This Week on BandSoup (1/9-1/16)

Another week in the books and yet another week of great uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear according to an unanimous vote from the BandSoup blog team. Remember, new bands pop up on the site 1-5 times per day, so check back in with us. You might be missing out on your new favorite band!

Click the band's name to hear their music.

Elos Arma (Indie Rock/Indie Pop)--  High energy dysfunctional pop from a refreshing young quartet who manage to avoid nearly all of the horrendous clichés that often accompany their kind of commercially-oriented rock.

Jim Dead (Alt. Country/Folk)-- Check out our "Hot One of the Week" blog post featuring Jim Dead.

PMs Better (Indie Rock)-- A young and bouncy rock band from Lyon, France that sings in English. The band, barely out of their teens, already have three EPs under their belt full of catchy, melodic indie rock jams.

Barricades at Night (Alternative Rock)--  The latest track from the Huntsville, AL based band in preparation for their first full length release.

Monsterface (Alternative Rock)--  If you’re into face shattering grunge rock, then Monsterface is your new band. Their song structures are similar to The Sounds of Animals Fighting or Fall of Troy.

Acollective (Indie Rock)-- Acollective is the resonating echoes of quacking ducks in a sealed room, a dual-headed machine of construction-yard-nihilism consuming everything in its path, from banged-up Folk to burned-down Middle-Eastern-Funk, breaking hips and shaking hearts along the way. 

Rosas (Pop Rock)-- Rosas is the story of Damon Goodridge’s search for the elusive love that breezed in and out of his life one memorable Spanish evening. That chance encounter inspired a sound that reflects the euphoria, bewilderment, optimism and wistfulness only known by one who has loved and lost.

Alice Sweet Alice (Alternative Rock)--  As one Kansas City reviewer described Alice Sweet Alice's music: "Take the turbulent undercurrent of Joy Division, add edgy guitar-synth crunch and hooks ala Garbage, drop in the haunting post-punk of Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees, a dash of Love and Rockets psychedelics, and polish the whole mix with angst-meets-curious inclinations inspired by The Cure's rhythmic urges. Something like that with a twist.”

Slow Suicide (Acoustic/Ambient)--  Dark, creepy, instrumental acoustic rock.

Hot One of the Week: Jim Dead

I may be nineteen years old, but I see the importance of musical evolution and I hope that my tastes reflect that appreciation. I feel as if I’m a rare Johnny Cash fan of my generation and, even stranger than that, I enjoy listening to country radio. I just can’t help it when I’m at home. The farms, fields, and hills of Northwestern New Jersey just invoke within me a desire for country music. Home is much different than New Haven, Connecticut; country has become one way for me to differentiate. These are thoughts that I’ve had this week as I listen to Jim Dead.

Listen to Jim Dead on BandSoup

Jim Dead is an artist who caught me by surprise this week. I spent time listening to artists on BandSoup and heard so many different genres of music, never did I expect to be mesmerized by a countrified blues-rock singer-songwriter. The first thing that came to mind was Johnny Cash and the last few albums he released before his death, a set of dirges enshrined forever. If you are familiar with those albums at all, the tracks “Sadly, Those Birds Refuse to Sing” and “Devil on the West Bound 3:10” will surely resonate with you. You can find these songs on BandSoup and Dead’s first recorded release, Go Tell the Congregation.

Jim’s work is riddled with haunting tunes that are diverse and reminiscent of Kenny Rodgers, Bob Dylan, The Doors, and even Nirvana. On his second LP, Ten Fires, you find more dark acoustic melodies, but many more songs with a full-band and bigger sound. His music is based in the roots, simple, and imperfect, yet the poetry of it speaks to me. The fact is, I would totally love to sit down and see Jim Dead at a local bar and hang out, it’s that kind of music.

Don’t just take my word for it. Try his music out for yourself, and let me know what you think.

-Doug Foley

The Wheeler Brothers- Spent Time (Video)

Official music video for "Spent Time" from the album Portraits.

Listen to The Wheeler Brothers on BandSoup

Formed in Austin, Texas, Wheeler Brothers have quickly emerged as one of Austin's most exciting up-and-coming bands. The five-piece independent folk-rock act combines the indie vibe of Austin with the twang of Texas folk. Brothers Nolan, Tyler and Patrick met Danny Matthews at LSU where they spent much of their time picking guitars and swapping stories in the bar rooms of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Once back in Austin their magnetic sound was completed by the addition of lifelong friend and singer/songwriter A.J. Molyneaux. Each member brings his own ideas and sounds to the group, with styles blending indie rock, blues and folk.

Jason Wain- No One Knew (Video)

Here is a new video from Oregon raised now Nashville based singer/songwriter, Jason Wain. "No One Knew" is the first single of Jason's forthcoming record, Keep My Heart to Myself.

Listen to Jason Wain on BandSoup

Jason Wain on Facebook

Video: Ryan Burton- Oh Come All Ye Faithful

It's time to engulf yourself in the sounds of the holiday season! A few BandSoup bands and solo artists have released Christmas/Holiday songs and videos over the weekend, so today we play catch up. To start things off we have a beautiful rendition of "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" from Texarkana based southern rock/pop artist, Ryan Burton. The video shows a softer and more sultry side of Burton, who is known for his blend of infectious southern pop and country rock.

Listen to Ryan Burton on BandSoup

Click the above link to hear songs from Ryan's debut album, The Lower Road, available digitally on bandcamp and iTunes.

The Cassettes

The Cassettes (also known as The Cassettes Musical Explorers Society) are a Washington, DC based "Mystic Country"/Steampunk band formed in 1999.

The Cassettes were originally formed as an outgrowth of front-man Shelby Cinca’s four-track recordings: odd pop nuggets that diverged from the teeth-gritting angst of his previous project, Frodus. The son of Romanian refugees who fled from the Iron Curtain in search of the America of Jazz Era music and films, Cinca was indelibly influenced by both his pianist father, who played in clubs off the coast of the Black Sea in the 1960s, and his mother, an author, film critic and Elvis fan. The songs of the Cassettes undoubtedly reflect this heritage and themselves had served as a sort of sonic refuge from the hectic touring schedule of the punk rock lifestyle. The band members have described the band's sound as "steampunk", and also as "synth-infused country stomp".

Listen to The Cassettes on BandSoup

Video: Mockingbird Sun- Muscle Shoals EP

Nashville, Tennessee's Mockingbird Sun is one of the few great representatives of the country genre we have here on BandSoup, so it's exciting to see that they are doing well with the digital release of their new album, Muscle Shoals EP.  The EP was just released today on iTunes and features four brand new tracks (including Lucky Guy that we covered earlier) from this rising country trio.

On the above video, Mockingbird Sun uses a unique social media tool to let you know about the release of "The Muscle Shoals EP" on iTunes. The real question is: did they get arrested for littering?

Listen to Mockingbird Sun on BandSoup

Video: Mockingbird Sun- Lucky Guy

Here is the new single from Nashville, Tennessee future country stars, Mockingbird Sun. 

Click Here to Listen to Mockingbird Sun on BandSoup!

Charlie, Brett, and Truck have been strongly influenced by a variety of music icons from Hank Williams to Tom Petty. Their distinct voices and styles weld together in three-part harmony. They draw from the slow blue heat of vintage country to solder whiskey-washed folk with classic American rock and roll. They write and play what they love with a Texas twang and a Tennessee twist.

Click here to purchase the single.

Video: The Wheeler Brothers- Sleep When I'm Dead (Live)

The Wheeler Brothers, an Austin, Texas based alt-country quintet, perform their song "Sleep When I'm Dead" live on a mountain top in Tarpley, TX.

Listen to More from The Wheeler Brothers on BandSoup

This track appears as a bonus cut on the iTunes version of their debut album, Portraits, available now. If you would like three freebies from the album, you can head on over to their bandcamp site and pick up a sample EP of the record.

Formed in Austin, Texas, Wheeler Brothers have quickly emerged as one of Austin's most exciting up-and-coming bands. The five-piece independent folk-rock act combines the indie vibe of Austin with the twang of Texas folk. Brothers Nolan, Tyler and Patrick met Danny Matthews at LSU where they spent much of their time picking guitars and swapping stories in the bar rooms of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Once back in Austin their magnetic sound was completed by the addition of lifelong friend and singer/songwriter A.J. Molyneaux. Each member brings his own ideas and sounds to the group, with styles blending indie rock, blues and folk.

Shakey Graves

Shakey Graves is the alter ego of Austin, Texas based songwriter Alejandro Rose-Garcia. His collection of lo-fi glazed demos, Roll the Bones, is just a tiny glimpse of Alejandro's brilliance. This intimate collection of bedroom recordings and live performances expose his innate ability to pen infectious modern folk tunes that are sure to conjure up images of freight-hopping hobos, bootleg liquor cellars, and nomadic men following the paths of tumbleweeds.

Recently, using the power of Kickstarter, Shakey received funding to record his first studio album. The album will be released Christmas 2011. "In my travels I have been inspired by so many folks from coast to coast, i have had the distinct honor of playing along side musicians that haunt me to the core, and been kept afloat by the kindness of friends and strangers. I want to make an album that utilizes this. A Shakey Graves family album. 12 brand new songs that stand as a tribute to everyone who has extended their hand, offered their couch, and perked up their ears."

If it's anything like Roll the Bones, consider my xmas gift to myself already taken care of. 

Here is my favorite Shakey Graves song from Roll the Bones. Full album download below. Also, be sure to check out footage of a Shakey Graves live show below as well.

Click Here to Listen to Built to Roam on BandSoup!

Download Album: Shakey Graves- Roll the Bones

This Week on BandSoup (5/30 - 6/6)

Another week in the books and yet another week of great uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear in case you missed them spinning in the bowl. Remember, you can always click "more songs" on the main page or click into the search box, press the space bar once, and hit enter to see the latest uploads in order.

Click the band's name to hear their music!

Rachel Louise (Singer/Songwriter) -- Rachel is currently residing in the Netherlands and working hard on her debut album. Her songs reveal the expertise of a songwriter and artist beyond her 21 years. Her stage performance is thoroughly entertaining as she is able to relate to an audience of all ages on a personal level. Rachel Louise is a singer/songwriter with pop influences comparable to Maria Mena, Adele, and Vanessa Carlton.

Teenage Kicks (Rock) -- Hailing from Toronto, the quartet - vocalist/guitarist Peter Van Helvoort, bassist Jeff Van Helvoort, guitarist Pat Marchent and drummer Cameron Brunt - satisfy all aspects of the rock spectrum within the confined space of their EP's six songs. Here is a song from the EP, Rational Anthems.

Count to Four (Pop Punk) -- Remember the first time you heard Jimmy Eat World? How about Anberlin? Or when you got your hands on an old Fall Out Boy record? Count to Four knows that feeling: launching out of the real world and into the pop punk universe. A place where even the most vexing problems could be solved or at least addressed in three-minute blasts of galloping drums, charging guitars and lyrics that sound like they’re being sung from the top of a mountain.

Hail Mary Mallon (Alternative Hip Hop) -- After years of performing live together and appearing on each other’s solo albums, critically acclaimed mc’s/producers Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic, along with DJ Big Wiz, come together as Hail Mary Mallon and deliver their Rhymesayers debut Are You Gonna Eat That?.

Shes Got a Habit (Indie Pop) --  The trio began developing their sound, playing with a mix of live drums, samples, and layered voices. They shared a background in hip-hop and jazz and wanted to fuse the heavy beats and lush production styles they loved with softer, more intimate, sounds. The blend they found is both dreamy and momentous, combining hushed vocals and room sounds with glowing synths and huge drums.

GraveRobbers (Americana/Alt-Country) -- While the band prefers to remain ‘genre-less’, you can’t help but tag them with labels like ‘americana’, ‘country’, ‘indie’, and even ‘folk.’ After a handful of different ‘demos’ of home recordings, GraveRobbers recently hit the studio and recorded 12 songs; releasing a 7 song EP entitled “Black Market EP.” With plans for the remaining 5 songs, they are already writing new material and making plans for yet another recording session.

Co$$ (Hip Hop) --  Troy “Co$$” Johnson was born on the South Westside of Los Angeles in a small community east of Crenshaw called “Leimert Park” one of the United State’s top spots for Jazz and home to many of LA‘s finest hip hop artists. He started rapping at the age of 14. These are tracks from his latest free mix tape, Sleepwalking.

Full Crate & Mar (Neo Soul) -- Full Crate (Producer) and Mar (Singer) team up to bring you an incredible blend of sultry soul, hip hop, and R & B.

Itchy Hearts (Folk/Indie Rock) -- Quirky and infectious indie folk from Richmond, Virginia (now residing in Brooklyn, NY).

Red Fang (Rock) -- Red Fang deals in kick-ass heavy rock. On their Chris Funk (DECEMBERISTS) produced, Vance Powell (KINGS OF LEON, WHITE STRIPES, RACONTEURS) mixed Relapse debut Murder the Mountains, the quartet wave a middle finger at fashion and bet the proverbial house on substance over style. The incredible “Wires”, “Number Thirteen”, "Hank Is Dead", and "The Undertow" are just a few of an onslaught of highlights on this front-to-back set of great f%$king songs.

Balor's Eye (Tech Metal) -- With no musical, political, or societal agenda, Balor’s Eye is merely striving to write great music for people to enjoy. Many bands plan out their style, or what kind of songs they want to write, or a certain aspect of uniqueness they want to embody, but Balor’s Eye is simply four dudes pushing themselves as far as possible musically. With the utmost respect for music and dedication to their craft, they create a sound that is very progressive, powerful, technical, groovy, and authentic. 

Sky Came Burning (Metal) --  Founded in June 2009, Sky Came Burning is the premier 5 piece metalcore band fresh out of Baltimore. They're looking to change the industry by bringing classic rock/metal roots mixed with today’s heavy/metalcore style to give you a very unique sound and performance.

This Week on BandSoup (5/15- 5/22)

We have had a great week of uploads here on BandSoup! Here are a few of the bands that you must hear in case you missed them spinning in the bowl. Remember, you can always click "more songs" on the main page or click into the search box, press the space bar once, and hit enter to see the latest uploads in order.

Click on the artist name below to listen.

Hot Dude Party (Indie Rock)  Info: Hot Dude Party got together for their first show in the Spring of 2009. Since then, their sound has evolved into an intricate and far more fun genre of party-rock. Their main focus for every show is that the crowd have the most fun possible. 

The Royal Sons (Rock/Pop)

Info: We are a songwriting duo with a passion for music and storytelling. The Royal Sons are: Landon Maslyn (Vocals/ Piano/ Guitar) and Hayden Coplen (Drums/ Percussion) and have a Coldplay/Counting Crows feel.

The Awkward Robot (Folk)

Info: The Awkward Robot is the result of the minds of Jason Martins and Javier Martinez, graduates of Full Sail University. Jason originally From NH and Javier a native of El Paso Texas relocated to Austin TX to give the music industry a try. With comparisons to Kevin Devine, Bob Dylan, and bright eyes they are ready to show the world what they have.

The Graceless Herd (Indie Rock)

Info: A nice modern indie rock track from this new Lexington, South Carolina based band.

Sons of Roswell (Indie Rock)

 Info:  Free Download of there Is There Is album.   Flearoy (Folk)  Info:  Flearoy, a promising collection of five talented musicians, makes records like they used to be made -- with real people playing real instruments at the height of their ability. On their self-titled debut album, Flearoy presents a fresh blend of funk and folk in six finely crafted and proficiently produced original tunes, plus two old folk covers rediscovered and rearranged. [Free DL here]  Justine Vandergrift (AltCountry)  Info:  An interesting blend of folk, pop, and country from this Edmonton based singer/songwriter.  Zero (Indie Rock)   Info:Zero began as a small project by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Will Hayden, and developed into the driving rock band Zero with the addition of bassist and vocalist Logan Moon in the summer of 2010. Within weeks the band began recording demos, some of the most notable being “You Don't Know”, a fast-paced song about one-night-stands, whiskey and rock n' roll with a vocal line that calls up similarities to bands like the Arctic Monkeys and Cage the Elephant, and “Hipster Love”, a tongue in-cheek Weezeresque commentary on hipster girls, movies, music.

  Hurricane Doyle (Southern Rock)  Info: Heavy hitting southern rock band from Nashville. Ambassadeurs (Electronic)

Info:  Ambassadeurs AKA Mark Dobson, a Musician/DJ/Producer hailing from Brighton, UK who's eclectic sound draws influence from Electronic, EDM, Hip-Hop, Dub, Field Recordings, Ambient and many other forms of music and continues to try and push the boundaries when it comes to production.   D.V.S. (Electronic)  Info: D.V.S* (aka Derek VanScoten) is a Brooklyn based Guitarist/ Producer. Some people have used the terms "Brightstep," Glo-Fi", and "Soulgaze" to describe his music. He warms hearts with his melodies, and dancefloors with his Beats.   

The Last Monarchs

An acoustic guitar wielding singer/songwriter sneaking into college music rooms with a classically trained cellist to practice folk music sounds like a scene from a romantic comedy entry at Sundance, but it's actually how The Last Monarchs began their journey as a band.

After numerous mischievous adventures under the moon, lead singer Matt Rouch realized he was onto something good and began his hunt for highly talented musicians that shared the same passion for folk music and story telling that burned inside of him. Now, with Matt Rouch on acoustic guitar/vocals, Sara Boyce on violin, Todd Koren on drums, and Andrew Hill on upright bass, The Last Monarchs strive to bring unique and heartfelt folk music to Alexandria, Virginia and the rest of the DC metro area.

Despite Northern Virginia and DC 's lack of interest and output in folk music, The Last Monarchs have  seemingly arrived at the perfect time. Today's indie rock universe widely accepts and encourages the organic sound the Monarchs execute with ease. Combine that notion with Rouch's breezy vocals, Sara and Andrew's accompanying strings, and the band's serendipitous open market location-- The Last Monarchs could soon become DC's first big folk rock outfit.

Currently, The Last Monarchs are preparing to release a follow up EP to there 2009 release One Fell Swoop. The band will re-record "Riders from the Hillside," along with a few other previously released tracks. If you are a fellow 703er like us here at BandSoup, be sure to check out The Last Monarchs' upcoming live events on their Myspace page (which also streams their entire One Fell Swoop EP). The band has recently adjusted their setlist to fit the DC bar scene, adding more bluesy rockin' songs like Riders, but still add a sprinkle of quieter folk music.

You can listen to the live studio recording of "Riders from the Hillside" here on BandSoup!

Or, The Whale

Americana is a term that many use to describe red, white and blue nostalgia-- the collecting of flags, patriotic memorabilia, or any other artifact related to our country's storied history; however, to a music fan, it defines the melting pot genre of music that embodies the heart and soul of American ethos. Combining country, folk, rhythm & blues, and rock & roll, Americana (also referred to as Alternative Country) is baseball, hamburgers, hot dogs, Ford Model T's, and Elvis on a toasted bun.

San Francisco based Or, The Whale's 2009 ode to Jimson Weed, "Datura," is a perfect example of the genre and the feeling. Lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Robins struts over a beautiful arrangement full of folk chords, slide guitars, frolicking keys, and infectious harmonies from Lindsay Garfield; a poisonous combination powerful enough to make any listener hallucinate under a  sky of apple pie.

After the release of their critically acclaimed 2007 release Light Poles and Pines, and their 2009 self titled follow up, Or, The Whale continues to woo music enthusiasts around the US with their complex yet polished sound. With the growing popularity of bands like Fleet Foxes, Blitzen Trapper, and The Avett Brothers, it's only a matter of time before San Francisco's best kept secret is revealed...and then treasured like polaroids, stamps, and old family recipes.

Listen to their single "Datura" on BandSoup by clicking here!

Keep up with the band/purchase music here.

Cherry Suede

It's innovative artists like Cherry Suede that are defining the new music paradigm. Fully embracing the technology that is ravishing the traditional industry, they give away their music for free and are changing the way artists and fans connect.

Bandmates Randy Scott and Randy Young were both fans of rock giants like the Beatles, Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Tom Petty, … before they were musicians and understand how important artist/fan connections are. After forming Cherry Suede, they took the philosophy of 'music as a shared experience' and ran with it.

They realized that they didn't view their fans as consumers of a product offered by a business, but rather, as part of the overall shared musical experience. So they decided to give away their music for free under a Creative Commons License (where fans are free to download, distribute, and remix all songs as long as they credit Cherry Suede and don’t resell them). This had a huge impact and as word spread a core group of fans formed becoming the Cherry Suede Brigade.

Still growing, CSB members now host Cherry Suede shows in their homes, back yards, camp-outs, etc., and show the guys around their hometowns. Some of these 'Hometown' shows are recorded and broadcast on the Cherry Suede site. CSB members are looking forward to a year of events with the band that include a cruise to the Bahamas, opening for Rick Springfield in Montreal, and a trip to the UK.

Very cool.

Listen to Cherry Suede on BandSoup.com