IPO Los Angeles 2026
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Artists From Los Angeles
20th Century Boys – This stripped down three-piece serves up brand new, but incredibly familiar songs that beg, borrow and steal from glam, power pop, hard soul and prepunk pub rockers from both sides of the pond. Fand of artists from The New York Dolls and The Bay City Rollers to Cheap Trick, The Jam and The Who will be pleased to find this band from Fullerton rocking their way into your heart!
Wils Bach – With a musical career spanning several decades, Bach has been enchanting audiences with a timeless sound reminiscent of iconic ‘90s rock bands like the Counting Crows or the Gin Blossoms. His distinctive voice, marked by its raw emotion and impressive range, has become his signature. With a love for creating soulful, melodic rock, Wils Bach has been performing, recording and releasing music since the late 90s, originally in the Midwest, and eventually making his way to Los Angeles. His latest album, Shadow and Spotlight, showcases his ability to write a great emotive rock hook…or two…or three…or a whole album full of them. Check it out!
Bat Country – They re-united for IPO in 2024 after a 25-year hiatus, and have been back together ever since, for which we – and hosts of other power pop fans – are extremely grateful! Bat Country were darlings of the L.A. pop scene in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s and features members of Norman Kelsey’s previous band, The Idle Kings and his (other) current band, The Canyon Band (who played IPO in 2023). Known for rockin’ and fun live sets, their debut album, Entertainment Now, is one of the more aptly titled discs you’ll come across from the New Millennium!
Jason Berk and The Jerks – A critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who comes to the west coast (he splits time between Los Angeles and San Francisco) by way of New York, Berk has proven himself to be a musical tour-de-force, teaching himself guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo, and garnering nationwide radio-play. His classic musical style has drawn comparison to such greats as The Beatles, Randy Newman, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Costello, to name but a few, and keeps getting better with each successive album! Check out his latest album, Strangers, and don’t miss him and his kick ass band at IPO as they reveal a new song or two and rock some of the favorites from his prior releases!
Black Mail House – Taking inspiration from ‘60s and ‘70s Rock ‘n Roll, Black Mail House crafts songs with lush arrangements and harmonies. Their latest album, Catacombs, is a hook-filled gem that will appeal to fans of Harry Nilsson, Jason Falkner, The Beatles, The Zombies, and anybody that wants to keep power pop alive in contemporary rock music. Speaking of keeping the music alive…while it’s been quite some time since their last full-length release, be sure to check out their recent single, “Then We Lose All Our Friends,” a timely and thought-provoking ode to maintaining your human connection in a digital world.
Bobby Bognar plays The Piper Downs – A special loving tribute show to one of the most beloved pop bands of the LA scene of the ‘00s and ‘10s, by none other than their guitarist/singer/songwriter/frontman! Though he may not rock quite as hard without the rest of the band, you can be sure he’ll more than make up for it with the classic witticism and humor of those Piper Downs lyrics and his powerful vocals!
Adrian Bourgeois – The release of his 2014 album, Pop/Art, brought Bourgeois to the attention of pop cognoscenti and media alike, earning much praise for its lush arrangements, “…angelic harmonies and melodies that swoop and soar like a hook-laden roller coaster” (Sacramento Bee). He’s since loaned his voice and production skill to numerous projects and has also found time to release a few singles. He’s currently working on his third full-length album, and we can’t wait to hear a preview of some of this latest material live at IPO!
Broken Sound – The band is the brainchild of the ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo and Michael Collins, who are also its only members. Their debut self-titled album is a collection of stripped-down alternative rock songs featuring hooks, beats, a few psychedelic vibes, and a refreshing sense of experimentation and just having fun. Their latest album, Dos, features similarly addictive fuzzy experimental pop hooks to their debut with a touch of dark social commentary.
Ottle Michael Butkovic – Keeping the spirit of ‘70s radio alive, Butkovic’s music is a blend of yacht rock, indie pop, quirky experimental pop, and hook-filled ballads …with a touch of jazz and power pop thrown in for good measure. Their debut full-length album, The Waiting Room, is now available on Spotify and other fine streaming platforms, and will appeal to fans of artists from Steely Dan to The Commodores. We can’t wait to see and hear what they’ll do for their IPO showcase…but we know it will be full of fun and surprises!
Danette Christine and The Sonic Scene – Deeply influenced by old and new Great American songbook writers and performers, and filtered through her own sense of whimsical sense of melody and orchestration, Danette Christine’s music pays homage to greats such as Cole Porter, Carole King, Brian Wilson, Harry Nilsson, and the classic sounds of Motown, Sun Studios, and The Brill Building, while still sounding fresh, original and fun. Check out her latest single, “Brian Wilson,” which is featured on this year’s IPO volume 27 compilation, and any of her previously released full length albums to see and hear for yourself!
Crazy Garry – Who is Crazy Garry you might ask? Crazy Garry is only the greatest artist from Massachusetts now rocking LA with his wide variety of music, sharp ‘70s look, kind, caring heart and great home cookin’. Influenced by the giants of music such as Journey, Styx, Elvis, Casiopea, YES, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Crazy Carry plays everything from uplifting spiritual ballads to whacky bubblegum-inflected keyboard ditties. Come check out his IPO debut!
Cruzados – The band’s story dates back to the early LA punk days when founding members were known as the Plugz, who scored the cult classic film REPO MAN. They’ve since been featured on television and in films such as Desperado, From Dusk Til Dawn, and Road House and have toured the world in support of bands Fleetwood Mac, INXS, The Alarm, Joe Walsh and Billy Idol. Their classic singles, “Motorcycle Girl” and “Bed of Lies,” both reached the top 10 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, and were in rotation with videos featured on MTV and VH1. They come to IPO as part of their 40th anniversary tour and armed with their recently released RumBar Records Best of Cruzados album. Definitely a show you will not want to miss!
Michael Culhane – Celebrating 50 years as a singer, songwriter and performer – yes, he started out when he was just a kid – Michael Culhane will be performing just about all of the songs from his new AUTOBIOGRAPH digital EP’s at the 2026 festival thus airing his best Early Songs in public for the first time ever! These songs though otherwise as yet unheard led to the formation of several bands over the years, culminating in New York City with Circus Guy, who also toured abroad upon the release of their acclaimed CD The Lovely Luna. Bringing things up-to-date and now playing under his own name Culhane as the leader of his current trio will perform his latest songs onstage as well, including the one just recorded as an exclusive addition to the current IPO CD. Catch them live this year at IPO in Los Angeles and San Diego.
The Dons – A favorite of many in the local scene in the early ‘00s, The Dons were known for their solid live performances, pitch-perfect harmonies and excellent songs. Their debut album, Dawn Of The Dons, finished in the Top 20 of the Audities “Best of 2002” poll, which is no mean feat! Their reunion performance at IPO LA in 2017 after a dozen or so years apart proved they’re still just as good as you remember, so we’re thrilled to welcome them back to do their thing again!!
The Doodes – A progressive rock band who blend the individual talents of all four band members and a wide array of influences from bossa nova, jazz, folk, soul, psychedelic rock and pop to form a sound all their own. Their mission is to continue exploring and expanding the boundaries of their musical expression. Come out to their IPO show and join them on the journey!
The Dreambots – An LA quartet, including Jerry Juden, who many long-time IPO-ers will recall from The Shamus Twins (see below), so you’d expect a lot of jangle, twang, and harmony…and The Dreambots do not disappoint! Their songs are upbeat, catchy, melody-driven rockers, and their single, “Tightrope”, one of five great tracks on their recently released Evolving EP, has already been recognized by Denis Pilon of Pop Rock Record as “a subtle earworm.”
Drool Brothers – They put the function back into dysfunction to create psychological pop soul with a slightly warped sensibility. Studio geek real brothers Chuck Mancillas and Tom Slik have had a long reckless relationship with LA’s music culture, and have emancipated themselves within the walls of their laboratory where they amuse themselves and their fans with audio mutations. Their latest album, Psychology, is a zany romp through a mixed-up world where grunge collides with shades of sunshine and psych pop with hooks reminiscent of ‘60s/’70s referenced bubblegum. It may sound a bit crazy, but it works!! Imagine a funkier They Might Be Giants, a more soulful Frank Zappa, or what The Partridge Family might be like if they spent time hangin’ with The Beastie Boys and Nirvana…or better yet, just come out to see and hear them for yourself!
Gerald Emerick – Emerick first gained notoriety at the dearly departed CBGBs with his band Quincy, which Columbia Records signed to its biggest deal ever in 1980. Sued upon their debut by Quincy Jones over their name, the band released a second album as Lulu Temple. Emerick then went on to create the PTL Sound Club, a satirical alternative music/performance art club act and continued to develop a career as an actor and composer in film and TV. His guest appearances as an actor include TV shows such as Married with Children and Ally McBeal and films such as Pleasantville and This Is 40. As a songwriter and composer, his range and style is quite prolific, with singles running the gamut from punk pop to indie pop, orchestrated pop and Americana. You never know what style he’ll play from song to song, but you know it’s going to be good!
Evil Maria – After releasing and touring behind three CDs on his Spill Records label, singer/songwriter and guitarist Evren Goknar formed Evil Maria. Their sound evolved into what Goknar describes as “maximum garage pop”, infusing ‘60s-influenced farfisa and edgy rock elements with pop and early new wave. Their latest release – a limited edition 7” on colored vinyl called The El Dorado Seven Inch – is totally hip!
Feef – Having performed her songs in bedrooms, basements, English and Scottish pubs, Dutch coffee houses, and having worked with the likes of worked of Jon Turner (Cocteau Twins), Richard Perry (Harry Nilsson) and Matt Forger (Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson), Feef brings her unique brand of folk pop back to IPO! Her brand-new album, The Really Real, came together with a little help from her good friend (and co-producer/fellow IPO performer), Fernando Perdomo (see below). Think Cat Stevens meets Cole Porter while hanging barefoot in Laurel Canyon, and you get the general idea.
Lori Garrote & The Chaos – Drawn to musical classics such as The Doors, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Garrote started performing cover songs at talent shows and other local events using whatever guitar she could get her hands on. As she developed her skills and style, she found herself infusing her raw-rock sound with various artists like Blondie, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and other well-known pop culture artists. Moving past her beginnings in South Florida, where she earned accolades such as “Best Female Rock Vocalist,” she has been steadily taking LA by storm. Her Subject To Change EP is loaded with hooky rockin’ should-be radio hits, and her latest, Resilience, reflects a new chapter of growth, strength, and artistic maturity while remaining true to her radio-friendly catchy rock roots!
The Glimmer Stars – Led by one of the nicest guys with one of the coolest names, Mini Mendez, the Glimmer Stars have been an underground pop scene favorite for decades, with numerous singles and compilation appearances to their credit. Remaining true to their roots and strong belief that rock n’ roll should be fun, pure and simple, the Glimmer Stars are sure to put a smile on your face! The good folks at Rum Bar Records certainly agree: The Rise of The Glimmer Stars, a 22-song, retrospective featuring 20 years’ worth of The Glimmer Stars at their power poppin’ best, was their first Rum Bar Records release. The Glimmer Stars’ new album, Someday’s A Long Time, is the band’s second full-length release for Rum Bar Records. The ten-song LP occupies the sonic territory somewhere between the Small Faces and the Raspberries, while still maintaining its own character and identity. Come out and rock with one of the most fun and fun to be around bands we’ve had at IPO!
Mr. Bruce Gordon – A long-time IPO performer in many different guises, having previously appeared as Mr Encrypto and as part of the combo Pop Co-Op, Gordon appears this year under his own name. His music is catchy power pop at its best: sparkling melodies, repeating hooks that stay in your head for days, with just the right balance of searing guitars, soft pop harmonies, and a touch of soul. Check out his latest album, One Tall Order, and his IPO showcase to hear for yourself!
Nick Guzman – Guzman is an American musician and multi-instrumentalist best known for his role in the band PVMNTS. His latest album, After All These Years, features intricate yet subtle instrumental and vocal arrangements blending elements from folk pop and Americana to darker melancholy pop with indelible hooks that will leave an impression on your heart and soul.
Danny Henry & His Holy Band – Voted as The Deli Magazine’s New England Readers Artist of the Year in 2015, the ever-colorful Danny Henry is a jukebox hero, a sexual visionary, and the last bastion of rock and roll! Born and raised in Milford, Connecticut, and now making his home in LA, he continues to write and perform his unique brand of pop, blending influences from the likes of The Beach Boys, The Kinks, Elton John, and Billy Joel. His recently released album, Live, Long, and Propsering! was produced, mixed, and mastered by the German Voodoo Doctor, Kai Danzberg, based on a performance with the Holy Band recorded at the Goldfish in Highland Park. The album features a collection of songs into which Henry poured his whole heart writing and performing, backed by a Fruit Stripe Gum Brand of musical savants: Fernando Perdomo, Probyn Gregory, Nelson Bragg, Alexandra Rae, Adrian Bourgeois, Cisco Barahona, and Rob Weiss, some of whom will be backing him for IPO. Check out the album and and his IPO showcase, and you too will become an instant fan!
Linn Holmes – Originally from Sweden, Linn started singing before she could walk – joining her mother in gospel choir as a baby and moving on to performing in choirs herself, singing in harmony with others has always been at the core of her life. Moving on to performing in bands around Stockholm as a lead singer and songwriter, Linn began to explore different musical avenues before setting her sights on Los Angeles, where she’s become known for her work as a session singer, performing and recording background vocals for a vast variety of bands and artists. Her own sound mixes the influences of her mother’s time singing gospel and her father’s love for rock n roll – acts such as the Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt and Fleetwood Mac. “Baby Blue,” the lead-off track of her debut EP, Introducing Linn Holmes, has been called “…a delightful journey into the nostalgic vibes of the 70s, wrapped in a modern pop sound…” (Josh Brown, Stereo Fade Magazine).
Rick Hromadka & Friends – No stranger to IPO audiences, Hromadka has been a key figure in the LA pop scene since the ‘90s and is known to many – not just in LA, but around the globe – as the singer/songwriter/mastermind behind the awesome bands Double Naught Spies and Maple Mars. His latest solo record, Better Days, shot to the top of many 2020 “best of” lists and deservedly so: “Rick Hromadka and a batch of musical pals have created an album that is one of the best power pop releases in memory, a surging and artful effort that is bolstered by excellent song craft, experimental flourishes aplenty and nuanced musicianship” (Robert Kinsler, Rock ‘n Roll Truth). His IPO showcase is sure to be a musical extravaganza not to be missed!
JD and The RetroRyders – A group forged from the glory days of rock n’ roll, but making new music, bursting with anthemic hooks, crunchy guitars, searing yet singable guitar solos, soulful lead vocals and dreamy harmonies, and feel-good lyrics, JD and The RetroRyders are the real deal! They’re an arena-ready sextet from Huntington Beach consistently releasing prime modern vintage rock n’ roll. Their sound has been described as British Invasion meets American garage rock, channeling influences such as Aerosmith, Jefferson Airplane, the Beatles, the Smithereens, Tom Petty and Cheap Trick. This is pure 1960s and 1970s inspired rock n’ roll—you can almost smell the patchouli and naugahyde baked into the music!
Joco – Sunny, heartfelt, goofy and sometimes edgy, Joco is a Filipino-American indie-pop artist from Oxnard bringing piano-driven pop-rock to the SoCal stage. Backed by his lively full band, his set blends retro-pop hooks, indie-rock energy, and jazz-influenced musicianship into a show that feels polished, playful, and easy to connect with. His songwriting pairs cheeky humor with emotional honesty. Equal parts feel-good entertainer and sincere songwriter, Joco brings a set that is warm, witty, and full of personality. Fans of Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson, and George Gershwin should be sure to check him out!
Andras Jones – Purveyor of melodic witticism extraordinaire, Jones has toured the US and Canada both solo and with his band, The Previous, and is also the host/creator of Radio8Ball, author of Accidental Initiations: The Kabbalistic Tree of Olympia (from Sync Book Press) and an actor who has appeared in several motion pictures and TV shows, including A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master and Saved By The Bell. His latest solo album, Recognize, De-Escalate, and De-Code, is full of melodic and lyrical twists in Jones’ inimitable style. Fans should also check out his latest single, “SemiQuncentennial”, celebrating America’s 250th birthday as only he can! Also be sure not to miss his live show, as the banter and interaction with his audience are often even better than the songs!
Zach Jones – Some may remember Jones and his band The Transatlantics, who played many an IPO in the 2010’s. With an encyclopedic knowledge of yesterday’s music and an awareness and appreciation for today’s, Zach Jones’s music combines the raw energy and style of the ‘60s British pop explosion with ‘70s power pop and the soulful expression of R&B that poured from Motown & Stax. While paying tribute to the music he loves, yet expanding beyond tradition in sound and arrangement, Jones has created a fresh musical melting pot of modern rock, pop, and soul. Check out his latest album, Be Nice!, or his more recent singles, and you’ll instantly understand why we eagerly look forward to welcoming him back to IPO!
The Legendary Swagger – Straight outta Long Beach, The Legendary Swagger plays energetic rawk and roll, sometimes straight outta the garage, sometimes with a little punk rock edge, but always straight from the heart. Their latest album, Gypsies, Junkies & Thieves, will remind you of everything that makes rock and roll so fun!!
The Living Dolls – Mix power pop, rock, psychedelic, garage, mod, and punkv arena rock from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s, and you’ll get an idea of the sound of The Living Dolls! They’re an alternative blend of old and new; somehow familiar yet strangely unrecognizable. Their self-titled CD has garnered rave reviews from their home in the beautiful San Fernando Valley to Ohio to Sweden, and points in between!
Martin Luther Lennon – The band led by former Poptopia auteur Tony Perkins (to whom we all owe a great debt of gratitude) are back after far too long a hiatus, and we’re thrilled to have them! Their classic CDs, Music for a World Without Limitations and Escape From Paradox Island, provide insight into Perkins’ unique view of the world. But don’t miss their IPO showcase, as they are even more fun live than they are on record; their quirky pop melodies and childlike-yet-biting lyrics are very memorable.
Robbie McDonald – Longtime IPO-goers may remember McDonald from his IPO appearances in the mid-2000s, as Trip Adagio. An American Irish singer/songwriter, composer and lyricist, McDonald’s songs pair poignant lyrics with lush orchestration. Fans of Nilsson, Debussy and Rachmaninoff will dig it!
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!
The Motion – Do you love pure power pop bands like Big Star, Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers, Badfinger, or Fountains of Wayne? Well, so do The Motion, and their love of that classic power pop sound is evident in everything they do! David Wilde of Rolling Stone has called their Whatever Pleases You album “…true power pop written, sung and played with pride and passion. Like the musical masters they clearly admire, The Motion deliver the kind of songs that hit you hard right away, and then just keep growing on you.” We’re thrilled to welcome them whenever they make an IPO appearance!
Fernando Perdomo – Re-located to LA from his former home of Miami Beach where he led Dreaming In Stereo, whose churning style of music was coined by band and press alike as Progressive Pop, an eclectic mix of ‘70s Progressive Rock and ‘90s power pop! He’s also a label head (Forward Motion Records) and producer extraordinaire (the latest album by pop legend Andy Pratt, among others – including a few fellow IPO performers!), and a member or guest of more bands than we can count, who has been dubbed “The millennial answer to Todd Rundgren” by LA Weekly! His extensive list of past releases have proven his talent as a prog rock and new age arranger and instrumentalist as well as a consummate pop-rock hook-meister. His latest pop album, Goodbye Sun, is collection of feel-good intricately layered folk pop that alternates between warm and sunny and dark and moody, reminiscent of late ‘60s and early ‘70s radio pop. We’ve dubbed him “The Zelig of Pop”, because if it’s happening, he’s somewhere in the picture!
Gigi Phenix – Raised on a diet of golden oldies, new wave, ska, and British punk music and inspired by artists such as The Cranberries, Geneva, Shirley Bassey, Duran Duran, Blondie, and Sinéad O’Connor, Phenix writes insanely hooky power pop with new wave, punk and disco flourishes. Fans of the above artists, Abba, and Nushu will love this! Phenix and the band are working on their debut full length album, I AM, set for release later this year. We can hardly wait!
Cody Piper – A piano-pop singer songwriter who moved to LA from Pittsburgh only days ago, whose catchy melodies, shifting chord structures, soaring harmonies and baroque orchestration are sure to appeal to fans of artists such as Brian Wilson, Ben Folds, and ELO. Check out his latest album, Revealed, and his IPO showcase, and you’ll be instantly hooked!
Plasma Chasms – An Australian/American neo-psych pop duo who seamlessly shift their brand of psychedelia from moody layers of swirling soundscapes to campy bubblegummy fun that will have you wanting to break out your go-go boots! Their debut album, Chyrsalis, is a trippy wash of psychedelia that has earned comparisons to The Beatles, The Byrds, and King Gizzard.
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 LA showcase will feature songs from their forthcoming new album, along with a few faves from their prior releases. Definitely a show not to be missed!
Punky Ramone – Embracing her weirdness, Punky Ramone does not conform to any label whether it be gender, social or politically-based. She has one mission and one mission alone – to tell the truth through rock and roll. Growing up listening to bands such as The Replacements and The Stooges, and cutting her chops in clubs around Philly, Ramone’s songs are sometimes fun, sometimes bittersweet, sometimes angry. Her debut album, U R Not A Victim, is a blistering 10-song sweep across the touchstones of rock music with influences from 60’s girl pop to Black Sabbath.
The RAZ Band – A band who proudly proclaim they are older than your parents, and who have been rocking and rolling for over 40 years! The band is built around Michael Raz and Jeff Hutchinson, who have been playing together since their high school days in New Jersey, but are now based in LA, and has from time to time included some of their long-time pop and rock heroes, such as the dearly departed Joey Molland (of Badfinger) and Jim Vitale (who has toured with Joe Walsh)! Their CD, Madison Park, was named 2015 Album of the Year by Roadie Crew Magazine Editor Airton Diniz, proving that – like fine wine – some things only get better with age! Never ones to rest on their laurels, a new single, recorded with Joey Molland before he passed, and their brand-new rollicking album, Copy This, are both due out this summer, with an updated remastered version of their classic Razfinger album to follow!
Salieri & The Turnspit Dogs – Led by singer/songwriter/actor Corey Landis, who has played many an IPO show as a solo artist, Salieri & The Turnspit Dogs unabashedly borrow melodic themes from ‘60s and ‘70s greats, such as Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Frank Zappa, Billy Joel, and Randy Newman, then mix them up and spit them out in a beautiful wacky noise all their own. Their unique brand of quirky, cartoonish, orchestrated brand of pop/prog/psych fun can be found on their recently released Katzenklavier album and their IPO showcase!
Sanglorians – “Daniel Brummel knows hooky guitar rock. He has spent more than a decade as bassist-singer in Ozma, played in L.A.-based bands Spain and The Elected and even filled in with Weezer for a time. His work as bandleader of the L.A. sextet Sanglorians is another beast — a maniacal collision of power-pop and prog-rock that at times has the feel of a shredder crashing orchestra practice” (Kevin Bronson, Buzzbands.la). The latest Sanglorians album, Odalisque, is big hooks and big harmonies propelled by a wall of synths, while recent singles showcase their unique takes on traditional Irish/Celtic Rock and Protest songs…they even released a special collection of 10 of their favorite Christmas Carols! Definitely something a bit eclectic, but also incredibly fun for all!
Sarah Shafey – An award-winning LA and Toronto-based Egyptian artist and producer, Shafey’s music is a holistic artistic statement combining the many facets of her identity, defined by a restlessly creative spirit, biting yet tongue-in-cheek lyricism, and an unyielding commitment to artistic independence. She is currently channeling her rebellious, boundary-pushing energy into her upcoming album, set for release this fall and recorded with Grammy-winning producer Tristan Boston. The new project is a vibrant, multi-genre love letter to Los Angeles that seamlessly traverses across various rock soundscapes, from driving alternative and high-energy pop-rock to heavy grunge and emotive R&B-infused rock.
Morty Shallman – Singer/songwriter/storyteller, the #1 best-selling author on the Amazon absurdist fiction charts for his novel, The Tyranny of Desire, whose latest novel, War And Sex, has been called “A roller coaster ride of dark humor and biting social commentary” (Readers’ Favorite Five Star Review). Named LA’s #1 Indie Artist (February/March 2018) by Reverbnation, this dapper, affable Angelino is the creator of the Novel with Songs / Literary Pop genre; his seminal works include Love’s Oblivion, A Novel in Twelve Pop Songs (2002), Last of the Zachary’s, A Novel with Songs (2010), and Pop Fiction, An Indie-Noir Musical Thriller (2017). Fusing elements of disco, dance pop, indie pop, alt-rock and EDM, with soaring melodies, intelligent lyrics and classic pop song craft, Shallman serves up a glowing succession of catchy tunes and infectious beats that will brighten the playlists of listeners, dancers, Youtubers and radio programmers alike! His latest single, “Our Love”, provides an uplifting message of hope in a time of chaos. Check it out now!
The Shamus Twins – Yeah, you’re right, there aren’t any real twins in this band, but their sibling-like harmonies, intelligent lyrics, unique arrangements and infectious songcraft will make you forgive their nom de faux pas. They are also all-around good guys who have been good friends to IPO for many years, and are even providing this year’s guitar and bass amp backline, which we truly appreciate! If you like loud guitars, harmonies, jangle, and twang, you’ll want to pick up both of their excellent CDs!
SHINE – Many IPOers may recognize main man Bobby Cox as the longtime leader of the classic ‘60s and ‘70s inspired power poppers, The Galaxies. Still firmly rooted in power pop, but with a glammier edge, SHINE also features Jeff Higa, SherryCat-Kitten, and Jeffrey Shapiro and rocks way harder, but their songs are just as catchy! We can hardly wait to see them do their thing at IPO again!
Slamdinistas – If you like raw, in-your-face rock n’ roll, then look no further than The Slamdinistas! Influenced by ‘70s English Pub Rock, Punk & Classic Rock, and especially the British scene, a la Stones and Faces, the songs on their Shoot For The Stars, album have earned radio respect from none other than Rodney Bingenheimer on his Sirius XM show, and their recent – and very aptly named – record, Wild N’ Restless, is available on the excellent Rum Bar Records label. As good as they are on the albums, you owe it to yourself to check them out in person, as their live shows are nothing but incendiary!
Sunlight for Sale – A brand-new indie rock band who are just getting started, as the future holds great things! Their sound blends stripped down indie-rock with shoe-gaze and sticky pop hooks. Think Sonic Youth meets The Strokes…or better yet, come check them out in their IPO debut!
Tailpipe – If the Ramones and the Replacements had a rock baby who listened to The Clash and the Pistols every day and had beer in his sippy cup, that would be the power trio, Tailpipe. The band’s drummer, Tim Jiminez, also played drums with the awesome college-radio darlings, The Rave-Ups!
Too Short Pants – An emerging band from Los Angeles whose sound captures the best of Alternative, Power Pop, Emo, and Pop Punk. Young lead singer-songwriter Jean Alexander crafts singable crowd-pleasers about hookup culture, dating fails, and other Gen Z struggles. Bassist Momo Starro lays a powerful foundation and brings intensity both on and off the stage. Drummer Daniel Brummel is a rock veteran who has played in numerous popular bands including Ozma, Nada Surf, and Weezer (also see Sanglorians, above). You can find Too Short Pants performing at their favorite dives across SoCal, energizing and captivating audiences with their undeniable fusion of melodic, poppy hooks and loud, dirty, throbbing guitar tones. Their recently released 2:15AM album is a melodic reflection of observations one has at around that time of the morning upon returning home from said favorite dive.
Turning Violet – Turning Violet sits in that satisfying spot between punk and power-pop, with the added bonus of some new wave flair. Singer & main songwriter Simone Siren’s vocals – compared by listeners to Kate Bush and Debbie Harry – helm these well-structured songs that draw on the erratic energy of the early ‘80s and some ‘90s buzz/crunch. Their latest EP, The Broken Wheel, has also drawn comparisons to The Pretenders, The Cranberries, and Patty Smyth. The excitement around their soon to be released Steadfast EP has been building since the release of the EP’s first single, The Torch. “…[T]he track wastes zero time pretending to be polished or safe. Guitars come in gritty and urgent, sitting somewhere between late 90s alt-rock angst and punchy New Wave revival energy. It feels lived-in, not manufactured…A lot of artists try to sell pain, but this feels like endurance. [Siren’s] voice carries both exhaustion and defiance, making the chorus land like a release rather than just another hook” (Jennifer Gurton, Buzz Music).
Jeff Whalen – IPO is proud to welcome the consummate frontman back to IPO! As the front man of Tsar and lead singer for The Brothers Steve, he earned a reputation for both his catchy take on modern power pop, and his ability to strut the stage like Jagger or Bowie. His 2019 solo album, 10 More Rock Super Hits, is a bubblegum fan’s wet dream!
Witkin – If the name sounds familiar, you’re right! Witkin is the brainchild of Veronica “V” Witkin, daughter of Supremium’s Bruce Witkin, and a musical/graphic artist to be reckoned with in her own right. Although she may be a child of the ‘90s, her heart and soul (and her music) are steeped deeply in 1973, evoking shades of Led Zeppelin, Bowie and T Rex, combined with a more modern edge. Her debut album, Things I Might Have Said, was released late last year to rave reviews, including being dubbed the “Album of the Week” on Audio Eclectica.
U.S. Artists From Outside of Los Angeles
Beautyland – They’re a trio based in Palm Springs who are dedicated to bringing you sounds that encompass dream-pop, ambient, power pop, shoegazer and ‘70s glam rock. Following in the footsteps of greats such as Big Star, T. Rex, My Bloody Valentine, Velvet Underground and Guided By Voices, their lyrics hint at darker matters, often disguised within catchy melody lines or a sublime aural landscape. Beautyland’s music may not change the world, but it may let you escape it for a while.
Cal Everett – The Weight of Early Promise, Everett’s debut solo album, has been 40 years in the making, and is every bit worthy of the wait! Everett is the former frontman and bassist for 4 Out of 5 Doctors, the critically acclaimed, cult-adored power-pop act that spent the late 1970s and early 1980s touring and playing shows with such superstars as Hall and Oates, the Cars, The Clash and Cyndi Lauper. A concept pop opera, the 23 beautifully produced tracks are designed to be listened to as one musical piece, sharing his life in song to take the listener on their own personal journey. A must-listen for fans of pristine power-pop acts like Jellyfish, Ben Folds Five, and the Raspberries, as well as melodic maestros like Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, the Beach Boys and Emitt Rhodes!
Dave Foster – As leader of the New York band, Bubble, Foster is no stranger to IPO, having played nearly every IPO New York for the past two decades. Delivering killer power pop hooks with a touch of indie rock quirkiness, Bubble’s 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?” We’re glad to welcome Foster to his first West Coast IPO!
Hidden Pictures – Band leader Richard Gintowt now makes his home in Oakland CA, but originally formed the band while living in Kansas City. Their fourth and latest album, Well Hell, is their first new release in over a decade, and was produced with much of the old KC crew. Sparkling power pop reminiscent at times of Big Star, The Replacements or The Lemonheads that all fans of the genre should check out!
The High Frequencies (with Fernando Perdomo) -In from Richmond, Virginia, The High Frequencies are fronted by the reigning queen of fun-filled power pop, Lisa Ellie Mychols, whose previous bands include The Masticators, NUSHU, The Lisa Mychols 3 and The Seven and Six. Their songs are a roller coaster ride of energetic new wave and bubblegum inspired power pop that can’t help but make you happy. The High Frequencies sound is rounded out by Tom Richards and Ricky Tubbs (of major label darlings, The Waking Hours), along with Scott Richards. Their debut self-titled album was released on Jem Records late last year, and instantly rose towards the top of many a year end “best of” list (including mine). For their IPO Los Angeles show, Ricky and Scott won’t be in attendance, but Tom and Lisa will be joined by the great, ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo!
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!
Blake Jones & The Trike Shop – Hailing from the unlikely hamlet of Kingsburg, California, this ensemble uses just about every instrument under the sun to create some bizarre, witty, quirky, yet ultimately melodic sounds, and have become an IPO fan favorite from LA to Liverpool! The Trike Shop’s “The Turtles meets Frank Zappa” stylings never fail to be delightful enigmatic and quirky, and their latest Big Stir Records release, and still…, showcases them at their delightfully zany and melodic best! Definitely something a little bit different!
Jennifer Kaiser – An indie/alternative singer songwriter from Florida, known for her brutally honest lyrics and dynamic emotionally charged vocals. Blending raw storytelling with a wide dynamic vocal range, her music explores themes of transformation, resilience, and personal truth. Her brand-new album, Guided by the Light, features collaborations with the ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo (see above) and will officially release mere days after her IPO LA appearance. Fans of Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, and Tori Amos will find themselves drawn to Kaiser’s haunting melodies, and confessional lyrics.
Kerosene Stars – Independently rocking Chicago and Houston since 2010, the band has put out a slew of excellent EPs and singles over the years, including 2023 “A Pretty Good Year”. They’ve been hailed as “the standout artist of the 2024 IPO festival in Liverpool” (Ken Kurson, Rock and Roll Globe) and Noah Berlatsky of The Chicago Reader has described the band as a “[s]mart unpretentious Beatles-loving group with a sure hand for hooks… It’s perfect pop.” Who are we to argue? (Especially since he’s right!)
Mo Troper – Mo Troper is a songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, recording engineer, developer, band-in-a-box, and the biggest (self-proclaimed) Beatles enthusiast in the Pacific Northwest. He’s produced countless records, and has also written music for film, TV and video games. His brand-new album, Today I Played My Guitar and Sang, is both his most varied and most cohesive record to date. Fellow Beatles enthusiasts, as well as devotees of Nilsson or Elliott Smith should make a point of checking it out!
