In This Week’s Edition, a Band That Cut Its Debut EP in Seventh Grade, an Duo Who Met in High School and a 19-Year-Old Soulstress
We’ve got a hefty column for you again this week. That’s a great sign, because it means we’ve been getting really ear-worthy music of late. And even though the biz virtually shuts down for the summer, the Wheels crew isn’t on the golf course, so keep ’em rolling in at [email protected].
ONES TO WATCH
Comic Book Heroes (www.myspace.com/cbhmusic): We like to think of these four high school students hailing from Reading, PA, as the tween band for anti-Jonas Brothers music enthusiasts. They came together for a school talent show at just 11 years old and by seventh grade they’d scored a monthly gig and had begun work on their debut EP. The latest EP, Take a Seat, was produced by Jimmy Landry, their single, “Catch Me If You Can,” is currently #15 on the Radio Disney Top 30 (without a label) and the video is in splash rotation on both Disney TV channels. They were also chosen as Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing,” and sources say they are on the verge of inking a deal. It goes without saying that managers, publishers and program directors are watching verrrrry closely.
Roy G and the Biv (www.myspace.com/roygandthebiv): Drew Erickson and Max Townsley, who make up this colorful (yes, as in the rainbow) electronic duo, have wanted to make music since they first met back in high school. When Drew came home from Boston in the summer of 2008, the pair got serious and recorded and released their five-song self-titled debut EP, which quickly landed on the blogosphere radar. They both tout skills on drums, guitar, piano and bass, so it makes switching off cool and comfortable, like their vibe. Our recommended track, “Nicotine,” has already been featured on MTV in Australia and in the club circuit. You’ll have this track on repeat—the groove is totally infectious.
ON DECK
Marissa Renee (www.myspace.com/marissareneemusic): She's 19, from a small town in Arizona and a cast member on a P-Diddy show airing next month on MTV. She has toured with Kanye West, written for Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Lady GaGa, The Clicque Girlz and Keke Palmer, and is now ready to take center stage. Andrew Lane (High School Musical, Hannah Montana and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez) is producing the record and in the process solidifying her move to the spotlight. She cites Prince and Stevie Wonder as big influences, and this funky soul is sure to stick.
BAND/ARTIST UPDATES
Sugar Red Drive (www.myspace.com/sugarreddrive): The SRD boys picked up support this week from WLZX and Music Choice, played a sold-out birthday bash for WRXW and did the morning show at KEYJ. Tour dates coming up in Lubbock, Oklahoma City, Lincoln, Minneapolis, Green Bay and Merced. "One More Time" is quickly picking up steam at radio.
Electric Valentine (www.myspace.com/electricvalentine): A favorite of ours from Amplify! Music Fest last summer, EV have just completed their debut album, Automatic, and will release it themselves Aug. 18.
Hypnogaja (www.myspace.com/hypnogaja): This critically acclaimed alt-rock band has unveiled Truth Decay, a science fiction-tinged concept album about the planet’s looming apocalypse and ensuing rebirth. They’ve reached over 500k followers on Twitter and are featured on AOL Music’s Noisecreep.com now.
