IPO Liverpool 2023
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Artists From Liverpool
Scott Beckett – Recognised as one of the most promising up and coming singer/songwriters in the North West, Beckett has been gaining notoriety and airplay on stations such as BBC Merseyside, Radio Wolverhampton, 107.9 Mighty FM, and many others since the release of his first single, “Take Me Home” in 2018. His style can be described as acoustic driven with heart-felt lyrics and catchy melodies, courtesy of influences such as Alex Band, Ryan Adams, Noel Gallagher and John Mayer. His brand-new EP, Solitude, is due out soon, so watch for it!
Millie Courtney – Fast becoming Liverpool’s answer to Taylor Swift, Courtney already topped the charts twice on Radio Nashville. The first, aged 12, with “Storybook,” a song she wrote in her school library, followed by “Feels Like Heaven.” No stranger to the Cavern, Millie performed her first-ever live gig there when she was 10, has appeared at many a singer-songwriter night at The Cavern Pub, and has also performed live in New York at The UN! She has also played at past IPO Liverpools, and we’re happy to welcome her back.
Junior Dayvis – Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor, and host of the “Craft Punkz” open mic nights in Stockton Heath: Dayvis does it all. His songwriting style is (mostly) in the vein of acoustic folk rock, with a dash of rock n’ roll or R&B thrown in for fun. Come check him out as we welcome him in his first IPO Liverpool appearance!
The Gentle Scars – Merseyside’s sleazy-punk dirty rock band are back and better than ever: Cool, quirky, inventive, and hard not to like! Their latest release is Songs For The Loveless; catch their IPO showcase as they are an amazing live band as well!
Sue Hedges – If it isn’t remarkable enough that she has met King Charles and has performed on bills with Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris, this Liverpool lass has been blind almost since birth! But there are many sides to the prolific Miss Hedges – she’s been known to display her rock diva persona, throw in a jangle-pop song, a bit of country twang, a heartfelt ballad, and then belt out some soul all in the space of a single set! The title of her recent album, Strong, typifies both the woman and her work: “…catchy, feminine, full of beat, scorn and promise in one all-consuming package” (Ian Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision). Her latest album, Songs In A Different Light, shows off her many moods, styles, and emotions, as well as her love of expressing them through song. Her powerful vocals have earned some well-deserved comparisons to greats such as Barbara Streisand and Carly Simon!
Hijinx – Hijinx are back at IPO again with their fizzy mix of power pop and big chords. Built on a foundation of strong bass lines, sweet lead guitar licks, and a whole lotta energy, they serve up killer hooks and three-part harmonies worthy of their influences – Kiss, Cheap Trick, Nick Gilder and The Sweet!
Paul Iwan – Long-time IPO Liverpool fans may remember Iwan from his days as the Liverpool member of the mostly Brighton-based White Star Liners, who played the festival from 2008 – 2010, and from his first appearance as a solo performer in 2019. He’s been in a variety of bands since the age of 14, and has been championed and mentored by Ray Davies of The Kinks. His electro-alternative style and smooth emotive vocals have been earning him considerable praise. His debut record, Reveal, “[c]ompletely encapsulates you…beautiful… intelligent… astounding” (thepentatonic.co.uk), and his latest, Present, has been described as “…a powerful and thought-provoking record and one on repeat…”(www.explore-liverpool.com) and “a masterpiece” (www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk).
Jon Keats – We’ve long known Keats for his powerful vocals and ability to entertain and engage a crowd as one of the regular afternoon performers on the front stage of The Cavern Club, but did you know he’s also got a crop of captivating originals? More in the vein of Simon & Garfunkel, CSNY, or Elvis (Presley), than The Beatles, Keats’ recently released debut album, Any Man Would Do The Same, features a who’s who of supporting musicians from Liverpool and beyond, and shows off both a more tender side to his vocals and his ability to write a catchy hook! We’re thrilled to welcome him to his first IPO Liverpool as part of our festival lineup!
KEEF – A psychedelic indie-rock band whose music and lyrics are very much influenced by their working-class upbringing. The feeling of alienation, isolation and discontent are echoed within the music and lyrics. KEEF’s influences range from ‘60s psychedelia to indie punk, with energetic songs that feature the sort of sneaky chord and tempo changes we at IPO adore! Bowie fans will also dig ‘em!
KingFast – It is very apparent on listening to KingFast’s music that there is a fusion of several genres but seemingly most prominent is a cross between soul and pop. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Belfast (which is where the name comes from) before settling in Liverpool, KingFast melds all of his influences from this varied upbringing on his debut EP, Dream World. His spine-chilling vocal range and tone has been stunning audiences regularly throughout the UK since 2012. Fans of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder should definitely check out his IPO showcase and his slew of recent singles!
Helen Maw – A talented young singer/songwriter who has been penning and performing her own music since her teens and shows no signs of slowing down. She’s been performing all over Liverpool, and as far afield as Madrid, and has been getting both radio airplay in Europe and America and music industry buzz since the release of her first single in 2019. Her style ranges from ballads with classical undertones to anthemic piano pop. Fans of artists such as Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Nora Jones should check her out!
Mark Pountney – Having previously led various musical projects, such as The Mojave Collection and Mark Delaney & Friends, Pountney is now performing under his own name, shedding the restrictions of a “band” format and working with no fixed musical style and with an extended family of musicians to have fun and make music. His songs are influenced by everything from The Beatles to The Move to Cat Stevens to Howlin’ Wolf, and a whole lot in between! His latest album, Love Luck and Time, also channels influences from The Byrds, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, and The La’s – and it really rocks!
Cal Ruddy – A dynamic young singer/songwriter with an old school rockabilly/country/Americana style that will put a smile on your face and set your toes tappin’. Fans of Chuck Berry, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and The Everly Brothers will dig his debut full length album, Elliston Place, and his latest release, The Edenhust Session EP.
The Suns – Though perhaps best known for their modern indie/alt rock take on influences from ’60 folk, psychedelia, and harmony pop, their musical output also delves into post-punk, prog, and ‘80s Britpop, with an impressive collection of singles, EPs, and albums available through a variety of physical and digital platforms.
Joe Symes & The Loving Kind – Emerging from the pandemic even tighter than before, Symes and his band have been relentlessly performing, promoting, and recording, building upon the success of their critically acclaimed second album Phase II: an album that gained airplay on radio stations all over the world and UK, as well as reviews, magazine interviews, and endorsements by celebrities from around the world and the UK. Their four-track follow up EP entitled A Place to Call Our Own, was released in March 2022, with the title track reaching number 8 in the national 365 Radio Top 30 charts, climbing higher than such artists as Florence and the Machine, Liam Gallagher, Jack White, White Lies, and Ed Sheeran to name several, and remained in the top 20 for five weeks…all as an unsigned band! They’re recently been inducted to the HMV Liverpool “Wall of Fame” and are working on their next full-length album, which we can hardly wait to hear!
UK Artists From Outside of Liverpool
The 48ks – The driving Britpop sound of these boys from Doncaster in South Yorkshire is pure gold! Think The Gallagher Brothers with Bruce Foxton as their front man and The Arctic Monkeys as their backing band, and you get the general idea…or better yet, check out their latest album, Now Is The Time, and their IPO Liverpool showcases!
The 286 – A six-piece band from London, The 286 dare to cross the genres of indie-rock and classical music. By clashing rock ‘n roll riffs with cellos and violins, The 286 create a unique sound that you expect from a musical collaboration between The Beatles and Beethoven. Plus, they’re a lot of fun live!
Amoeba Teen – Founded by critically acclaimed songwriting team, Mark Britton and Mike Turner in the dying embers of the last century, Amoeba Teen meld lush harmonies, hooky melodies, the odd sample and overdriven guitars. Hints of power pop can be heard: Teenage Fanclub, Jellyfish and Big Star spring to mind, but Turner’s raucous guitar and reverb soundscapes keeps the vibe punky and a little dirtier. They reformed in 2016 after a three-year hiatus, and are better than ever! Their brand new self-titled album (their 2nd on Big Stir Records) adds a touch of glam and is their rockin’-est/poppin’-est piece of catchy ear-candy yet! One of Stourbridge’s finest!
The Be Positives – Everything About…, the sophomore album from Manchester’s The Be Positives successfully captures their punchy group sound while showcasing a knack for writing great, melodic raw rock/power pop. The four-piece’ varied musical influences make for a captivating album, ranging from garage with a hint of Merseybeat flavour to R&B inflected rock n’ roll, and even a bit of rockabilly! Definitely one of the rising stars on the Think Like A Key label!
Michaela Betts – A singer/songwriter from Malton, Yorkshire whose recent EP, Ripe Fruit, has been described as a suite of twisting stories about growing up, the loss of innocence and the getting of wisdom set against a backdrop of romantic & baroque piano, harpsichord, accordion, electronica and Dark Disney beats.
The Big Believe – A melodic indie-pop-punk combo from Eastbourne with a new wave vibe, they mix dreamy vocals, catchy hooks, and slippery chord changes with disco meets pop punk energy in a way that we at IPO love….and we are clearly not the only ones. Recent single and album projects have included collaborations with Daniel Wylie (of The Cosmic Rough Riders) and Todd Fancey (of The New Pornographers). But wait…there’s more: their brand-new album, Super Impose, is done and being pressed and likely to be available just in time for their IPO Showcase!
Blake – A prolific singer-songwriter and DIY musician based in Melksham. Proudly signed to the Subjangle record label, and filed under “eclectic,” his songs run the gamut from quirky bouncy pop ditties to psych and new wave inspired Britpop to heart-felt folk-edged ballads and pure power pop. His brand-new album, Plainsongs, cut in a single live setting with his bandmates at New Cut Studios in Bristol, is full of catchy hooks backed by sweet jangle and searing guitar solos and drops on June 2, just in time for his IPO showcase!
Captain Wilberforce – Fronted by Leeds-based songwriter /singer Si Bristoll, Captain Wilberforce create instantly memorable melodies chock full of hooks and harmonies, taking influence from the last 50 years of pop. The band have had airplay on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Leeds and Radio Aire, and their songs have been synched to programmes on HBO, ITV and The Fashion Channel! The latest Captain Wilberforce album, When The Dust Just Won’t Settle, seamlessly shifts from angular post punk to softly orchestrated pastoral pop to anthemic rock.
Crafting Machines – A trio from Cambridge who craft moody guitar pop in many guises – sometimes melancholy, sometimes anthemic, sometimes folky, sometimes energetic and angsty…but all compelling. Check out their 2019 EP, The Fayre Tale, their slew of more recent singles, and their IPO showcase, to see and hear what we mean!
Dlugokecki – Sometimes a trio, sometimes a band, sometimes just the man himself, Dlugokecki (pronounced Der-Loo-Go-Ken-Ski) is, and has for over 15 years been, the outlet of singer/songwriter Ben Dlugokecki of Southampton, whose musical influences include David Gray, Paul Simon, Elbow, Tom McRae & Ed Harcourt. They’ve supported million-selling artists David Gray, Snow Patrol, Corinne-Bailey Rae, The Proclaimers and LuLu on their world tours, and performed at Stonehenge and atop the 3,200 foot summit of Mt. Snowden in Wales, and are always a joy to hear and see when they play IPO Liverpool. Their latest single, “The Optimist” recently spent two weeks at the number one spot on the South Coast Chart, and there’s a 7th full-length album due out in October, so watch for it!
Nick Frater – A Croyden-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist (and sometimes producer and label – under the name Great Shieks), Frater’s music lives in a land of ‘60s and ‘70s sophisticated pop, a nerdy interest in old keyboards/recording, and a “more is more” approach to production. In other words, he’s a perfect fit for IPO!! Case in point: his latest album, Aerodrome Motel, includes contributions from several other past and present IPO performers, such as Luke Smith (of Ulysses), Jamie Whelligan (see below), Kevin Robertson (of The Vapour Trails) and Scott Robertson (see below), and showcases Frater’s “…irrepressible penchant for engaging hooks and pop sensibilities…” (Richard Rossi, Power Pop News). If you love any of the aforementioned artists, or The Beach Boys, ELO, Jason Falkner, Paul McCartney, or David Myhr (and who reading this doesn’t?!), you need to check him out!
Micah Gilbert – Based in Uig, Highland, by way of Athens, Georgia, Gilbert’s songs have been appreciated on many levels for their distinct and memorable melodies, skillful, well crafted, intelligent lyrics, vivid images, catchy subtlety, and fine details. His latest single, “Colour Wheel,” spent several weeks last year in the Top 10 on the Radio Indie Alliance charts. Fans of Todd Rundgren, James Taylor, and George Harrison should check him out!
Holly Henderson – Putting her own twist on “baroque pop,” Kentish singer/songwriter/composer Henderson and her band create an immersive musical experience using bells, harpsichord, layers of intricate guitar work, her classic, rich voice, melodic harmonies and whimsical arrangements that throw you back in time, and into the future. Her latest album, The Walls, earned a very impressive and well-deserved four-stars from Shindig! Magazine! Finely crafted arrangements, sonic musings, and playful themes that take us on a journey with Henderson as she deconstructs her Britpop and classic influences and reassembles them into progressive-folk wonderment have us eagerly awaiting her IPO Liverpool debut!
The Jackal IV – Mix psychedelic jangle with a bit of punk, garage, and soul, and what do you get? Just one of the hottest new bands in Glasgow, made up the lead guitarist of the Vindicators joining forces with the rhythm section of The Goldenhour, who were one of our favorite bands of the 2000’s. Their recently released Hey Arthur ep is pure Garage Psych Punk for the 21st Century. We can hardly wait to see and hear them do their thing in their first IPO Liverpool performance as The Jackal IV!
Jacoby – We’re looking forward to welcome this London-based rock band back to IPO Liverpool. They’re led by Tommy Overington, former main man of The Rising, who’s recent CD, Are You Ready To Fly? was one of our faves of 2019. Jacoby is a little less mod and a bit more rock, which fans of artists such as The Who and The Move, as well The Rising, will enjoy. In addition to their singles, which you can hear of Spotify or YouTube, they’ve got a debut full-length album all recorded, and we can hardly wait to hear it!
Jody & The Jerms – Formed in Oxford in the Summer of 2019, Jody & The Jerms have been writing, recording and playing their blend of melodic and uplifting indie/alt rock ever since – with national airtime on Radio X (UK), Sirius XM (USA), RTVE (Spain) and multiple BBC-affiliated outlets. They made quite an impression at their first IPO Liverpool last year with their “…seemingly effortlessness melodies and choruses which embed themselves in your head for days” (XS Noise), so we’re thrilled to have them back as part of their summer tour promoting their just released third album, Wonder, which fans of artists such as Blondie and The Bangles will love!
The John Street Revival – Drawing Alt-Americana influences from the likes of The Band, Springsteen, Wilco and Tom Petty, their music is a rollicking, harmony-filled road trip straight from Macclesfield, UK, through the American heartland and up the California coastline (never mind that there’s an ocean in between). Their brand new self-titled album under their current name (they played for several years and released two previous albums under the name Field Manual) also brings in a touch of soul and highlights their joy in what they do!
Jubilee Years – An indie pop outfit from Essex who blend classic influences from the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s with modern Britpop and silky smooth vocals to create their own brand of hooky pop confections. Check out their recent EP, Now That We’re Older, and their IPO showcase to hear for yourself!
The Keepers – An Indie/Alternative Rock band based in Northampton, who are influenced by The Beatles, Supergrass, Suede, The Police, 10cc, T-Rex, David Bowie and The Smiths, and are proudly endorsed by Hofner Guitars. With a pedigree like that, how could we not have them at IPO Liverpool and The Cavern Club!
Kim & Lee – Otherwise known as the husband-and-wife dynamic duo of Kimberley Rew (of Katrina and the Waves and The Soft Boys) and bass player extraordinaire Lee Cave Berry, Kim and Lee play classic folk-edged blues rock with a pop sensibility. Their latest album, Purple Kittens, “…is an analog tour de force of songwriting and expert musicianship, delivered in numerous styles encompassing ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s rock and roll, folk and even jazz. Every song is an infectious ear worm that will compete for space in your cranium. When you get to the end, you’ll play it again” (Eric Sandberg, Knock and Knowall). Their IPO showcase is sure to put a smile on your face!
The Know Escape – The post-DC Fontana project of Mark Mortimer and Donald Ross Skinner, with songs that display a vivacious desire for freedom, and speak of love and loss in a frank way. The Know Escape promise songs that are more lysergic than before, that will blister and soothe in equal amounts. Their recently released debut album Running Through Chelsea (on Think Like A Key Records) “…is a crossroad of psychedelic, alternative, pop, rock and everything in between…” (Spill Magazine) featuring a veritable “who’s who” of indie pop persona guest contributors from across the globe, including Peter Daltrey (Kaleidoscope), Rick Reil (The Left Banke/The Grip Weeds), Luke Smith (Ulysses), and many more! Their IPO showcase promises to be a pop extravaganza not to be missed!
Last Breath – A band from Blackpool including brothers James and Tom Parkinson, who specialize in intense modern rock influenced by Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Black Stone Cherry, All Time Low, Paramore, Volbeat, Blink 182, Green Day, et al…but more melodic than any of them. The songs on their Heads Or Tails album are instantly addictive, and have us really looking forward to seeing them back again at IPO Liverpool to do their thing live!
The Len Price 3 – Hailing from the Medway Delta, their sound is forged in the Medway tradition, fusing driving energy, catchy hooks and a raw ‘60s garage edge. They’ve got five excellent CDs (if you don’t have their latest release, Ip Dip Do, you need to get it – now!), a brand new swanky 12” vinyl re-issue of their classic debut, Chinese Burn, and a live show that will blow you away and re-define what it is to be a power trio…as a testament to this fact, at one of their IPO Liverpool performances, the manager of another mod band was heard to say: “These are TOO GOOD…I’m gonna go home and cry!”
Little Wonder – The latest project of James Jeffries, who previously played IPO Liverpool as the main man of Sunshine Bloom, who brought a sonic pallet of progressive power pop in the fine tradition of artists such as Jellyfish, Big Star, and Wings, woven with rich textures, harmonies and melodies. Little Wonder trends more towards soulful jangle, while retaining all of the melodic pop sensibilities and Jeffries’ penchant for penning a crunchy hook. Their debut single is now available on YouTube and other fine streaming services!
Marseille – Five lads from Derbyshire here to save guitar pop one song at a time, their musical style is a fusion of Madchester with ‘60s Merseybeat and psychedelia. Think Oasis meets Stone Roses and The Rolling Stones…with a dash of sunshine pop.
Midland Railway – All aboard! Arriving as scheduled on a stage near you at IPO is Midland Railway, on track with a carriage full of noisy guitars, three-part vocal harmonies, quirky lyrics and barrel-scraping train related metaphors. This three-guys-and-a-gal quartet originally departing from Manchester play a form of nerdy folk-punk, influenced by the likes of Weezer, Bright Eyes, and The Smiths, and have timetabled a back catalogue of tunes on varied topics ranging from online football management, Pokémon, exes, currents, never-weres and punk clichés. One of the most fun and fun-loving bands we’ve had at the festival, and we’re excited to welcome them back!
Monza Express – A five-piece band from Aberdeen who draw from a variety of influences including The Beatles, Oasis, Bowie, The Who, and several others, depending upon which member of the band you ask. Their jaunty tunes, catchy riffs, and memorable lyrics have earned them a spot on many indie radio playlists across the UK, and have made them an audience favorite where ever they go…so don’t miss them at their IPO Liverpool debut!
Moonlight Parade – Comprised of five friends doing what they love, this south coast band draw their sonic palette from a wide array of influences, including The Beatles, The Kinks, Roxy Music, Echo and The Bunnymen, XTC, The Smiths, Radiohead, Doves, The Coral, and several others. Their third full-length album, What If?, has been recently made available on limited edition white 12” vinyl, and an 18-track compilation of songs from all of their albums, entitled Here Comes Moonlight Parade has been released in the US by Kool Kat Musik. “So Clear,” their brand new single, has also been getting some well-deserved attention and has been called “…a delicate piece of acoustic-led indie that merges chilled-out Britpop with lo-fi Americana…[that] sounds like if Tom Petty and Richard Ashcroft got together on a Sunday afternoon and decided to pen an ode to listlessness” (No Distance Records). Wow!
Mr. Magpie – Is it a time-travelling mystic? A talking bird? No, thankfully for IPO, Mr. Magpie is the name of a fabulous band from Sheffield who blend pretty 12-string jangle with pastoral pop whimsy and unexpected chord and tempo changes. Their debut album, The Magical World of Mr. Magpie, was kicked off with a bicycle tour from Sheffield to Liverpool, where the band strapped their guitars on their backs and stopped to gig along the way, and they’ve got some new recordings in the works that we can hardly wait to hear. Fans of The Byrds and Fairport Convention will dig them!
The Newds – An alt-pop sextet from Bolton whose passion for what they do is evident in their songs. “It’s as if The Newds have stumbled across a musical jumble sale, and they’ve picked up the threads of melody dropped off by the obvious greats like Harry Nilsson, Simon & Garfunkel, Lennon and Heather Mills’ ex-husband…” (Austin Collings). If this sounds too good to be true, just pick up a copy of their Drawing A Line album, which also pulls in influences from LOVE and Squeeze, and you too will understand why they’ve recently been getting lots of attention from the pop radio underground all over the world wide web!
Nine Violets – The hooks and harmonies of this Yorkshire-based sextet will instantly embed themselves in your brain! Their latest album, The Crazy Trilogy, will appeal to fans of The Beatles, ELO and Zappa! Plus, co-main man Matthew Johnson is also currently a member of The Fourmost. Yes, THAT Fourmost! A big IPO favourite!
The Occasional Orchestra – Purveyors of fine indie folk pop songs, this band of five men and one woman are making new friends at venues and festivals up and down the country, releasing critically acclaimed albums bulging with stories of humanity and joy, rooted in the UK past and present from the Sussex Downs to Peckham Rye. The combination of compelling hooks, sweet harmonies, insightful lyrics and accomplished musicianship on their latest release, Urban Foxes, has led them to be described as “The Mumford and Sons you don’t want to punch”, by Richard O’Hagan of RNR Magazine. Not that The Occasional Orchestra would hold with punching fellow musicians of course.
Andy Palmer – A London-based gent whose recent album, Take Courage, combines elements of mod with orchestral pop, psych pop, new wave, and all kinds of good stuff in between! Imagine Burt Bacharach taking a wild ride with The Jam, Elton John, Echo and The Bunnymen, Tears for Fears, and Stone Roses…and then turn it up loud!
The Pencils – “Shoulder-charging out of Hertfordshire in the early 80s, The Pencils exuded the unassailable confidence of a band that not only knew how incontestably brilliant they were, but also carried the conviction that the world was theirs…” (Oregano Rathbone, Record Collector Magazine) but of course, despite several well-received singles, that didn’t happen…at least not in the ‘80s! Fast forward to the present day and rejoice: The Pencils Anthology, a 27-track retrospective featuring their original singles and album, plus several never before released recordings, was released late last year by our good friends at Kool Kat Musik-to rave reviews: “Two CD’s jammed with delicious power pop sounds. The songs are hooky, the performances inspired and it’s rather amazing that this music has gone unheard until now” (John Borack, Goldmine Magazine). IPO is honored to host their 2nd public appearance since their “breakup” 40 years ago in 1983, celebrating the recent release of Redrawn: A Tribute to The Pencils, featuring 23 of the best power pop artists from around the globe (several of whom are also appearing at this year’s IPO Liverpool). A power pop extravaganza not to be missed!!
The Reeds – Hailing from Northampton, The Reeds have a shared love of music with influences ranging from The Beatles to Gomez and Radiohead to Blur. Their music has a distinctly British quality, incorporating close harmonies, stick-in-your-head choruses and intricate instrumental arrangements. Their third full-length album, What You Will, was released just prior to their IPO performance last year, and they’re working on songs for a new one which we can hardly wait to hear!
Michael Roberts – A Swansea-based artist who merits a listen (or two, or three…) by any self-respecting fan of ‘70s pop! His debut album, Suspended In This Space, features dynamic hooks garnished with dreamy lyrics that will take you to a magical place of Utopia, fantastically produced into a joyous experience, and his latest, There Is No Blue, picks up right where the debut left off. He and the band have a new album in the works, and have become one of our favorites that we look forward to seeing each year in Liverpool!
Scott Robertson – Robertson may be familiar to some as the lead guitarist of The Vapour Trails (see below), but he’s also a fine singer/songwriter in his own right, as just one listen to his recently released Footprints In The Butter album will attest. This young Aberdonian has clearly “… developed a musical maturity that has encompassed a world of ‘60s – ‘90s guitar-pop melodies, psyche-pop, and folk inflections, all of which are represented on this superb album that is drenched by omnipresent jangled riffs that emanate from his beloved midnight wine Fender Strat and an Eastwood offset guitar” (Darren Lee, founder of the Subjangle label).
Rubik’s Cube – A special IPO performance by a group of special kids, this Southampton based pop/rock choir use Makaton sign language while performing a wide array of pop songs. They’re managed and led by the irrepressible Ben Dlugokecki (see above), and have been wowing crowds at events all over England. Come check them out!
Searching For Sylvia – This South Yorkshire-based band has evolved from its folk/country/indie roots to create a body of work which can be best described as an eclectic mix of guitar-driven rock with true pop sensibilities. Their sets include all manner of frothy pop tunes; a well observed mix of ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s pop/rock which echoes American acts such as Big Star, Gigolo Aunts and The Gin Blossoms, UK bands such as Teenage Fanclub and Be-Bop Deluxe, and takes in newer influences along the way. Melody is king in both their live set and their recent Play That Song EP, and whether it’s a ‘dumb as you like’ rocker or a jangle pop ballad, you’re never more than a few seconds away from a tasty hook!
Senior Class – An Essex-based band with a focus on unearthing the beautiful sounds of the ‘60s and beyond, tipping the hat off to influences as diverse as garage, surf, beat, and pretty much everything in between…in other words, they were born to play IPO Liverpool! Whether breathing new life into classic ‘60s covers or performing their original tunes, they are sure to get the crowd up and dancing, and are quickly gathering some well-deserved media attention, including a February write up in the esteemed Shindig! Magazine by none other than John “Mojo” Mills himself! Just check out their debut single, “Fit Thighs & Pretty Eyes” (on 7” vinyl, of course!), and their sets at IPO Liverpool to see and hear them for yourself!
Sharp Class – A quintessentially British power trio consisting of Oliver Orton on guitar and lead vocals, Billy Woodfield on bass guitar and Declan Mills on the drums, who are quickly gathering attention across the globe, as their IPO Liverpool appearance comes on the heels of their return from their first US tour. The songs on their debut album, Tales of A Teenage Mind, are grounded in realism and spattered with a sly English wit, while seamlessly merging the illustrious DNA of Punk, Soul, Power-Pop, Britpop and Rock n’ Roll. We can hardly wait to see and hear them do their thing live!
Sheena Shine – Many at IPO may remember Shine as the exuberant front-woman of Cheshire’s Venus Rising, who played IPO Liverpool in 2019. Their debut album, Happy Daze, received BBC 6 Music and Radio Caroline airplay, and support from Tom Robinson, Kim Wilde and Mark Radcliffe. With Venus Rising, Shine shared stages with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Paul Carrack, Midge Ure, Paul Young and many more; whether fronting a band or doin’ it solo, Shine’s brand of folky upbeat pop-rock with some dance beats thrown in when warranted is sure to put a smile on your face!
The Side – An infectious rock band from the Scottish Highlands, The Side draws influences from the likes of The Beatles, Ben Folds Five, and Ocean Colour Scene, and have been garnering great praise from press and fans alike: “A Great band from the highlands, The Stone Roses meets Ben Folds Five with dazzling results” (Daily Record). They’ve got several singles up on multiple fine digital platforms, and are working towards the release of an EP. We are definitely ready (and eagerly waiting) to see and hear them again at IPO!
Spygenius – Inspired by bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Robyn Hitchcock, Spygenius offer ultra-melodic music with a light ‘60s influence. The Canterbury-based four-piece play original guitar-based pop for people with an appreciation for harmonies and clever wordplay….and who among us can’t appreciate that!? You can experience their unique brand of jangle pop madness on Man On The Sea, an ambitious double-album that earned several year-end best-of list mentions in 2020, including “Album of the Year” from Here Comes The Flood, or on their 2021 album, Blows Their Covers, which pays homage to their wide variety of influences, both classic and contemporary. Their latest original album, Jabbernowl, on Big Stir Records, is a heady brew of deep emotional themes with their free-wheeling spirit, resplendent love of language, hooks and harmonies for which they are beloved. As good as they are on record, they are truly at their best when live, so don’t miss their IPO showcase!
The Stayawakes – A south-coast power pop quartet delivering big-hearted jams and sweet harmonies with a visceral live energy, and more volume than is strictly necessary. Their latest album, Pop Dreamz, is available digitally, on CD, and on neon-pink 12” vinyl, and will appeal to fans of Weezer, Green Day, and past IPO artists, Farrah, Maroon 5 and Phantom Planet!
Thee Strawberry Mynde – This band of North East UK mod/psych/garage poppers have previously supported the likes of The James Taylor Quartet, The Bellrays, The Space Agency, The Godfathers and Galileo 7, and have several singles and EPs to their credit. But we think their brand of alternatingly sweet and gruff vocals, soulful guitar riffs, and keyboard fueled psychedelic mayhem will fit in perfectly at IPO, and look forward to welcoming them to the IPO family!
The Suncharms – A Sheffield based indie/shoegaze band formed in 1990, who draw on their roots in the ‘90s ambient dreampop movement but mix in some cool fizzy guitar power pop for a result that is…pardon the pun…both sunny and charming. Check out the 2016 self-titled retrospective of their various singles, put out by Cloudberry Records in 2016 or their long-awaited 2021 debut album, Distant Lights, available on Sunday Records and Spotify.
The Vapour Trails – With a love for chiming guitars and pretty harmonies, Aberdeen’s The Vapour Trails are a jangle-pop band with tendencies toward the psychedelic. Not to be pigeon-holed to their ‘60s influences from the likes of The Byrds, Beatles, CSNY and Love, they also take cues from artists such as The La’s, The Stone Roses, The Smiths and The Rain Parade. The result is a heady, harmonious swirl of jangle that will tangle itself around your brain. Just one listen to their latest Futureman Records release, Underneath Tomorrow, will turn you into an instant fan (if you don’t already know and love them)! Fans of The Vapour Trails will also want to check out main man Kevin Robertson’s brand- new solo album, Magic Spells Abound, the solo IPO sets from lead guitarist, Scott Robertson (see above), and be on the lookout for a new Vapour Trails EP to be released soon!
The Viewers – A Cornish rock four-piece who found the world lacking in the kind of music they wanted to listen to themselves, so they did something about it, and we are certainly glad that they did! They play ‘60s-influenced original music, inspired by iconic names such as The Beatles, The Byrds, The Kinks and The Hollies. They’ve got several albums and EPs to their credit, the latest being 2022’s When The Jokes Have All Been Said, which is a bit more serious than their previous work, while losing none of the jangle and harmonies! They’re back in 2023 with a new lease on life (main man Paul Eustace is a recent cancer survivor) and a brand-new lineup (including keyboardist David Bellingham), and we can hardly wait to see and hear them do their thing again at IPO!
The Weekend Offenders – The latest guise of singer/songwriter/arranger/harmony-maker Anthony Rivers, who comes by his talents naturally, being the son of the great Tony Rivers of Harmony Grass fame. Rivers currently bases himself in Lincolnshire and he and his band can do everything from blues to power pop and sunshine pop and everything in between. We never know exactly what he and his band will do, but we know it will be great!
Whelligan – A London-based band with Merseyside roots, Whelligan is the musical incarnation of singer/songwriter Jamie Whelligan, a pop troubadour in the classic late ‘60s mode: A busker on the London Underground, an actor in arthouse film, and a voice compared to Paul Heaton and Scott Walker. Whelligan’s songs mine that English vein of quirky, psychedelic guitar pop that Merseyside bands are famous for. With songs spinning effortlessly from one thing to another, fans of XTC, Syd Barrett, and Rutles won’t be disappointed. Check out his latest album, In The Mean Meantime, to hear for yourself!
International Artists
The Arcadeans – Take Phil Lynott’s energy, Eric Clapton’s melody and Keith Richard’s subtlety, blend for four minutes and add course helpings of Nic Cester’s (Jet) vocals, and you get The Arcadeans, a four-piece melodic rock and indie blues band from Cork, Ireland. Fans of KISS and AC/DC will also appreciate their Miles & Miles EP!
The Beautiful Art of Decay – Influenced by The Velvet Underground, The Stooges, and Ziggy Stardust era Bowie, this Stockholm quintet are “the other ones…the ones on the other side of the street…the ones your mother warned you about”…in other words, they write and play great rock n’ roll. Check out their debut, We Are The Other Ones, and their latest, Sounds of a Promising Future EP to hear for yourself!
Janne Borgh Fanclub – Whether solo or in any of his band incarnations, Borgh certainly knows his way around a great melody and a catchy hook! He was a member of the first Swedish mod-revival band, The Moderns, who released an album on EMI-Parlophone and toured the UK with Echo & The Bunnymen in 1980. Fans of classic power pop and Americana bands – from The Beatles, Badfinger, and Big Star to The Records, The Replacements, Tom Petty and Cheap Trick – will love his new rockin’ outfit and their brand new self-titled album. We’re glad to welcome him back to IPO!
Jim Camacho – The Miami-based multi-talented artist is renowned for his exceptional songwriting, musical prowess, and production skills. He rose to prominence as a member of The Goods, a band that set the bar high with their release of five albums, each more exceptional than the last. Beginning with Play RIP Music in 1989 and ending with Good Things Are Coming in 1998, the band’s music was produced by legendary producer Tom Dowd, known for his work with iconic artists like Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He’s continued to flourish as a solo artist, with several singles in recent years, and a brand-new re-issue of his iconic 2009 album Beachfront Defeat, an album which exemplifies Camacho’s unique ability to fuse pop elements with profound emotions, set to release later in June on Think Like A Key Records.
Caper Clowns – A quintet of young Danes from Odense who made an immediate splash on Danish radio and the world-wide power pop blog underground with the release of their debut, The Buca Bus, late in 2016! The lead single, “Pockets”, was immediately chosen as the “weekly hit tip” on Danish national radio station DR P4, and received much airplay. Their follow up, A Salty Taste To The Lake, has been called “simply delicious indie power pop” and easily rose to the top of several 2018 “best of” lists. Their latest, Abdicate The Throne, “…not only hits the heights of previous offerings, but it reveals a lot of hidden depths” (I Don’t Hear A Single). With multiple comparisons to the likes of McCartney, Crowded House, ELO and Jellyfish, and the possibility we’ll get to hear some of the new material they’ve been working on since we last saw them, it’s understandable why they have quickly become a fan favorite fixture at IPO Liverpool!
Cheap Star – A French/Swiss band (from Annecy and Geneva) who describe themselves as a Pop/ Folk Rock band for lovers of Nada Surf, The Lemonheads, The Posies, and Teenage Fanclub, which (of course!) we found instantly intriguing…but these guys also have the goods to back up their lofty comparisons! “Cheap Star’s dreamy vocals and urgent guitars pick up where the Posies left off in the search for the perfect guitar pop, and also visit the Country for some lovely acoustic songs with a tiny drop of Nashville twang. Their current step puts them more in line with heartache of Mssrs. Chilton, Bell & Parsons…” (Ken Stringfellow). Check out their Wish I Could See album and their IPO showcase if you don’t believe us or Mr Stringfellow!
Circles – A mod-punk-pop band from Chicago who were on their way to greatness, when college and the allure of pop stardom collided to end the band. Now they’re back for their 2nd straight IPO Liverpool, better than ever, and we’re all the better for it!
James Clark Institute – The musical outlet of Toronto-based 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 takes the power pop traditions of The Beatles, Jellyfish and Split Enz and combines them with the high IQ lyrics of Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. The result makes him one of Canada’s greatest unsung songwriters” (Moe Berg). Need we say any more?
Steven Delisi – A Chicago-based musician and songwriter with a background in theater and film production whose former band, Phenomenal Cat, blended his pop/punk sensibilities with experimental music and the Russian folk influences of his band mates. In his current project, The Thin Cherries (who played for us at IPO Chicago in April), he’s teamed up with Mark Lofgren, one of the founders of psychedelic pop/rock mainstays The Luck of Eden Hall, who have toured Europe and released music on a variety of independent labels, including Headspin Records and Fruits de Mer Records. Their shared love for bands like Blur, The Replacements and the Smiths can clearly be heard on their latest release as The Thin Cherries, On Moose Island.
Eoin Dolan – A songwriter and producer with eight albums to his credit, he hails from Galway on the west coast of Ireland and “makes eerily melodic psych-pop imbued with incredible individuality, matching Syd Barrett’s cracked style against Brian Wilson’s pristine pop” (Robin Murray,
Ex-Norwegian – Another fine Miami-based band on the Think Like A Key label, Ex-Norwegian is an irreverently quirky rock group driven by singer-songwriter Roger Houdaille, and captures many the ears and hearts of those who come across them. They’ve released several albums and singles since forming in 2008 and do not show signs of slowing down, despite remaining firmly “underground”. Their extensive catalog of music lives and breathes the ethos of the 60s & 70s – from retro slacker garage jams, to quirky, deconstructive pop songs. Their thirteenth full length album, last year’s Spook Du Jour, has a vintage rock vibe, while remaining strikingly original. They’ve also recently released a nifty “three-for” entitled On The Sidelines which contains largely re-mixed and re-mastered versions of their 2015 – 2017 albums. If they’ve slipped under your radar before, you owe it to yourself to get acquainted with them now!
Lannie Flowers – Flowers, both with and without the band with whom he shares his name, has played IPO in many a city, from LA to Vancouver to Stockholm, including several previous appearances at IPO Liverpool, earning fans across the globe with their in-your-face guitars and equally in-your-face sweet vocal harmonies, delivered with punch and panache. His latest album, Flavor of The Month, is a joint release by his local label, SpyderPop, based in Arlington, Texas, and Burbank’s Big Stir Records. The album is a collection of tunes originally released as singles throughout the buildup to releasing his previous album, Home, all lovingly and expertly re-recorded. As long-time fans already know and new converts are sure to discover, Flowers consistently delivers. “Big Hooks, bigger choruses and melody at its core, Flavor Of The Month works as a stand-alone album. Pop Rock / Guitar Pop at its very best” (I Don’t Hear A Single). No wonder it made its way onto a number of 2022 year end “best of” lists!
Fugitive Billionaire – A “bi-coastal” band with members residing in both San Francisco, California, and Indianapolis, Indiana, who only just played their first gig in front of live people in March. But thanks to the powers of the internet, being scattered across the US hasn’t hampered their ability to write and record some sweet melodic and slightly quirky power pop, as evidenced by their recent self-titled demo EP. We’re glad they’ve chosen to make IPO Liverpool one of their rare live “reunion” performances!
The Greeting – One of the many projects of Richard Öhrn, guitarist for Uppsala jangle pop darlings, In Deed, who played IPO Liverpool in 2018 and 2019. Think big guitars, big melodies, and catchy choruses with a few surprising twists and turns, with nods to punk, Britpop, and of course, powerpop. Or better yet, check out their self-titled EP and their IPO showcase.
Harvest Road – A new Dutch Indie Pop/Indie Rock band who write refreshing music using traditional rock instruments such as drums, guitar and bass, combined with modern lush key/synth sounds and powerful female vocals. Live, the band brings a varied set of up-tempo guitar songs, ambient spherical tunes and piano ballads. Fans of Pat Benatar, PJ Harvey, and Alanis Morissette should check them out!
The Jeremy Band – The eponymous band led by one of the most genuine, unique 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; you can hear this for yourself on any of his recent CDs (he’s released over 60 of them, so it’s hard to keep up with which is the latest!) This Kalamazoo, Michigan resident 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, released on Big Stir Records, showcases them at their delightfully zany and melodic best! And we’re delighted to learn that they are nearly finished recording the next Trike Shop album, and can’t wait to see and hear what they do next! Definitely something a little bit different!
Rick Kingo – IPO audiences will likely recognize Kingo as one of the main singer/songwriter/guitarists in Caper Clowns (see above), so there’s no doubt he knows his way around a great melody and catchy beat. But did you know he’s also been working on a solo project, including a debut EP, for the past few months? Well, he has, and is ready to step into the spotlight in his own sets at IPO Liverpool. Expect something a little more personal, in a ‘60s style folk pop rock coffee house kinda way, but certainly still melodic and fun!
Lora & The Stalkers – Fronted by the singer/guitarist Lora and the multi-instrumentalist songwriter Alex Meozzi, the Rome-based quartet bring you indie/power pop/garage rock mixing laid-back ‘60s psychedelia and dreamy bedroom pop with post-punk energy and seriousness with childish mischief. Their latest album, No Desire Control, will appeal to fans of artists from Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and The Beach Boys to Siouxsie and the Banshees or The Clash. We look forward to welcoming them to their first IPO Liverpool!
The Malibooz – Walter Egan and John Zambetti are celebrating 50 years making beautiful music together as The Malibooz. Formed in the “surf-mecca” of New York City, The Malibooz proved to be a major attraction on the Eastern seaboard from 1964-66, including appearances at The New York State World’s Fair. First, at the New York State Pavilion and then as part of the first color TV broadcast live from the RCA Pavilion. They’ve since enjoyed careers both separately and together including multiple albums, appearances, film and TV scores, and of course Egan’s top 10 Billboard hit, “Magnet and Steel” (which the band still play live). Their latest album, QE2, the follow up to their previous album, Queen’s English, was mastered at Abbey Road Studios, and continues the theme of original tunes in the ‘60s British Invasion style, topped off with The Malibooz’ gorgeous harmonies.
Mansfield – The band makes their home in Copenhagen, but takes its name after Mansfield, a former coal mining town in the East Midlands of England. Both visually and musically, the quartet takes the audience on a journey back to the early ‘60s, with their trademark retro-cool mod-style suits and energetic performances. The music is honest, direct and instantly appealing, cleverly fusing contemporary rock with the legendary ‘60s Mersey sound, and elements of Motown, resulting in catchy and to-the-point songs that ooze of toe-tapping energy. So far, 7 out of 11 tracks from their debut album, Star-Crossed Lovers, have been played on Danish national radio, and the album itself was awarded “Album of the Week” on radio station P5, and receiving 4 and 5 star reviews in which critics have compared the band to The Beatles, Oasis and The Kinks, as well as Danish rock band The Beatophonics. Pretty impressive, but also very well deserved – come see and hear them for yourself at their 2nd straight IPO Liverpool!
Marlovers – Soaring catchy choruses, neuron-tingling chord changes, and melodies that shift in mood and tempo between Abba-esque power pop and twee-edged jangle pop…what’s not to love? Marlovers latest album, Antarctica, has got it all, making the quintet our new favorite band from Illes Balears, Spain!
Paul McCann – Cavan, Ireland-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist McCann comes to IPO Liverpool on the heels of the release of his latest album, Alter Ego, which was named “Album Of The Month” for March by FinbarHobanPresents.com and has been getting quite a bit of well-deserved praise. “Alter Ego is a beautifully varied pop album. Pure Power Pop alternates totally natural with Rufus Wainwright/John Grant-esque wizardry” (Patrick Donders, Sweet Sweet Music Blog). Check it out!
Meadowlake – A young indie band from Groningen, The Netherlands who’s single, “Dead Man on the Payroll”, was number one in the Dutch Indie Chart, and was also chosen as the Best Song of 2018. The band’s latest album, Wait For Me, has been called “Tranquility and arrested beauty in one” by none other than The New York Times! They’ve also begun working on new material for a third album and new shows as a more stripped down – but no less rockin’ three-piece, and we can hardly wait to see them at their first IPO Liverpool in their new format. Definitely not your average indie rock/dreampop/shoegazer band (although fans of all those forms of pop and rock will dig ‘em)!
Dan Miraldi – Best known for his power-pop and retro rock-inspired works, the two-time John Lennon Songwriting Contest Finalist has shared show bills with an eclectic bunch of performers such as J. Roddy Walston & the Business, Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, the Wailers, the Trews, Wally Bryson of the Raspberries, Beatle offspring James McCartney, Family of the Year, Blackalicious, the Cool Kids, Fiery Furnaces, and even Wang Chung, and is making the trek from his New York home to his personal mecca, aka Liverpool, for IPO. His latest full-length album, Radio Friendly Darling, has been digitally released on his Bandcamp page, and is quite aptly named. His brand new single, “Glow Girl” has been also been getting some radio play, including by Little Steven van Zandt on his Underground Garage broadcast.
MOM – A quartet from Malmo, Sweden, offering classic sweet bubblegum / power pop just the way we like it! Think of The Rubinoos, The Knack, The Ramones and Cheap Trick all rolled into one…or better yet, check out their Fun n’ Games EP on 7” vinyl or your favorite streaming service, and their IPO showcase!
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 LA Weekly! His recent albums Out To Sea 4 and Jangle showcase his wide ranging talent as a prog rock arranger and instrumentalist who can also write an insanely catchy power pop tune. We’ve dubbed him “The Zelig of Pop”, because if it happens, he’s somewhere in the picture…so of course he had to turn up on an IPO Liverpool lineup at some point…and here he is!
Christine B Phelan – As lead singer/writer with indie band Parallel, Phelan released two studio albums, after which she set forth as a solo singer-songwriter. Her debut EP, Sapphire, consists of elements of folk, blues, pop and country, depicting influences such as Gillian Welsh, Lucinda Williams, Imelda May and Sheryl Crow. Mind Games, the second EP from this Cork County, Ireland, songstress adds a touch of gypsy whimsy that fans of Fleetwood Mac will love!
Alain Pire Experience – The lefty guitarist Alain Pire received a PhD for his thesis on ‘60s British psych music – he continues his devotion for that period with his psychedelic trio from Marchin, Belgium. Their aim is to restore the spirit of psych bands from the ‘60s such as Cream, Tomorrow, Beatles circa ‘66/’67, Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd, Blossom Toes, The Syn, The Open Mind, etc., and their latest album, Purple Skies, does so quite nicely, while also adding a touch of prog rock flavour that fans of Rush and Led Zeppelin will love!
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 Therapy! A new one is also in the works and we can hardly wait to hear it!
Matt Purcell – Purcell had played in a number of bands in his former home of Sydney, Australia, including his ‘90s project, Clover, with whom he played a reunion show at IPO Liverpool last year to celebrate the release of their overdue debut album, Over & Over, before stepping out under his own name and relocating to Dublin, Ireland, where he now makes his home. His debut solo album, Silver Man, combined influences from folk-rock to powerpop and is appreciated by fans of Wilco, Big Star, and traditional Irish folk, receiving favourable reviews by Hotpress Magazine for the debut single from the album, “Carry Me Home.” Purcell’s new album, Message To You, evokes the sound of the great ‘60s Beat groups, powerpop luminaries, and early Italian rock n’ rollers. A prolific and engaging performer, regardless of what style of pop he happens to be doing!
The Seasongs – A power pop band from Madrid who add a mixture of folk, garage and psychedelia to their sound, influenced by bands like The Who, The Kinks, The Beatles, David Bowie, The Byrds, Small Faces, The Creation, Led Zeppelin, Supergrass, Ocean Colour Scene, etc, etc…it’s no wonder that the songs on all of their work bring to mind the British pop sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but mixed with a sunny Spanish flair! Their latest full-length album, destellos, released in 2019, is their best one yet! They’ve got a brand new one that we can hardly wait to hear set to be released in a few months, but a teaser single should be available by the time you read this!
Slumberjet – Dublin-based purveyors of finely tuned powerpop, led by Barry O’Brien, who has played IPO both as a solo artist and with the band, Slumberjet has drawn comparison to the likes of Elvis Costello, The Beach Boys, and XTC! For their most recent album, World of Sound, O’Brien has teamed up with producer par excellence, Duncan Maitland (who has previously worked with XTC, Pugwash and Colin Hare, and has also previously performed his own material at IPO Liverpool). The result is a collection of should be hit singles that pop fans everywhere will adore!
Pablo Solo – After years of performing in the Puzzles (who played IPO Liverpool in 2009), the songwriter/musician from Santander, Spain, has stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight – emerging as a solo artist. His first LP, Alondras, became one of the most critically acclaimed indie albums in Spain of 2020, and his latest, Solo Sings Simon, is a fortuitous collaboration between Solo and John Simon (producer of the Band, Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel…) of which Shindig! declares, “The results are magnificent!” Yet another great artist on the Think Like A Key label.
Stephen’s Ruin – Pure pop for now people is the best way to describe the sound of Stephen’s Ruin, six young friends from Dusseldorf who love making music together. The music is influenced by beat and punk bands from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, short songs, catchy melodies and polyphonic chants, characterized by their infectious melodies with a lot of energy. Songs from both their debut album, Never Too Late, and their latest, Somewhere Else, have been garnering air play on the international internet radio circuit. As good as their songs are on record, live they really bring on the gas, so we can’t wait to see them in their first IPO Liverpool performance!
Steve Stoeckel (of The Spongetones) – Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, for decades Stoeckel has been penning and performing highlight compositions with his legendary band, on duo recordings with fellow Spongetone Jamie Hoover, and most recently as part of the far-flung collective POP CO-OP. His appearance at IPO Liverpool comes on the heels of releasing his long-overdue solo LP, The Power of and (on Big Stir Records) earlier this year; a rare opportunity for fans old and new to experience his subtle genius. The songs on the album, galloping rockers and bucolic idylls alike, are textbook studies in heartfelt songwriting economy. Each one packs a stunning wealth of melody and strikingly original imagery and wordplay into their brief run times, with the full 15-track record clocking in at a breezy 37 minutes. There’s not a note or a word out of place and it’s all instantly memorable, inviting another spin as soon as the pyrotechnics of the closing track end with a resounding bang.
Vanilla – This band made up of Seattle-Tacoma music veterans features Jayson Jarmon and Scott McPherson (also the principal songwriters of Liar’s Club), Sean Gaffney, and Dana Sims (The Jet City Fix), along with a combination of players who make up the “Tiny-Vanillacano Club” family of Tacoma pop bands — members of Vanilla, Tiny Volcano, and Liar’s Club! Their debut self-titled CD has been compared to a variety of pop legends, such as The Association, Wings, and Jellyfish, while their recently released Sideshow adds some cool experimental and angular pop flourishes without losing one bit of the melodicism! Following the same formula of one song per month until, lo and behold, they have an album, that they used to assemble Sideshow, they’ve turned their considerable talents to paying homage to the year ’77 with some fab new disco-soul inflected pop confections for their brand-new album, 77! We eagerly look forward to seeing and hearing them do their thing live at IPO!
The Wends – With songs that shift from jangly arpeggios to sharper post-punk guitars, and from a melodic singing to shouted, more expressive vocals, The Wends will appeal to indie pop fans of all shapes and sizes. Their
Danny Wilkerson – He’s been a Mayor, a Pickle, and a Pengwin. He’s from Ft Worth, TX, but has 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 didn’t check off his bucket list until 2018. With the release of his most excellent, 10-song debut – simply titled Wilkerson – he can now add that to his wealth of accomplishments! The album is anything but simple, as it’s filled with an abundance of intricate harmonies and lush arrangements to dazzle the senses, and is very deserving of the high ranks it received on many a year end “best of” list! If you don’t yet own it, you should!