40 bands / artists I think you should be listening to
Melee
RIYL: Dropping Daylight, The Rocket Summer, Between The Trees
Recommended Tracks: For A Lifetime, Imitation, You Got
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a bit biased — I met their tour manager, Gabe, when he was teching for The Matches. He’d go on and on about how great these guys were. I had their previous release on Hopeless Records and enjoyed it. However, I didn’t fully appreciate their music until the first time I saw them live — phenomenal. The amount of drive and passion they have is a such a beautiful thing. Their music puts me in such a positive mood, regardless of how I’m feeling when I first put it on. Devils & Angels is such a powerful album — it’s a shame how underrated it is. It still sends chills down my spine - soo good. The guys quickly became some of my favorite people/friends in April 2007 when they saved my best friend at the time and I from the side of the road outside of Cleveland when our car engine blew up. Chris hiked a mile down the 90 to rescue us, they took us to Toledo with them, and we spent the next day or so with them — they even treated us to Easter Dinner. I haven’t seen them in a good while —- listen to them and buy their albums so they can tour the US again instead of Japan and the UK, haha.
The Fold
RIYL: Run Kid Run, Far, Mae
Recommended Tracks: New City, Younger Than Our Years, Your Secrets Keep You Sick
I remember the first few incarnations of this band back in 2002. Dan Castady, Kyle Lewis, Magoo, and Neil Hebrank…. I think Chris Behm even played with them at one point? Anyway, they played once or twice in Buffalo and I went to see them — I use to see Showoff all the time and developed a bond with Dan and Kyle so naturally I would check out any new projects these guys formed. They reformed and released “This Too Shall Pass” some time later. I sort of forgot about them (Sorry Dan!) and put them on the back burner. That was, until, I was Music Director for my college radio station in 2007 and found out they were coming to Buffalo on my birthday. I hadn’t seen Dan in ages so I contacted him and set up an in-studio interview. The guys came in and introduced themselves and it wasn’t until half way through the interview that Dan realized he knew me. That night and the next time they were in town they came in and did a late night radio takeover. And then I caught up with them again at Warped ‘07. That was the last time I saw them. Um… come back Da Fold, come back!! I miss you dudes. I still have their EP from back in 2002. It’s so funny to put it in now and compare it to “This Too Shall Pass” , “Secrets Keep You Sick” , and “Stargazer EP” — the progression that Dan has taken this band is astounding. Kudos to him! And Kudos to Keith, Aaron, Mike, and all the members from the past as well.
The Graduate
RIYL: Valencia, Brighten, Acceptance
Recommended Tracks: The City That Reads, Gunslinger, Surround Yourself
I first found out about these guys when I was Music Director @ WBNY and we received their EP “Horror Show” in 2006. Around the same time they were featured in CMJ New Music Report. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing them and seeing them live a few times since then. I’ve always felt that not enough people are giving these guys the proper attention. Currently the band is living together and writing/recording in preparation for their new album.
Mark Rose
www.myspace.com/markdanielrose
RIYL: Spitalfield, Genesis, John Mayer
Recommended Tracks: How Strong We Are, The Greatest Lakes, 2525
If you’re familiar with Spitalfield, you’re familiar with Mark Rose. If you have a love for hot wings, genesis, and mike ditka — then chances are you already have a love for Mark Rose. I could go on and on about how much I like Mark as a person and as a musician — but I think this is a case where I’ll let the music speak for itself. He’s quite the man when it comes to his covers as well.
Company Of Thieves
www.myspace.com/companyofthieves
RIYL: Wax On Radio, Wilco, Fiona Apple
Recommended Tracks: Oscar Wild, Pressure, Quiet On The Front
From Chicago, IL. Billboard calls Company of Thieves “one of the best unsigned acts out there.” Excerpt from the band’s biography: “Company of Thieves sites Motown, soul, 1960’s and 1970’s rock n’ roll, Wilco, Neil Young, Fiona Apple and — of course — the Beatles, among their influences. In fact, the name “Company of Thieves” stems from the group’s feeling that their material is their own, more textured version of the music produced by their favorite artists, and therefore, a form of “thievery.”
Neon Trees
RIYL: OK Go, The Killers, Nightmare Of You
Recommended Tracks: Drop Your Weapon, Sins Of My Youth, Girls And Boys In School
Straight up rock ‘n’ roll from Provo, Utah signed to Mercury Records. Extremely catchy — I’m eagerly anticipating their album release.
Race The Sun
RIYL: Saves The Day, Hit The Lights, Houston Calls
Recommended Tracks: Weak Would Be Me Flinching, As Wings Develop, To Icarus With All Sincerity
Extremely catchy melodic pop-punk from the Richmond, VA area. These guys are big on unforgettable pop hooks that you’ll quickly find yourself singing along to. I randomly started talking to Daniel online several years ago and then ended up booking two shows for them in Buffalo in late 2004. I’m not really sure what happened to them. They broke up in 2006 and then came back in 2008 — but only played a handful of shows before they sort of disappeared. No idea what they’re up to at this point.
House Of Fools
RIYL: Paper Rival, Built To Spill, Tom Petty
Recommended Tracks: No Reply, Kiss The Haze, Live And Learn
Experimental / Rock / Folk from Greensboro, North Carolina. To be honest I wasn’t a fan of these guys the first couple times that I heard them. Even the first few times I saw them — I knew they were talented, but I just didn’t feel it. Suddenly not too long ago.. it just clicked for me. Not really sure what happened — I guess my musical tastes just grew. Anyway, this is one of those bands you just want to sit back, relax, and take it all in.
Finale
www.myspace.com/thefinalemusic
RIYL: Whiskey, Buffalo, The Old Pink, Dustin Kensrue, City & Colour
Recommended Tracks: Call It A Night, Strange Things, Dry County
I guess the easiest way to explain Finale would be the side project of Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die). The music is southern rock/indie - pretty much the complete opposite of what you’d expect him to be doing… or maybe not.
Empires
RIYL: The Snake Cross The Crown, Thom Yorke, old/new Panic At The Disco
Recommended Tracks: Valmont, Keep The Mood, Midnight Land
One of my absolute hands down favorite bands of the past year. Most of you are familar with Tom Conrad from The Academy Is and his photography. I’m not even going to describe how amazing this band is. Watch this promo for their album: http://vimeo.com/1069600 Also, I believe you can still download the album “Howl” for free at their website: http://www.weareempires.com
Between The Trees
www.myspace.com/betweenthetrees
RIYL: We Shot The Moon, The Spill Canvas, Jack’s Mannequin
Recommended Tracks: Fairweather, The Fort, The Story Of A Boy
Indie/Pop/Rock. Some of the nicest “band dudes” - hands down. They couple passionate lyrics with infectious melodies that will have fans singing a-long in no time. Love these boys!!! They know Johnny Mathis.. what is cooler than that? I’m not sure, haha.
Communique
RIYL: Lola Ray, Hot Hot Heat, Stellastarr
Recommended Tracks: Ouija Me, Perfect Weapon, The Best Lies
Indie / Rock / Punk from from Oakland and San Francisco, California. This band creates body-moving, catchy dance grooves quite effortlessly.
Electric Six
www.myspace.com/electricsixmusic
RIYL: Scissor Sisters, The Flaming Lips, LCD Soundsystem
Recommended Tracks: Dance Pattern, Infected Girls, Danger! High Voltage
You may or may not be familiar with this band - particularly their song “Gay Bar.” This is a band that jumps from genre to genre - I guess they could best be classified as garage rock / indie / funk / comedy. It’s dancy, it’s catchy, it’s raunchy, it’s odd — and chances are you can’t stop listening. These guys put on a phenomenal live show.
Kiros
RIYL: Jimmy Eat World, Armor For Sleep, Socratic
Recommended Tracks: Strengthen Me, Speak Softly, The Difference
Alternative / Indie / Rock. There are messages of hope, love, faith, and purpose that separate them from the other artists in their genre.This is a band with depth, passion, energy, and maturity in both the song writing and lyrics. Favorite (silly) Canadians. Some of the most genuine, down to earth, and nicest people I’ve ever met.
Josephine Collective
www.myspace.com/josephinecollective
RIYL: The Matches, Envy On The Coast, The Audition
Recommended Tracks: It’s Like Rain, Living, Let Go
A collective of Kansas boys creating quite a racket. Love these guys, miss these guys! They released an album called “We Are The Air” this summer and unfortunately they haven’t been doing much since - their label, Warner Bros. doesn’t seem to throw them much support. They lost a few members and are currently touring in the mid-west and have been working on some new material with John Feldmann.
Liam And Me
RIYL: The Killers, Shiny Toy Guns, The Cure
Recommended Tracks: Pretty Black Dress, Pretender, Don’t Say A Word
Straight out of Philly. Catchy, Catchy, Catchy. Indie / electronic dance / pop with a vintage post punk 80’s vibe - complete with synth. Their live show is energetic and is sure to make you dance. Love, Love, Love.
The Winterkids
RIYL: ¡Forward, Russia! , Fields, GoodBooks
Recommended Tracks: Adore, Tape It, All The Money
Indie / Art Pop from England. Catchy melodies, electro sounds, and an artistic stage performance. It’s music you can sing and dance to. I discovered these guys in 2006 at WBNY. Thanks, College Radio!
Secret Lives! Of The Freemasons
www.myspace.com/secretlivesofthefreemasons
RIYL: 40oz’s, Glassjaw, Classic Case
Recommended Tracks: Chug & Leave, Life begins at 40oz, The Death Of..
Well, the album cover kind of says it all:
This band is everything I could ask for and more. And I’m surprised they are under Tony Brummel’s lock and key. Sure they are marketed as a party-band stereotype, but I totally buy into that “party band” shit. And you know what? Who cares! They fucking shred!
Standard Of Living
www.myspace.com/standardofliving
RIYL: Something Corporate, Counting Crows, The Fray
Recommended Tracks: DMS 101, Autumn In Amherst, The Drive
Piano-driven pop rock from Buffalo. Their music is full of infectious harmonies and melodies that are sure to bring out emotion from deep down inside. Lyrics are centered around life, love, and aftermath. One of my favorite “local” bands, hands down.
The Bigger Lights
www.myspace.com/thebiggerlights
RIYL: We The Kings, The Summer Set, Anarbor
Recommended Tracks: Thieves We Are, The Chemicals Of You, Goldmine Valentine
Rock / Pop / Indie from Fairfax, VA signed to Doghouse Records.
Everybody Else
RIYL: Butch Walker, Phantom Planet, Rooney
Recommended Tracks: Meat Market, Rich Girls Poor Girls, Without You
Indie Rock / Power Pop signed to The Militia Group. This band creates extremely catchy music that is a total throw back to classic power pop greats from back in the day. Radio friendly in the best way possible.
The Status
RIYL: Bayside, Taking Back Sunday, The Friday Night Boys
Recommended Tracks: Get Back On Your Feet, So This Is Progress, This Is Not Goodbye
Alternative pop/rock signed to Doghouse Records. Managed by Anthony Raneri of Bayside. I saw these guys back in November with Bayside, The Matches, and Valencia and was actually quite impressed - I had never heard of them before that.
Light Resolve
RIYL: Army Of Me, Muse, The Who
Recommended Tracks: Dreaming Of Love, This Could Be The Last Time, Lost And Jaded
3-piece alternative rock band from New York. From the band’s Biography: “The sound of Lights Resolve has been said to emulate the volume and size of stadium rock, while still focusing on the details of ambient and progressive music. Live programmed loops, engaging choruses, detailed instrumentals and original effects all add to the resonance of a Lights Resolve performance. Drawing influence from bands like The Who, Muse and Sigur Ros, Lights Resolve is able to fuse musical genres to create an alternative pop band that satisfies both the die-hard rocker and the young pop fanatic. Their live show is an artfully driven visual and auditory experience - built up of synergistic instrumental arrangements and honest lyrics that flow beautifully from one song to the next.”
Test Your Reflex
www.myspace.com/testyourreflex
RIYL: Big City Rock, Nightmare Of You, Simple Minds
Recommended Tracks: Black Hearts, I’m Not Sorry, Pieces Of The Sun
LOVE THESE BOYS! They came in for in interview @ WBNY in March of ‘07 and they instantly became new favorites. Such sweethearts and amazingly talented. Amazon.com says it best: “If John Hughes were still making movies like Pretty in Pink, he’d surely find a place on the soundtrack for this young LA quintet. On their first full-length, Test Your Reflex combines yearning vocals, driving rhythms, and textural guitar work. They’re a little U2 (“I’m Not Sorry” suggests “With or Without You”), a little Cars (Andrew Ampaya’s keyboard playing evokes Elliot Easton), and a little Simple Minds (remember “If You Leave” from The Breakfast Club?). Vocalist Ryan Levine even sings with a hint of a British accent, a trait he shares with the Strokes’ Julian Casablancas.”
SpeakerFIRE
RIYL: Cave In, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins
Recommended Tracks: Dis(e)volving, Synthetic Shepherd, The Rust
Heavy-pop/alternative/hard rock/punk/metal/grunge combo from Buffalo. They released their EP “Audio Alchemy” produced by Andy Jackson (of Hot Rod Circuit) , mixed by Tim O’ Heir, and mastered by Jesse Cannon in the fall of 2006.
John Ralston
RIYL: The New Amsterdams, The Honorary Title, Kevin Devine
Recommended Tracks: Fragile, Gone Gone Gone, Second Hand Lovers
Indie / Experimental / Pop from Lakeworth, FL. Signed to Vagrant Records.
The Transit War
RIYL: Counterfit, Controlling The Famous, Reeve Oliver
Recommended Tracks: Radar, Mayday, Loud
Indie / Melodic Post-Hardcore from San Diego. It’s music that isn’t whiny or self-involved - it’s aggressive and intricate, yet extremely catchy. It definitely has that California feel good vibe.
Racing Kites
RIYL: Driving East, Houston Calls, Valencia
Recommended Tracks: Be My Runaway, Takeover. All Night Is Alright
Pop Punk From Brick, New Jersey. One of Purevolume.com’s Top 21 Unsigned Artists of 2008. Going on tour with The Dangerous Summer and Sparks the Rescue as well as playing SXSW.
Chris Nathan
www.myspace.com/chrisnathanmusic
RIYL: Gavin Degraw, The Black Crowes, John Mayer
Recommended Tracks: Bonnie & Clyde, Happy, Right Here Always
Rock / Soul / Funk / Pop. Buffalo native relocated to Nashville. I use to see Chris quite often back when he fronted the band - Woke Up In Vegas. I don’t catch him nearly enough when he’s back in town playing a gig. His voice is just phenomenal and his talent is far beyond his years. Kings of A&R pick at CMJ Music Marathon 2008. Good things are happening for him and they’ve only just begun.
The Goodluck Joes
www.myspace.com/thegoodluckjoes
RIYL: Coldplay, James Blunt, and Matchbox 20
Recommended Tracks: The Fugitive, The Middle, 48 Hours
Rock / Pop / Indie from Milwaukee, WI. The Good Luck Joes have placed songs on ABC, ABC Family, MTV, and The Weather Channel, in addition to enjoying moderate success on college radio across the country. Back when I was music director @ WBNY these guys randomly got in touch with me and said they were going on a radio tour and asked to stop into the station — so I took a listen, took a shot, and invited them down. Very nice guys, and quite talented. The Fugitive received heavy rotation at WBNY for quite some time after their visit.
Young And Divine
www.myspace.com/younganddivine
RIYL: You, Me, and Everyone We Know , The Summerset, My Favorite Highway
Recommended Tracks: Show Me Your Alive, Weakdays, Strangers By Day
Rock / Indie / Powerpop from Albany, NY. It’s damn catchy.
Person L
RIYL: Paper Rival, Drive Like Jehu, Radiohead
Recommended Tracks: Storms, Wooden Soldiers, Sunshine
Collaborative musical effort founded by Ken Vasoli - an outlet to experiment with a variety of influences, genres, and musicians. Current members alongside Kenny: Brian Medlin, Charles Schneider, Nate Vaeth, Ryan Zimmaro.
Fun
RIYL: The Format, Anathallo, Steel Train
Recommended Tracks: Bensen Hedges (Demo)
Formed by Nate Ruess (The Format), Andrew Drost (Anathallo), and Jack Antonoff (Steel Train). Debut expected to drop in February.
Artist Vs. Poet
RIYL: There For Tomorrow, A Rocket To The Moon, Farewell
Recommended Tracks: Runaway, Lisa Marie, Assurance Closure
Signed to Fearless Records - from Dallas, Texas. About to embark on the Say No To Neon tour with Valencia & Houston Calls.
Thieves And Villains
www.myspace.com/thievesandvillains
RIYL: There For Tomorrow, The Maine, Valencia
Recommended Tracks: Let Go, Worlds Apart, Shimmer
Indie / Rock / Alternative from Hudson Valley, NY - signed to Victory Records.
Mobile
RIYL: Neverending White Lights, Pilates, Jonezetta
Recommended Tracks: Out Of My Head, The Killer, Montreal Calling
Canadian indie/alternative rock band from Montreal signed to The Militia Group.
The Reign of Kindo
www.myspace.com/thereignofkindo
RIYL: As Tall As Lions, Lydia, This Day & Age
Recommended Tracks: The Moments In Between, Great Blue Sea, Let It Go
Formed from the ashes of Buffalo’s own - This Day & Age. Yeah, I’m showing some more hometown love. And if anyone deserves it, it’s these guys. It’s jazz, it’s rock, it’s indie, it’s progressive — it’s beautiful!
The Hoodies
RIYL: Dashboard Confessional, Rookie Of The Year, The Scene Aesthetic
Recommended Tracks: Former Glory, Elegy, Surface
From Rochester, NY. These guys were chosen as one of Purevolume.com’s Top 21 Unsigned Bands of 2008 and have been featured on TheDailyChorus.com’s Top Unsigned List. Producer Mark Trombino (JEW, Blink 182) signed on to produce the band’s debut full-length.
We Shot The Moon
RIYL: Waking Ashland, Sherwood, Artists signed to The Militia Group.
Recommended Tracks: Sway Your Head, Hope, Waters Edge
Take one part Waking Ashland (Jonathan Jones) and two parts Sherwood (Dan Koch and Joe Greenetz) and the result is the piano driven rock that is, We Shot The Moon.
The Honorary Title
www.myspace.com/thehonorarytitle
RIYL: The Format, Jesse Malin, Ryan Adams
Recommended Tracks: Everything I Once Had, Far More, 7 Blocks
Okay, so I’d venture to guess that most people are already familiar with this band and their 2005 release on Doghouse Records - Anything Else But The Truth. But whatever this is one of my favorite bands - possibly of all time, yes.. I said it. So they are definitely a band I feel people should be listening to if they aren’t already. Their lastest effort “Scream And Light Up The Sky” is a great follow up. Also, Jarrod Gorbel is absolutely amazing. The End.
xo Jillie
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