This week
Wheels brings you, not one, but TWO artists to watch and some great music on deck with updates to come. Our features this week are managed by pop-rock powerhouses
Stephen Short and
Manbir Sodhia of
Ping Pong Management (
Augustana,
Camera Can’t Lie,
This World Fair) and are already gaining some major momentum.
Judge Jackson boasts
HITS’ own
J.J. Garcia, and
Raven Quinn is a goth goddess with a style that is certain to move you. Keep our hungry inboxes fed at
[email protected]ONES TO WATCH
Windsor Drive (www.myspace.com/windsordrive): Alternative pop-rockers Kipp, Owen, Dustin, Jon and Dan formed in a small town in Wisconsin before heading south to Houston, where they’re now based. Drawing on influences from Keane to Coldplay, Windsor Drive have carved their own niche in the alt rock realm with catchy melodies and melodic guitar. Their first EP was released in 2007 and helped bring new fans to their already growing base. At the tender ages of 21-22, these guys have already completed eight national tours and have opened for artists like The Rocket Summer and The Working Title. Their latest EP, Bridges produced by the legendary Stephen Short, was released this Tuesday on iTunes and is prominently featured in the rock section of the store. They’re gearing up for a 70-date tour this summer (whoa!) and have several TV and radio appearances lined up. Check out their MySpace page and find out where you can catch them on the road.
The London (www.myspace.com/thelondonband): “Pop masters with an edge” describes this Pittsburgh-based band, which possesses a unique sound that employ heartfelt vocals, infectious melodies and layered guitars to deliver strong, hook-laden pop songs. Formed in 2008, The London have concentrated on playing clubs throughout the Northeast, gaining an impressive following as their fans began to trade reviews and live mp3s of the shows online. By the end of 2008, their fan base was going strong, support from local radio was well in place and offers were flooding in from promoters to support national touring acts. The next step was to record their debut EP, Young and in Love. The six- song CD was released in March, and they recently secured management with Ping Pong Music. Their commercials have aired on VH1 and MTV in major cities, and their new video for “Content” will be seen on E! and Fuse. They have 50 dates lined up for this summer across the U.S. and Canada, so check the schedule and get your tickets.
ON DECK
Raven Quinn (www.myspace.com/ravenquinnmusic): This 25-year-old singer/songwriter—did we mention that she’s absolutely stunning?—has a new album, financed independently and featuring such talented musicians as Josh Freese (NIN, Perfect Circle), George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Blair Sinta (Alanis) and Aaron Embry (Jane’s Addiction, Daniel Lanois). The record was produced by Dan Brodbeck, who was introduced by mutual friend, Dolores O’ Riordan of the Cranberries. Raven brings an edge to the singer/songwriter genre, and we’ll definitely be following her story closely this year.
Judge Jackson (http://www.myspace.com/judgejackson) is an L.A. rock group poised to release their new album in the next month. Coming off some impressive shows, the band really seems to be picking up steam. What we love about Judge Jackson is that they bang out straight-up rock & roll and bring a great vibe that never fails to engage crowds. OK, so maybe we are a little biased, being that the drummer is our very own JJ Garcia, but hey, good music is good music, and if you like your rock pure and unadulterated, give these guys a listen—we guarantee you’ll dig it. We’ll be featuring them next month, closer to their CD release.
