPO LA! Falling Doves’ music is fueled with heart-pumping, fast-paced, guitar-driven anthems typically reserved for the grand finale of an unforgettable rock festival. Blending the stadium-sized glamour of Britpop like Oasis and the Rolling Stones with the raw power of American rock ‘n’ roll like Guns ‘N’ Roses and Aerosmith, the Doves have established their own original sound blending the richest of rock traditions with original and innovative musical expressions on their many recent albums, singles, and EPs.
Ruthann Friedman – Best known as the writer of The Association’s hit song “Windy,” Friedman was an active participant in the California folk-pop scene, along with Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, and Van Dyke Parks, and released her debut album, Constant Companion, in 1971. After an extended hiatus from music spent raising children, running her own company, and earning a degree from UCLA, she re-emerged on the scene in 2006, with the release of Hurried Life: Lost Recordings 1965 – 1971 and Windy: A Ruthann Friedman Songbook (on Now Sounds!) and has been going strong ever since. IPO is honored to present a special showcase by this legendary singer/songwriter!
FriendlyBear – What was once a childhood dream of FriendlyBear’s founder, and Los Angeles Executive Chef, Guy Jedidiah to play in a garage rock band, has quickly become a hard-hitting reality. Jedidiah, along with Megan Speer and IPO alumnus Adam Bones (The Two Tens, Save Ferris, Compress Collide, The Gabba Gabba Heys) have unleashed a mighty roar across the local Los Angeles scene. A return to a bygone—but by no means outdated—grunge and garage-rock sound, this powerful power trio owns the stage and serves up face-melting (but friendly) rage. Check out their Bears EP and IPO showcase to hear for yourself!
Lori Garrote – Drawn to musical classics such as The Doors, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Garrote started performing cover songs at talent shows and other local events using whatever guitar she could get her hands on. As she developed her skills and style, she found herself infusing her raw-rock sound with various artists like Blondie, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and other well-known pop culture artists. Moving past her beginnings in South Florida, where she earned accolades such as “Best Female Rock Vocalist,” she is ready to take LA by storm. Her Subject To Change EP is loaded with hooky rockin’ should-be radio hits!
The Glimmer Stars – Led by one of the nicest guys with one of the coolest names, Mini Mendez, the Glimmer Stars have been an underground pop scene favorite for decades, with numerous singles and compilation appearances to their credit. Remaining true to their roots and strong belief that rock n’ roll should be fun, pure and simple, the Glimmer Stars are sure to put a smile on your face, and we can’t wait to have them back at IPO after too long an absence!
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, and 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 singles and recently released Off-Vaudeville album (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!
Joe Normal – Fleeing the sooty factories of New Jersey for the grimy alleyways of L.A., Joe Normal made his name as a founding member of ‘90s sunset strip glam-pop legends The Hutchinsons, co-wrote the title track to Sammy Hagar’s Not 4 Sale album, and even recorded with punk icon Stiv Bators & Lords Of The New Church. Along with these solid rock credentials, Joe Normal’s now recognized for his own personal style and artistry, writing relatable songs and anthems about working class life, its struggles, its people and themes, with a sense of hope to keep going for your dreams. Often compared to Bruce Springsteen, Paul Westerberg, and Jesse Malin, Joe Normal balances his own blue-collar roots with a genuine storyteller heart that pays a debt to both classic British pop and American rock ‘n roll, while remaining excitingly new and refreshing. Check out any of his recent singles and his IPO showcase!
JonesHouse – Made up of four good friends with credits that include Game of Thrones, Poe, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Adele, Barbie, Herb Alpert, The Carpenters, and more, JonesHouse is all-original mid-century modern sugar-coated pop made with cellos, guitar, drums, and lots of singing. Fans of Burt Bacharach, The 5th Dimension, Petula Clark, and Lulu will dig their debut album, Launderette, which is set to be released later this summer…we can hardly wait!!
Norman Kelsey – PO’s favorite soul-man is back doin’ the solo thing, and we’re glad to have him! His latest full-length 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, while his recent EP, Sun Rose, delivers a trifecta of sound: one soulful ballad, one inspirational anthem, and one funky rallying cry. Hailed by Liverpool Sound and Vision as “[p]erhaps the most exciting American Soul singer/musician since the days of the irreplaceable Marvin Gaye,” Kelsey will make you think it’s 1978 all over again, but without the polyester!
KingQueen – Formed by by lead singer Ina (aka Sabrina Petrini) and consisting of Adam Gimenez, Brandon Valerino, Jake Absher and Ella G. Burgos, the band has been seen delivering their energetic catchy pop rock anthems on multiple platforms such as MTV, VH1, OutAt TV, Revry TV and The American Music Awards, earning several “Best Of” awards for their songs and videos. Recently signed to Curtain Call Records, the band are currently on their “Golden State Tour” promoting their recently released self-titled EP, and we’re glad they could make IPO LA a part of the action!
Kotolan – And now for something completely different, but also very melodic and fun…Kotolan is a mix of Indie synth/art pop influenced by global beats, new wave, soul and disco led by Japanese singer Junko Seki, audio/visual artist Otto Granillo, and also featuring the great Norman Kelsey (see above). They can also throw in a bit of Mariachi, ska, and mod whenever the mood strikes. Intrigued? Then you owe it to yourself to come check them out!
Corey Landis & The Attacks – Whether or not he chooses to admit it, Landis typifies the recent resurgence of gifted twenty-somethings that evoke the “golden” singer-songwriter age of the ‘70s. The ubiquitous melodies of Elton, Joel, Springsteen, Cohen, Waits, Zevon and Newman hover over Landis’ shoulder like older siblings, and he uses those influences to create his own brand of rollicking power pop….and the band adds the perfect touch of rock orchestration! Check out their self-titled debut album and IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself! BTW, if you’re a fan of That ‘70s Show, and remember the episodes with a young Red Forman…that was Landis!
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!
The Magnet Hearts – Citing a wide array of influences from The Stooges to The Kinks and 13th Floor Elevators, The Magnet Hearts play an eclectic brand of rock n’ roll, featuring scintillating melodies and vocal harmonies, driving beats, and a slew of various vintage keyboards like Hammond B3, harpsichord, Mellotron & Wurlitzer piano. Their debut album, Complicated Cats, psychedelically tells the story of boy meets world, transcendent outsiders and unrequited love.
Barbara Manning – We’re honored to have at IPO the legendary singer/songwriter/bass player of the bands 28th Day, World of Pooh, S.F. Seals, and several excellent solo albums! 28th Day epitomized jangle pop; Pitchfork said of their 28th Day-The Complete Recordings compilation, “…this stuff still sounds as beautiful and rich and satisfying as it ever did. Anthems of heartbreak, odes to inarticulatable sadness, paeans to the dead! Sandy Denny could have sung most of these tunes without breaking a Brit-folk sweat.”
The Matter – Featuring Michael Hamilton and Dennis LeBlanc on guitar and vocals, with Rick Gerardi (drums) and Erikson (bass), the Matter are a young group of old rockers who have come full circle. Gerardi and LeBlanc were part of the ‘80s SoCal punk scene and played together in a band called The Factory; their 45 single is a widely sought collectible as far away as Malaysia! Now all back in Orange County once more, The Matter’s sound is an electric pastiche of familiar shared influences and past and current fever dreams and hallucinations.
Courtney McKenna – A talented young LA-area indie-folk artist who made her IPO debut in San Diego, but whom we are very glad to host in her home city! McKenna’s songs combine poetic lyrics with the sounds of classic rock, Americana, and country…in other words, they will appeal to a very wide range of audiences. She is also an engaging live performer, with a kick-ass backing band (Sweet Myths, see below), who bring out the best of her Stevie Nicks meets Pat Benatar style. Keep an eye out for new releases to be unveiled soon via her various streaming platforms!
Narrow Adventure – IPO is proud to host a special reunion appearance of the band featuring Kristi and Kelly Callan before they were Wednesday Week, along with Kjehl Johansen (Urinals, 100 Flowers, Trotsky Icepick). “Narrow Adventure was very much a product of the Los Angeles underground that they occupied from 1981-1983, coming out of an art-minded late ‘70s punk tradition (Dangerhouse, et. al.) that was giving way to ‘60s-enamored psychedelic jangle of bands like The Bangles by the early ‘80s” (Erika Elizabeth, Maximum RockNRoll). As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also recently put out a limited-edition compilation of rare lost recordings as a brand new self-titled LP. Both the LP and their IPO Showcase are a must for fans of their later work!
New Maximum Donkey – “New Maximum Donkey is poised and ready to make a charge at the world of music with a brand of power-pop that is all their own, fueled by a wry sense of humor and rich melodies that have you singing along by the 2nd time through the disc.” (Jeff Johnson, CDReviews.com) Said disc, Square Root of All Evil, will appeal to fans of artists as diverse as The Ramones, UB40, Frankie Lymon, Jet, and The Banana Splits! One of the most entertaining bands we’ve ever had at IPO!
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 4, showcases his talent as a prog rock arranger and instrumentalist! We’ve dubbed him “The Zelig of Pop”, because if it happens, he’s somewhere in the picture!
Leslie Pereira & The Lazy Heroes – A four-piece punk/pop/pub rock band from Los Angeles whose tight catchy melodies have drawn comparisons to artists such as The Pixies, The Pretenders, Throwing Muses, The Breeders, and Sonic Youth. Their debut full-length album, Fight For Now, was recorded and produced by world renowned producer, Earle Mankey, who has produced artists such as Sparks and The Quick, among many others. Their latest Big Stir Records release, Good Karma, bubbles over with their joyful brand of power pop. They’re also a lotta fun live, so don’t miss their IPO showcase!
Plasticsoul – Still collecting praise and fans around the world for their third and most rocking album, Therapy (on Big Stir Records), Central California-based Plasticsoul are a hook-propelled American spin on the history of British rock from The Beatles to the Bunnymen to Oasis, blessed with the powerful voice and sharp-edged tunes of front-man Steven Wilson. Their prior releases both won multiple Album of the Year awards and garnered rave reviews. With a formidable and propulsive live act that’s pure rock and roll energy and a deep catalogue of finely crafted and emotive songs, Plasticsoul is currently at the height of their considerable powers. Check them out and pick up a copy of the album!
The Popravinas – Eddy Sill, former bassist/vocalist of the infamous Los Angeles band The Mutts, has stumbled upon a few other “fellow drinkers” to form this fun and melodic band with extremely catchy songs. The Popravinas are known to combine lyrics & sounds that are reminiscent of The Replacements, evolving guitar nuances in the vein of The Rolling Stones, and interesting touches of artists such as Whiskeytown, Wilco & The Old 97’s. Their latest album, Goons West, is full of instantly memorable tunes. They are also an extremely fun and energetic live band, so don’t miss them at IPO!
Racecar Racecar – Mixing elements of psych pop, girl group, punk pop, and bedroom/twee pop, Racecar Racecar serve up hooky quirky pop confections that will put a smile on your face and set your toes tapping. Fans of The Waitresses, The Roaches, and Sarah Records bands will dig their latest EP, Full Moon.
The RAZ Band – A band who proudly proclaim they are older than your parents, and who have been rocking and rolling for most of that time…in fact, their IPO Showcase will be a celebration of their 40th anniversary as a band! 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 recent 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! Also never ones to rest on their laurels, their brand new rollicking album, Copy This, is due out later this summer, so watch for it!
Sanglorians – “Daniel Brummel knows hooky guitar rock. He has spent more than a decade as bassist-singer in Ozma, played in L.A.-based bands Spain and The Elected and even filled in with Weezer for a time. His work as bandleader of the L.A. sextet Sanglorians is another beast — a maniacal collision of power-pop and prog-rock that at times has the feel of a shredder crashing orchestra practice” (Kevin Bronson, Buzzbands.la). The latest Sanglorians album, Odalisque, is big hooks and big harmonies propelled by a wall of synths…check it out!
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!
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. They are also all-around good guys who have been good friends to IPO for many years, and are even providing this year’s guitar and bass amp backline, which we truly appreciate! If you like loud guitars, harmonies, jangle, and twang, you’ll want to pick up both of their excellent CDs!
SHINE – Many IPOers may recognize main man Bobby Cox as the longtime leader of the classic ‘60s and ‘70s inspired power poppers, The Galaxies. He’s back with a new band, also featuring Jeff Higa, SherryCat-Kitten, and Lon Rozelle. Still firmly rooted in power pop, but with a glammier edge, SHINE rocks way harder, but their songs are just as catchy! We can hardly wait to see them do their thing live!
Shplang – They’ve long been mainstays of the L.A. music scene, have lots of excellent CDs, and have a very cool, unique sound as well, with swirling psychedelics meeting solid pop sensibilities. Their latest release, Los Grandes Excritos (1994 – 2019) celebrates their first 25 years as a band, and has been called “[a] treat for power-pop-aholics to bathe in, and one which provides a definitive view into the magnificence that is Shplang” (Kevin Burke, The Big Takeover). One minute they’re sounding like the Strawberry Alarm Clock, the next: The Stranglers. Intrigued? Check ’em out!
The Simmons Experience – Mike Simmons, the main man of the venerable Orange County power pop band, Sparkle*jets UK is doing a rare solo appearance for IPO Los Angeles…but he’s certainly prepared, as he’s got a trove of solo material, much of which you can hear on his excellent album, First Days of Summer! We look forward to what will certainly be a very cool “experience”!
Solitary Friends – A power trio whose in-your-face loud sound compliments their often subtle and introspective lyrics, and have been compared to Blondie or PJ Harvey. Songwriter and lyricist Ken LaMere drills ear-worms into your brain, while front-woman Michelle McGregor blows your face off with her belting pipes and dynamic delivery. Powerhouse drummer Nick Liberatore demands your attention at all times, carrying the band past the normal threshold of pop and into a darker and grungier world. Their recently released album, Sum Of More, also features Tears for Fears keyboardist Doug Petty, and other notable guest musicians, and captures the raw live energy of the band…but this is one you definitely should see live!
Strange Chameleon – A soul-inspired indie-rock outfit that came together during the Covid-19 pandemic. Inspired by a mixture of vintage and modern sounds, the group brings a thrilling guitar-driven experience to live audiences!
Turning Violet – Turning Violet sits in that satisfying spot between punk and power-pop, with the added bonus of some new wave flair. Singer & main songwriter Simone Siren’s vocals – compared by listeners to Kate Bush and Debbie Harry – helm these well-structured songs that draw on the erratic energy of the early ‘80s and some ‘90s buzz/crunch. Their latest EP, The Broken Wheel, has also drawn comparisons to The Pretenders, The Cranberries, and Patty Smyth.
Michele Vreeland – Torn between her love of acoustic music, electropop and new age, Vreeland combined elements of all three into her “Mystic Pop” sound, which carries an aura of electric energy and the healing power of crystallized dreams, emotions, and intentions. Check out her latest single, “Take Me To The Temple”, and her IPO showcase, and prepare to be mesmerized!
Katie Ward – A talented young singer songwriter from LA with a folk-meets-jazz style that will appeal to fans of Edie Brickell, Norah Jones, or Billie Holiday. Check her out on YouTube and at her IPO showcase!
U.S. Artists From Outside of Los Angeles
Tamar Berk – Having established herself as a fixture in several bands in both Chicago and Portland, with releases on Kill Rock Stars and Minty Fresh, Berk has settled in San Diego and is recording and performing under her own name. Her music showcases both her indie darling edgy riot grrl roots, as well as her ear for a fine pop melody. Check out her brand-new album, Start At The End, and her live show to see and hear for yourself!
Frederick Julius – A medicine cabinet of sweet and melancholy indie-pop confections with gorgeous vocal harmonies, jangly guitars, and lyrics that range from darkly humorous to the surreal, Fixers & Elixers, the latest Frederick Julius album, but the first done as a “full band” project, is a masterpiece of vintage pop. Fixers & Elixers was produced in a full studio with a host of contributing musicians, and really lets the intricacy of the arrangements and harmonies shine through. Fans of The Beach Boys will eat this stuff up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
High On Stress – Comprised of Nick Leet (vocals/guitar/piano), Mark Deveraj (drums), Jim Soule (bass/backing vocals/organ), and Chad Wheeling (guitar/piano), High On Stress have been getting rave reviews for their recent album, Hold Me In. “High on Stress carry on in the grand tradition of Minneapolis music – great rock ‘n’ roll with a rootsy slant; cheeky at times, consistently well written and played.” (Peter Jesperson, New West Records)
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. Jeremy Morris’ John Lennon-influenced pop is as spiritual as it is melodic, and has been rocking a lot more lately, which you can hear this for yourself on the band’s latest CD, Brighter Day, and Jeremy’s just-released opus, The Day The World Stood Still. This Kalamazoo resident and his band can stake their rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame!
Lannie & Danny – IPO is honored to host a special stripped down performance by these two Texas gents. Lannie Flowers, both with and without the band with whom he shares his name (and in which Danny Wilkerson serves as drummer/backing vocalist), has played IPO in many a city, from LA to Vancouver to Liverpool and Stockholm, earning fans across the globe with their in-your-face guitars and equally in-your-face sweet vocal harmonies, delivered with punch and panache. Lannie’s newest album, Flavor of The Month, a joint release by his local label, SpyderPop, and Burbank’s Big Stir Records, is a collection of tunes originally released as singles throughout the buildup to his previous album, Home, all lovingly and expertly re-recorded. “Big Hooks, bigger choruses and melody at its core…Pop Rock / Guitar Pop at its very best” (I Don’t Hear A Single). Danny Wilkerson is a fine singer/songwriter in his own right. His debut Wilkerson album is truly an uplifting feast for the ears, brilliant mature power pop veritably exploding with inventive musical and lyrical twists and turns and featuring a boatload of pure pop melodies to die for, earning it some very well-deserved “Album of the Year” awards in 2018 by multiple music journalists and magazines including Goldmine, Hooks and Harmony, and Discussions Magazine. Friends and band-mates for many years, Lannie & Danny complement each other perfectly, and we can’t wait to see and hear them do their acoustic thing at IPO LA!
Freddy Monday – Born and raised on Long Island, Monday has worked with a bountiful variety of music industry pros both on stage and in the studio. In addition to being a fine singer/songwriter/composer, Monday is also the producer and owner/operator of Endo Music, an award-winning music production and publishing company. With a specialty in music for film, TV and advertising, Freddy has had his music featured in a wide array of projects – securing hundreds of TV show placements – over 80,000,000 streams and landing several compositions in movies. His latest AC pop ballad video/single release “Maybe I’m A Fool” perfectly captures the passion and pain of heartbreak with an epic soulful vocal delivery enmeshed with an emotional instrumental build throughout the track.
Sweet Myths – An elusive and compelling blend of many genres: anything from jazz to funk to prog to searing face-melting rock…with pretty pop harmonies and hooks thrown in for good measure! Intrigued? Just wait till you see them do their thing live; lead vocalist Diego Rodriguez is a performer you’ll never forget!
Your Academy – If you don’t think of Memphis as a hotbed of power pop, one listen to Your Academy may well change your mind! Featuring members of The Scruffs, Dwight Twilley’s band, and Crash Into June, the band’s debut self-titled album (available on CD and limited edition fluorescent green vinyl) is a treasure trove of jangly guitars, wistful melodies, subtle chord shifts, chunky bass lines and heaps of harmonies that any fan of the genre is sure to appreciate!
International Artists
Jody Quine – A two-time Billboard charting vocalist/actor from Vancouver, Canada, Quine has toured the US several times, and we’re glad she is able to join us for IPO LA this year. He vocal haunting style ranges from silken sweetness to smoldering emotional power and will instantly draw you in and hold you captivated. Her most recent album, Stand Up, features some of Canada’s best musicians, and showcases Quine’s depth as a songwriter, with themes of letting go, heartache, depression, love, and being true to yourself. Check it out! She’s currently being produced by…you guessed it…Fernando Perdomo!
