IPO Liverpool 2025
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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 recent album, Dreamland, “offers unapologetic acoustic-driven songs that combine a boyish wistfulness with a more mature fall from innocence” (Owen Gurrey, Liverpool Acoustic).
Credits – A hot new Liverpool “…five-piece with serious pedigree: sharp musicianship, genuine authenticity, and a set of influences that run deep” (Steve Kinrade, Liverpool Noise). Comprised of Matt on drums, Duffy on bass, and Tom, Jay and Liam on guitars, their music has an organic feel that sounds both fresh and familiar at the same time – think Crowded House meets CSNY hanging out with The La’s, Ben Folds, and Elvis Costello, all going to a party at Paul McCartney’s house, and you get the idea. Their latest single, “Your Favorite Song”, lives up to its name with just one listen!
Le Emu Tavern – With lyrics that cover a wide range of topics from the socially conscious to the absurd, wrapped in a post punk meets psychedelic and pastoral pop package, Le Emu Tavern can make you think, dance, and pump your fists in the air all at the same time. Check out their 2018 album, A Country Supper with Le Emu Tavern, and their recent singles, and come welcome them to their first IPO!
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 album is Songs For The Loveless; and they’ve gone back to the studio, so a new one may be on the way soon. Catch their IPO showcase as they are an amazing live band as well!
The Guize – A pop/rock band with a striking and glamorous image, sure to appeal to fans of a wide array of genres, from new wave to prog, psych, glam, power pop and even heavy metal! Lead vocalist Louise James “…has a familiar yet unique sounding voice, weaving pop and rock sounds from the last four decades through a sonic tapestry that tips its hat to no one decade exclusively” (Heavy Magazine Groover Review). Check out their slew of recent singles and their IPO showcase!
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!
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 &am[; 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 third year in a row as part of our IPO Liverpool festival lineup!
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 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.
Shadow Mountains – Featuring Lee Glynn (ex-Sound of Guns) on vocals/guitar, Jack McAllister (Watchtower) on vocals/guitar, Jake Murray on bass and James Lorenzo (Atlas: Empire) on drums, Shadow Mountains is anthemic rock at its finest: The band is all about huge guitars, cranked distortion pedals, big sing-along choruses and self-reflective lyrics. Emerging from the pandemic with their latest single, “Changing Tides”, and a return to live performances, they are poised to take the world by storm!
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 have recently released their highly anticipated third album, Portmanteau, the latest evolution of their indie rock meets catchy pop sound. “I think there is a parallel universe where Joe Symes and the Loving Kind go mainstream and are more popular than Oasis” (Sphere Music blog). Come out to their IPO showcase to see and hear them for yourself!
UK Artists From Outside of Liverpool
The Beat Movement – A guitar driven outfit from Greenock, Scotland, who build on the influences of many, many bands, ranging from the great London acts of the ‘60s and infusing those influences with soul, R&B and the greatest Britpop and indie bands of the modern music era. With jangling ‘60s style guitars, contagious melodies and an upbeat swagger, The Beat Movement made some waves with their latest EP, Another Piece Of The Puzzle, and continue to do so with their foot stomping sets! We can hardly wait to see and hear these guys do their thing again at IPO Liverpool!
Michaela Betts – A singer/songwriter from Malton, Yorkshire whose recent album, Dark Nature, has been described as a deeply personal exploration of childhood trauma, set against a backdrop of romantic & baroque piano pop. Her songs are dark, theatrical, uplifting and manage to make the disturbing and mundane fantastical.
Olivia Booth – An emerging artist from Warrington, Cheshire, Booth has been honing her skill as an original artist since the age of 14. The result is a gritty indie powerhouse with a sound that is authentic, unique and unmistakable! XS Manchester has described her as “‘Part Blondie, part Amy Winehouse and part Courtney Love” and has named her as “One to Watch” for 2025. Commanding a dynamic stage presence all her own, she also loves discovering new artists, so we think she’ll fit right in at IPO!
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!
The Dead Religion – Blending the dusty soul of Americana with the bittersweet twang of vintage country and a haze of 1960s melancholy, The Dead Religion crafts songs that feel like they’ve always existed—playing softly on a jukebox in a dream you can’t quite remember. Their sound is steeped in the shimmer of jangly 12-string guitars, the lonesome cry of harmonica, and the echoes of stories too heavy to tell straight. Hailing from Carlisle in the misted edges of northern England, the band brings a uniquely British lens to the open-road loneliness and gospel-ghost heart of their American influences. It’s a sound where campfire confessions meet cathedral reverb—where every note feels like a memory on the verge of fading.
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 appearance this year is part of their Idle Word summer tour, in celebration of their recently released 7th album, Songs for an Idle World. Check it out now!
The Dress Rehearsal – Otherwise known as the nom-de-plum of Glasgow-based artist David Milne, The Dress Rehearsal offers a beautiful cacophony mixing the relics of ‘60s pop with a classical baroque sensibility. His recent self-titled debut is a concept album loosely based around a theatre show, connected from start to finish. Merging classical pop element with ‘60s inspired melodies, lush string and brass arrangements, and vocal harmonies largely influenced by The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Harry Nilsson, but given a new twist that will also appeal to more modern music listeners.
Emperor Penguin – Rising from their own ashes after a 16-year hiatus like a penguin shaped phoenix, Emperor Penguin reformed and revived themselves in 2017, and have been going strong ever since. Their aim: to bring their pure power pop to the ear candy deprived masses! “One of the most clever bands you’ll have heard in a while…whimsical power pop with unusual, unexpected chord changes…as catchy as a cold in December…” (Shindig! Magazine). Their 2018 Walnut Fascia album was hailed by Powerpopaholic.com as “the coolest psych-pop album of the year” and earned an impressive – and very well deserved – four stars from Shindig! Magazine. Their latest release, Gentlemen Thieves, ranked near the top of many a 2024 “best of” list and proves these guys just keep getting better and better: Carefully crafted and quintessentially British power pop in the vein of XTC and Elvis Costello, seamlessly mixing whimsical baroque touches and muscular guitars. Just WOW! If you don’t believe these Londoners could possibly be that good, then come to their IPO showcase and hear for yourself!
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! They are back in the studio recording their 5th album, which we can hardly wait to hear!! 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 recently released 12th album, Oh Contraire!, is what happens when you let a master craftsman loose in a candy store of vintage gear and legendary spaces: This is an album where Supergrass meets Roxy Music for a motorik dance party, Queen crashes Supertramp’s prog picnic, vintage synthesizers perform a circus act on sacred ground, while French horns (courtesy of Brian Wilson Band’s own Probyn Gregory) dance with strings from London’s Royal College of Music, and the credits read like a “who’s who” of current and past IPO performers from around the globe! It’s what happens when a sophisticated-pop architect decides to build a sonic skyscraper using Mellotrons for bricks and harmonies for mortar. 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!
The General Store – The band led by Brighton lad Tam Johnstone, who happens to be the son of Elton John guitarist Davey Johnstone! Now that we’ve gotten past that, there’s the tunes: their CDs, Local Honey and Mountain Rescue, are both absolutely brilliant slices of music that will appeal to fans of both pure pop and alt-country. But then, what else can you expect from a guy who used to be partners in The Green Tambourines with Orgone Box wunderkind Rick Corcoran? It’s been over 20 years since their last IPO Liverpool appearance, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back!
Micah Gilbert & The Come Back Shanes – Main main Gilbert writes songs that have been appreciated for their distinctive and memorable melodies, skillfully crafted and intelligent lyrics, vivid images, catchy subtlety, and fine details. Calling Gilbert’s debut album Book of Changes a “Singer Songwriter Classic,” Don Valentine proclaimed that the subsequent Tales of Love “enhances his reputation”: “Gilbert writes songs of depth that may jangle or strum, but hang on melody and lyrical strength” (I Don’t Hear a Single blog). Last year saw the release of two new albums on streaming platforms, with CDs to follow soon. Wheel includes the single “Colour Wheel,” which had spent several weeks in the Top 10 on the Radio Indie Alliance charts. Songs from Wheel and the second new release, Passing Places, have featured on radio outlets such as the UK’s iconic station Radio Caroline (The Boat That Rocked!) and internet radio show “The Music Authority.” Gilbert is joined again this year by talented friends Alan Murray and Grace Murray (the duo Mist & Wing), Paul Syme, and Scott Stewart. Collectively, “The Come Back Shanes” hail from Skye, central Scotland, and Athens, Georgia, and were a hit at the 2023 IPO Liverpool. Gilbert’s music has wide appeal – fans of the Beatles, Neil Finn, and Sam Phillips will want to be there!
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 to delight and impress her audience. While her recordings may be whimsical and soft, her live show can be quite dynamic, so don’t miss it!
The Hornets – A ‘60s influenced R&B band, they unabashedly proclaim themselves on their website as “the best young band to come out of West London since The Who.” Cheeky? Yeah, but testimonials from friends who have seen them live and the fiery fun of the songs on their recent Hornet’s Nest album suggest they just may have the goods to back it up! Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to see and hear them do their thing at IPO – we can hardly wait!!
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!
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). They’ve got three albums already to their credit and a fourth due out this summer, so watch for it! Fans of artists such as Blondie and The Bangles will love them!
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!
Kim, Lee and Morris – 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. They are joined for their IPO showcase by Morris Windsor, one of Kim’s long-time partners from The Soft Boys, making it a show not to be missed and 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 (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 their recent single, “Mr. Nice Guy,” has the potential to become an anthemic pop rock hit! We look 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. Their recently released EP, Wonderlust, will also appeal to fans of Stevie Wonder and Lenny Kravitz.
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, we’re excited to welcome them back! But wait…there’s more: they have a new self-titled album, featuring many of those songs we’ve loved seeing them do live plus a few new ones. If you’ve only heard them recently on one of the many internet radio stations giving them some well-deserved airplay, you need to come to their IPO showcase: trust us – this is one band you haven’t truly experienced until you’ve seen them live!!
Sam Millar – A singer/songwriter/producer from the greater Manchester area, Millar was signed to Earache Records (which has been home to many of modern rock’s household names, including Those Damn Crows, The Temperance Movement, Skindred and Rival Sons) for the release of his debut album, Virtual Summer. The album infuses Sam’s love of pop, rock, glam, synthwave and many other genres, combining a retro vibe with a modern edge. Fans of Rick Springfield, Prince, The Steve Miller Band, Boston and ELO – to name but a few – will dig it!
The Mobile Blackouts – A Bristol-based four-piece who wear their love of ‘60s garage fuzz and psychedelic wall or guitars proudly on their sleeves, mixing it with a touch of glam, punk, and mod on their recently released Interesting Times album. Their brand new one, Morning Sunshine, drops just days before their appearance at IPO! Fans of both classic bands, such as The Jam, and more recent champions of the genre, such as The Grip Weeds or The Fast Camels (see above), will love these guys!
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 “Nelson Street” adds a bit more complexity to their songwriting, and is their catchiest tune yet!
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. Their second album, The Fever Dreams of Mr Magpie, is recently finished with the first single set to drop just in time for IPO. Fans of The Byrds and Fairport Convention will dig them!
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.
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!
Payola – United through their love of ‘60s rock n’ roll, soul, ‘70s punk, ‘90s indie & Britpop, and a desire to add something new to an already brilliant new music scene, this band of Londoners bring all the swagger, soul and rock n’ roll to the next generation. Fans of The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Oasis should check out their recent singles and come see them live at their first IPO showcase!
The Q – A Glouster-based three-piece who have been writing punchy anthemic rock straight from the heart since their first EP release in 2008. Working with well-known producers Vic Coppersmith-Heaven (The Jam, The Vapors) and Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Bullet For My Valentine etc..) their latest album, 3, is a heady brew of wall-to-wall jangle, harmony, and energy. It’s been quite a few years since they last played IPO, and we can’t wait to welcome them back!
Rinaldi Sings – These Swingin’ Londoners play a stylish and uptempo brand of pop that acknowledges a deep debt to the bubblegum soul of the late ‘60s. With a complicated pop sound sometimes likened to My Life Story and the Divine Comedy, the band are fronted by Steve Rinaldi, described by NME as “a cocksure 21st Century Scott Walker” and features Bob Kelly of Kelly’s Heels on backing vocals, guitar, and snazzy footwear. Their debut album, What’s It All About?, was featured among the Best Albums Of 2004 in Village Voice’s annual Rock Critics Poll, and their latest, The Party’s Over, is even better!
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 favourites that we look forward to seeing each year in Liverpool!
Marco Rossi – The Dorset-based singer songwriter and former frontman of the band Cheese, has finally released his solo album, Since Returning From The Moon – and what an album it is! “A beautifully understated album wherein Marco performs all components – imagine Andy Partridge recording RAM and that might give you some sense of where it sits” (Last Night in Glasgow). Fans of psychedelic pop, baroque pop, prog, and a little bit of everything in between will dig it!
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!
The Samurai Seven – They’re back under their original name after several past IPO appearances in both Liverpool and LA as The Dirty Royals, and we’re glad to have ‘em! Sparkling sibling harmonies, heaps of hooks, mountains of melody, and an energetic live show are what makes this band from Oxford one of the quintessential purveyors of modern power pop!
Scarlett Fever – Birthed from the dead-end streets of Crewe in Cheshire, Scarlett Fever are an energetic new band with a refreshing sound influenced by The Jam, The Kinks and The Buzzcocks. Originally comprised of Tom Scarlett on vocals, Harry Edwards on guitar and Callum Bell on drums, the band has a new-found energy and edge with the addition of Warrington bassist Marcus Trevithick. Their debut single, “Many Faces”, encapsulates their DIY ethos, musical storytelling and blend of contemporary and classic mod sounds.
Spencer Segelov & Great Paintings – A jangle pop artist from Cardiff, Segelov has been writing and recording for over 20 years with a fine collection of albums and singles to his credit. Layered guitars, artful arrangements, and sparkling vocals made last year’s You’re A Lighthouse, I’m At Sea a favourite of many a pop fan. If you like Belle & Sebastian, The Beach Boys, or Fountains of Wayne, be sure to not to miss them at IPO!
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!
Silver Biplanes – Bedfordshire-based indie pop post-punk psychedelic krautrock glam band Silver Biplanes are are led by wife-and-husband team Vanessa Vass and Tim Vass. Vanessa was the singer in 90’s indie band The Melons, who are probably best remembered for their two legendary live sessions on Mark Radcliffe’s Radio 1 show. Tim was bassist and lyricist in cult Creation label band Razorcuts, co-writing all of the songs on their two albums, both of which landed in the top three of the Indie Album Charts. They are joined by drummer Rob Scott, guitarist Noel Douglas and keyboard player Steve Peebles, adding a range of shimmering textures to their recent album, Traveling By Candelight, and their live shows. A new 10-inch 4-song EP is nearly ready and should be released soon, so watch for it!
Sip of Milk – Raiders of their dad’s record collection, this quintet 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!
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!
Slow Motion Film – Formed from the remnants of the critically acclaimed Amoeba Teen, Slow Motion Film draws on a wide array of influences. Their music evolves organically, with each member contributing to the shaping and structuring of the songs. The results are unafraid to combine pop formalism with waves of noise and a post punk sensibility. They’ve got one EP available already and another one on the way, and are poised to become our favourite new band from Stourbridge!
The Sound of Pop Art – Led by Chris Free (co-writer/guitarist of The Used and a resident on Paul Weller’s Respond Records) and vocalist Samantha Kempers, they bring their brand of late ‘60s/early ‘70s influenced cinematic soft pop, psych pop, and soul from Newmarket to IPO! Their latest album, Shapes & Shadows, will appeal to fans of Burt Bacharach, The Beach Boys, The Fifth Dimension and The Hillside Singers!
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! They’ve got a few more recent singles that have us eagerly awaiting their next album and 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 us to turn down a chance to have him back for a 2nd year in a row!
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! Check out Lavinia’s new album, The Making, which received a five-star review in Shindig! Magazine!
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, including their brand new one, Reflections. We think their brand of alternatingly sweet and gruff vocals, soulful guitar riffs, and keyboard-fuelled psychedelic mayhem fits in perfectly at IPO, and look forward to welcoming them this year to both Liverpool and Stockholm!
The Strydes – A 4-piece rock’n’roll/indie band from Plymouth, Devon, who honed their craft performing covers from ‘50s rock n’ roll, ‘60s Brit Invasion, ‘70s California rock through to ‘90s Britrock to modern indiepop. This wide array of influences comes through in their original music: The songs on their recent self-titled EP blend Beatle-esque harmonies with wistful Americana, and hooks that are catchier than COVID, atop a layer of artful instrumental arrangements.
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 again 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!
Sunwheel – Formed in the vibrant 90s, a golden era for indie rock, Sunwheel made their mark touring the university circuit and London scene, renowned for their soaring choruses and exceptional musicianship. Now, in 2025, the original five members from Derby are back after a 26-year hiatus, re-energized and ready to release new music, while also looking forward to performing live some of the iconic Sunwheel anthems that fans have loved for years. Check out their brand-new EP, Live at Dubrek Studios, and their IPO showcase!
Tenderhooks – A four-piece band from Brighton who mix influences from a variety of pop, rock, and blues styles to form their own in your face pop rock stylings. Markus Leinweber is the song writer, pianist and singer in the band, joined by Mike Phillips on bass, Andy Murden on drums and Charl Cronje on rhythm/lead guitar and vocals. If you’re a fan of the variety of melodic pop and rock that used to be heard on ‘70s radio, you will love Tenderhooks!
The Threads – A Spilsby-based mod band formed in 1982 and still going strong, appearing at mod festivals up and down the UK and returning to IPO for the first time quite a few years. They do that psychedelic keyboard fuelled mayhem thing better than just about anybody, and their Step Back In Time album is still a mod revival classic. We’re glad to welcome them back!
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’re back with a new lease on life (main man Paul Eustace is a recent cancer survivor) and their brand-new If Now Now, When? album, and we can hardly wait to see and hear them do their thing again at IPO!
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!
Ynys (Solo) – From Aberystwyth, on the west coast of Wales, Ynys (Island) is the project of Dylan Hughes, ex-Race Horses and Radio Luxembourg, who brings the music of Ynys to IPO as a solo performer. The songs on the recently released Ynys album, Dosbarth Nos, are a rich collection of melancholic harmonies, over a soundtrack of 80’s sequencers, 70’s string machines, and fuzz guitars. Their sound palette journeys from Big Star power pop to Beach House via cinematic strings, sung in Welsh and English. We look forward seeing and hearing the more intimate solo rendition!
Zig Zag Road – Formerly known as Cassie, they were regulars on the Isle of Wight gigging circuit back in 1978, when power pop was king. 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 reunited after 40 years, are once again writing and performing their classic catchy power pop, and releasing their first proper album, Back In The Band. With bassist Tim Izzard joining in 2025, the band embraced a new identity: Zig Zag Road — a name with no baggage and plenty of forward motion. They’re back in the studio and writing new songs that we can hardly wait to hear!
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 Arca-deans, a four-piece melodic rock and indie blues band from Cork, Ireland. Fans of KISS and AC/DC will also appreciate their Duplicity EP!
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 7” vinyl EP, Post Modern!
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 much-anticipated brand-new album, Without A Safety Net, officially releases just after their IPO showcase; the first single “Anywhere Is Home” is already climbing the charts on various indie podcasts and internet radio stations. With multiple comparisons to the likes of McCartney, Crowded House, ELO and Jellyfish, and the chance we’ll get to hear them play some of the songs from the new album live for the first time, it’s understandable why they have become a perennial fan favourite 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. Their love of making music together and DIY ethos shines through in their newest album, Unplug ‘n’ Play, which also brings in a few interesting folk and flamenco elements. Very cool!
City Pets – What is a City Pet? It could be an animal or a brand of Japanese shampoo, but it definitely is the next big thing on the indie pop/alternative folk/beachy Irish music scene! City Pets consists of Len (vocals and rhythm guitar), Stef (vocals and lead guitar), Andy (vocals and bass Guitar) and Bev (drums). They’ve recently had two singles mastered by the great Barry Grint of Air Studios, who has previously mastered tracks by Prince, Oasis, David Bowie and The Beatles. In 2024, The Pets ramped up their output with the release of two very well received EPs: Pet Food and Moochin’. City Pets are showing no sign of stopping in 2025, with gigs and new music planned throughout the year. Hold onto your pants, folks, because City Pets cannot afford their own pants.
The Dave Park Five – A Stockholm supergroup formed by members of Baby Said Yeah!, First Cab, Donvan’s Brain, Elvert Under-Ground, and A Padded Room, who combined forces to honour the memory of their friend David Parkin, who played in all of these bands, but sadly succumbed to cancer in the fall of 2020. The result is an outpouring of intricately arranged, hooky and harmonious guitar pop. A must-see band for any fan of Scandinavian pop!!
DB Edmunds – IPO is proud to welcome Doug Edmunds, founding member of late ‘90s guitar pop cult favourites, Gladhands, and lead singer/songwriter/guitarist for Chapel Hill- based The Stars Explode (2007-2017), along with his band. DB Edmunds started his solo journey in 2022 with the release of the critically acclaimed EP, Life’s Wild Ride. The band’s new LP, Everybody Knows By Now – mixed by Mitch Easter – is out now!
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 for their 2nd post pandemic IPO Liverpool appearance! 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!
The Expected – By the side of the oldest church in Southern Finland, there’s a small cottage where four guys started jamming in the Spring of 2011, and we’re certainly glad they did! Dedicated to the mission of bringing great music to the masses, they blend influences from power pop, soul, R&B, psychedelica, and garage rock to create their own brand of insanely catchy pop. Fans of The Beatles, The Kinks, ELO, and The Rolling Stones will want to give their latest EP, Coming Out, a listen (…or two…or three…)!
Forre Sterra – An indie/Britpop band from Helmond, The Netherlands, that combines energetic, Beatlesque indie rock with bold, visual storytelling and depressingly catchy tunes with soaring vocals. Avid tea drinkers, vinyl collectors, and cat lovers, they’re a perfect fit for IPO!! Check out their recently released album, Drifters, and their IPO showcase to see and hear what we mean!
For Sale – A quartet from Zaragoza, Spain, who love nothing more than having a good time making beautiful noise with guitars and getting the audience to sing along and bob their heads. They like to write lyrics about love and heartbreak, sadness and joy, the everyday and the transcendental that are so simple that they’re understandable to all, even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish! They deliver it all with energetic performances and catchy melodies – the kind you whistle or hum without knowing why. Check out their recent album, Un Dia En Parque, and their IPO showcase to see and hear why these guys are one of our favourite new Spanish power pop bands!
Los Glosters – A band from Tarragona, Spain, with “one hundred percent attitude” and the seasoned musicianship and stage presence that comes from over thirty years on the road. Their musical career has led them to present their albums in venues and bars throughout the Iberian Peninsula, as well as at numerous festivals around Europe, where they have shared the bill with various stars of the ‘60s psychedelic and ‘70s/’80s mod revival scene – including two past appearances at IPO Liverpool. Their latest album, Cuatro, exemplifies their mixture of classic psych and mod with campy lounge-pop and bubblegum. One of the most fun bands we’ve ever had at IPO, and we can’t wait to see and hear them do their thing again!
Honey Camp – A jangle/indie-pop band from Utrecht, The Netherlands, inspired by acts like The Frames, Bright Eyes and Pinegrove. Their music is like a mother-of-pearl beach under dark clouds. Just when you’re lying comfortably, the rain comes through. Two voices, sometimes miles apart, then again angelically one. Their new album, No One Leaves Without Saying Goodbye, is the culmination of writing and playing together for over 10 years. Fans of Fleetwood Mac or The Lumineers will dig them!
InBetween Honey – A quintet from Meath, Ireland, brought together by their shared love for music, who come to Liverpool ready to share their own brand of energetic and melodic indie rock with a new group of soon to be fans. Last year the band released five singles, and a debut four-track EP titled Ludlow Street the year before. Their EP secured them the coveted title of Cobra Promotions Best Debut EP for 2023, solidifying their status as a rising force in Ireland. Come check them out!
Leonie Jakobi – Born and raised in Dreieich, Germany, Jakobi splits her time between her native home town and her adoptive home of Liverpool, to which she relocated in 2018 to further her international music career. The songs on her recent 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, and her debut full-length album, What Are The People Gonna Say?, is due out later this year and currently available for pre-order. She is also a dynamic live performer who loves nothing more than to connect with a live audience, so come see her rock!
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
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!
Rick Kingo Featuring Cherry Fez – Regular attendees at IPO Liverpool are almost sure to recognize Kingo as one of the main singer/songwriter/guitarists in Caper Clowns (see above), who have become perennial favourites 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 Denmark, Brazil and the US, with whom he’ll be sharing the stage), and is ready to step out on his own. His latest single, “In Our Solitude,” shows he can also do theatrical ballads with the best of ‘em when the mood strikes! Audiences at IPOs up and down the US/Canadian west coast were delighted and impressed when they joined us for several IPOs last summer, so we’re thrilled the whole band is able to come out and play together at IPO Liverpool. Expect a little bit of folk pop, a little bit of power pop, a little bit of humour, and a whole lotta melody 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. They’ve got a new album in the works, and will be appearing at IPO Liverpool this year as part of a UK tour previewing songs from the new album, which we can hardly wait to see and hear them play!
Mark Malibu and The Wasagas – IPO does not typically book instrumental bands, but when they’re this much fun, we just can’t resist! Canada’s original surf-punk instrumentalists, Wasagas had their original heyday from 1979 to 1982 when they played with many new-wave and punk bands, confusing audiences everywhere. They’ve released two albums and have had two #1 hits on the surf charts, and have played IPO in their home town of Toronto two years in a row since reuniting, They show no signs of slowing down, so come catch the wave!
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 album, For All The Right Reasons, is ”…a living history book of UK pop-rock wrapped up in a Danish pastry all the way from Copenhagen” (Nordic Music Central). We can’t wait to see them come rock IPO Liverpool again!!
The Mighty Vornados – A dynamic and eclectic band playing the original music of Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/producer Bruce Garnitz. Influences and comparisons range far and wide: everything from pop and prog to funk, R&B, and experimental quirky pop, jazz, folk and theatrical vaudevillian pop. But it’s all melodic, interesting and fun!
Minuscule 605 – A duo from Madrid who exude fun and the campy bubblegum side of psych and mod in all they do. The songs on their Mono No Aware album and more singles channel the spirit of Nancy Sinatra meets The Lemon Pipers meets Herman’s Hermits. We look forward to seeing and hearing them perform at their first ever 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!
Plasticsoul – Still collecting praise and fans around the world for their third and most rocking album, Therapy (on Big Stir Records), LA & 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. Their IPO Liverpool “homecoming” after missing last year’s event will feature songs from their forthcoming new album, along with a few faves from their prior releases. Definitely a show not to be missed!
The Pozers – The Tyler, Texas band has definitely become more of a favourite with each IPO they play! “…[G]reat melodies, lovely tunes, cool harmonies, psych-drenched guitars, and sweet power pop sounds to delight your ears! The Pozers are a real power pop group that sounds like a mix of Cheap Trick, Beatles, and Apples in Stereo. This formula is a winning blend…crossing the bridge between major label and indie sounds…Grade A power pop!” (Jeremy Morris, Jam Records, and fellow IPO performer – see The Jeremy Band, above). Their latest album, Something Pop, was officially released at their 2023 IPO Arlington show, and we can hardly wait to see these guys rock IPO Liverpool!!
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 in 2023 to celebrate the release of their overdue debut album, Over & Over, before stepping out under his own name and relocating to Ireland, where he now makes his home in Nanegh. His debut solo album, Silver Man, combined influences from folk-rock to power pop 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 latest 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 recently 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,
The Strange Encounters – An adventurous mixture of folk, blues and rock ‘n’ roll from the psychedelic heart of Berlin. Based on the compositions and harmony vocals of Guido Kreutzmüller and Joe Armstrong, The Strange Encounters take you on a trip with songs shining of pure beauty and craftsmanship. Their debut LP, All In The Mind, is “…chockfull of jingle-jangle guitars, catchy chord progressions and harmonies sure to keep listeners up into the wee hours of the night. Think Big Star, Shoes and Gin Blossoms, aka acts and artists who channel(ed) the early Beatles as well as the Gene Clark-era Byrds” (Jeff Gemmill, OldGreyCat blog). And yes, it really is that good, and deservedly ended up near the top of several 2024 year-end “best of” lists. We look forward to welcoming to their first IPO Liverpool!
The Temponauts – From Piacenza, Italy, a band with their collective head in the ‘60s, but their eyes on the present. Always tuned on to the electric waves of the Byrds and The Fifth Dimension, and in everlasting love to the Kinks and the Stones and ‘60s guitar power pop, starting with The Turtles and Easybeats, they take the jingle-jangle sound through the ‘80s paisley underground to the garage rock revival of today. Check out their debut CD, A Million Year Picnic, and get ready as they begin the next phase of conquering the world, one jangle pop song at a time – they’ve got a couple of recently released singles that build on their classic jangle, and add a bit more muscle to turn the catchiness up to 11! They return to IPO Liverpool after more than a 10-year absence, and we can’t wait to welcome them home!
Turmoil – What started as playing covers at a distance during the pandemic has grown into a rock-solid Americana band with their own original songs. Turmoil is very much influenced by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jason Isbell & 400 Unit and Neil Young. Their recently released debut album, Coming Home, covers a variety of moods through clever use of instrumentation and subtle vocal harmonies, and wraps the listener in a comfy warm melodic blanket.
Twinklehead – It’s been 20 years since the release of their first full length album, but this band from Kristiansand, Norway are still one of the premier practitioners of classic Nordic indie power pop. If you love catchy melodies, harmonies, handclaps and chord changes backed by a strong beat and intricately layered effects, you owe it to yourself to check out their IPO showcase and recent Made For These Times album, as well as their extensive back catalog! Huge thanks to my Material Issues podcast co-host, Mark Hershberger, for turning me onto this band!
Who’s This Mary? – Chicago’s premier power pop sons, Who’s This Mary? perform original groovealicious pop gems and a tastefully curated selection of Britpop and mod classics. Their live performance is an extravaganza not to be missed!
Phil Yates & The Affiliates – Yates is an indie power pop artist formerly based out of Burlington, VT, who for the past several years has made his home in Chicago, and Vermont’s loss is definitely Chicago’s gain! With his hooky sound that’s “too folky for the rockers and too rocky for the folkers,” Phil has played with artists such as The Mountain Goats, The Babies, Cave Singers, Holly Golightly, and Mary Prankster. A Thin Thread, his latest album with The Affiliates, is the first featuring the Chicago lineup of the band, and showcases the band’s ability to do everything from frenetic Britpop to bubblegummy ear candy confections!
The Yellow Melodies – A band from Murcia, Spain who truly love POP, regardless of its shape or form, whether it’s indie pop, psych pop, orchestral pop, power pop, mod or beat, its first and foremost pure POP! They play music from the heart, with true passion and with style and flair. They’ve been sharing the love with fellow fans of the genre since the tail end of the ‘90s, with eight albums to their credit, and appearances on many compilations, and at pop festivals around the world (including previous appearances at IPO Liverpool). Their latest album was named “The Best Pop Album of 2023” by Muzikalia; the album is entitled Sunshine Pop, which we think says it all!