To create his fifth full-length album Start Livin’, Hawaii-based
singer/guitarist/songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter holed up in a
Southern California studio for seven days with his longtime bassist Matt
Grundy—and no one else. The follow-up to 2010’s Glow, Start Livin’ is a
nine-track selection of folk-infused songs that sweetly reflect the simplicity of their recording. With its smooth showcasing of Frankenreiter’s rich, honey-thick vocals and masterful guitar work, Start Livin’ bears all the intimacy of an impromptu back-porch performance and the tenderness of a treasured love letter.
“Start Livin’ is basically a love album,” says Frankenreiter, who co-produced the record alongside Matt Grundy and Adam Ableman. “Most of the songs are about my wife and our two boys, and the life that we’ve built together in Hawaii.” Thanks to Frankenreiter’s infectious warmth and finely honed pop sensibilities, each of those songs has the singular effect of drawing the listener into that bright and breezy world for a blissed-out moment. Essential to the record’s playful feel is Frankenreiter’s inspired use of instrumentation. “This album’s completely unlike anything I’ve ever done before, in that we skipped the basics and went for a whole lot of different instruments,” he says. “We never brought in a drum set—instead there’s handclapping for percussion, or the two of us banging on pots and pans. We were using everything from bells to singing bowls to Zippo lighters; at one point we put some beans and salts in a can and shook it around.” Grundy played a key role in the wildly varied sounds on Start Livin’, according to Frankenreiter. “Matt was playing ukulele and lap steel guitar and banjo—he’d grab n instrument and we’d do a take live and just build the track up from that. It was a real fun vibe.”

“…if the pair were an 80’s movie they would be teen-vamp classic, The Lost Boys. Simply because of the gloomy, yet sexy atmosphere their sound evokes.” – Altsounds
“Post-apocalyptic pop that tips its hat to dark wave gothic gloom while shimmering with a healthy dose of neon (Ziggy) stardust.” – Insomnia Radio
“..Wazu crafts an almost scary electro-rock with industrial tinges and a pop soul. Their guitar sound alone commands awe, while the overall apop-calyptic mood of their music brings to mind that masterpiece of the 80s that is The The’s “Infected”. – The Deli NYC

AER: David von Mering and Carter Schultz of Wayland, MA create music that finds its roots in reggae, acoustic pop and indie rock, with smooth guitar riffs and a strong rap component.  Their latest release, EP “What You Need,” rose to the #1 album on the iTunes hip-hop charts, and also made it in the top ten on the iTunes overall album charts.  Their iTunes single “Feel I Bring” made the front of the Reggae page when iTunes placed the song in their “New & Noteworthy” section and one of their latest singles, “Slow Down” was featured on prolific hip-hop blog 2dopeboyz.  Aer has shared the stage with the likes of Mac Miller, Shwayze and Cisco Adler, Hoodie Allen, Ballyhoo! and Cris Cab. Look for Aer at Bamboozle this May as one of the festival’s 2012 buzz bands.
MOOSH & TWIST:OCD Philadelphia: Comprised of Oliver “Twist” Feighan and DeQuincy “Moosh” McRae, OCD: Moosh & Twist are exploding onto the scene hailing from Philadelphia. Having released released three free projects to date, the group has also built an impressive touring resume having shared the stage nationally with Wale, Wiz Khalifa, The Roots, Nas, Big Sean, Mike Posner, Down With Webster, Mac Miller, Girl Talk, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Tyga, and more.

Now in their 20th year of award-winning recording, all while consistently traversing America with their nonstop touring schedule, Carbon Leaf can look back at an impressive portfolio of achievements, as they continue to produce a steady stream of new music and tour throughout North America during 2011. Hailing from Virginia, the same musically fertile purlieu that has nurtured the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Bruce Hornsby and Jason Mraz, Carbon Leaf’s sound reflects a wide range of influences. Their unique blend of Folk-Rock, Americana, Celtic, Bluegrass, Rock and Pop certainly lends itself to a variety of genres. But the title of one of their early albums, Ether-Electrified Porch Music, seems to conjure the right image: An aura of warmth, with music punctuated by diverse instruments including mandolin, upright bass, violin, B3, rhodes and banjo, as well as acoustic and electric guitars.

Traveling from Myrtle Beach, Greensboro, Philadelphia, Charlotte with Wilmington’s finest reggae bands will be playing all day. Raffles and giveaways will be happening featuring local businesses! Come out and listen to the best Sublime covers and original reggae music around!

Lucero is an alt-country/punk rock band from Memphis, TN. Formed in 1998, the six-piece has built its reputation on writing sing-along songs about small town life and love, putting a modern edge on classic Americana subjects. The members may look like tattooed tough guys, but they write resonant songs that tug the heartstrings of even the most hardened rock fan.
Lead singer Ben Nichols’ signature whiskey-soaked voice is arguably one of the most recognizable in rock and roll today. The band is rounded out by original members Roy Berry (drums), John C. Stubblefield (bass) and Brian Venable (guitar). Recent additions Rick Steff (piano, organ, accordion) and Todd Beene (pedal steel) contribute to the fuller sound of Lucero’s recent records.

Ketch Secor and Critter Fuqua are founding members of the band Old Crow Medicine Show. Their musical story traces back more than two decades to a childhood in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where they grew up exploring the region’s deep heritage of southern roots music. They have penned dozens of original songs in this tradition, including “Wagon Wheel”, “Take Em Away”, and “James River Blues”, and they continue to write exciting new ones. As a duo, Ketch and Critter have performed together on hundreds of stages, and, most recently, at the famed Ryman Auditorium.

BORN LOW
CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON
COLD WORLD
DAY OF SUFFERING (reunion)
DEAD END PATH
ENSIGN
EXPIRE
FIRE & ICE
FOUNDATION
INCENDIARY
KIDS LIKE US (2nd to last show ever)
LIFE AFTER DEATH
LIFELESS
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
THE MONGOLOIDS
NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
OVERLOOKED
POWER TRIP
REIGN SUPREME
SUBURBAN SCUM
WILL TO DIE
WISDOM IN CHAINS
YOUNG AND IN THE WAY

THE GRANT FARM is a refreshing harvest of a band from the fertile Front Range of Colorado. This much-anticipated four-piece represents the fruition of the efforts of National Flatpicking Champion Tyler Grant, one of the hottest and best-known guitar players on the scene today. Tyler was a member of The Drew Emmitt Band and The Emmitt-Nershi Band from 2005 until 2010 when he went on his own to pursue his calling as a bandleader. In Grant Farm he is partnered with dynamic drummer Chris Misner, also of the Drew Emmitt Band and Bill Nershi’s Blue Planet. The quartet is completed by funky phenom Adrian “Ace” Engfer on bass and the prodigious Sean Foley on keyboards. Grant Farm has established a movement based on their connection to roots music of all kinds, devotion to their fans and family, and their brilliant performances of Rocky Mountain Rock and Roll.

Formed in Austin, WHEELER BROTHERS have emerged as one of the most exciting bands breaking out of Texas. The five-piece act composed of Austin natives combines the gutsy indie vibe of the modern central Texas music scene with the longing strains of time-honored Texas folk. Brothers Nolan, Tyler and Patrick Wheeler met Danny Matthews at LSU where they spent their afternoons picking guitars and swapping stories in the bar rooms of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Once back in Austin, the group rounded out their sound with the addition of a lifelong friend, guitarist A.J. Molyneaux. Each member brings his own musical direction and ideas to the group, and through precise vocal harmonies and a unique cast of instruments. Wheeler Brothers have created a sound that has put their name in the forefront of the Austin music scene. While debuting on the festival scene, Wheeler Brothers have also gained recognition supporting national acts such as Bob Schneider and Drive by Truckers. Back home in Austin, Wheeler Brothers are constantly looking for venues to accommodate their growing fan base and consistently sold out performances.

“Mischief Brew is an Anarchist folk-punk band. It is a wicked concoction by Erik Petersen – a musical feast falling somewhere between the categories of pirate punk, Celtic folk, gypsy swing, devilish jazz, American olde-tyme and country. It’s good music to stomp, kick, pogo, jitterbug, waltz, drink, twist and shout to – whether the performance is solo acoustic or with a backing band of accordion, drums, and mandolin.” – livemusic.fm
“Mourning is For Suckers is a one man tour-de-force of kick ass punk armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a pocketful of cynicism.” – whyimgoingtobefamous.blogspot.com

Jimkata is a nationally touring electro-rock band blending heavy beats, synthy hooks, and big guitars to create music with both modern and timeless appeal. Their latest EP, the 80’s pop tinged Ghosts & Killers, is an anthemic dance-pop nugget complete with 21st century, infectious guitar hooks and is available as a free download at jimkata.com. They are currently taking their electro-rock circus to a town near you.

Chills climb spines when sound is given room to unfurl. The Deep Dark Woods’ unflinching pursuit of steadiness between decadence and minimalism is guided at every turn by their intuitive ability to balance grit, clarity, drive and restraint with a sure focus on experimentation.
Winter Hours (2009), caught critics’ ears across the country. The album, a solemn ode to darker themes of seclusion and d…etachment, could yet warm even the bottomless, frozen nights of hometown Saskatoon, SK. With Winter Hours, The Deep Dark Woods won Best Roots Group at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards, and Ensemble of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards. The band also had the runaway winner in CBC’s Great Canadian Songquest with “Charlie’s (Is Coming Down)”, a song about Good Time Charlie’s in Regina.
The Deep Dark Woods frame their music with subtle orchestration; songs are trimmed with minimal embellishments of banjo, piano, with subtle mellotron flutters. Drummer and multi-instrumentalist Lucas Goetz’s layers heartbreaking arches of pedal steel under the clarity and warmth of Ryan Boldt’s voice. Newest member, organ-player Geoff Hilhorst furnishes the songs’ edges with slurred polyphonies, while surefooted, danceable basslines and rich second vocals belong to Chris Mason. Burke Barlow’s clarion guitar tone and lead lines are focused and impeccable.

Tim Barry is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is the former lead singer of the Richmond, Virginia-based punk rock band Avail. In addition to performing with Avail, he was the bass guitarist in the Richmond-based folk punk band (Young) Pioneers from 1994-1995. Barry has been performing folk music on his own since 2004.

Wilmington premier cover bands join to promote awareness to “Vote No” against Amendment One on May 8th.

Mixing a healthy amount of musical chops, honest, and creative songwriting, powerful stage presence and well sung four-part harmonies, L Shape Lot creates an original and dynamic Americana sound based in country, rock, bluegrass, and roots/folk music. Their lively sound explores new ground, while still paying homage to their predecessors. L Shape Lot is from Wilmington, NC and consists of four members: Eric Miller (Acoustic guitar, vocals), Alex Lanier (electric, acoustic guitar, vocals) Rick Williams ( 6 string electric bass, upright bass, vocals) and John Kovalski (drums, vocals).

Their high-energy live shows have become a hot ticket at both night clubs and music festivals of all types. This group of veteran musicians has been perfecting their sound for over 9 years. Its genesis was the steady train-like acoustic guitar layered over a sturdy country/bluegrass rhythm section with Eric Miller’s booming baritone roots vocals. But it came into full bloom when Alex Lanier brought his blistering proficiency on both acoustic guitar and a Fender Telecaster to the mix. In 2009, the band completed their second full-length studio release, Looks Like Snow, and earned excellent press and numerous honors including Encore Magazine’s Best Band and The Beat Magazine’s Best Country Band. In 2011, L Shape Lot was invited to perform in the prestigious Under the Radar Series at Virginia’s Floydfest. They were voted winners of the competition and will be returning for a performance on the Dreaming Creek Main Stage at Floydfest XI in July 2012.

He’s the ethereal voice, songwriting powerhouse and full-contact keyboardist behind Something Corporate, the piano-rock quintet praised by one critic for its “combination of intelligent lyrics, infectious melodies, and killer piano.” Now Andrew McMahon is taking something of a spring break from the band with which he’s practically lived for the last four years in order to offer up an angst-flavored side project. In the guise of Jack’s Mannequin comes Everything In Transit, a highly personal theme album by McMahon and collaborators, from Maverick Records.

Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and now living in Chicago IL, La Armada is an anti- establishment political band with over 8 years of commitment to the international DIY scene.

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.  TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

Unholy Tongues: Loud, uplifting instrumental music from this local band blends “dreamy elements of bands like Sigur Ros and crash and burn aesthetics of post-rock music.” – Brian Tucker Star News Set and Setting of Florida: No vocals, two guitars, two drummers, and long beautiful songs to turn your mind off to.

Michael Bellar and the AS-IS Ensemble has been energizing diverse audiences with their ecstatic improvisational groove music. With elements of funk, soul, world, jazz and rock, their music appeals to a wide range of music fans. GROOVETRAK formerly “After School Special” local ska/funk/reggae/rock band….this is their debut performance with a retooled band lineup.  

The video might not be for the Soapbox, but we like it anyway!

Kimya Dawson is a Grammy winning, platinum selling singer songwriter most widely known for her work on the JUNO soundtrack and her former band, The Moldy Peaches.    She has released 6 solo albums, including a children’s album “Alphabutt”. She has been featured in Rolling Stone, Spin, Entertainment Weekly, NY Times, NME, Q, AOL, etc.   She has performed live on the View,  at the Independent Spirit Awards, TED/Boulder, was invited to perform on Sesame Street, and also performed at the REM Tribute at Carnegie Hall.

Jeffrey Lewis is an anti-folk songwriter and comic-book artist from New York. Recording, often, in lo-fidelity, Lewis performs narrative songs of much humor and detail, owing an obvious debt to the likes of Jonathan Richman. Former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker has called Lewis “the best lyricist working in the US today.”
Taking a leaf from comic artists like Harvey Pekar and Joe Sacco, Lewis mixes autobiographical songs with ridiculous fantasies. “Some of the songs are very autobiographical, and some of them are about zombies and time machines,” Lewis told the BBC. “I guess with all my stuff there tends to be a pretty clear split. The stuff that’s true is, like, really true and the stuff that’s not true is really not true.”
Well-known acts that Jeffrey has performed shows or whole tours with include Devendra Banhart, Jarvis Cocker, Black Dice, Adam Green, Thurston Moore, the Fall, Kimya Dawson, Beth Orton, Frank Black, the Fiery Furnaces, Daniel Johnston, Scout Niblett, the Mountain Goats,Dr. Dog, the Moldy Peaches, Cornershop, Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, Wooden Wand, the Cribs, Danielson, Herman Dune, Los Campesinos, Roky Erickson, and Super Furry Animals.

He’s the ethereal voice, songwriting powerhouse and full-contact keyboardist behind Something Corporate, the piano-rock quintet praised by one critic for its “combination of intelligent lyrics, infectious melodies, and killer piano.” Now Andrew McMahon is taking something of a spring break from the band with which he’s practically lived for the last four years in order to offer up an angst-flavored side project. In the guise of Jack’s Mannequin comes Everything In Transit, a highly personal theme album by McMahon and collaborators, from Maverick Records.

The Morning After seamless blends an eclectic variety of musical styles to form one of the most unique, infectious sounds on the scene today. Lead vocalist, Rachel Koontz employs a commanding, soulful style reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. Classically trained violinist Pattie Hopkins adds a precise instrumental ability combined with a soulful voice that compliments Rachel’s voice exactly. The backline of Jamie Dawson on bass and Mike Rosado on drums evokes the Motown sound o the 60′s with a Latin feel. The band is rounded out by virtuoso banjo and mandolin players Hank Smith and Shawn Chase who add a melodic feeling that will remind you of Bela Fleck and Chris Thile. All together, The Morning After will entertain you with a high energy, eclectic mix of soul, rock, jazz, Latin and bluegrass that makes the audience jump for joy again and again!

He’s the ethereal voice, songwriting powerhouse and full-contact keyboardist behind Something Corporate, the piano-rock quintet praised by one critic for its “combination of intelligent lyrics, infectious melodies, and killer piano.” Now Andrew McMahon is taking something of a spring break from the band with which he’s practically lived for the last four years in order to offer up an angst-flavored side project. In the guise of Jack’s Mannequin comes Everything In Transit, a highly personal theme album by McMahon and collaborators, from Maverick Records.

Alternative-pop songster, Andy Davis, broke his silence in January of 2012 with a soulful new album, “Heartbreak Yellow.” Co-produced by Davis and legendary producer, Mitchell Froom (Sheryl Crow, Crowded House, Randy Newman), “Heartbreak Yellow” debuted at #3 on the Singer-Songwriters chart and has continued to gain steam. With soulful vocals and organic, old-school grooves, this Louisiana-born craftsman continues to challenge the status quo of today’s indie pop scene an album at a time. Davis has toured with Jakob Dylan, Mat Kearney, Colbie Caillat, Will Hoge, Howie Day and NEEDTOBREATHE.

Bourbon Fueled. Bayou Rock. It’s the unsettling sound of strength. A strength fueled by talent and bridled by a passion to relate to another that catches the attention of passers-by with its language-like quality. You can hear within it a conversation between five men able to speak to one another through their instruments.
It’s a fusion of traditional southern soul and funk-inspired power, all layered with furious harmonica lines that simultaneously tie the group together and threaten to tear it apart. As if the warm familiar melody of rootsy porch music has been plugged in and turned up, The Delta Saints are driving listeners from the comforting recline of their porch swings right to the edge of their seats. “The sounds of St. Louis, Kansas City, and New Orleans come together to create a sound unique but fitting in Nashville. The energy that sweats from this gritty howling dynamic is a message heralding love and loss and consequence. And though the songs may end, the intensity generated from the act of something old made new again will hauntingly remain.” -Melissa Madison Fuller

It is a special time for Langhorne Slim as he is so proud to announce and present Be Set Free, his mighty third album being released by Kemado Records. One of the most endearing and standout qualities of Slim’s live shows is the sureness that one is always entering a genuine gospel-like musical experience full of little miracles. Be Set Free has captured this charisma and spirit -the “hold your heart” moments and “raise a drink” dance vibes shine throughout with lush string arrangements and the fine sonic talents of drummer Malachi DeLorenzo, new bassist Jeff Ratner and new keyboard/banjo player David Moore. Langhorne’s stronger than ever vocals lead the journey blending his poetry through the beautiful chaos and bearing a wisdom that reflects a broken heart battling the perils of true hope.

Papadosio is a five piece electronic rock band cultivating conscious music that purposely defies genre classification. Their music attempts to create an inspirational environment for progress and positivity. For the past 5 years, Papadosio has been creating conscious, mind expanding dance music that purposely defies classification. In an attempt to create an inspirational environment for progressive and positive thinking, this year of 2012 will see the addition of some very exciting and integral means of expressing their artistic message. Papadosio asks that everyone reevaluate the role of music and take a less nostalgic view of what has been and a more enthusiastic view of what is and what could be. As the year unfolds Papadosio encourages fans to come with open ears, minds, and hearts, and help them wake the world.

Combining the Maserati-like rhythms of the dance-y “Dedication” to the Mogwai-inspired transcendence of “(Eastern) Sunrise,” Unholy Tongues show their influences without being derivative of them. Their current set list easily traverses an emotional range from the darkest and heaviest of intensities to upbeat and melodic, often in the span of the same song.
With experience in local favorites like the instrumental legends The Title Ceremony and Study of the Sirens, Unholy Tongues have played in various incarnations for the last six years before settling on their current lineup of Abram Young (guitars), Jeffery Bridgers (drums) and Matt Williams (bass).

Catheter (Colorado vet. grinders) -Review of their split with FUBAR: “First up on this split is Catheter from Denver, CO – blasting through eight tracks (under the heading “Conspiracy Control”) of grind in less than 10 minutes. The tracks are pretty straightforward aside from some occasional dissonance, making use of moderate speeds and a few more obvious hardcore/punk influences as well as numerous degrees of vocal tradeoffs between growling and shouting. The best part is that the basslines totally kill (raging all over the place) and play a huge role right alongside the guitars, and the recording is pretty damn crisp as well. “Blazes of Black” has some of the largest shifts in tempo, while “My Life” opens with some quirkier riffing before plowing into an almost power violence-esque passage and vicious breakdown. The lyrics are a mixed back dealing with everything from fashion invading the underground to riding bicycles to conspiracies and corporate B.S.: “What is it that makes society strive to get bigger and better things, And all for the name of envy, all for the name of excess, The daily grind…” Good stuff.”
Old Painless- Probably NC’s best grind band. Or at least my favorite.
No Tomorrow- Local dirtbags with no hearing left playing punk. We will be just back from tour so extra smelly too.
Morte De Metano- Brazillian-thrash influenced punk. Members of No Tomorrow. First show.

Lie Captive- “Loud, fast, and perhaps my favorite–blistering, all come to mind when listening to Lie Captive’s debut album, “The Hopeless North.” But it also makes me mentally weigh the relationship between our perception of melody as pop accessibility and its uneasy existence in punk rock.” – Carson Winter,dyingscene.com Museum Mouth- On their new album, “Sexy But Not Happy” – “The album oscillates back and forth from on-the-run energy to contemplative, plodding rhythms, all working without a hitch. The crashing sound of the album moves it beyond just punk energy fraught with chaos. Though less ambient than “Tears in My Beer,” the new album is more melodic and focused. The songs have heightened character this time around even as they look back to the new punk textures of the early 80’s and the dreary pop styles of great bands like Love and Rockets.” – Brian Tucker, starnewsonline.com Pretend Surprise- On their new album, “HOTmath” – “The songs are easily atypical, bursting with energy, and sounding like excerpts of a much lengthier song. They’re also emotionally exposed and frenetic. This is not verse-chorus-verse stuff. Songs exist on their own terms, in a state of exploration and subsequent conflagration. It’s this abstract musical personality, the defiance of song normalcy, that makes the album all the more engaging.” – Brian Tucker, starnewsonline.com

All the money raised from the show will be added to a trust fund for his daughter, Lucia, in honor of her father and the friends who loved him. Please come out and show your support

During the 15 years that Canada was front man for Cross Canadian Ragweed, he successfully tapped into those influences on each of their nine albums. Four of those nine charted on Billboard’s Top 10 Country Albums over the course of the years, thousands of albums were sold and the band played to sell out crowds across the country helping to spread “red dirt” music. But the one thing that Canada wanted to do in honor of his musical heartland never came to fruition…until now.

WHO: MISHKA –Internationally renowned, chart-topping Pop-Reggaeartist and the face of surf-culture clothing giant O’Neill’s new eco-friendly apparel line ECO’Neill. His recent release Talk About debuted #1 on the iTunes Reggae Chart and was co-produced by Butch Walker (Pink, Fall Out Boy) and jk livinlabel head, actor Matthew McConaughey. Talk About marksMishka’s fourth album to date, and second for jk livin. It is outside the box of traditional Roots/Reggae, adding a mainstreamRock influence. He is in the process of recording his next studio album.
 
WHAT:jk livin artist Mishka will perform with his entire band at THE SOAPBOX.  The Maui-based singer/songwriter spent most of his
early life on a boat in the Caribbean, sailing the islands with his seafaring parents and older sisters. It was inevitable that he’d be
drawn to Reggae, Rastafari, and the natural mystic that inhabit his music and soul.
 
Comments Kenny Chesney: ”The music that Mishka makes and the songs that he’s written are just so universal.  It’s the kind of music that I love to listen to.  It’s very relatable and very truthful.  Man, you gotta look this guy up on iTunes.” 

Chaos Destroy: (From Sorry State’s description of their split with Nekromantiker)- total chaotic noise here… it’s like they’ve never heard a band in their life other than Confuse. Aesthetes may scoff, but these guys are doing their thing and they’re among the best at it. Insane noise punk by some of the least likely “cool” raw punks. Their more recent transition has been to bubbly, melodic noise punk. So fucking good and if you don’t get it then fuck off.
Merciless Game – Dan from Lotus Fucker’s one-man band that will be performed with people from Chaos Destroy and xBrainiax. Harsh, noisy Gai-influenced japanese noise punk. Very obscure and of course anything that Dan does involves much deliberation and thought. Not to be missed.
No Tomorrow-Local dirtbags with no hearing left playing punk. We will be just back from tour so extra smelly too.

Cherub is a sexy, avant-garde, electro-pop duo that is the dance love-child of 80′s funk, and pop-music from the future. The members of Cherub, Jordan Kelley and Jason Huber, share a love for honest original music and vibrant live performance, with a common goal to share a little bit of sex, a little bit of drugs, and a whole lot of love with people across the globe. Cherub’s music is a fresh electrified take on risqué pop music that brings to mind timeless artists like Prince, Zapp and Roger, and more contemporary Justin Timberlake. With a live show that is bouncing with energy, Cherub dances their way into the hearts of audiences from the first falsetto hook, until the very last delay filters out.
After completing studio work for Cherub’s first release, Man of the Hour, singer/ songwriter Jordan Kelley joined forces with fellow producer/performer, Jason Huber, to polish Cherub’s live electro act and begin performing throughout the Southeast. Both Jordan and Jason have received recognition as producers and live musicians, previously performing as Schtompa and I.V.Y. League alongside renown acts, such as EOTO, Boombox, Count Bass D, GZA of Wu Tang Clan, Two Fresh, and many more. Since Cherub’s formation in late 2010, the band has shared the stage with highly regarded acts like Alex B, Big Gigantic, Bag Raiders, Miami Horror, and many others. The duo is looking forward to a number of high profile live dates throughout the fall of 2011, including a Halloween show supporting Pretty Lights in the band’s hometown, Nashville, TN.

Started by front man Patrick Keenan in 2006, The Winter Sounds quickly gained a reputation as one of the ‘must see’ bands of the crowded music scene in Athens, Georgia. Known for their frenetic live performances, the band blended the danceable post-punk of pioneers like Gang of Four with more contemporary electro-pop to forge their own unique sound. In 2007, The Winter Sounds signed with Atlanta-based Live Wire Records and recorded Porcelain Empire, their first full-length album. Hailed as, “thought provoking, atmospheric, uplifting, and just plain enjoyable,” Porcelain Empire established The Winter Sounds as a band poised for a breakthrough. “…the band’s ever-shifting sound is basically an amalgam of indie-rock all-stars—a bit of Arcade Fire’s cinematic grandeur, a pinch of Bloc Party’s synth-driven skittishness, a gloss of Belle And Sebastian’s melancholy—its passion is genuine (even intoxicating in a live setting), and the group’s mid-song stylistic turns are anything but predictable.”
– Onion A/V Club

Post-roots trio Dangermuffin casts a fresh perspective on American roots music. Based in Folly Beach, SC, the group is anchored by the thought-provoking lyrical wit of songwriter Dan Lotti and framed by Nashville-veteran percussionist Steven Sandifer and fluid lead guitarist Mike Sivilli. Since 2010, SiriusXM radio has been proudly spinning tracks from ‘Moonscapes’ on their Jam On and Outlaw Country stations to all of USA and Canada. Dangermuffin brings a new level of groove to Americana music — a punchy, folk-jam pastry with a sweet-toothed soul of the South. 

“The Southport, N.C., band’s rough-and-tumble post-punk draws on elements of 90s noise-rock and the recent new wave resurgence to create an airtight, fuzzed-out sound.” – clclt.com

Growing up, show business was in Audra Mae’s blood. Her great grandmother, Virginia, was a member of the Gumm Sisters, whose youngest member, Francis Ethel Gumm, grew up to be Judy Garland. Her paternal grandmother turned her on to country and folk artists like Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and Woody Guthrie, while her maternal grandfather introduced her to jazz.

Since arriving in California seven years ago, on Elvis Presley’s birthday no less, with the proverbial $20 in her pocket, Audra Mae has done alright for herself. She landed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell, a TV placement singing Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” on the hit F/X series, Sons of Anarchy, and in 2009, wrote the lyrics to “Why I Was Born to Die,” the only original track on Susan Boyle’s chart-topping, 9 million-selling I Dreamed a Dream album.

Hailing from Wilmington, NC, Great Zeus’ Beard is a 3 piece experimental indie-rock band formed in 2008. Comprised of Zack Williams- Guitar, John Mousseau-Drums, and Steve Mousseau-Bass/Keys/Vocals. GZB recently released their self titled EP in early 2009. Very limited amounts of this CD are still available, but digital downloads are still available on ITunes and Amazon.com. GZB currently plans to release their sophomore album in Spring 2011.

Its members have played at such venues as CBGB’s, X-Games, 9:30 Club, Trocadero, TLA in Philadelphia, and the Middle East club in Boston. The members of Great Zeus’ Beard decided to leave their previous projects, to focus on creating something truly original and completely their own. The main goal is to do something that GZB as a band believes in, and is completely honest about, disposing of all limitations and surpassing the black cloud that has been left glooming over the music industry. GZB is taking chances musically, utilizing their different influences to create their unique sound.

Says one Carolina newbie to one Carolina native, “Dang! I knew it would be hot in the Summer down here, but I had no idea that it would get even hotter at night!!” Meteorologically speaking, there is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. But as far as the Raleigh-based exploratory jazz trio called The Hot at Nights, there is no explanation for them. 8-string guitar virtuoso Chris Boerner leads the group, with Matt Douglas on sax/woodwinds and Nick Baglio on drums. The group melted together in Boerner’s studio over the many sweltering evenings of Summer, 2010. Though largely improvisational, the group’s compositions pull from contemporary songwriters, classic funk, pop, rock, and of course the electric avant garde stylings that have spanned the last 30 years of contemporary jazz. Complex rhythms can quickly transform into head-bobbing groove fare. Simple melodies coaxed by all three players can explode into cacophonous meteor showers at the drop of a dime. Their limits go as high as the stratosphere and deep into the Earth’s mantle. Both of which keep them sweating… even after the sun goes down.