Tender Loving Empire’s eclectic indie troupe hailing from Hailey, ID.  Sporting steel drums, keys, and a sound that seems to continually redefine itself.

The long awaited debut full length from one of America’s hardest working bands at the apex of their abilities. Finn Riggins continues to prove why they’ve kept rock critics guessing during their 150+ live shows during the past year. A Soldier, A Saint, An Ocean Explorer is no exception, melding synthy, stoney, crunchy and poppy with inventive progressions and uncommon time signatures and downright weird sounds (bugs, toys, binary chanting etc.) From the opening growl of Glove Comprtmnt to the final ghostly strains of A President, A Pacifist, An Auto Restorer, Finn Riggins is burning down the U.S. two ears at a time. (Tender Loving Empire)

OPBmusic.org In-studio Session | Tender Loving Empire | Myspace

purveyor of gypsy-folk tra la la stomping freaky pirate rock, wielding his accordian, guitar, microphone to amplify his stomping feet, jason webley brings a ton of energy to every stage he graces.  whether it be in the frozen tundra of norilsk or the solar-powered shady grove stage at the oregon country fair.  his live show is captivating when he performs solo or alongside his quartet (viola, upright bass, drum + webley).  jason has a gift when engaging his audience.  if you are lucky enough to see him live, you will most likely be dancing, clapping, asked to participate as trombones or violins, and hopefully he will get you really drunk without booze!

Official Site | Myspace | Youtube

Album art for "Cold Blooded, Warm Breaded"

Swimming through a beautifully crafted eclectic blend of atmospheric rock, balanced by the upbeat funky dance beats that call for my feet to jump out from under me to start dancing.  Their sound covers a lot of ground, and cannot justly be described in a number of words that will hold your attention.  Their latest release Cold Blooded, Warm Breaded is one of the best sounding independently recorded albums I have heard in a long time.  Beyond their ability to lay down tracks, see Ingredients live and they surely will not disappoint.

Myspace | Band Site | CD Baby

psychedelic weird/pop rock with a heavy chameleon influence. An imaginative concept record that depicts the highs and the lows of human emotions, using the medium of sonic explosions and poetic imagery (Cd Baby)

They strive to try to make good music out of useless junk they find in their basements or backyards. (myspace)

very unique and awesome at the same time.

T.R.A.S.H. is a percussion ensemble who uses everyday items found in a garage or wood shop. We try to incorporate our love for the drums into music. (youtube)

Myspace | Youtube

they are amazing.  i was at a festival and heard this old time metallica classic start blasting, and i couldnt believe this was the song they chose!  one of my all-time fav metallica songs from their golden years with cliff burton.  enjoy.

This 17 year old’s songwriting has been compared to the likes of Bob Dylan. Trapper Schoepp is backed by his band’s acoustic, alternative vibes, all producing a young sound that should shape the future of music in the Midwest. (Cdbaby)

Cdbaby | Myspace

hailing from the modest agrucultural community of ellsworth,wisconsin the trapper schoepp band sure bring a lot to the table despite the fact that each member of the band will not be able to legally purchase alcohol for at least a couple years. (although, their songs would not lead you to believe it) see them live once, and their charm coupled with their talent will leave you wanting more.

tour watch:

The band is Geoff Doolittle (vocals, keyboard, guitar, clanking chains), Anthony Stassi (drums), Von Stace White (guitar), and Jack Sheehy (bass). They play live with incredible energy and an array of instruments, including a marching band’s bass drum. Doolittle’s musical ambitions are refreshing, and if they aren’t soon college-radio darlings we — well, we should point out that we don’t listen to college radio, but good lord, this music is perfect for blowing out actual dorm room windows, or just the still-uncurtained dorm windows in your mind.

Doolittle reminded us of Seth Green’s musical alter-ego, and Sheehy’s thrumming bass lines had us hypnotized. The anthemic “Open Faced Crab Sandwich” was the crowd favorite, sparking a lot of jumping up and down and what seemed like a genuine attempt to dance, while “Man Down,” brought out for the encore, was a sung-spoken bit over drum and bass, punctuated with funked-up screamfest choruses. Nothing wrong here; this band is ready to go swash some fucking buckles. (Seattlest)

The Seattlest | Myspace | Sound on the Sound

The sea shanty was launched back into the American conciousness with the emergence of the Decemberists, and Seaweed Jack may just be riding their coattails (as Steven Colbert might remark). A heavy slow heartbeat, a raspy piratey voice, and a large chain as percussion all go toward creating the Seaweed motif. And the captain’s coat and hat on lead singer Geoff Doolittle was just the visual flourish the music calls for. (Sound on the Sound)

Afternoon Records | Myspace