Ivan & Alyosha (January 15, 2012)

Ivan & Alyosha (http://share.ivanandalyosha.com/) have a warm, full sound that is perfect for these cold days of winter.  They combine great harmonies with an easy going indie rock style that is fantastic.  I have trouble comparing them to other groups because the comparisons never work. So go listen to them for yourself and decide - while you're on their website pick up a free download of their song "Glorify." 

If you're not already following the Emerge Music Group on twitter you are missing out on free downloads, special features and more! https://twitter.com/emergemusic

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Stars Go Dim (January 8, 2012)

This week's featured band is Stars Go Dim (http://www.facebook.com/starsgodim) who may already have more fans than many Emerge bands but definitely fall into that category of "next big thing." This band, from Tulsa, OK, released their latest album, "Between Here and Now" towards the end of 2011 and it's a huge step forward.  The first single, "Hesitant" is a hit record just waiting to be heard. And if you head over to their facebook page you can pick up a bunch of free songs which I highly recommend!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

State and Madison (January 1, 2012)

State and Madison (http://www.facebook.com/stateandmadison) gets 2012 off on the right foot with their perfect blend of pop/rock music.  This Chicago band is getting ready to record and release a brand new album which promises to be outstanding. In the meantime, you can get ALL of their prior releases for free by going to: http://www.stateandmadison.net/2010/1sheet/1sheet.html. Go give them a listen and get ready to discover your first favorite new band of the new year.

Happy New Year! Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

BEST OF 2011!! (December 25, 2011)

It's that time of year again! Our look back at the best Emerge Music of the year!  Because I originally started this in 2002 making "Best Of" CDs for friends the "rules" are that the songs must have been released in the prior year and that the list as a whole must fit on a standard length CD (80 minutes).  I try to stick to lesser known "emerging" bands.  The songs are put together to make an enjoyable listening experience and are NOT in any type of priority order.

With no further ado, here is this year's "BEST OF 2011" track listing!

Emerge Music Group "Best of 2011" list 

1. Haven't Had Enough - Marianas Trench
2. Make A New Dance Up - Hey Ocean
3. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
4. The Letter - Melodime
5. This Little Girl - Cady Groves
6. Austin - One Hot Minute
7. Gravity - Barnaby Bright
8. Waiting For You - Amy Kuney
9. The Geeks Will Inherit The Earth - I Fight Dragons
10. Take 2 or 3 - Tim Blane
11. Up Off The Ground - Love Via Dance Machine
12. Turn Me On - Lelia Broussard
13. Song for the Suburbs - Ben Rector
14. Mirror - Amber Rubarth (featuring Jason Mraz)
15. Gravity - Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
16. Let's Go - Mike and Cody
17. The Worst Thing About Me - We Are The In Crowd
18. Twenty Something - Graham Colton
19. Given Up on Giving Up on You - Throwing Gravity
20. Memphis - Delta Rae
21. Close Me Eyes- Plain Jane Automobile
22. We Are Young - fun. (featuring Janelle Mone)

MOST of these songs are available on iTunes and we've made a playlist for your convenience:
http://c.itunes.apple.com/us/imix/emerge-music-group-best-2011/id491950730

Alexa Wilkinson (December 18, 2011)

Alexa Wilkinson (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexa-Wilkinson/21063662344 is everything I want in a singer songwriter.  She has a gorgeous voice, she writes songs that are instantly accessible and intriguing, she creates music that in studio form feels like a full, complete piece of music and can also be performed live easily with just her and a guitar without losing anything.  Her songs "Waiting" and "Grey Skies" are two of my favorites and can be heard on her facebook page. 

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Goodnight Argent (December 11, 2011)

Goodnight Argent (http://www.goodnightargent.com) is this week's featured band.  This Washington state band has a radio friendly alternative rock sound.  They have a growing fan based that partially has been helped by winning the John Lennon International Songwriting competition! Their EP "Ignorance is Paradise" is available now and is great.  They also have some fantastic cover songs available for a quick sign up on their website so definitely go grab those!

Special thanks to Emerge member Noah Silver for suggesting this band!!
Have a great week and enjoy the music!

Ira

Ella Riot (December 4, 2011)

So this isn't something I do often but this week I'm featuring a band that has recently announced it is going on "hiatus." But their music is still great and I want you all to hear it - so check out Ella Riot (http://www.facebook.com/ellariot to hear some fun, upbeat dance music.  Their song "Replaceable" is a favorite and on their facebook page check out the great song/video "It Could Be." Both songs (and a few others) are on their "Love Child" EP which is on all major digital download sites.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira