Lelia Broussard Philadelphia, PA www.leliasmusic.com I’m not really surprised that Lelia Broussard is getting signed to a major record label. When I first heard Lelia (pronounced Lil-yah) I thought I was listening to a seasoned pro pictured in a smoky, bluesy downtown bar, pulling in the crowd and letting the music do the work. But then a fresh face comes…

Laura Cheadle Philadelphia, PA www.lauracheadle.com With a funky, jazzy sound there’s no ordinary way to describe Laura Cheadle. You could say “coffee shop folksy,” but that wouldn’t cover the hip chords.  You could say “jazz singer,” but that wouldn’t include the soul lyrics. So, let’s throw it all in the same pot, simmer it, and say you’ve got a hot…

Last Week Lawrence, NY www.lastweekrock.com How does a band that is unsigned and unheard on mainstream radio get heard in this time of format changes, painfully pricey concerts and watered down pop music flooding the scene? The answer is quite simple. “We are promo whores.” There you have it. There’s the key to getting your funky, head-bopping band known throughout…

Kingsfoil York, PA www.kingsfoil.com Kingsfoil, a duo from York, PA, has some of the catchiest, most addictive and most eclectic music that I’ve ever heard. They describe their sound as “indie acoustic rock, with a focus on melody and lyrics.” Their sound is amazing, and I find myself looking for reasons to put them on and sing along. No two…

JulieAnne Dous Huntingdon Valley, PA www.myspace.com/julieannedous If you’re looking for something entirely different, look no further than Julieanne Dous. The Huntingdon Valley singer/songwriter/pianist has overcome a debilitating injury to rise up as one of the Philadelphia-area’s rare, but truly original, artists. Julieanne doesn’t necessarily write the kind of songs you’ll find yourself dancing to or singing along with. Instead, she…

Josh Springer & Matt Aronson www.myspace.com/joshspringer AX: Where are you from?Josh: I was born in New Haven, CT. I moved to Queens, NY when I was about 2, and I’ve lived there ever since. Matt: I grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania which is just outside of Hershey (the chocolate city). It is actually the capitol. I am currently living in…

John Rivetti Location: Brooklyn, NY Genre: Singer/Songwriter Influences: Jim Croce, Elvis, Tony Bennette, Grand Funk Railroad, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Albums to Check Out: “Simply J.R.” (2002); “Unplugged” (2003); “For All Our Heroes” (2004) Website: www.ambylinmusic.com Highlights: In response to the 9/11 tragedy that hit so close to home, John released “For All Our Heroes,” a single CD which…

Johnny Ford New York, NY www.rockoutrecords.com AX:  Where are you from?Johnny Ford: I’m originally from Florida but I now live in the NYC area. AX:  How would you describe your music?Johnny Ford:  Hmmmm…..my music is a cross between the Lord above and Satan below–it’s all about the battle between good and evil, or…going to church on Sunday and snorting coke…

Johnny Clutch Houston, TX / Philadelphia, PA www.johnnyclutch.com Meet Johnny Clutch, a rapper born and raised in Houston and temporarily transplanted to Philly while he studies Computer Engineering at Drexel U. When the stereotypical rapper is regularly shoved down the throat of the masses by the labels and stations, especially in areas like Philly, it’s nice to listen to an…

Jaded Son Mt. Bethel, PA www.jadedson.com I had the privilege of recently seeing the Lehigh Valley locals, Jaded Son, perform live at Kate’s Kafe, in Phillipsburg, NJ. I went into the show having heard nothing but their acoustic tracks, and having just been told that they would be playing with a new drummer, so I really didn’t know what to…