WOW - such a great response to part 1 of my list. Because of that, I've added a bonus to part 2 - four more bands that didn't quite make the Top 20, but are still on the verge of something big.
Part 2 also has some hold-overs from last year, who made great progress in 2011. Check out these bands - I'm providing links - and let me know your thoughts and comments. Here's to a very successful 2012 for indie music.
The artists are listed in alphabetical order, as even I do not want to try and "predict" which one of them will have the biggest impact. Here we go!
Jack and White (www.jackandwhite.com) - J&W is another dynamic duo composed of Jack Matranga and Brooke White (American Idol #5 finisher, 2008). With a sound that's pure 70's pop, strong songwriting and witty lyrics, this duo is a can't miss. Already represented by the Santuary Group management team, these guys are on a high speed train to the top of the radio charts.
Moi (www.moinavarro.com) - Whether singing solo, as part of his self-titled band or as a member of The Sing-Off's acapella group Kinfolk 9, Moi is a work of art. His voice reaches new heights and his songs leave you breathless, full of life and wonder. Regardless of the vehicle used, Moi is a star and soon to be a household name.
Me and Mr. Cassidy (www.meandmrcassidy.com) - Hope Leigh Rollins and Scott Cassidy individually are dynamic. Combine the two and you have the makings of a powerful duo. They have chosen a small niche of modern americana, and are making the best of it. Their debut CD tells the story of two people who meet, fall in and out of love, get married, have children and grow old together. Their stage shows are fun to watch. Combining their talents with their friends from Cafe Gratitude, this duo is slated for a residency at Genghis Cohen beginning on March 8.
Of Verona (www.ofverona.com) - Fronted by Mandi Perkins and featuring the stellar songwriting, keys and electronica of Dillon Pace, this band accomplished so much in 2011. Not only were they on my Twenty to Watch in 2011 list, but MTV picked them as "The Band to Watch in 2011." We were both justified in our picks. oV is set to release their debut album, and preparing to play on Saturday, January 21 to a packed-out NAMM audience in the Marriott Hotel lounge.
Outliar (www.outliarmusic.com) - What started out as a garage band for six high school friends is quickly developing into a bonafide future rock band. Mikal Blue (Grammy winning producer for Colbie Caillat & Jason Mraz) called them a mixture of "Black Eyed Peas meets Maroon 5." As a result of their winning the first Sonic Sound Off competition for the Burbank International Film Festival, they won the right to have Mikal produce a track for them. Expect big things from this band in 2012.
Rachel Platten (www.rachelplatten.com) - Rachel recently scored big when she was asked to write the theme song for the new television show Jane on Design, and is now preparing to go out on tour with Andy Grammer and Ryan Star. Keep an eye on Rachel - her star is just beginning to shine.
Rival Sons (www.rivalsons.com) - This band has been on a roller coaster ride that is just now heading for the top. Originally signed to EMI as Black Summer Crush, they received major placements in television, movies (Jumper) and commercials before being released from their contract. They lost their lead singer, but gained a new one in Jay Buchanan. As a result of the changes, they also changed their name to Rival Sons, and began reclaiming their momentum. They are currently on a UK/European tour while their debut CD is receiving critical acclaim and huge sales. Surely 2012 will be the year for this band's breakout - their music is the future of rock and roll.
Keaton Simons (www.keatonsimons.com) - Another hold-over from 2011, with a bright future ahead in 2012, Keaton is poised to release his new CD, funded by his friends and fans through Pledgemusic.com. After reuniting with his stepdad, Eric Roberts on Celebrity Rehab, Keaton finished the year with a flurry of successful residencies at Hotel Cafe and WitZend, and an appearance at a major charity NYE show in Santa Monica. Keaton and Didi Benami (American Idol Season 9 Top 10 finalist) have recently released a duet version of Keaton's song "If I Hadn't Forgotten," which is climbing the iTunes charts after being the centerpience for ABC's drama Private Practice. If anyone on this list is a "sure thing," that honor would go to Keaton.
Nina Storey (www.ninastorey.com) - Our final hold-over from 2011, Nina also successfully financed a new CD through Pledgemusic.com. Scheduled for release early in 2012, Nina is preparing for her own residency at Hotel Cafe, beginning on January 28. After many false starts, I believe 2012 will be Nina's year to shine.
JC Villafan (www.jcvillafan.com) - With a style that's part smooth jazz and R&B, JC has been building a small but loyal following in Los Angeles and Orange County. Set to perform at the TET Festival in Garden Grove to close out January, he will also be making his first headlining appearance at WitZend in Venice on February 4. This young artist will surprise you - check him out before he blows up like Bruno Mars.
BONUS SECTION
As promised, here are four additional bands to watch in 2012. Although they didn't make my Top 20, they still have enough potential to warrant further review. Again, they are presented in alphabetical order:
Evolove (www.evolovetheband.com) - Fronted by CSUN graduate Lucy Levisohn, Evolove is the third band to be led by Lucy, and also the band with the best potential. The band gained some notoriety as one of the finalists for FreeCreditScore.com, they have gone on to share the stage with many rock legends, including Universal's Five Towers stage with Dilana, which earned them a place in the Top Live Performances list of 2011.
Shannon Hurley (www.shannonhurley.com) - Shannon returned to Los Angeles in 2011, earning spots on the Top Albums and Top Live Performances lists. Busy with not only her solo career, she also is part of a duo with husband Ben Eisen called Lovers & Poets, and part of the band for Marina V. Expect good things from Shannon in 2012.
Jamestown Revival (www.jamestownrevival.com) - This powerful duo has been setting Los Angeles on fire for the past few months. Their debut EP made the list of Top EPs of 2011. They start their residency at Hotel Cafe on Wednesday, January 18.
Alina Smith (www.alinasmith.com) - Alina divides her time between her home and recording studio in Las Vegas, and her apartment and performances in Los Angeles. Riding the release of her new EP, Alina is ready to take on these two cities, creating a fan base that permeates the west coast.
Thanks for your support - I know 2012 is gonna be a great year - let's get out there and support these and all other indie musicians and take back the music business for the people!
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