Silent Theory Ironically, the first single “Livin The Dream” off hard rock band Silent Theory 2011 debut album “Black Tie Affair” couldn’t be more relevant as to where the band are in their career. After forming in 2008, brothers Mitch, Scott, and George Swanger, as well as Nick Osborn and Robert James began their three year journey that ended in being signed to Turkey Vulture Records. They started their journey in home state Washington, playing in cities from Seattle to Tacoma. From there they had golden opportunities; playing at SXSW, played with Jet Black Stare, and made an appearance on MTV Cribs. With the debut album going strong and playing sold out shows, they might be the next big rock band out of Washington.

Shane Meade Shane Meade honest and simple approach to music has created a unique and powerful combination of blues, folk, adult contemporary, and a little of jazz. He can be compared to great musicians such as George Kilby Jr, Ben Harper, and Tao Seeger. If those comparisons aren’t enough to spark an interest then take a listen to the soulful new latest album “Candlelight and Conspiracies” (2009). The album successfully engages fan on a personal level that has long been lost in music. The fans should experience a connection to the artist through their work and this smooth inspirational album does just that.

Badworse Kilgood and the Firebreathing Hellskulls Taking you back to the golden rock days of AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Van Halen hard rock band Badworse Kilgood and the Firebreathing Hellskulls from New York are giving fans old school rock and roll while adding a new flavor of their own. I’m not saying that these guys are as legendary, but they’re well on their way to being there. It’s very refreshing to hear a band that still appreciates the old school rock where groaling and high-pitched screaming were not a fashion trend (screamo music). Instead, vocalist relied on singing their hearts out to the joy of rock and roll.

Joyce Sorrell Joyce Sorrell is an talented gospel singer from Louisiana. Louisiana has long been a state that values its place in the Bible Belt. Gospel singers are deeply rooted in the music scene and influential, having been around for hundreds of years. In fact, many Rock and Roll artists started out as gospel singers, singing in churches where they discovered their true talents. It was not until 1900’s when Gospel started achieve mainstream success and Louisiana helped put Gospel music on the map. Joyce is ready to take the gospel music scene of Louisiana by storm.

Erasing Statues What exactly does Erasing Statues sound like? The solo effort of Stephen Canino. To categorize him would never feel right because there is not one genre that will fit his simple yet complex songs. However, the one sound that does remain constant is blues, but even then is it safe that Erasing Statues is blues? Maybe experimental blues? Just as diverse blues is its also very constrained and for a genre that is the root of all music their fans are loyal and might find it disrespectful that anyone would call this blues. Enough trying to categorize his music, it seems as if we’ve established that Erasing Statues is creating music that is not yet out there.

Rob Hemmick Rob Hemmick is a jack of all trades. On his latest album “Sad Flight To The Sun” (2009), he played all of the instruments and arranged and performed all of the harmony vocals. The amount of work alone he put into the album should be enough for anyone to take notice. The album was beautifully done. Unlike his previous two albums; this one offers more of an ambient atmospheric sound that will take you on a journey to a different world, a more calm one where there is nothing but yourself and nature.

Unearthed from Middle America and now swelling out of Southern California like a hurricane-induced tidal wave, Matt Toka is the latest challenger to the alternative music crown. A creative songwriting talent with a powerful set of pipes, he leads his band confidently through each track, exhibiting an innate sensibility for hit-making with a youthful freshness.

The songs mix an infectious blend of punk with alternative rock, exuding Toka’s lifelong inspiration from pop-punk legends Green Day and iconic storytellers Bob Dylan and Noel Gallagher. His lyrics are relatable and thoughtful, ranging from wild, alcohol-soaked party nights to angst-ridden reflections on family life and domestic violence.

Headed up by the son of rock and roll songwriting legend Jim Morrison, Cliff Morrison and The Lizard Sun Band are celebrating classic influences with a hearty helping of modern style. Morrison’s voice has a passionate and throaty vibe similar to his father’s, but with his own unique sonic thumbprint which launches the group into their own stratosphere.

A collection of seasoned musicians from San Pedro, California completes the lineup, as they pump out modern rock with the occasional bluesy twang. Fans both young and old should find the combination of harder rock with soulful vocals and infectious guitar melodies make the Lizard Sun Band to be an easy pick for their next iPod playlist.