Category: emerging artists

Show Me The Skyline “Rain or Shine”
Larzz Principato, the main member of Show Me The Skyline, has had his guitar glued to his body for the better part of the last five years. Drawing influence from artists such as Hellogoodbye, All Time Low, and Dashboard Confessional, Larzz is focused on delivering modern power pop that your kids can rock to. It helps that Jonas Brothers producer P.J. Bianco lends his touch to this slick pop album. Fans of Drake Bell and The Click Five will enjoy this as well. Highlights include the catchy “It’s On Me” and the melodic “Put Your Money where your mouth Is.” The music hints at a more sophisticated sound and is well above your typical alternative teen rock.
Show Me The Skyline Website | Itunes

Sorry “The RSVP EP”
Sorry (The band), plays a DIY styled lo-fi indie power pop with a plenty of sweet melodic guitar touches, a lot like The Shins or Death Cab for Cutie. They play around the Seattle area and if you listen to the compelling “Bicycle” you’ll hear bits of Jon Auer with Paul Simon rhythms – you’ll never even notice than each of these songs are four minutes or longer. I’ve only heard 3 of the songs here, but the moody reflection of “Autopilot” feels honest and not at all pretentious, along the lines of Ben Folds. Worth a spin on the ipod for sure.
Sorry band site | CD Baby

The Gideons “Hymns For Hers”
The Gideons are a unique combination of garage riffs and rough harmonies that will make you either root for them, or toss them away as fluff. Tracks like “Steal That Girl” have a good melody and edge to it, and “Pockets Full of Love” has that nuggets-like sound. They are able to remind some music fans of The Velvets or Marc Bolan (“Get on the Floor”), and they are not intimidated by the material at all. They need to work on those harmonies a bit though. These guys are unsigned, and right now you’ll need to contact them directly to get a CD-R. Give emerging talent a chance to grow on you.
My Space

Serena Ryder “Is it Okay”
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Serena Ryder grew up listening to old Beatles and Leonard Cohen records she found in her parents’ collection. In 2004 she was signed for her first album, which earned her music cred north of the border. Now several albums later, and signed by Atlantic, Serena is ready to break out into the mainstream. USA Weekend named her among its “Faces To Watch In 2008” and Billboard declared her One of Canada’s “Most Promising.” Her vocal styling and live performances have earned her comparisons to the likes of legends Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. Serena’s sound has many different layers, from rock to folk with hints of country and soul. Her vocal delivery however, is what sets her apart from the crowd. Serena sings with so much emotion that as a listener you’d be hard-pressed not to feel where she is coming from.
My Space | Atlantic Records

The Online Romance are a pop band from Portland, Oregon that will cause lovers of light harmonic pop to do cartwheels. The band is a even six-piece, three gals and three guys. The music is a blend of baroque melody, inspired harmonies and folk storytelling that draws influences from The New Pornographers, The Left Banke, Belle and Sebastian — I also hear inspiration from The Free Design and The Clique. The group is finishing up a 12 song album and currently looking for a lable. I encourage you to download and take a listen to them.

Download “Ladybug, Don’t Smile”

My Space | Virb.com | Last.fm

It’s nice to find a fresh new artist getting major press and recognition from both Spin and Rolling Stone. Anya Marina’s Slow and Steady… is a tightly honed collection of winking pop gems and slyly sexy rock and roll that showcases this newcomer’s deft melodic sensibility and wryly humorous lyrical point of view. Anya’s sound is part Norah Jones-Suzanne Vega with a splash of Liz Phair attitude. Producers Brian Karscig and Britt Daniel (of Spoon) helps jump her to the next stage of artistic development from the early demos of Miss Halfway. The opening single “Move You” is a real keeper with an infectious beat and Anya’s cooing vocal. Other highlights here include the silky smooth “All The Same To Me” with jazzy sax highlights and the garage-styled guitar riffs on “Afterparty at Jimmy’s” where she flirts with the keen promoter of her band. The lesser tracks do not disappoint either, although the standard “Waters Of March” seems to have too much of coffee house vibe. By the whispering tones of “High On The Ceiling” you’ll be ready to hit the repeat button. The album is expected out 1/20/09.

My Space | Itunes (Move You single) | CD Baby (Miss Halfway)