IPO New York 2024
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Artists From New York/New Jersey
The Anderson Council – These Jersey boys have the most authentic, Creation-influenced mod-psych sound conceived by any band west of The Thames. All of their excellent albums, including their latest JEM Records release, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, (recorded and produced once again by Kurt Reil of label-mates, The Grip Weeds) deftly convey the sense of whimsy that defines late ‘60s British pop-psych, and also really rock! They’re also working on some new songs, which we can hardly wait to hear. Psychedelic power pop at its finest!
Bastards of Fine Arts – They’re a “new band with old roots”, featuring IPO veteran Matt Keating, and Steve Mayone. “In a career spanning more than 20 years, Matt Keating has established himself as one of America’s great under the radar songwriters. His work is rife with clever and incisive tunefulness” (NPR). “The stark truth is Mayone is a master songsmith. He crafts and molds his stories eloquently and intelligently and there’s not many that you can say that about” (Americana UK). Their debut album, A Good Sign, showcases 14 of their finest…check it out!
Bird Streets (Solo) – The nom de plume of John Brodeur, who has released some very fine indie-pop over the years, and most recently teamed up with the legend, Jason Falkner, to release a wonderful, self-titled album in 2018. The next Bird Streets album, Lagoon is back to Mr. Brodeur by himself, and is definitely among the best things he’s ever done. Indie-power pop at its finest! We’re so glad to have him back at IPO!
Bubble – A tight, rugged power pop band whose 2000 CD, Bash Bish, sounds exactly as the title would imply. “Principal songwriter Dave Foster constantly gets it right, fashioning killer hooks into a collection of songs which demand the listener’s attention throughout and are guaranteed to provide a lot of pleasure to those of a pop inclination” (Luke Magazine). Their latest album, Other Broken Dreams, got Culture Sonar magazine to ask the musical question, “What if The Beatles were a 2020 indie band from NYC?”. How’s that for praise??
Changing Modes – The ensemble led by Wendy Griffiths and Yuzuru Sadashige, a pair of classically trained composers whose influences range from Bartok, Stravinsky to Nirvana, along with King Crimson & Sparks! Changing Modes creates unique, darkly complex art rock delivered with punk energy and prog-rock flair, all the while maintaining a melodic pop sensibility. Their recently released album, Welcome to Wonderland, blends pastoral soft pop and ‘80s inflected angular pop and showcases them at their ever-changing best! Fans of Zappa and The B-52s will love this band!
Eric Crugnale – A fixture on the New York pop/folk/alternative rock scene playing in a variety of bands, Crugnale’s own music, as can be heard on his latest album, Time Kills, will appeal to fans of early ‘70s radio, as he perfectly blends soul, soft pop, and gently orchestrated power pop. He’s got a new album in the works, which – judging by his recent singles – promises to be a funky orchestrated pop extravaganza for the senses…we can hardly wait!
Cupid’s Nemesis – Emerging from the Pandemic years as a new force to be reckoned with on the New York pop scene, Cupid’s Nemesis bring their retro guitar pop to their first IPO. The songs on their debut self-titled album range from pure power pop to classic ‘60s-inflected Brit pop to whimsical bossa-nova-tinged dream pop and late twentieth century angular post punk!
Curtis Suburban – A power trio of comic book power pop heroes (yes, they really do have comics of their adventures on their website) who do hooky fun energetic power pop, just the way we love it! Fans of artists such as The Rubinoos and Cheap Trick in particular will dig their Perfect In My Mind album. Their more recent On Our Way Downtown EP also channels shades of Lou Reed. Check out their IPO showcase and hear them for yourself!
The Cynz – Another member of the fine JEM Records stable of artists, The Cynz take their inspiration from the late ’70s Lower East Side NYC chainsaw music of the Ramones and the tough, gritty vibe of The MC5, Alice Cooper and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, and have been called the closest thing to 1970s CBGBs for a band formed in 2011. Their new album, Little Miss Lost, blends jangly guitars and harmonies with “… high energy rock and roll that would make Debbie Harry proud” (Jim Allford, Steel Notes Magazine). But don’t miss seeing them live, as frontwoman Cyndi Dawson is a visual full throttle rock tsunami!
David D’Alessio – This Hawaiian-born, Arizona-raised, now-Manhattanite crafts material as absorbing, diverse and appealing as his history. Since releasing his debut album Songs to Undress Your Ego in 2007, he’s toured extensively including opening shows for Colbie Caillat, Brett Dennen, Missy Higgins and Lifehouse, drawing accolades like “the Jason Mraz of the Southwest,” and a “tenor reminiscent of Duncan Sheik.” His latest album, This Far Apart, showcases “…everything you want your favourite artist to be…it’s all essentially pop, whether it’s Indie, Country, Blues or Soul…but the one thing that David is locked into is that ability to tap into the myriad of emotions that live inside us and make us tick” (Steve Holley, Essentially Pop).
The Deep Drags – Founded by bassist, composer, lead vocalist, Kenny Sandler, they debuted with the EP Back From Extinction, named “Feature Album of the Month” by Prospect Radio, and from which the opening track, “Like You’ll Never Know” charted at #4, and have not looked back since! Their blend of ‘60s Brit Invasion/’80s Garage Rock with a modern indie feel is showcased on a number of recent singles, and their song “Wake Up Cinderella” is featured as the final track on Vol 25 of the IPO compilation. Fans of The Kinks, Johnny Thunders, Squeeze and The Buzzcocks in particular will not want to miss their electric performance live at IPO!
DIXON – Keyboard and guitar-hero laced power pop that blends the best of ‘80s new wave, ‘90s radio rock, and modern indie pop influences into a sound uniquely their own is offered by this New York-based band. They return to IPO after far too long an absence in celebration of their recently released Life of Luxury album….and what an album it is! Fans of The Cars, Cheap Trick, ELO, Weezer, and Teenage Fanclub will not want to pass by either the album or the band’s triumphant return to IPO!
the dt’s – Otherwise known as Tom and Dave, formerly of The Vaughns, this Springfield, New Jersey duo pens and performs “…some of the best Britpop you’ll ever hear from a non-British band” (Owen Redford, Robojack Records). Fans of artists from Fairport Convention to The Beatles, REM, Elton John, and ELO will dig their debut EP, You With Me, and their latest rollicking pop single, “Cherry.”
Wendy Ip – This very impressive New Yorker (by way of the Canadian prairies) writes some of the coolest songs around, with eccentric hooks that sneak up on you and hit you hard! Her latest full-length CD, A Different Kind Of Life, is replete with unforgettable melodies that linger in your head even if you’ve heard them only once. Her IPO performances always feature some new stories and surprises which we can hardly wait to hear!
Joy Buzzer – Bringing together the talents of Kevin Lydon (vox), Jed Becker (guitar), KG Noble (guitar/vox) Michael Lynch (bass/vox), and Mark Brotter (drums), Joy Buzzer describe their music as “power pop for wow people.” Their debut single, “I Wanna Scream” earned them instant attention from fans of classic bands such as The Beatles, The Rubinoos, and The Knack, and they’ve since have had several others hailed by none other than Little Steven Van Zandt as “The Coolest Song in the World!” It’s therefore no surprise that their debut brand-new full-length album, Pleased To Meet You, is being released on Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool label. The album should be available everywhere by the time you read this, but you’ll also want to catch them live at IPO, as they always put on quite the electric and engaging performance!
Lieder – Formed in the spring of 2007, Lieder (which means “songs” in German) was personally given its name by rock legend Pete Townshend of The Who! They display an aggressive style of power pop, steeped in the tradition of American and British rock n’ roll, and thrive on playing live. They revel in the immediate response to their energetic style of play and challenge anyone not to enjoy their enthusiasm! They’ve become a perennial highlight of IPO New York each year, so make sure you don’t miss them!
Matt and Mike (of The Elevator Operators) – IPO is glad to welcome one-half of this Brooklyn-based band featuring members of The Above and Quitty and the Don’ts. Their self-titled EP on 13 O’Clock Records is “…a solid dose of mid-60’s U.K.-style merseybeat and mod R&B, with a dash of garage rock. Glorious guitar jangle that recalls the early moments of the Kinks in particular, as well as a nod or two to the 60’s popisms saturated in the early songs scribed by Roy Wood for the Move! Songs chock full of spot-on lyrics, great vocal harmonies, and top-notch musicianship, presented with a true sense and sound of rock n’ roll timelessness” (13 O’Clock Records). We look forward to a more intimate Everly Brothers style rendition that we’re sure will put a smile on your face.
The Midnight Callers – Whether you call it power pop, pop rock, alt-rock, or just pure and simple rock n’ roll, the Midnight Callers are it! Their latest album, Rattled Humming Heart, like their first, produced by none other than Kurt Reil of The Gripweeds, “…is a love letter to New York and to rock and roll itself. The band members have taken their talents for writing hook-laden tunes and singing exquisite harmonies and leaned more deeply than ever into their love for ’70s pop and rock. What results is a genuinely modern rock album that will delight fans of vintage power pop” (Lord Rutledge, Power Pop News). We can hardly wait to see these rising stars on the JEM Records stable of artists again!
Mighty Dan Gerous – The self-proclaimed saviors of rock n’ roll, Mighty Dan Gerous hail from the New York/New Jersey metro area, and promise to rock your pants off to within the legal limits. Pretty bold statements, but their recent Everybody Needs a Hero album proves they’ve actually got the goods to back up their claims: Think of a cross between the layered harmonies and instrumentation of The Partridge Family with the energy of The Knack or Cheap Trick…or better yet, come out and catch them live at IPO!
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. His latest album, Ulysses, which had its international debut at IPO Copenhagen, “…does what he does best; delivering an unbridled love of rock and roll, unapologetically” (Music for the Misfits).
Eytan Mirsky – A New York City-based singer/songwriter best known for the songs he contributed to the indie films “Happiness,” “American Splendor” and “The Tao of Steve,” Mirsky’s talents and rather extensive catalog (he’s got eight full length albums…and counting!) go far beyond Hollywood. “He’s the lord of deadpan cool. He’s Ben Vaughn meets Chuck Prophet. He’s Eytan Mirsky and he’s back with a fabulous new LP…Lord, Have Mirsky delivers what we need right now: some wry wit, a bit of earnest self-reflection, and melodies that will make you smile (Dennis Pilon, Poprock Record).”
The Record Players NYC – A band who LOVES old records and it shows! Their blend of roots, blues and garage, influenced by the first generation of rock and roll features a wide array of old favorites and newer tunes, but never fails to please. Bring your dancing shoes!
The Road To Ruin – The band’s latest studio album, Original Cynic, released on Spotify and Bandcamp, offers hook-filled psychedelic garage with a nod here and there to country-twang and Brill Building production, quirky chord changes, and witty lyrics. There’s something here that almost any pop fan will love!
Sorry Darling – Their blend of alt rock meets power pop, frenetic guitars meet sweet boy-girl harmonies, and angular chord changes that spin on a dime will have you instantly hooked. Check out their recent See This Through EP or their IPO showcase and see and hear for yourself!
Strange Neighbors – Making groovy tunes that bridge the gap between the Beatles and My Chemical Romance, Strange Neighbors have been unleashing their brand of jangly fuzzy pop tunes on NYC since 2018, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back to IPO. Check out their Party Of None EP and their IPO showcase to experience their new nostalgia for yourself!
The Underbites – A New York punk-laced rock n’ roll quartet who are here to remind us that accessibility and grit aren’t mutually exclusive. Their recently released Soapbox Agitpop album will apply to fans of The Ramones, Iggy & The Stooges, and The New York Dolls.
Valley Lodge – A pop rock lovers delight, Valley Lodge sound kind of like Cheap Trick, T. Rex, Big Star, Raspberries, Thin Lizzy, Matthew Sweet, Slade, the Kinks, and various other fun and melodic pop legends. It’s power pop meets pop rock meets your best friend’s parents going out of town when you are sixteen and think that they won’t notice if you threw a pool party. Oh, and it’s 1978 and you are hooked on glue. Their latest album, Shadows in Paradise, showcases “…their amazing melodic dexterity, throwing hooks into multiple styles of pop rock. Whether offering a Bruno Mars pop playfulness…or a more Vaccines-like party energy…there seems to be no subgenre they can’t excel at. You can find a new wave rock and roll attack…a seventies disco and pop R&B flavour…or even a 1980s Merseyside revival-style…The attention to song arrangements here is impressive” (Dennis Pilon, PopRock Record).
Alan Walker and the Accomplices – Walker was the lead singer/keyboard player for NYC’s rootsy/melodic pop band, The Brilliant Mistakes, and is now a solo artist (with a few accomplices joining him for a full band experience). His second full length album, A Little Too Late, just released on Aunt Mimi’s Music, blends roots rock, soul, and orchestrated pop in a seamless confection!
Wifey – A Brooklyn power-pop band formed by Teddy Grey and Carly Kerr, two hot dorks who prove that the theater-kid to punk- rocker pipeline is still claiming innocent victims. The two bonded over a mutual love of bubblegrunge, and were soon joined by Mickey Blurr on lead guitar, and Chris Canieso on drums. The songs on their recent Just A Tease EP are sweet and catchy with indelible hooks and a slightly subversive humorous lyrics. We can’t wait to see and hear them do their thing live at IPO!
Zombies of The Stratosphere – The duo of J and A Zombie follow in the tradition of their idols Ray Davies, Elvis Costello, and Brian Wilson, i.e., churning out gem-like compositions with maddeningly infectious tunes and obscure lyrics – songs built to last by nerdily obsessive craftsmen with big record collections. Their fifth – and most recent – release, On The Wing, features them at their jangly lush “AM Gold” ear-candy best!
U.S. Artists From Outside of New York/New Jersey
Jon22 – A Dallas-based artist who fell in love with music in the back of his mom’s ‘67 Thunderbird, listening to her favorite 8-track: The Beatles’ Abbey Road. As an artist, he writes from the heart, blending elements from the psychedelic rock era, experimenting with unique sounds and styles. The latest single from his new album, Muse, “…’Home Is Us (Nashville Edition)’ makes for a wonderfully rich and dreamy listen. With its warm and inviting textures perfectly elevating his wondrous vocal performance throughout, he is certainly a name to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead as well” (Mystic Sons).
Perilous – High Energy Glam Rock ‘n Roll with Punk Rock Attitude!!! Featuring the Fabulous lead vocals and non-stop rockin’ stage presence and Glamorous appeal of Pauline, with Renee on the bass guitar holding down the low end and breaking hearts, Bob Cat on guitar and vocals, melodic leads and sweet harmonies and Paul on the back beat with punk rock stamina and drive. This Buffalo/NYC band’s recent album YEAH!!! channels the sound and energy of CBGBs circa 1979, and we can’t wait to see them do their thing live at IPO!
International Artists
Rick Kingo Featuring Cherry Fez – IPO audiences from Liverpool and Copenhagen are almost sure to recognize Kingo as one of the main singer/songwriter/guitarists in Caper Clowns, who have become perennial favorites at both, for their high-octane guitars and pitch perfect harmonies…so there’s no doubt he knows his way around a great melody and catchy beat. He’s been working the past couple years on a solo project (with a little help from a few friends from across the globe, with whom he’ll be sharing the stage), stepping out on his own to share his music across the US and Canada (where he now makes his home in Vancouver). He and the band delighted the crowds at our West Coast IPOs this past summer, and we look forward to seeing and hearing them do their thing again in New York. Expect a little bit of folk pop, a little bit of power pop, a little bit of humor, and a whole lotta melody and fun!
David Minchin from The Innocents – One of the founding members of The Innocents, those Tasmanian power pop devils whose combination of sweet vocal harmonies, punchy melodies and catchy hooks earned them a permanent home in the hearts of many a pop fan. Minchin has been going it alone for the past few years, now living in Germany, with a bit more of a folky edge that lends a more heartfelt feel to his sparkling pop melodies.
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 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, the appropriately titled Seven, is his sixth release with his Minnesota-based backing band, The Governors, and showcases him at his in-your-face twangy garage pop best! 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!!