IPO San Diego 2023

 
Click on artist name to go to their music page
 
CLICK HERE to see IPO San Diego 2023 Artist Yearbook Photos
 

Artists From San Diego

 
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 grrrl roots, as well as her ear for a fine pop melody. Her brand new album, Tiny Injuries, has been released just in time for her IPO San Diego showcase!
 
Casino Spanish Eyes – The latest project featuring Matt Mincey, formerly of Suite 100, Casino Spanish Eyes offer thoughtful and sophisticated stylish pop – pure joy for the senses! A debut album is in the works, so watch for it!
 
Hector Penalosa (of Flying Color) – Penalosa has long been a fixture on the California music scene scene as the frontman of ‘80s power pop band, Flying Color, and a member of The Zeros, Squiddo, My Revenge, and The Baja Bugs (several of which have appeared at past renditions of IPO San Diego). His recently released solo record, My Beautiful Tragedy, has been described as “…a top down, drive across the desert, in love with America masterpiece…” (Sioux Guitars). Wow!
 
Steve Rosenbaum – With influences ranging from The Raspberries and Big Star to The Banana Splits, Rosenbaum is a pop-meister of the highest order, offering jangly whimsical tunes that are sure to make you smile. His “…monumental collection Have a Cool Summer! is like a message in a bottle that’s suddenly washed ashore… Get ready for a ‘great lost album’ experience because Rosenbaum’s songs are tight hooky little masterpieces…” (PopRockRecord.com). The album was named one of the “25 Must-Have LPs of 2021” by PopRockRecord.com and appeared on several other year end “best of” lists (including mine!), so we can’t wait to see and hear him play these songs live at IPO San Diego!
 
The Scott Samuels Band – Samuels has played IPOs in both San Diego and LA under his own name and as the leader of Roxy Monoxide. His flair for fine melodies and ability to turn just about any thought or experience into a hook for a great song lyric – as well as his support and help with IPO San Diego – are very much appreciated! His sixth and newest album, Starlight and Sunshine, showcases his love of ‘70s power pop and glam!
 
Super Buffet – Inhabiting the nexus of driving garage rock and earnest indie sensibility, Super Buffet evokes a spirited pillow fight between King Kahn and Jonathan Richman, while “96 Tears” plays in the background. Super Buffet is about bringing short, sharp, sing-able songs to the masses or whomever shows up. Check out their IPO showcase and latest digital EP, Laundry Money, to see and hear for yourself!
 
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 hear their brand new EP, Based on True Events, and see them do their thing live!
 
True Stories – A classic styled pop group, featuring four music scene veterans: Manual Scan and Shambles main main Bart Mendoza (vocals,guitar) , David Fleminger (keys,vocals, guitar) , Danny Cress (drums) and Orrick Smith (bass). Collectively the members of True Stories have been in every type of combo, from mod to country, and this band is the culmination of that experience. Their Mendoza-penned originals range from bluesy keyboard workouts to plaintive ballads, the unifying factor being a real dedication to hook filled songcraft. They are also known to have a lot of fun with a wide range of classic tunes, so don’t be surprised to see them throw a cover or two into their set! Which one(s) will they do??…you’ll have to come to their IPO Showcase to find out!
 
 

Artists From Outside of San Diego

 
The Bluebell Smile – They’re reluctant to be labelled, but if Jack White hitched a lift with Kurt Cobain in Eddie Van Halen’s truck, while Thom Yorke served them at a drive-thru and Led Zeppelin looked on from under the shade of a Joshua tree, you’d get The Bluebell Smile. Their debut EP, E.T.S.A. showcases their ability to blend classic rock n’ roll, indie and alt-rock, with a touch of pop and prog, and turn it into something all their own. Pretty impressive for a bunch of guys barely in their 20s – come see and hear what all the buzz is about!
 
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!
 
The Living Roomers – A trio from LA who do unabashedly in-your-face new wave punk rock with a touch of grunge and a whole lotta good vibes and fun times. Think Blondie meets Nirvana, and you get the general idea…or better yet, come check out their IPO showcase!
 
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.