IPO New York 2025
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Artists From New York/New Jersey
Alphabet City – With a penchant for gritty guitars and catchy melodies, they’ve been described by their friend Ema as “The greatest ‘90s rock band that never existed!” Ther latest single, “Year Of The Tiger,” is loaded with quirky chord and tempo changes that angular pop fans will also love!
Seth Benjamin & the Philistines – A Brooklyn-based alt rock band whose songs manage to be both sad and melancholy, yet catchy and uplifting at the same time! Check out any of their digital releases and their IPO showcase to see and hear them for yourself!
Joe Benoit – A New York based singer/songwriter who loves rock n’ roll in all its wonderous variety…and lets this love shine through in his music. His latest album, What Kind of World, was recorded at home during the pandemic, and weaves together jangly guitars with poignant lyrics into a beautiful and compelling whole.
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 latest 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!
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 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 made a triumphant return to IPO last year in celebration of their 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 another chance to see them play again at 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 the juxtaposition of fuzz-garage meets sweet hooky jangle on their latest single, “Sorry Not Sorry.” We can’t wait for these guys to put out a full length!!
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!
The James Rocket – With chunky bass lines, counterpoint harmonies, quirky angular post-punk melodies, and even quirkier lyrics, The James Rocket may just become your new favorite modern power pop band. Look out for their upcoming album, Seen, recorded by Martin Bisi and mastered by Fred Kevorkian, which will be officially released on 11/21/25; it is streaming now on Bandcamp!
Jann Klose – A singer/songwriter/actor who has seven albums and two EPs to his credit, and has performed as an actor and singer in touring companies of Broadway musicals, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll and Hyde, and The Who’s Tommy. Singles from his most recent albums Surrender and In Tandem have accumulated over 10 million streams across all platforms and charted on Top 40 radio in both the US and South Africa. We’re excited to welcome him to his first IPO!
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!
Jason Maksymilian (of American Darlings) – Although the band has said farewell – at least for now – after releasing their It’s All Been Said 2010 – 2024 retrospective and Fly Forward EP last year, main man Maksymillian is still going strong as a singer/songwriter, and we’re glad to welcome him to IPO! Both his voice and writing evoke the sweet and crunchy ‘90s pop style upon which the festival was founded.
The Midnight Confessions – A Brooklyn-based band who made their debut at IPO New York in 2022, and we’re glad to have them back! Their obsession with everything from ‘60s girl groups to rock n’ roll and country, ‘70s power pop and glam and garage rock shines through on their recently released Introducing…The Midnight Confessions album and fun-filled live show. Think Suzi Quatro, Cheap Trick, Johnny Thunders, The Muffs, and The Go-Go’s with sequins!
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 in 2023, “…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 nine full length albums…and counting!) go far beyond Hollywood. His latest – as the title might suggest – is All Over The Map, and showcases his talents as a master of melody and lyrical satirist, with himself as the prime target…delivered in a variety of catchy pop styles. Whether you’re already a fan, or new to his music, this is an album and show you will want to check out!
Polaroid Fade – A group out of Ocean City whose debut album, Chaos Into Poetry, was recently released on Shore Point Records. Fronted by 19-year-old Nicoletta Giuliani’s siren-call vocals and anchored by a shared love of bands like The Smiths, The Sundays, and The Ocean Blue, their music settles around the listener like a warm cozy blanket. Fans of ‘90s indie rock, shoe-gaze and no-frills jangle pop should be sure to check them out!
The Record Players NYC – Founded in the East Village in 2018, The Record Players NYC are influenced by the first generation of rock and roll. The band composes and performs upbeat music influenced by the foundations laid down by the founders of rock and roll, roots, blues, garage, and power pop music. The band is known for their high-energy performances that get their audiences up and dancing!
The Road To Ruin – Their 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!
Rome 56 – A band who certainly know their way around a great song, Rome 56 is led by Arthur Lamonica of The Shirts, who’s song “Tell Me Your Plans” shot to the Top 10 in Holland some 35 years ago, and still has some regular airplay. They return to IPO in celebration of their eighth full-length record, Pony Tales, set for release later this month on Think Like A Key Records. The album is twelve song tales that “…swing from future-gazing anthems…to sci-fi dreamscapes…, with melodic rock that knows when to floor it and when to ease off the gas. Knopfler-esque guitar lines weave through lush keyboards while Lamonica’s vocals carry that Costello-like bite that cuts through the prettiness (Think Like A Key website).”
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 self-titled 12” vinyl compilation of some of their favorites from their singles and EPs to date 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. The title of their recently released full-length album, People Pleasers Pleasing People, tells you everything you need to know about their fun-loving attitude towards their music and spreading that love to their audiences!
Utopia Parkway – Although IPO does not typically feature tribute bands, we just couldn’t resist this one! Expect a loving homage to the music of Fountains of Wayne, featuring a cast of IPO New York “all stars” past and present.
Twerp – The brand-new band featuring members of the most excellent Wifey. We’re talkin’ bout: Teddy Grey – Vocals / Rhythm Guitar / Songwriter; Iyare Osarogiagbon – Lead Guitar; Jonah Bobo – Bass; Lyle Rea – Drums. You can bet they’ll carry on the ultra-hooky pop/rock that Wifey long sported in NYC!
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!
Andrew Weiss and Friends – IPO is glad to welcome this Long Island band and their “Power-Pop-iCana” music, a unique blend of Laurel Canyon folk rock and ‘70s power pop, that we think fits right in with everything the festival stands for! Their recently released album, The Last of The Outdoor Kids, will appeal to fans of Tom Petty, CSNY and Bruce Springsteen, to name but a few!
Yours & Mine – They’ve been quiet for a while, but we’re excited they’re back and ready to get loud at IPO! Their recent The Shadow You Cast album is full of hook-and-fuzz-filled frenetic angular pop that jangles and bounces its way into your brain and refuses to let go!
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 latest release, Shot An Arrow, available from Kool Kat Records, has a little of everything for those who love all their previous albums and new fans alike: there’s some new wave, a bit of crunchy pop and Americana, plus some Beatle-eque bits and plenty of jangle, harmony, and hooks…it’s all in there, and it’s all good!
U.S. Artists From Outside of New York/New Jersey
The Candy Rocks – Although none of the band members – or even their parents! – are old enough to clearly remember the ‘60s and early ‘70s, these youngsters from Annapolis, Maryland, capture the whimsy, melody, and harmony of songs from that era perfectly! Check out their recently released single “Can’t Seem To Find A Reason” and their IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself!
DelCobras – A three-headed pop-rock monster out of Philly, DelCobras make their IPO debut on the heels of releasing their recent New Skins EP. The songs on the EP show the group’s range, with big arena rock sing-a-longs, to surf rock, to synth filled breakdowns. We can’t wait to see and hear them do their thing at IPO!
Log Flume – Hailed by several reviewers as one of the best power pop albums of 2024, Log Flume’s Splash Hit! is filled with well-crafted melodies, harmonies, and arrangements that are both timeless and fresh, evoking comparisons to ‘90s pop greats such as Weezer and Teenage Fanclub. Their recently released single, “Get The Picture,” is also a great example of sweet jangle-pop at its finest, and hints at more musical goodness to come from this Chester County, PA four-piece!
The Spots – Based in Philadelphia, The Spots play an original mix of surfy garage rock influenced by punk, rockabilly, vintage R&B, and raw, primitive rock & roll. This is gonna be fun!!
International Artists
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!!