Sunday, July 29, 2012

Kyle Patrick (July 29, 2012)

With Olympic fever setting in it's the ideal time to feature Kyle Patrick (who some of you may remember as the lead singer of The Click Five) who has just released his debut solo EP and it's fantastic. The highlight of the album (especially in terms of the Olympics) is "Go for Gold" which NBC should be using over and over again.  But all of the songs here are pure pop bliss!  Someone described him as a male Katy Perry, which makes some sense but Kyle is a better pure singer than Katy. But the music is upbeat, fun and makes you want to get up and move.

For a very limited time you can listen to the whole EP streaming for free here: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/9 

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Nighttime Adventure Society (July 22, 2012)

The Nighttime Adventure Society has captured my ears and my heart.  I am a little biased because I've known the lead singer since she was a freshman in high school, but this band has sucked me in with their jangly indie rock.  "Washington, DC" is a sunny pop song even while struggling with the challenge of living in the nation's capital.  This is just one of the really good songs from their debut album "Chapter One: The First Chapter."  Recent songs "Older Boys" and Beatles cover "I'm So Tired" keep the momentum moving forward.

All of their music can be streamed on their bandcamp site (http://nighttimeadventuresociety.bandcamp.com/) and can be downloaded when you "name your own price."

Those of you in the Washington, DC area should definitely try and check out their headlining gig at the Black Cat this Saturday night (July 28) that also includes previously featured Emerge band Mike and Cody.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, July 15, 2012

7Lions (July 15, 2012)

I've quickly become obsessed with 7Lions, this week's featured band.  Imagine taking your favorite rock band and adding an incredible MC to the mix to create a non stop explosion of energy!  These guys are simply amazing! Their debut EP "Born 2 Run" is now available and will leave you breathless. The title track is great, "One Man Symphony" is one of my favorite songs of the year. "Emergency" showcases their versatility and ability to slow things down (but not for long). And it just keeps getting better. It's a 5 song debut but it's 5 GREAT songs. This is great music for your car, for your workout or for anywhere/time you listen to music. 

I'm a fan, can you tell? :)

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Jessica Ashley (July 8, 2012)

Honestly, when I first saw Jessica Ashley's name and photo on a website I was sure I was about to hear a new teen bubble gum pop or country sensation (or wanna-be). What I didn't expect was to hear an incredible R&B artist who could be this generation's Mariah Carey or Alicia Keys.  Jessica has just released her debut EP "Prelude" and it's outstanding. R&B isn't generally one of the genres that I am drawn towards but this girl is something special.  She's only 19 years old and is already releasing some of the best songs of the year.  "24 Hours" is a simply stunning song that I can't get enough off.  "Neverland" could (and should) be a radio hit right now. It's only a 5 song EP but it's simply brilliant.  This is not just another pretty face (but she's that too) - this is a talent to be recognized and admired!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, July 1, 2012

5 Year Anniversary! 5 bands for 5 years! (July 1, 2012)

Today is the Emerge Music Group 5 year anniversary! Our first post was July 1, 2007 and here we are 5 years later still bringing you great new bands week in and week out. Please keep supporting this group by checking out the bands and encouraging/inviting your friends to be part of the group!

In honor of this anniversary we're sharing "5 for 5" - featuring 5 bands that we have shared before but who have new music out!

1. Green River Ordinance (originally featured 9/16/07) - GRO continues to impress and their latest album "Under Fire" is more evidence as to why this hard working pop/rock band deserves your attention! Head over to their website for free downloads and more!

2. kirsten proffit (originally featured 11/2/08) - I've loved Kirsten's voice from the first time I heard it so many years ago. She's put out a few things here and there but it's been a while since there's been a full new record. "My Devotion" has definitely been worth the wait.  While it may sound like a worship record, it's not (other than I somewhat worship Kirsten and her amazing sound) but it's a wonderful folk/pop singer/songwriter album that just brings a smile to my face.

3. Hey Ocean (originally featured 4/5/09) - Their brand new album "IS" might just be the best album of 2012!  There are too many good songs on the album for me to only highlight one or two.  I listen to this album nonstop and love everything about it.  It's simply great pop music. And if you ask me, I think their song "Make A New Dance Up" should be the next big song (ala "Call Me Maybe").

4. Melodime (originally featured 4/1//10) - oh I LOVE this band!  Their lead singer (Bradley) has a voice that just soothes my soul. Want to talk about a guy who I would pay to sing the phone book - this is that guy.  But the band as a whole is phenomenal and their new album "3 Reasons for Fighting" is tremendous.  Melodime has everything working in its favor and I can't wait to tell people "I knew them when...."

5. Delta Rae (originally featured 3/27/11) - I am so proud of this group that a year ago was giving away free songs and covers on a weekly basis and just a week or so ago appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. What a year it's been.  They bring together so many different styles of music, trade off male and female vocals, and play more instruments than I can count.  They have beautiful voices, beautiful songs and their full length debut album "Carry The Fire" is one that everyone should hear and own.

Thank you so much to everyone who reads these updates on a regular or somewhat regular basis. I truly believe all of the bands we feature are worth your time. And please help the bands and this group by inviting a friend or two who loves new music to join in on the fun.

Thanks for 5 great years! Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira