Kathrine Bryan

The Belle Brigade: SLO Brewing Company, San Luis Obispo, CA 4/14/11

The Belle Brigade are influenced by artists spread across different genres, and name Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and Stevie Wonder as musical inspirations.  One would call their album as folk-rock, infused with tight harmonies, catchy melodies and danceable rhythms.  When Barbara and Ethan sing, they sing as one tightly knit, well-executed, story-telling voice.  Being siblings as well as best friends give the other a solid shoulder to lean on.  At the end of their set, Barbara could not be happier introducing her younger brother to the appreciative crowd in San Luis Obispo. 

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Diego’s Umbrella

Influenced by music in Eastern Europe, Diego's Umbrella describes their sound as “gypsy pirate polka.”  It is a combination of mariachi, ska, and a massive serving of minor chords.  Their matching outfits are homemade, and they often perform shows without set lists.

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PonyHomie

It is always encouraged to think outside the box. And no, this has nothing do with the ongoing stream of Jack in the Box commercials, but rather the creative and unconventional efforts of an up-and-coming Seattle, WA-based band. Meet PonyHomie.

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Chi McClean

Chi McClean’s music style, which finds itself deeply rooted in Americana, could not come at a better time.  In an industry that still makes the majority of its profits from popular music, music fans are finding themselves turning back to their roots.

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Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses: El Rey Theater, Los Angeles, CA

A sold out show means fan support, great marketing, and most importantly – a great artist.  It is obvious that Ryan Bingham and his band, The Dead Horses, already have a high level of both fan and industry attention.  Their Academy Award win and Grammy nomination for the feature film soundtrack for Crazy Heart, are proof of that, as was this El Rey sell out.

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Delaney Gibson

Claiming that she tends to always have some unrequited love, Delaney Gibson’s song material focuses on a girl who vows to remain hopeful.  Although her previous record was focused on one particular person, Gibson isn’t losing sight on releasing new material.  Her heartbreak can be transformed into songs that effortlessly progress from soft moments to loud exclamations.  She is simply being a woman telling stories and pouring her heart out to strangers who care to listen. 

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Fierce Creatures

Imagine having your heart lost out at sea or running amuck with ghost soldiers.  Trap yourself in a world alongside vampires and phantoms, enveloped by the atmospheric sounds of guitar, percussion, keyboards, and bells.   This is the world you enter when listening to Fresno, CA’s indie band, Fierce Creatures. 

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The Silent Comedy

The Silent Comedy offers more than just a live show – what they offer is an experience.  Those fortunate enough to catch them live eagerly look forward to their next show.  For those who have not witnessed a live show yet, be ready when the band hits the road again in February 2011 supporting Oscar winner Ryan Bingham, and his band The Dead Horses on the west coast.

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New Noise Santa Barbara: Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara, CA 11/4-11/6/10

As I listened to Kevin Lyman speak, I couldn’t believe that New Noise Santa Barbara was only in its second year.  His conference session was informative and entertaining, just like the others.  The founder of Warped Tour engaged his active listeners into the history of his famous tour, and stated that the current music industry is much like it was 15 years ago.

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Sacha Boutros

Sacha Boutros is all about good music and good lyrics.  Although she performs a lot of covers, she also engages herself in writing and producing as well.  Years of piano playing, accompanied by opera training that has strengthened her four-octave range, come together as the perfect recipe for a satisfying and delicious treat.  This treat, which can be delivered in multiple languages, is her voice.

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