Man vs. Machine Bethlehem, PA www.manvsmachine.org I first became acquainted with Man vs. Machine while choosing bands to profile for the February issue of AX. Their music wasn’t exactly my style, but I liked their attitude. I do what I can to be fair to all genres. In this case, I didn’t think I could fairly represent them by writing…

Maggie, Pierce, and EJ Philadelphia, PA www.mpeband.com AX: Where are you from?MPE: Philadelphia, PA AX: How would you describe your music?MPE: Mutt music…a mixture of everything and the kitchen sink…with sweeeet harmonies leadin’ the cart. AX: If we were to go to one of your live shows, what could we expect?MPE: Melodic songs, a memorable show with lotsa instrument switching,…

Looker New York, NY www.lookernyc.com So, I’ve got a problem with New York City. Yeah, it’s “the best city in the world.” I know. It’s the hub for the creation of great music and art. But, could you share it with the rest of us? Maybe? Venturing to New York City I check out the female-fronted indie/hipster/dance-y band Looker, whose…

Longspur Yonkers, NY www.longspur.com AX: Where are you from?Longspur: Yonkers, NY AX: How would you describe your music?Longspur: A weird blend of pop-punk, metal, rock, and just about everything in between. AX: If we were to go to one of your live shows, what could we expect?Longspur: We’ve always been really big on our live shows. We give a lot…

Location: York Genre: “Early-to-Mid-90’s Pop Punk Revival” Members: Max Hess – Left-handed Lead Guitars, Chad Childers – Vocals, Jon Smith – Right-handed Lead Guitars, Spence – Bass, and Blain Herman – Drums Started: March 2004 Influences: Strung Out, Lagwagon, and Pulley. As for vocal influence, Chad is into such groups as Allister, Punchline, Staring Back, and other Drive-Thru Records type…

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…