Pilot Rouge (July 28, 2013)

Pilot Rouge's EP "Helen of Troy" is everything you could ask for in a debut offering. 5 great songs of thoughtful pop rock. This isn't the same old, same old but it is familiar and comfortable.  Their songs are well written, well produced and well executed with a full band sound - not surprising since their lead singer is also an accomplished cellist.  Their album is available right now for FREE at NoiseTrade (http://noisetrade.com/pilotrouge/helen-of-troy) but it is coming down soon so head over there now and grab it.  Pilot Rouge is just preparing for take off and I think you'll enjoy the ride!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Leftover Cuties (July 21, 2013)

Leftover Cuties is the most exciting band I've come across in months!  I love what they are doing and can't wait for the release of their new album "The Spark & The Fire" this Tuesday (7/23/13). They put a modern spin on the classic sounds of singers such as Billy Holiday and Etta Fitzgerald. Imagine if Adele was singing along with the Count Basie Orchestra. Their first single "One Heart" is one of my favorite songs of the year! Find out for yourself how wonderful they are by checking out this full album stream available on KCRW's website (see link below).

http://www.kcrw.com/media-player/mediaPlayer2.html?type=audio&id=ap130712leftover_cuties_the_

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

So Long Davey! (July 14, 2013)

So Long Davey! grabbed my attention in a hurry in recent weeks with their upbeat style of pop rock.  There's a timeless quality to their music - I feel like they would have been my favorite band in almost any decade. Their videos have an "old school" look to them and almost seem to pay homage to the 1980s (definitely check out their new video for "6 AM (In My Room)" http://youtu.be/x5HDp7d8lYU. I also love their song "Making Out" which has a great guitar riff that I can't get enough of.

Best news of all is that you can download their album and pay what you want (even nothing though it's worth a lot more!). Just go to: https://gumroad.com/l/solongdavey and be sure to check out all of their songs from "The Real Houseboys of Beverly Hills."  So much fun!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Abandon Kansas (July 7, 2013)

As I write this post from my home state of Colorado I felt it was a good time to feature a great band out of our neighbors to the east, Abandon Kansas. While originally a Christian rock group they have developed more of a mainstream approach to their latest music with the release of their EP "A Midwest Summer."  The first song, "You+Me+The Radio" is one of my favorite songs of the year so far.  Go grab their 3 song EP from their Bandcamp site (http://abandonkansas.bandcamp.com/album/a-midwest-summer) and hear what Kansas has to offer.

I also want to send a shout out to everyone who suggested this group to their friends in the past week as we celebrated our 6 year anniversary.  It means a lot to me and I'm excited to have more people checking out our Emerge Bands. Thank you and please keep spreading the word!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Bronze Radio Return (June 30, 2013)

Bronze Radio Return fits in nicely with bands like Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers and The Avett Brothers but are able to stand out and make a name for themselves. Their new album "Up, On & Over" is full of great songs that pull you in and make you want to stay for a while.  The title track is a true standout, "Further On" is one of my favorite songs of the year and "Mister, Mister" shows off their Mumford-like jamming ability.  An excellent album from beginning to end!

Amazingly, tomorrow (July 1, 2013) is the 6th anniversary of this group!  Thanks to everyone for the continued support. FB hasn't made it easy for groups like this to keep going but ours has. Would love to ask your help by inviting a friend or two to join us either here or on Twitter (@emergemusic) so great new music can be shared with more people.  THANKS!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The David Wax Museum (June 23, 2013)

I liked The David Wax Museum the first time I heard them - and then I had the opportunity to see them live and I was hooked!  Not only a great band name (lead singer is David Wax) but an incredible fusion of indie rock and Mexican folk music. Their latest album "Knock Knock Get Up" is full of maracas, accordions, hand claps and other percussion instruments which I honestly can't name.  It is fun, feel good and simply good music.  Their live shows are so much fun and I highly recommend you catch a live show if you have the opportunity!

A great example of their sound is "Born With A Broken Heart" which can be downloaded as part of a free sampler at http://noisetrade.com/davidwaxmuseum/noisetrade-sampler.  This is great music for outdoor barbecues, summer driving or really any upbeat activity.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

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