Grand Ole Party

CD:  Humanimals
 
Website: http://www.myspace.com/grandoleparty
 
Highlights:  One year ago Grand Ole Party opened at Beach to Brewery—since then they’ve appeared at Coachella, SXSW, and Bonaroo and have opened for Rogue Wave and The Fiery Furnaces.
 
Sounds Like:  Janis Joplin meets Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
 
Grand Ole Party is one of San Diego’s up and coming success stories. Just last May, the trio opened at the 4th Annual Karl Strauss Beach to Brewery event, and less than a year later they are getting rave reviews in Spin, Pitchfork, and MTV’s You Are Here blog. At last year’s event, they rocked the crowd with their loud, intense beats and Kristin Gundred impressed us all with her ability to sing (well) and drum at the same time.  The band released their first full-length album, Humanimals, in early 2008.  The album showcases the trio’s ability to blend classic rock n’ roll with blues, San Diego attitude, and honesty. Kristin’s vocals are haunting, captivating, and interesting. Keep your eyes on Grand Ole Party—they won’t be San Diego’s secret for long.  
 
You can catch Louis XIV, The Shy’s, Stranger, and Hotel St. George at this year’s Beach to Brewery on Saturday May 10 at the Karl Strauss Main Brewery in PB. Click here for event info.

Louis XIV

CD:  Slick Dogs and Ponies
 
Website: http://www.louisxiv.net 
 
Highlights:  Louis XIV has toured with The Killers, Hot Hot Heat, and even performed a benefit show with David Bowie.
 
Sounds Like:  Not to be confined to one particular style, these guys blend pop, Brit rock, and orchestral movements into a completely unique sound all of their own.
 
Louis XIV has humble beginnings rooted in a love for creating new music that above all, the band members themselves love.  The band was formed in 2003 after an impromptu recording session in Paris led to their first EP.  Local radio stations immediately began playing the band’s first hit, “Finding Out True Love is Blind,” and soon afterwards they found themselves opening for The Killers.  Released in January 2008, Slick Dogs and Ponies is the band’s second full-length album.  Their sophomore release showcases their maturity and their range in musical styles.  The band effortlessly glides from the surreal “Air Traffic Control” to the pure rock and roll of “Guilt By Association.”  The tracks all stand alone, yet despite the range of styles, the CD flows perfectly from one song to the next.  Don’t miss Louis XIV live at the 5th Annual Surfrider Foundation Beach to Brewery event on May 10th.

The Shys

CD:  Astoria
 
Website: http://www.theshys.com/         www.myspace.com/theshysmusic
 
Highlights:  The Shy’s were the opening act for The Subways first American tour
 
Sounds Like:  British classics like The Stones, The Ramones, and The Clash—with a distinctly modern edge
 
The Shys’ are a true rock and roll band. They have an intense energy that is infectious and gripping.  The band has roots in San Clemente, CA where two of the band’s members, vocalist/guitarist Kyle Krone and keyboardist Alex Kwestin, met as kids in school. After several changes in the band’s line up, and a revised name (they were first The Gun Shys, but had to change their name for legal reasons), the Shy’s recorded their debut album, Astoria, with Sire Records. The band gained a large following in LA and their music has been featured on MTV, HBO, and they have toured with The Subways and The Killers. Their unique blend of early British rock/punk and commanding vocals makes them one of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. The Shy’s have a new album coming out this spring, and you can catch them live at this year’s Surfrider Beach to Brewery event here at Karl Strauss on May 10th.

Hotel St. George

CD:  Demo 2007

Website: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=266143803

Highlights:  The band just recorded a 3 song demo and has plans for an EP in March

Sounds Like:  Classic David Bowie vocals (think Suffragette city) meets solid hooks and catchy lyrics

Hotel St. George was born when Matt Binder (singer, Vinyl Radio) and Eric Visnyak (bass player, A Weeks Worth) found themselves in the midst of band break-ups.  Despite not really knowing each other, the two decided to jam and the rest is history.  After auditioning several guitar players, the band agreed that Brian Riley was the best fit. They began making music and immediately recorded a 3-song demo CD.  Singer Matt Binder has an intense voice that conjures up recollections of classic David Bowie blended with the likes of Elvis Costello.  The music is pure rock and roll with poppy hooks and big beat subtleties.  Solid guitar and interesting drumbeats are the prefect complement to Matt’s captivating vocals.  Their demo leaves you wanting more—and we are looking forward to their EP.  You can catch these guys in March at the Casbah in San Diego.

Sea Wolf

CD:  Leaves in the River

Website: http://www.myspace.com/seawolf ; http://www.seawolfmusic.com/

Highlights:  Sea Wolf has recently toured with Silversun Pickups, Rogue Wave, and Nada Surf

Sounds Like:  Bob Dylan’s lyrics meet Iron and Wine’s sound

Sea Wolf is the solo project of Alex Church—member of the LA based indie group Irving.  The band gets its name from Jack London’s 1904 novel “Sea Wolf.”  Church has an amazing ability to put the listener at ease and captivate you with beautifully penned lyrics and an almost lullaby-like voice. Church spent most of his young life traveling the world with his mother—his stints in Europe, Alaska, and across the country have helped to shape his introspective lyrics and unique singer/songwriter sound. Sea Wolf will be playing at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum “First Fridays” event in January. Karl Strauss will be providing beer for the event and we can’t wait to see Church perform live.

Kite Flying Society

CD:  The Aviary

Website: http://www.kiteflyingsociety.com/

Highlights: Kite Flying Society was voted “BEST NEW ARTIST” at the 2006 San Diego Music Awards

Sounds Like: dreamy indie pop, similar to The Shins

Kite Flying Society is one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets.  KFS released their debut album “Where is the Glow” and were immediately voted Best New Artist at last year’s San Diego Music Awards.  This 5-piece ensemble is currently recording their sophomore release, “The Aviary.”  If you are a fan of breathy vocals, dreamy lyrics, and the glockenspiel—then this is the band for you!  While influences from the Shins and Brian Wilson are clearly evident, Kite Flying Society manages to keep their influences in check and create music that has a flair all of its own.

Get Back Loretta

CD:  Over The Wall

Website: http://www.myspace.com/getbackloretta

Highlights: Won “BEST POP ALBUM” at the 2007 San Diego Music Awards

Sounds Like: The Beatles meet Ben Folds Five with killer vocals and an edgy attitude

Get Back Loretta was formed by five San Diegans in 2005—and yes, the name does come from the Beatles song “Get Back”.  After recording their first EP in a week—the band was voted best New Artist at the San Diego Music Awards.  Their follow up full-length LP won them Best Pop Album at this year’s Music Awards.  Get Back Loretta sucks you in with catchy pop hooks, powerful vocals, and a playful attitude.  The band recently finished touring the country and you can catch them playing the Beauty Bar in San Diego December 20,2007.

Dirty Sweet

CD: Of Monarchs and Beggars
 
Website: http://www.myspace.com/dirtysweetmusic

Highlights: Won best Rock Album and Best Rock band at 2007 San Diego Music Awards
 
Sounds Like: Classic rock with a modern edge
 
Dirty Sweet gets their name from a classic T. Rex lyric, but don’t think that these guys are stuck in the 70’s.  Although the Zeppelin, Stones, and Southern Rock influences are apparent, these 5 guys are making music that is defiantly their own.  Of Beggars and Monarchs is a solid CD from beginning to end.  Dirty Sweet has gained a loyal following throughout San Diego and they are proving that a band can pay homage to the past and still have their own sound.  Dirty Sweet rocked Karlfest in October, 2007 and is currently touring the country.

Transfer

Website: http://www.myspace.com/transferband    
 
Highlights: 'FADED SIGNAL' won 'BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF 2006' at the San Diego Music Awards


Sounds Like: Alternative meets indie-rock
 
Transfer is one of San Diego’s most-loved and most dynamic bands. The four members of Transfer have seen their music embraced by San Diegans from the very beginning—their first EP “the Guts of My Arms” was immediately nominated for Best Local Recording at the 2004 San Diego Music Awards,  and their 2006 full length album “Faded Signal” was voted Best Alternative Album of 2006 at the San Diego Music Awards.  Transfer blends intense vocals with perfectly written melodies and a punch of indie rock to deliver an amazing sound.  Transfer put on a great show at the 2007 Karlfest and we are looking forward to seeing what these guys do in the future. Transfer is currently touring the West Coast through December.