Light You Up (June 16, 2013)

Light You Up might be the band for you if A) You know what Vans Warped Tour is B) Might actually want to go to a Warped Tour show and C) You like really great rock music from the UK!

Unfortunately it is very difficult for UK bands to break into the US - a few do but there are many, many more who would do well in the states if they just had access. Light You Up is one of those bands. Their EP "Broken Jaw" includes 4 outstanding songs and I have no doubt that if they were given a slot on the Warped Tour they would have a whole new legion of fans.  Go check them out - they are headed to the US next month to record their first full length album so hear them now and hop on the bandwagon!!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Branches (June 9, 2013)

It was their song "Helicopter" that first grabbed my attention - and before I knew it I was hooked on Branches, an eclectic indie band out of Los Angeles.  It's the perfect time for a band like this which combines the best parts of groups like Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, Churchill, The Avett Brothers and other folk/indie/rock bands that are making a name for themselves.  Their most recent album "Thou Art The Dream" is one great song after another. A great pairing of male and female vocals along with wonderful instrumentation and music that is warm and earthy makes Branches a band worth a listen.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Bop Skizzum (June 2, 2013)

Bop Skizzum may have one of the strangest names in music but they also have one of the best fusion sounds I've heard. They start off as a great funk rock band but have upgraded their sound with the addition of a hip hop influence with a great MC. Their latest album, "Coloradical," not only pays homage to their home state but is an incredible showcase of all they are capable of. The first four songs really capture the music, lyrics and overall band sound that makes this group one to keep an eye on.

You can get a free 4 song sampler song by signing up for their email list at: http://bopskizzum.com/

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Poor Young Things (May 26, 2013)

Poor Young Things has just released an incredible new album and special thanks go out to long time Emerge follower Rick Strasser for recommending them to me.  This Toronto based band has put together the perfect formula to create what might be the album of the summer.  It's gritty and honest but also catchy and fun - a difficult combination to maintain.  Check out the video for their first single '"Sign Of The Times" here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xzvkgq_poor-young-things-sign-of-the-times_music. If you like what you hear you can get the song for free by signing up for their email list on http://www.pooryoungthings.com/.

The album was released this past week in Canada and should be coming soon to the US iTunes store. You can also get an autographed copy of the CD shipped to you for $10 (plus shipping) and get an instant download of the album direct from their website store.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Five Mile Town AND Five Mile Town?!?!?!?

Stick with me folks, this may be one of the more confusing posts in a while.  This week I'm featuring two bands - Five Mile Town AND Five Mile Town.

Five Mile Town is from New Zealand and are an incredible talented folk/rock/acoustic band that recently took first place in the teen category of the International Songwriting Competition for their song "You Would Know." Don't assume that because they are in the teen category that this is light hearted pop music, this is good, deep, intelligent music. Their self titled EP (which includes the beautiful "You Would Know") also includes "Fatal Flaw" and "Kids and Their Chemicals" which are outstanding. The whole EP deserves your attention and it's 5 great songs. You can listen to the whole EP here: http://fivemiletownband.com/music/

Five Mile Town - the US edition - is a Pop Punk band out of California that knows how to have fun. Their latest album, Resolution, is really good full of rock anthems and even some softer more sensitive (some might say "emo") songs as well.  There's a lot of great stuff going on here and if you like this style of music please give them a listen. You can stream the whole album here: http://fivemiletownus.bandcamp.com/

Two VERY different bands from two countries on opposite sides of the world, but both really good and both worth of being this week's featured band(s)!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Keaton Simons (May 12, 2013)

I've been a fan of Keaton Simons for years - maybe as far back as 2005 when he had a song on the soundtrack for the movie "Sky High."  He has a silky smooth voice that makes everything sound good.  But now he's released an album that really shows off all he is capable of and has the potential to take him to another level.  "Beautiful Pain" is a fabulous album from beginning to end.  Go find out for yourself by streaming it here: http://www.idesignprod.com/keatonsimons/beautifulpain_album/

Then go buy it!  Do yourself one other favor and check out his version of "If I Hadn't Forgotten" that's a duet with Didi Benami (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/if-i-hadnt-forgotten-feat./id477757597) - it's really incredible!

Happy Mother's Day! Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Irene & The Sleepers (May 5, 2013)

Don't be surprised when you first listen to Irene & The Sleepers , you'll be waiting a long while to hear someone who sounds like an "Irene" take over the vocals. This southern rock band out of Shreveport, Louisiana has one of the most ironic names you'll find.  It's a bunch of guys and there is nothing "sleepy" about their music. Their most recent EP, "Love Anyways," includes 5 great songs - each one showcasing the many talents of this band and together creating a wonderful picture of how far this band can go.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira