Seabird (August 25, 2013)

Sometimes when I hear a new band I know exactly who they remind me of.  But in the case of Seabird, it wasn't so obvious.  They kind of sound like a bunch of different bands and none of them at the same time. As I listened to their great new album, "Troubled Days," I decided that trying to find one band to compare them to was useless and instead I just enjoyed what I was listening to.  Their pop rock music is unique yet familiar and that is a perfect combination.  There's a lot here to like and I highly recommend giving this band and the album a full listen.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Throwback Thursday - Ben Rector - August 22, 2013

When I first heard Ben Rector (originally featured March 21, 2010) he was opening for Matt Wertz while also playing in Matt's touring band. It didn't take long to figure out that his days in the backup band were numbered.  He is special. He has a great voice, a quirky style and his music was centered around some incredible piano playing, a nice change of pace from the more typical instrument of choice for singer-songwriters, the guitar.  Ben's sound and music just keeps getting better and better and he's finally getting some of the attention he deserves. A few weeks ago he was iTunes featured "Free Single" of the week and they were offering his album as a pre-order.  Well that album, "The Walking in Between" was released earlier this week and it is outstanding. Do yourself a favor and check out this incredibly talented artist! And if you get the chance to see him live (he's touring this Fall) do it!!

Walking on Cars (August 18, 2013)

There's just something about bands from Ireland.  Walking On Cars is the latest band that has that special "it" quality that will serve them well. They've just released their debut EP "As We Fly South" and it is heavenly. "Catch Me If You Can" instantly grabbed me with it's piano intro and then Patrick Sheehy's vocals sealed the deal.  If you're an A&R rep looking to find the next version of "The Script" this may be where you stop looking. Go give their album a listen (streaming for free) at http://walkingoncars.bandcamp.com/album/as-we-fly-south

Want to make sure you all know that I've started a "Throwback Thursday" series here on the blog only (http://emergemusicgroup.blogspot.com/) and each week on Thursday I'll re-visit a previously featured band. Please follow this blog or at least get the Twitter updates @emergemusic so you won't miss anything!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Throwback Thursday - HONOR BY AUGUST - August 15, 2013

Welcome to our newest Emerge Music Group feature, Throwback Thursday (not original but it works), where each Thursday we'll revisit a previously featured Emerge band and find out what they are up to. For my regular Sunday updates I do not repeat bands and there are some great bands that you may have missed out on if they were featured a long time ago. Throwback Thursday will only appear on our blog (not the Facebook group) so be sure to follow this blog page and of course our Twitter!

Our first "TBT" is one of my favorite DC area bands, Honor by August (originally featured March 16, 2008) who have recently released an incredible new album, "Monuments to Progress."  While this band can do no wrong in my eyes (or ears) this album is truly excellent in every way. Every song is good and I'm really hoping this is the album that gets these guy the attention they deserve.  It's only $8 on iTunes so go check it out!

Honor by August also puts on a great live show and they are touring all over the country the next few months with Tony Lucca, Jonny Lang and Green River Ordinance.

Young London (August 11, 2013)

Summer is coming to a close way too fast so it's a great time to inject a little Young London into your August. This is fun electronic pop that will keep you smiling and grooving well into the colder months that none of us are ready for. Their new album "Instincts" is full of good beats, great vocals shared by Mike & Sarah (and I love bands with male and female vocals) and lots of upbeat songs that will get your head bobbing. Favorite songs include "Broken" and "Infinite Love." Turn up the volume!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Marie Miller (August 4, 2013)

Marie Miller is helping break down the walls between country and pop music because when songs are this good - who cares what category they fit into.  Her first single, "You're Not Alone" totally captivated me when it first came out in December (quickly earning a spot on my "Best of 2012" list) and every time I hear it I love it more and more. Her recently released EP (also called "You're Not Alone") is fantastic showcasing her beautiful voice and an overall sound which I can't get enough of.  I hope you'll give her a listen (her website http://mariemiller.bandpage.com/ is steaming full songs) and find out for yourself!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

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