IPO Boston 2023

 
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CLICK HERE to see IPO Boston 2023 Artist Yearbook Photos
 

Artists From Boston

 
Corin Ashley – A singer/songwriter who for several years was the driving force behind Boston’s hyper mod-pop band, The Pills. Ashley’s first solo album, Songs From The Brill Bedroom, is a stripped down, organic and homegrown affair which falls halfway between Neil Finn and Neil Young. His latest, Broken Biscuits, is “…filled with deep rewards for Anglophiles and power pop fans” (Pop Matters); no wonder it found its way towards the top of a 2017 “best of” list or two.
 
Sal Baglio – A fixture on the Boston scene since his days as the leader of The Stompers, Baglio never fails to entertain, whether solo or in any of several band configurations in which he has graced the IPO stage from Boston to Liverpool. Blues, poignant melancholy pop, Lennon-esque ballads, glitter-glam, pub-rock, balls to the wall rock n’ roll, or pure ear-candy power pop – Baglio does it all…and often does it in the space of a single album or live set! Don’t miss a chance to see him for yourself!
 
Tom Baker – The leader of local bands The Snakes and The Dirty Truckers is also a fine solo artist, having put out a wealth of music in all of his many guises. His latest album with The Dirty Truckers, The Tisbury Joneser, is “…a really lean set of chorus driven rockers…Extant fans can expect this album to become a firm favourite in record time, while the retro sound and love of huge choruses has an even bigger potential to bring new ears into the fold” (RealGoneRock.com).
 
The Brigands – The latest incarnation of this band of brothers (known as The Bouncers in the ‘80s) has been going strong under their family name since the late 1990s, rocking it up with their pulverizing mix of ‘70s and ‘80s Mass Ave. scene covers, as well as Brigands originals. A totally fun band who will appeal to fans of The Clash, The Ramones, and The New York Dolls! While their self-titled CD totally rocks, this is one band you will want to see live, so don’t miss their IPO showcase!
 
Captain Easychord – AKA Tom Despres, Captian Easychord is a keyboardist/singer/songwriter who’s been playing his quirky yet entertaining songs – think Zappa meets Elton John – in public since 2002. He’s been a fixture at various open-mic and singer/songwriter events in the artist-rich Somerville/Cambridge, MA music community, and we’re glad to welcome him back again to IPO.
 
Dave Charles – Brother of Boston musician/producer extraordinaire Brian Charles; if you come to Dave’s IPO show you can see that the apple hasn’t fallen far from the genes, as he delivers song after song of sparkling pop/rock! His latest single, Sideways, is a collaboration with Corin Ashley (see above).
 
Cold Expectations – A jangly dark indie-rock band whose songs convey the joy beneath the darkness. On their debut full-length album, Static Reaction, “[y]ou’ll hear ten melodic songs that shift back and forth between twee pop and power pop, with a few indie rock and new waves outbursts… the entire LP is 37 minutes of warm and moving enjoyment, with vocal harmonies just as beautiful as the poetic lyrics” (AddToWantlist blog).
 
Dave Finney and The Procrastinators – Featuring members of The Spicolis, Powderhouse, The Rotary Prophets and The Generous Poor, they play tasty original roots rock and “artisanal” covers that they make all their own. Fans of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bob Seger, and CCR will dig their recently released Procrastination Songs, Vol. 2 EP!
 
Girl With A Hawk – An American rock band formed in 2021 and led by musician Linda S. Viens. Band lineup includes Boston Rock veterans Richard Lamphear, Daniel Coughlin, Nancy Delaney, and Dan Bernfeld. Their digital singles and live performances sound like Linda Ronstadt fronting Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Intrigued? Then come check them out in their first IPO showcase!
 
Glowbox – Like many great power pop bands, Glowbox is built on a foundation of two guitars, bass, and drums, with all four members of the band sharing an affinity for the classic melodic rock of the ‘60s and ‘70s. As such, their latest album, Your Call Is Very Important To Us, will appeal to fans of artists such as Squeeze, The Who, and The Knack, and is replete with harmonies. We can’t wait to see and hear them rock IPO again!
 
Hummingbird Syndicate – The Mamas and the Papas led to The Archies led to ABBA. The Byrds led to Buffalo Springfield led to The Flying Burrito Brothers. The Velvet Underground and Nico led to Eno and Roxy. Ray Price led to George Jones. Hummingbird Syndicate is the love child of all of the above – one great big orgy of jangle and harmony that you have got to hear! Check out their latest album, Sound & Light, and their IPO showcase!
 
Satch Kerans – We’re glad to welcome this veteran of the Boston pop/rock scene back to IPO! His album, Elliott Street, has been described as “…a vibrant solo debut… a jangle-infused power-pop collection that recalls early Tom Petty and Dwight Twilley.” (Jonathan Perry, The Boston Globe) and yeah, one can certainly hear Petty’s spirit imbued in Kerans’ voice.
 
Kelly Knapp – IPO is proud to present a special solo performance from the leader of all-girl rock band, The Bristols, who were a fixture on the local area club scene back in the ‘80s. Their songs range the gamut from in your face punk-edged rock n’ roll to ‘60s retro garage and alt-country. If you ever asked yourself the question “Can girls really rock?,” come see Knapp in her IPO showcase for an emphatic demonstration of “oh yes, they can!!”
 
Mary Lou Lord – She started her career as a musician busking around London while attending The School of Audio at Holloway Rd., after graduating with a degree in Audio Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music, and continued her busking in the streets and subways of Boston after returning to the states. She’s been an indie label artist (on Kill Rock Stars) a major label artist (on Sony) and a completely independent singer/songwriter/producer in her own right. Her live show and forthcoming album, Backstreet Angels, fall nicely into the vein of storyteller pop with heartfelt lyrics and a touch of twang. Fans of artists such as Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin, and Daniel Johnston will want to check her out!
 
Muck and the Mires – Boston’s International ambassadors of garage rock ‘n’ roll are back in town, and IPO is glad to have ‘em! Described as “a blend of the 1964 Beatles and the Ramones” by legendary producer Kim Fowley and crowned as the #1 Garage Rock Band by Little Steven Van Zandt, Muck and the Mires don’t just live up to the hype…they blow off its roof and knock it outta the park! As good as they are on their many albums released over the years, this is one band you must see live! So don’t miss them!!
 
Speedfossil – Built on a foundation of strong songwriting, catchy melodies, and pop hooks, Speedfossil is Boston angular power pop at its finest! Their latest album, No Anesthesia, will appeal to fans of The Smithereens, The Kinks, and The Replacements. They’ve also recently released quite a few singles and have more new music planned for release in 2024, so watch for it!
 
Karen Zanes – A New England based singer, songwriter, guitarist, recording artist and performer, previously affiliated with projects that include the electronic-experimental collective, Violet Nox, and the surf-psych-noir outfit, The Freeways, both of which she co-founded and contributed to as a writer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. Her recently released album, Rockets of Desire, “…contains 10 beautifully crafted acid folk ballads which may bring you in mind the beauty of Bridget St. John or the late Judee Sill. A lovely, beautiful record” (Mimmo Caccomo via London Calling – Shades of Rock).
 
 

U.S. Artists From Outside of Boston

 
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. Returning to his Vermont roots after several years playing around Hollywood (including several appearances at IPO), he’s recently released his much anticipated fifth full length album, Collarmer Circle, in a partnership with fellow Vermont musician Ben Patton “…that brings out the best of both. Although Levinson is back home, the album still sounds very West Coast. Collarmer Circle sounds as though it was produced in the ‘60s, yet fits equally with the Not Lame of the ‘90s. This is great melodic harmonic Pop Rock, wonderfully produced and performed…”(I Don’t Hear A Single blog).
 
 

International Artists

 
Noelle Hannibal – An award-winning actress/singer who appeared in the film Star Trek: First Contact, she has the unique distinction of portraying the first female Vulcan on Earth. Although she is originally from LA, Noelle currently resides in Montreal where she runs her award-winning, independent theatre company, In the Wings Promotions. She also performs regularly in concerts, cabarets and musical theatre productions as well as travelling the world to appear as a guest at Comic Cons and Pop Culture events. Her latest EP, Ain’t a Tourist, produced by Grammy Award winner and past IPO performer, Scot Sax (Wanderlust, Bachelor Number One) was recorded in Nashville, TN earlier this year and is set for release in conjunction with her IPO showcase. Whether she’s doing power pop or something more R&B flavoured, one thing is certain: Noelle Hannibal’s songs will put a smile on your face! She’s also the newest member of CARAS-congratulations!