IPO Liverpool 2024

 
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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 latest single, “Wait For Me To Come Around” is available on all fine music streaming platforms.
 
Andy Bellis – Bellis has been performing around Merseyside and North Wales for a number of years, engaging audiences with a mixture of covers and originals. “…but it’s the vocal that wows! Such a range, from low, grating tones with a raspiness, to full, loud and real angst ridden sounds…it’s haunting, atmospheric and you can literally feel the spectrum of emotions conveyed during each song” (Janet Harding, All Music Magazine).
 
Bright Town – “Hopelessly in thrall to the pure power of song and hopeful of the path that music has thrown in front of them, Bright Town – led by principal songwriter Tom Corfield – have gently and determinedly cultivated songs rooted deeply in both the curious, and occasionally cracked human psyche and the library of classic records that play in their heads” (FrontView Magazine). The driving rhythms, catchy melodies, and bursts of harmony on their Smithereens! EP will appeal to fans of McCartney and ELO.
 
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!
 
Phillip Henninghan – Singer, songwriter, musician, poet: Henninghan has been passionate about music and song since he was a lad, and has written over 600 songs to date. Mixing influences from classic rock and pop with indie and folk, his style will appeal to fans of artists from George Harrison and Rick Springfield to John Mayer and The Grateful Dead (!). Recently signed to Meadows Records UK, expect to see and hear great things from this former frontman of the band Elermence as he steps out as a solo artist.
 
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!
 
Leonie Jakobi – Born and raised in Dreieich, Germany, Jakobi relocated to Liverpool in 2018 to further her international music career. The songs on her brand-new EP, Nothing More To Say, are influenced by artists such as Suzi Quatro, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, and Belinda Carlisle, and inspired by her own experience and observations. She is also a dynamic live performer who loves nothing more than to connect with a live audience, so come see her at her first IPO Liverpool!
 
Jumada – Led by the irrepressible Junior Dayvis, singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor, and host of the Craft Punkz open mic nights in Stockton Heath, Jumada are a Runcorn-based rock band with a wide array of influences. Their music is an amalgamation of everything from classic rock and pop to R&B, jazz, folk, and a little reggae thrown in for flavour!
 
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’ 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 back for the second year in a row as part of our IPO Liverpool festival lineup!
 
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 and We. Only. Kill. Evil EP!
 
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 out her IPO showcase and pick up a copy of her brand-new debut album, Growing Pains.
 
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.
 
Lucy Starr – This hardworking indie singer/songwriter/guitarist was born in Yorkshire, but now resides in Liverpool, and can be seen busking all over the northern UK and heard on over 30 radio stations, including BBC Introducing and iHeart Radio. All five songs from her debut EP, Bittersweet, have received radio play, and her latest single, “Pull The Rug,” has recently earned the #1 spot on aBreak Music! With her haunting vocal quality and powerful anthemic lyrics, we can’t wait to see and hear her do her thing at IPOs Liverpool and Stockholm!
 
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. Their latest album, Reverse Life Forward, features an energised and highly post punk-influenced, stripped back, minimal sound where the individual guitar and vocal stylings of Dave and Lauren really stand out.
 
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’ve been inducted to the HMV Liverpool “Wall of Fame” and are preparing for the release of their highly anticipated third album, Portmanteau, later this summer. The album is now available for pre-order on their website, but if you can’t wait to hear some of the new songs, then come out to their IPO showcase!
 
 

UK Artists From Outside of Liverpool

 
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!
 
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. Their brand-new single, “Holding On,” will be released just ahead of their IPO showcase!
 
Cassie23 – Way back in 1978, when power pop was king, Cassie were regulars on the Isle of Wight gigging circuit. Their only single, “Change My Image”, languished in obscurity until it was discovered and re-released by New York’s Reminder Records to a public yearning for their combination of sweet vocals and punchy guitar jangle…so much so that the band have reunited after 40 years, are once again writing and performing their classic catchy power pop, with a brand-new album, Back In The Band. We can’t wait to hear and see them do their thing at IPO!
 
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.
 
Dropkick – Sibling harmonies reminiscent of The Everly Brothers, sparkling pop guitars, and soft pop melodies with a touch of twang have earned this band from Edinburgh the title “Scotland’s finest alt-country power-pop band.” (Tom Morton, BBC Radio Scotland). Fans of The Jayhawks, Teenage Fanclub, and The Lemonheads will also love Dropkick’s latest album, The Wireless Revolution, released in April 2023, and will hungrily devour their extensive back catalog! “Those who have yet to latch onto them are surely missing something special…Indie, powerpop, accomplished harmonies, alt.country tendencies. What’s not to love?” (The Herald). They’ve been a favorite of IPO audiences whenever they’ve played the festival in the past, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back!
 
The Fast Camels – Glasgow is a veritable fountain of psychedelic garage music, and these guys are quintessential purveyors of that sound. Their trippy, ‘60s-inspired sounds bring to mind such bands as early Pink Floyd, Love and The Byrds. They’ve been scarfing up airplay and fans in the UK, US, and Europe since the release of their 2007 debut album, The Magic Optician. Their latest album, Full Of Strange, adds just a touch of early ‘70s-inflected experimental prog-rock, all while kicking the psychedelic jangle and harmonies up to 11! If you don’t already know them and love them, you must come to their shows at IPO Liverpool to see and hear for yourself why they’ve become a perennial favorite at the festival of both fans and fellow performers alike!
 
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, Bovouac, encompasses a wide array of ‘60s and ‘70s influences from powerpop to orchestral pop to prog, and includes contributions from several other pop luminaries and past IPO performers, such as Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (or Jellyfish), Luke Smith (of Ulysses), and Joe Kane (of The Poppermost). 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!
 
Nick Garrie – “Lost legends don’t come much more romantically obscure than Nick Garrie. The Yorkshireman’s 1969 debut, The Nightmare of JB Stanislas, is a symphonic rock masterpiece rivalling baroque classics by the likes of The Left Banke and The Zombies” (Chris Twomey, Shindig! Magazine). His latest studio album, The Moon and The Village, is more in the baroque folk vein, and is stunning in its apparent simplicity. He’s teamed up with some of the most prolific and ingenious of today’s crop of pop-meisters (including Nick Frater, above), and we can’t wait to see and hear what he’s got up his sleeve for this very special IPO performance!
 
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 left us quite impressed at her IPO debut last year, and have us eagerly awaiting her return!
 
Scott Hepple and The Sun Band – A quintessentially British psych/garage rock band from New Castle Upon Tyne, Scott Hepple and The Sun Band evoke the riff-heavy late ‘60s and early ‘70 sound of such bands as Pink Floyd, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, and The Who. Their brand-new album, Lammas, will be released by the time you read this!
 
James Holt – Bolton-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, James Holt has long been championed by music industry giants, such as legendary producer Brian Eno, and the listening public alike. “With an arresting voice that is reminiscent of John Lennon or early Bob Dylan, wily lyrics and an upbeat weave of rock, prog and blues, it’s obvious to see why his remarkable music is turning heads” (Manchester Evening News). He’s got several fine EPs and recently released YouTube singles that leave us eagerly awaiting both his IPO appearance and – we hope – a full length album.
 
The Information Highway – Just five humans traveling the road from Manchester, bringing love, peace and jangle…with a touch of funk, soul, and freakbeat thrown in for good measure! A debut EP is in the works, so watch for it!
 
It’s Karma It’s Cool – Any band led by James Styring is gonna be good, but It’s Karma It’s Cool is – pun fully intended – his coolest project yet! Like both of his prior bands (Postcards From Places That Don’t Exist and The Pop Dogs), the focus is on melody. Their latest album, Thrift Store Troubadours, showcases their knack for classic tunesmithery which propelled both their previous albums to the top of many “best of” lists in their respective release years. Catchy power pop, psych, glam, and even a bit of Americana all live together in harmony on the album…and sometimes in the space of a single song! We missed them last year, but they’re back and stronger than ever with new drummer, Adam, on board. One of our favorite bands from Lincoln!
 
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 IPO Liverpool over the past two years 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 at both IPOs Liverpool and Stockholm as part of their 2024 summer tour. If you haven’t done so already, check out their third album, Wonder, which fans of artists such as Blondie and The Bangles will love!
 
Jumbo Chords – An indie band guitar band from Leeds who write hook-filled tunes with a mixture of harmony, psychedelic jangle, and a bit of both melancholy and whimsy…and then mix it up with a few surprising angular shifts. Their recently released Saturday Night, Sunday Morning album will appeal to fans of The Smiths, TheBeatles, The Beach Boys, Love, and Elliott Smith. We can’t wait to see and hear them do their thing live at IPO!
 
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! Check out their recently released Who You Want Me To Be? EP!
 
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, The Krelb, captures their sense of fun and enjoyment of playing music together over a wide array of styles. Both the album and their IPO showcase are 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 debut album Running Through Chelsea (released late last year 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 has been called “…a remarkable moving elegy for late 1960s London scene….[B]oth timeless and fresh, a standout album that will be remembered as one of the most adventurous and exciting releases of the year (The Strange Brew). 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 Last Hurrah – A Leeds-based combo who make music that is jangly, noisy, alt country, rock, all mashed up with some three-part harmonies. Their full-length album, The Complete Last Hurrah, is as advertised, pulling together songs from both of their prior EPs and a variety of singles in between, and their recently released Do The Science EP, takes their love of jangle and harmony to a whole other level! If you love Telecasters, you’ll love this!!
 
Little Wonder – The latest project of James Jeffries, who some may remember from IPO Liverpool’s gone by 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. They have a new EP in the works and we can hardly wait to hear it!
 
MAGIC SEAS – The sweeping melodies and gently layered harmonies of this indie rock meets dream pop band from Chelmsford will quickly have you drifting away in a sea of musical bliss as if by magic! A very aptly named band indeed! One their brand-new album, Everything Has Led Me To Here, produced by Ride’s Mark Gardener, they give their shimmering dream pop a nocturnal twist, exploring a sense of space and wonder, mixing west-coast influenced harmonies with reverb-drenched, C86-esque 12-string guitars.
 
The Mark Three – A mod garage power pop supergroup consisting of Paul Hooper Keeley (of The Threads), Emma Page (of Yeh-Yeh), Mark Le Gallez (of The Risk) and Simon Stebbing (of Purple Hearts). Their title of their recently released Paisley Paradise album speaks for itself!
 
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. Check out their recent This Dream of Mine EP!
 
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!
 
The Mocking Byrds – An Ayrshire band formed by former Seaside Sons frontman Jason Skimming, complemented by the talents of his mates Gavin McMulkin (guitar), John Lauchlan (drummer) and Glen McKay (bass). Their recent Power To The People EP blends influences from ‘60s Psychedelia and Merseybeat with ‘90s Britpop to create their own brand of uplifting anthemic rock!
 
The Montagues – Everything people love in a modern Indie band: guitar driven melodies, punchy bass lines and hook induced vocals. The Montagues are a five-piece band hailing from the North Wales Coast. Soaked in the Amusement Arcades and Fun Fairs, they deliver a layered, anthemic and melodic sound, lyrically influenced by the stories of a working-class Welsh town. The Montagues are fronted by singer/songwriter Kyle Parry, who played IPO Liverpool as a solo artist for several years in a row in the pre-pandemic era, and we look forward to welcoming him back as the leader of this dynamic band.
 
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. Their recently released single “Two Jokers” is already gathering buzz and gathering new fans from across the interwebs!
 
Carl Morris – A popular figure on the local Mod & Scooter scene, Carl has played at many events and there are plenty more in the pipeline. Highlights include Manchester’s “March of the Mods,” helping to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust and past performances at legendary clubs such as Manchester’s Night & Day Café and Band on The Wall, The Jacaranda in Liverpool, and an exclusive club night hosted by Inspiral Carpets’ musician and DJ, Clint Bloom! He’s continued to amass a large catalog of original material in addition to covers from some of his favorite artists, and we’re glad to welcome him back IPO Liverpool!
 
Martin Mullady – An emerging Scottish rock artist, hailing from the Stirling area, his sound is a beautiful and chaotic mix of loud, hard-hitting drums, catchy vocal hooks and melodic guitar. He writes compact three-minute pop songs, but counts rock artists such as Foo Fighters, Stereophonics and Guns n’ Roses as key influences. His recently released Getting It Together EP will also appeal to fans of classic pop rock artists such as Rick Springfield and John Cougar Mellencamp. Check it out now!
 
Greg Murray & The Seven Wonders – They hail from Northern Ireland, and their music fuses the twang of Americana with Latino and “death country,” with brash and anthemic choruses, soaring into the sky with the help of rousing brass, played at one hundred miles per hour. There is Springsteen, Arcade Fire, The Waterboys, Calexico, Van Morrison, all with a slight Irish tinge. They bring something different to the gunfight with a totally original brand of sincere, positive, heart-felt, hugely majestic blend of music – making an incredible carnival of a live show.
 
mylittlebrother – “There is something happening in the Lake District that is really rather special” (Louder Than War), and these Cumbrian indie-poppers are a big part of that. Their music is a mixture of ‘60s harmony pop, experimental Britpop, and folk pop that will appeal to fans of Fairport Convention and Brian Wilson, but they can also turn up the rock when they want to. Their latest album, Howl, on Big Stir Records, is “[b]eautifully played and arranged with unexpected twists” (I Don’t Hear A Single), and their brand-new single, “You Know Better,” will be released just prior to their IPO appearance. Don’t miss their dynamic live performance!
 
Ric Neale – Longtime IPO attendees may remember Neale as one of the main men of The Housekeeping Society, who wowed us with their Beach Boys inspired harmonies and intricate arrangements. Now doing the solo thing, Neale has taken his theatrical, heartfelt and often hilarious performances of his brand of piano song-smithery all over the country. From concert halls (Howard Assembly Rooms, The Royal Albert Hall, The Palace Theatre), to intimate venues (The Brudenell Social Club, The Shoreditch Treehouse) Ric’s love for storytelling is crystal clear. His most recent album, Parting Ways, was released last year to huge acclaim, and we can’t wait to see and hear him do his thing again at IPO Liverpool.
 
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, Wakey-Wakey, will appeal to fans of The Beatles, ELO and The Bay City Rollers! Plus, co-main man Matthew Johnson is also currently a member of The Fourmost. Yes, THAT Fourmost! A big IPO favourite!
 
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!
 
Pelikan Rogue – Another of the new breed of Scottish rock bands, Ayr’s Pelikan Rogue blend searing guitars and arena rock intensity with bouncy catchy pop hooks that we dare you to try to forget! Their newest single, “Love Is Dead,” will be released just in advance of their IPO showcase!
 
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 in 2022, and they’re working on songs for a new one which we can hardly wait to hear!
 
The Restless Souls – The Restless Souls are A seven-piece indie Mod Soul band hailing from Birmingham who originally formed to perform at the IPO in Liverpool in 2019. Fronted by songwriter, vocalist and guitarist David Stevenson (formerly of The Dream Factory), they’re an eclectic mix of influences including The Small Faces, Traffic, The Beatles, The Jam, The Specials, Ska, RnB, Blues, funk, jazz, soul and even hip hop and dance music! The Future Starts Here!
 
Anthony Rivers & 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!
 
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!
 
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!
 
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 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!
 
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!
 
Silent Forum – Based in Cardiff, London, Bristol & Barcelona, Silent Forum offers quirky hooky textured pop-post-punk. Their recent Domestic Majestic album, released on Libertino Records, uses tongue-in-cheek humour throughout, with lyrical themes revolving around self-care in the face of the difficult and mundane early-2020s, covering topics as broad as working from home and following yoga tutorial videos. Fans of Talking Heads, They Might Be Giants, and Tame Impala will love these guys!
 
Sip of Milk – Raiders of their dad’s record collection, this quartet of lads from Manchester blend classic influences with modern synth pop and rock to create their own soaring melodies. The result is somewhere between Super Furry Animals and Adam Green…with a dose of Paul McCartney and Graham Parker thrown in for good measure. Check out their recent singles and their IPO showcase to hear for yourself!
 
The Sitting Tennants – An outfit from Wiltshire who perform original material with an electric brand of R&B, power pop & a quirky English style of psychedelia that will leave you entranced. Their latest 208 Records release, The Best of Vols 1-6, is an eclectic collection of their work to date: some garage, some psychedelia, some Kinks-esque whimsy. We can’t wait to see them to do their thing live!
 
Sleuth – Essentially the nom-de-plume of bookish indie-popster from Woverhampton, Christopher Taylor-Ashcroft and his band of like-minded pop geeks, Sleuth’s gentle piano pop and catchy melodies have been called both “lyrically thoughtful and musically enticing” (Songwall). They’ve shared stages with the likes of The Wombats and have been a featured Artist of The Week on the BBC Introducing. Their latest EP, As The Stork Flies, was named EP of the Month by Ryan’s Gig Guide. With this sort of praise, you owe it to yourself to check them out!
 
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!
 
Sam Steele – One of BBC Radio’s “Made In Manchester” showcase artist, Steele writes playful and poetic songs, always putting fun front and centre. His latest EP is called ‘Far Too Pop’, which of course is an impossibility at the IPO festival…and therefore impossible for me to turn him down!
 
Stilton – The bastard love-child of Marco Rae of The Wellgreen and Lavinia Blackwall of Trembling Bells, Stilton combines ‘60s inflected harmony, sunshine, and soft pop influences with those of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s British pastoral folk movement, and a touch of whimsy, resulting in beautiful music you can dance to. Fans of artists like Burt Bacharach, Randy Newman, Brian Wilson, Sandy Denny, Kate Bush, The Wellgreen and Trembling Bells will not want to miss them!
 
The Stoke Barehills Town Band – IPO is thrilled to present live performances by this Basingstoke combo, led by pianist Dan Leese, who started the band primarily as a studio project. Their Heard The Word album is a sonic evocation to the lost intangible innocence of a traditional English life that may or may not have ever existed but one day still might…or not. Drenched with memories, sunshine chords and golden harmonies, musical influences including The Zombies, mid-to-late ‘60s Beach Boys and The Beatles are clearly, and abundantly in evidence. A brand-new album is due out imminently, and we can hardly wait!!
 
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 fits in perfectly at IPO, and look forward to welcoming them back for the 2nd year in a row!
 
The Studio 68 – Modsters from North London, The Studio 68 were all the rage in the early ‘90s “…blazing a trail fusing Brit rock influences (Small Faces, Who, Cream) and kountercultural kool (Paris riots, Oz, Black Dwarf) with a sound and attitude so explosive it hurt – especially when a flying Epiphone came your way! Fact is, the ’68! lit up British rock in the No Mans Land between Madchester and Britpop like a kaleidoscopic distress flare and there was no one to touch ‘em” (Elliott Palm). Their long-lost album, Portobello Hello, recorded in 1992, has resurfaced and is finally released, and we’re honored to have the band – reunited and better than ever – join us for IPO Liverpool!
 
Suncharmer – A vibrant ‘70’s-inspired indie/rock band from Kent, consisting of four long-haired, tea-addicted, instrument-wielding plebs who have developed an infectious, hard-hitting sound that pulses with sharp riffs and shimmering surf guitar. Channeling the energy and flair of past greats such as Bowie, T.Rex and Led Zeppelin, the band capitalise on sharp, melodic riffs embellished with elements of psychedelia. Suncharmer are a unique new voice in live music with a catalogue of songs that occupy the space between soaring glam-rock anthems and moody, reflexive pop. Prepare for an onslaught of sight and sound!
 
Nick Tudor – A singer/songwriter from the seaside town of Bridlington in East Yorkshire, his style of writing channels the melodies of Neil Finn, coupled with the guitar playing aggression of early solo years Paul Weller. His latest EP, Folk Devil, will appeal to all fans of hook-filled jangle.
 
Marc Valentine – As frontman of cult power-pop outfit Last Great Dreamers, Valentine has brought sparkle to venues and turntables alike with his distinctive vocals, wry charm and songbook of secret classics. Now, with his favourite guitar in tow, he’s heading out from his home in Norwich on a solo adventure, loading his flight case with a fresh set of tunes, and polishing the trademark twinkle in his eye. His debut album, Future Obscure, builds on his past while expanding his sonic palette, to craft a collection of should-be hits. He’s so well thought of, that he got a deal with the great Wicked Cool Records, and his new album on the label, Basement Sparks, is a would-be power pop classic!
 
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, or their more recent (and already sold out!) EP, On A Beautiful Day, 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 solo album, Magic Spells Abound, and he’s got a new one, The Call of The Sea, out in a few months!
 
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 Ballad of a Fallen Man EP!
 
Armchair Oracles – Classic-style power pop with great melodies, quirky tempo and chord changes, and spot-on harmonies are what this band from Norway are all about. Their latest album, and greatest, Nothingeveris, builds upon an already impressive catalog, and includes an ode to two of their biggest influences: Harry Nilsson and Brian Wilson…but they also embrace influences from bands such as Big Star, Cheap Trick, Spin Doctors, Tame Impala, and all that is melodic, interesting, and beautiful in between. Truly a band after IPO’s heart!
 
Big Mef – Melody and mayhem, courtesy of Christoff & friends from The Montanas/Spontanas. Never straying too far from the garage, and never taking themselves too seriously, these guys know how to write a catchy melody and put on an energetic and entertaining live show. The details of this latest project are still somewhat of a secret to us…and maybe even to them…but we know it is one show you will not want to miss!
 
Paul Bond – The music of Bond is inspired by Iron & Wine, Judee Sill, Stephen Stills, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, and others. His latest highly acclaimed album, In Our Time, an interdisciplinary indie-folk masterpiece based on Hemingway’s 1925 collection, displays these influences proudly, highlighted by lush orchestration and the mellifluous tones of his voice. We’re glad to welcome this talented young man from Amsterdam back to IPO!
 
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 recent album on the Kool Kat label, Byronesque.
 
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 become a perennial fan favorite fixture at IPO Liverpool!
 
Captain Storm – All along its career, this Parisian band has mixed positive energy with catchy tunes and powerful orchestrations together with country music and soulful colors. Their trade-off of male/female lead and harmony vocals always keep it interesting, varied and fun. The title of their latest album, POP!, says it all!
 
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 another IPO Liverpool, better than ever, and we’re all the better for it! You’ll notice a strong Material Issue influence, which makes sense as back in the day Circles did several gigs with them!
 
Crelm – Originally a studio project, we’re thrilled that this combo from Vienna has grown into a kick-ass live band and will be joining us for their first IPO! Mining influences reaching from the early ‘60s pop and rock bands to modern indie-rock from the past decade, they use a diverse mix of instrumentation often extending way beyond the traditional rock band line up. Their Hesitant Mind album will appeal to fans of artists from McCartney and ELO to Arctic Monkeys, and their more recently released singles have us eagerly awaiting their next release!
 
Eoin Dolan – A songwriter and producer with many albums (of his own work, plus production credits on others) 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, Clash Magazine). His recent It Is Good That We Dream album received a coveted 4 stars from Mojo Magazine and his latest, The Most Important Thing Is Peace Within Yourself, weaves in a bit more of a new age vibe, but is no less compelling.
 
Jose Estragos Band – A singer/songwriter from Madrid, Spain, along with his band, who became a much-anticipated fixture at IPO Liverpool in the pre-pandemic years, so we’re thrilled to welcome them back! Their songs are heavily influenced by Lennon-McCartney and other Merseybeat greats, and their on-stage energy and obvious love for what they do is infectious! Check the merch tables to get yourself a copy of their many fine albums!
 
Fox Paloma – As if teleported straight from the late ‘60s, this trio from Aalborg, Denmark, consisting of the “Sync Siblings,” Linus and Rasmus Holst, and charismatic front-man Jake Gardiner, instantly impressed us with their energetic take on psychedelic pop, replete with sneaky chord changes, unexpected orchestration, and spot on harmonies. Their recently released album, The Complete Collection, is – as the name implies – a limited edition compilation of their complete work thus far, previously released on their first two EPs. They’ve quickly become one of our new favorite bands, and we suspect will make a similar impression on many who hear them at IPO…we can hardly wait to see and hear them do these songs live!
 
Grateful Cat – The indie pop/folk duo from Berlin, consisting of Gwendolin Tägert and Franky Fuzz, dwell in sweet melodies and lots of major chords, inspired by the ‘60s scene of Laurel Canyon and New York‘s Greenwich Village. A healthy dose of ‘90s indie and twee-tastic boy/girl harmonies also set the scene for their latest album, Stray With Me, which captures the intimate feel of sitting around the kitchen table singing with good friends.
 
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 Incurables – Headquartered right in the Heart of the Ann Arbor/Detroit Metropolitan Area, The Incurables provide guitar driven high energy harmonic indie garage rock, at your service! They host a weekly Power Hour on KB Radio, where each week they reveal a different side of their many influences. Their latest album, Inside Out & Backwards, recently released on Big Stir Records, consists of ten tracks total in under 34 minutes, placing the Michigan quartet firmly in the lineage of The Ramones and The Clash (with a touch of hometown heroes, The Stooges), and provides just a taste of what you can expect to see and hear live from these motor city madmen!
 
The Jana’s – From the sunny south coast of France, The Jana’s are a ‘60s influenced rockin’ and rawkous female fronted garage band. Imagine a blend of The Animals, The Kingsmen, or The Troggs with a girl lead singer and you get the idea…or better yet, check out their recently released Jana Meets Dan Imposter album and their electric live show!
 
Kerosene Stars – Independently rocking Chicago since 2010, the band has put out a slew of excellent EPs and singles over the years, including last year’s “A Pretty Good Year”. Noah Berlatsky of The Chicago Reader has described the band as a “[s]mart unpretentious Beatles-loving group with a sure hand for hooks… It’s perfect pop.” Who are we to argue? (Especially since he’s right!)
 
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 second straight IPO Liverpool!
 
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. Their latest single, “Dreams of Desire,” has been called “[a] successful and infectious single play with a strong energy spiced in the usual style with lead singer Christian’s amazing, distinctive and melodious voice in the front” (The Love for Music and Concerts), and has us eagerly awaiting the release of their next full-length, as well as their IPO showcase!
 
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!
 
The Maureens – If you like all things “west coast pop” and ‘60s inspired power pop, you will love this band from Utrecht, Netherlands! The Beach Boys-like vocal stylings combined with the jangly power pop of bands like The Posies on their debut self-titled album will blow you away! Their latest album, Everyone Smiles, feels somewhat more personal, imbued with the spirit of bands like Johan, Teenage Fanclub, Big Star, and Badfinger added to the already rich mixture that defines The Maureens, and earned a very impressive (and very well deserved!) 4-stars from Shindig! Magazine. It’ been a few years since their last appearance at IPO Liverpool, and we can’t wait to welcome them back!
 
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!
 
The Men – IPO is proud to welcome this “supergroup,” formed out of four classic Swedish pop-garage bands: The Sinners, The Girls, Thee Expression and Colubrids, who got together in early 2000 to form the ultimate live-band: explosive, stylish, tight, groovy, cool and fun (no shoegazers!) -a band the members themselves would love to see! Not ones to rest on past laurels of five great albums and various singles and EPs, their sixth and latest full album, Sesa Rekordo, showcases their flair for mixing ‘60s soul and R&B with power pop and down and dirty gritty garage, and those three-part harmonies for which they’ve been known from the start! As good as they are on record, this is one band you NEED to see live!!
 
The Mop Tops – Fans of Rickenbacker-flavored power pop were absolutely floored by Inside, the 1995 disc by this band from Falköping, Sweden. Since then, they’ve appeared on several compilations, and at IPOs from New York to Liverpool and Stockholm in support of the long-awaited follow-up disc, Ground-Floor Man. None other than Little Steven himself was duly impressed when he caught their appearance at IPO New York, and we are thrilled to have them back at IPO Liverpool after far too long an absence! Their latest album, Running Out Of Time, previously available only as a digital release on Sweden’s Beluga Records, showcases their artistry, blending subtle orchestration with their classic garage pop, and is now available on CD via the Kool Kat label…how “kool” is that?!
 
The Oh Boys – Chicago-based trio The Oh Boys is a vintage-inspired powerhouse of pop, rock, folk and doo-wop, whose songs feature tight harmonies, inventive arrangements, and poignant lyrics. Veterans of the stage, their live show engages and entertains with a sense of humor, spontaneity, and melodic storytelling. One listen to the songs on their Listen to The Oh Boys EP, and we knew these guys just had to come play IPO Liverpool!
 
Picnic Republic – An ensemble from Aix en Provence whose early work could be characterized as a cross between The Beach Boys and The Pixies. Building on these influences, and never straying too far from their sunshine, powerpop and garage roots, their latest album, MarsChester, also mixes in some indie rock and electro-dream pop, and will appeal to an even wider array of fans!
 
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, power pop luminaries, and early Italian rock n’ rollers. A prolific and engaging performer, regardless of what style of pop he happens to be doing!
 
Dave Rave – The venerable Mr. Dave Rave began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head (who just celebrated their 50th anniversary as a band!) and The Shakers, has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe,” and is now an inductee in the Canadian Indie Music Hall of Fame!! (Congratulations, Dave!!) A recent CD, Live With What You Know was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs, “Anne Marie.” His latest album, Adventureland, is “… [j]am-packed with the melodic, catchy pop rock that Dave’s best known for, this ferocious recording captures the rambunctious, boundless energy he always displays on stage.” (Hamilton Blues Lovers) From 2010 to 2014 he played 50 IPO festivals in a row (yes, you read that right), and he still plays many of them…and we look forward to many more. Thank you, Dave!!
 
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 new Doce Lunas album really showcases their sunny jangle and harmonies, and is their best one yet!!
 
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!
 
Soundserif – It’s a pretty good guess that any band who names their first CD 12 Pieces In The Shape of An Apple is inspired by The Beatles, but the influences of this band from Rome don’t stop there! Traces of XTC, Steely Dan, The Beach Boys, Squeeze, Jellyfish and, more generally, English and American pop and power pop of a wide variety of styles can be found in their songs. It’s been nine long years since their last IPO Liverpool appearance, and we’re thrilled to have them back!! They keep getting better and better – just check out their more recent singles, “Destiny Left To The Sea” and “Dear Nobody” and hear what we mean for yourself!
 
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 got a brand-new EP, Room With a VU, vol 1, the first installment of a concept project EP series, featuring songs all recorded in a single studio with a single engineer. Look for future installments in the series to be released throughout 2024!
 
Used – An indie-pop group build around the soulful and intimate songwriting talents of twin brothers Marco and Dario Klein of Cologne, Germany, Used offer an impressively wide mix of British pop, relaxed and energetic rock & roll, and dreamy ballads. Their latest album, Sensationalize, has been secretly scarfing up some very impressive internet buzz, hailed by Dennis Pilon on his PopRock Record blog as having “hair-raising vocal harmonies, and an arrangement that is pop genius.” And he is not wrong!!
 
Tara Van – Van is a lifelong singer-songwriter, and active participant in Toronto’s “Beautiful Breakdowns” singer-songwriter series. Her recently released debut album, Rise, showcases her catchy upbeat brand of soulful indie folk pop. We were duly impressed by her performance at IPO Toronto, and are thrilled that she’s making the trip to join us for IPO’s Liverpool and Copenhagen…and you will be too!!
 
The White Paper – If you close your eyes, you might think they were actually a Liverpool band from the ‘60s following in the footsteps of The Beatles and other Mersey legends…but they’re really a modern band from Milan, Italy who write and perform their own original songs built on those lofty foundations with appropriate reverence, but still give it their personal flair. So of course they had to join us for our 20th IPO Liverpool!