Alex Clare
London-based singer/songwriter Alexander George “Alex” Clare grew up listening to his father’s jazz records, was drawn to blues and soul, and eventually to drum‘n’bass and U.K. garage. Though Clare took up the trumpet and drums as a youngster, he eventually placed an emphasis on guitar and songwriting, playing open-mike nights with original material. A demo earned him a deal with the Island label in the U.K., and he was set up with producers Diplo and Switch, who contributed to the making of Clare’s first album, The Lateness of the Hour, released in July 2011. Despite the producers’ reputations for creating busy, bass-heavy club music, the album did place something of a spotlight on Clare’s soul-searching songwriting and deep, rich voice. “Too Close” — the dubsteppy lead single from Lateness — turned out to be a huge hit for Clare. The song became a Top 10 hit in five countries, was certified double platinum in the United States, and nabbed Clare an ASCAP award for 2014 Songwriter of the Year with Jim Duguid.
While Clare’s 2014 sophomore effort Three Hearts wasn’t as successful as his debut, he continued to tour and also started a family. He returned with his third LP, Tail of Lions. The album was released in the U.K. at the end of 2016, with the U.S. release following months later in 2017. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
MEG MYERS
Meg Myers is a talented artist who has recently released her third full-length album, TZIA, through Sumerian Records. Her music captures moments of emotional, sexual, and spiritual awakening with raw power, electronic elements, alternative sounds, and bursts of jarring pop. Known for her chart-topping albums like Sorry [2015] and Take Me To The Disco [2018], Meg Myers has amassed hundreds of millions of streams on hits such as “Desire,” “Sorry,” “Numb,” and “Make A Shadow.” She has shared stages with iconic bands like the Pixies, Alt-J, Alanis Morissette, My Chemical Romance, Royal Blood, Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane’s Addiction, and has performed on prestigious platforms like Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! and at major festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Governors Ball.
Before the phenomenon of Stranger Things, Meg Myers showcased her talent by delivering a captivating rendition of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” on NPR Tiny Desk, a cover that later made history by reaching #1 on the Billboard Alternative Chart 42 weeks after its release. Her artistry has garnered praise from industry giants like Billboard, Cosmopolitan, GRAMMY.com, Nylon, and Rolling Stone. In 2019, Meg Myers embarked on the creation of TZIA from her home in Los Angeles, using a simple setup of piano, guitar, and ukulele. Collaborating with talents such as Andy D. Park, Thomas Powers, and Mike Elizondo, Meg Myers laid the foundation for TZIA, kicking off this new era with the powerful single “ME” and promising more musical gems to come.
Nine Days
Nine Days was formed on Long Island by singer/songwriter/guitarists John Hampson and Brian Desveaux, who had previously played together and apart in a series of local groups. The band was filled out by keyboard player Jeremy Dean, bass player Nick Dimichino, and drummer Vincent Tattanelli. Focusing on their songwriting and shared lead vocals, Hampson and Desveaux holed up in Hampson’s apartment in Deer Park woodshedding, then released their own debut album and began playing live shows. They won WBAB’s Homegrown Talent Search and WLIR’s Best Unsigned Band competition, made a second CD on their own, and finally signed to Epic/550 Music, which released their debut major-label album, The Madding Crowd (its title a comment on Thomas Hardy’s novel Far from the Madding Crowd) in May 2000. William Ruhlmann, Rovi
Read MoreKeane
Keane is a beloved English rock band originating from Battle, East Sussex comprised of Tim Rice-Oxley (composer and pianist), Tom Chaplin (lead vocals), Richard Hughes (drummer) and Jesse Quin (bassist). In 2004, Keane was the biggest selling British artist in the UK. The following year they won two BRIT Awards: Best British Album for Hopes and Fears and British Breakthrough act award as voted for by Radio 1 listeners. By 2013, Keane had released four full-length LPs all reaching number 1 in the UK album charts. Hopes and Fears, their debut, had entered the list of the 40 best-selling albums in the UK of all time and they had toured more than 40 countries.
Now, in 2024, with the beloved song ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ having enjoyed a recent revival on Tik Tok and having streamed well over a billion times, Hopes and Fears celebrates its 20th year with a huge world tour which will celebrate Keane’s acclaimed body of work from their landmark debut through to their most recent 2019 studio album ‘Cause and Effect’. Tour Tickets: https://www.keanemusic.com/live/
The Shins
The Shins are an American band formed by James Mercer in Albuquerque, NM in 1996. With a GRAMMY nomination under their belt, the band made a significant impact on the indie rock scene with their debut full-length album, ‘Oh, Inverted World,’ released in 2001. This album was a game-changer, marking the beginning of a new era in indie rock music. Over the years, The Shins have released six full-length albums, each contributing to their legacy of innovation. One notable release is ‘The Worm’s Heart,’ where the band presented ‘flipped’ versions of their original songs from ‘Heartworms,’ showcasing their creativity and fearless exploration of musical boundaries.
Read MoreNew Found Glory
New Found Glory, a band that emerged swiftly from Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997, experienced a rapid rise to fame fueled by infectious pop melodies and hardcore-infused breakdowns. Their explosive impact on pop-punk music still resonates in the industry over two decades later, symbolizing the essence of a vibrant underground culture. With hit albums like 2000’s New Found Glory, 2002’s Sticks & Stones, and 2004’s Catalyst, the band became synonymous with success, evident through iconic gold and platinum records, frequent appearances on MTV, and the birth of a subgenre known as easycore, captivating audiences worldwide with sold-out tours across the globe.
However, the band faced a sudden and challenging turn of events in December 2021 following their triumphant Pop Punk’s Still Not Dead Tour in support of their 10th album, Forever + Ever x Infinity. The unexpected discovery of guitarist Chad Gilbert’s 8-inch cancerous tumor, a rare pheochromocytoma, threw the band into a whirlwind of uncertainty. Despite hospitalizations, surgeries, and a demanding recovery journey, New Found Glory channeled their experiences into heartfelt music, exemplified by their latest acoustic album, Make The Most Of It (Revelation Records). This poignant collection of songs delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the profound significance of embracing each day with gratitude and fulfillment.
Passion Pit
Boston, Massachusetts-based Passion Pit originated as a solo endeavor by singer and songwriter Michael Angelakos, initially crafting a Valentine’s Day present for his partner. The EP ‘Chunk of Change’ was the enchanting result of this heartfelt gesture, catching the attention of friends and acquaintances who were captivated by the music. Over time, Passion Pit transitioned from a personal expression of Angelakos’ emotions to a fully-fledged band, performing live and supporting renowned artists like Death Cab for Cutie. This traction led to the interest of labels, with Frenchkiss picking up ‘Chunk of Change’ in 2008 for re-release, including two bonus tracks. Notably, the track ‘Sleepyhead’ from the EP garnered significant praise from bloggers and fans of lively electronic indie pop music.
Columbia Records recognized Passion Pit’s potential and collaborated with Frenchkiss to release the group’s debut album, ‘Manners,’ in 2009. The band, now expanded with members Nathan Donmoyer, Ian Hultquist, Ayad Al Adhamy, and Jeff Apruzzese alongside Angelakos, achieved success as ‘Manners’ climbed to number 51 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and made an impact in international markets. Their highly anticipated follow-up in 2012, ‘Gossamer,’ was well-received, featuring hit singles like ‘Take a Walk’ and ‘I’ll Be Alright,’ with Xander Singh joining the band. However, Angelakos had to halt tour activities post-release to seek treatment for his bipolar disorder.
After a hiatus, Passion Pit returned to the spotlight with events like an appearance on Saturday Night Live and the release of the ‘Constant Conversations’ EP. The band faced changes with members leaving in 2014 but bounced back in 2015 with the launch of the album ‘Kindred,’ featuring the single ‘Lifted Up (1985).’ Angelakos, now the sole credited member, navigated personal struggles amidst the album’s success, including battles with health issues and personal revelations. Passion Pit continued touring and releasing music, with notable moments like the launch of the ‘Tremendous Sea of Love’ album and the announcement of a venture supporting musicians’ mental well-being through the Wishart Group. Despite intermittent breaks, Angelakos remained dedicated to creating music and connecting with fans through live performances and collaborative projects, symbolized by the track ‘I Found U’ with Galantis.
Two Feet
Born in a small town, Idk discovered a passion for music at a young age. From humble beginnings, Idk’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for their unique sound and captivating performances, Idk has quickly gathered a loyal fan base worldwide. Their lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, resonating with listeners of all ages. With each song, Idk shares a piece of their soul, inviting audiences to delve into their emotional world.
Idk’s rise to fame is a testament to their unwavering dedication and raw talent. The artist’s authenticity shines through in every melody, making their music not just a listening experience but a profound connection. Idk’s influence extends beyond the realm of music, inspiring individuals to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions fearlessly. As Idk continues to evolve as an artist, their impact on the industry and culture at large only grows stronger, solidifying their place as a true icon in the world of music.
Story Of The Year
What’s the sound of Story Of The Year? Loud guitars, massive singalong choruses, and uplifting perseverance. Few records helped build the post-hardcore scene as swiftly as the band’s debut, Page Avenue, one of the first of its kind to sell a million copies. “Until the Day I Die” endures as both an anthem and mission statement. Tours with Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Deftones, and The Used cemented Story Of The Year’s reputation as a stunning and engaging live act. The connection between the band and audience transformed Story Of The Year from teenagers working in a St. Louis pizza chain franchise into hard rock headliners. Fans grew together with Dan Marsala, Ryan Philips, Josh Wills, and Adam Russell, from Page Avenue (2003), In the Wake of Determination (2005), The Black Swan (2008), The Constant (2010), Wolves (2017), to Tear Me to Pieces (2022). They specialize in intense, passionate, confessional compositions that inspire and empower. Songs like “The Antidote,” “Real Life,” “Miracle,” “The Ghost of You and I,” “Anthem of Our Dying Day,” and “Take Me Back” resonate with anyone determined to triumph over adversity. Until the day I die, indeed.
Read MoreCrazy Town
Crazy Town’s music and image reflected one of the most dynamic and volatile sociocultural environments on the planet — Los Angeles — where the urban squalor of the South Central district exists just minutes away from the glitz of Beverly Hills. Spearheaded by a team of producers/vocalists, Seth “Shifty Shellshock” Binzer and Bret “Epic” Mazur, Crazy Town combined hip-hop’s lyrical attitude and rhythmic sass with the muscle of live rock instrumentation. The combination yielded the group a number one hit in 2001, when “Butterfly” topped the Billboard 100 and helped push the band’s debut effort, The Gift of Game, to platinum status. While never quite recapturing the spark of that breakthrough, they released two subsequent sets in 2002 and 2015, with an EP landing in 2024.
Bret Mazur and Seth Binzer were both surrounded by music while growing up in Southern California. Mazur’s father was Billy Joel’s manager, while Binzer’s father was an artist and filmmaker who directed the Rolling Stones’ live movie Ladies & Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones. Originally from New York, Mazur started crafting beats and cutting tracks at an early age and found himself working on records by MC Serch (of 3rd Bass), Eazy-E, and MC Lyte; he was also House of Pain’s DJ for a short period. Meanwhile, Binzer had come across a copy of the Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill while in Mexico, and discovered a side of hip-hop that inspired him to start making demo recordings on his own.
Binzer and Mazur initially came together as the Brimstone Sluggers, and while the pair recorded plenty of music, their contributions to other hip-hoppers’ projects prevented them from completing a full album of their own. They also each ended up in rehabilitation clinics, where the two began writing letters that helped hatch the plan to form Crazy Town: a hip-hop band featuring a full instrumental lineup to complement the rapping vocalists. The group was to be rooted in classic rap-rock miscegenation like Run-D.M.C.’s “Rock Box,” or Public Enemy and Anthrax’s collaborative effort “Bring Tha Noize.”
Culture Wars
Culture Wars is an Austin trio known for reprogramming and rewiring rock music with new wave electronics, alternative experimentation, and a pop undercurrent. The band, consisting of Alex Dugan, David Grayson, and Dillon Randolph, gained recognition after independently amassing over 7 million streams and making waves on TikTok. Their 2021 EP, teche, showcases their unique fusion of sounds that was brought to life at the Sonic Ranch Recording Studio in Texas. Collaborating with producer Caleb Contreras and ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner Manny Marroquin for mixing, Culture Wars created a diverse project that includes tracks like “Faith,” blending rock, electronic, and country elements. Their single “Leave Me Alone” rapidly gained popularity, reaching nearly 1 million streams, thanks to TikTok videos from prominent influencers like Bella Poarch and Nessa Barrett. The band’s success led to their inclusion in the GRAMMY® Award-nominated Bill & Ted Face The Music Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and a spot in the Top 30 at Alternative Radio.
Read Morealt-J
After winning the Mercury Prize in 2012 with their debut album An Awesome Wave, Joe Newman [vocals, guitar], Gus Unger-Hamilton [vocals, keyboards, bass] and Thom Sonny Green [drums, percussion] made the Grammy-nominated This Is All Yours (2014) and followed it with Relaxer (2017). Along the way they plotted globe-trotting tours, sold out Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and the O2, amongst many others, and headlined almost any festival you care to mention.
They sampled Miley Cyrus, collaborated with hip-hop alt. heroes Pusha T and Little Simz on 2018 remix album Reduxer, and made history by co-creating the first immersive sound show of its kind at New York’s Forest Hill Stadium in the summer of 2018, where 360 degree speakers made the performance sound like it was optimized for every single member of the audience. The Dream, alt-J’s fourth album, began life on schedule when the band first regrouped at their own studio, a rented house in east London where they write and record. Navigating Covid as it arrived and hung around – with Green shielding throughout the pandemic and often working remotely, The Dream was recorded from August 2020 until June 2021 with long-time producer Charlie Andrew. What emerged was a record of intrigue and ambiguity that fizzes with a rejuvenated sense of experimentalism. The Dream is the sound of a band experimenting more than they ever have, recharged and reinvigorated – the twelve tracks make for the fullest sounding alt-J record yet.