You Should Know These Bands!

I am a big music fan. You may have noticed that, based on so many of my blogs being related to music. In recent years, I have *discovered* a number of bands and singers...some of them are nationally/internationally known, others are only locally known, but all of them are bands that I love. This is my way of giving them a little shout out...and encouraging more people to get to know their music!

Storm and the Balls are one of the best out of Portland, Oregon. Storm participated in the series Rock Star: Supernova, and her song "Ladylike" became an overnight sensation. Her Balls are serious rockers, having formerly been in the bands Everclear and Motherload. Their live shows are a mixture of original music and "mash-ups" of who knows what it will be each time. Listen for more here: Storm and the Balls on MySpace

Blue October is a band from Texas that is finally starting to get a little more attention in areas other than Texas. Not your typical rock band (they have a violin in the lineup), their sound is infectious and their lyrics are heartfelt and poignant. Check them out on their MySpace page: Blue October on MySpace.

Lennex is led by bobble-headed front man dirtyPhil Ritchie, also of Rock Star: Supernova fame. Based in Ocean City, Maryland, Lennex are a down and dirty hardworking rock band. And yes, occasionally dirtyPhil will WHIP IT OUT to the delight of fans...the trumpet, of course. He whips the trumpet out. Take a listen! Lennex on MySpace

Flickerstick is DFW area band that got national attention several years ago as the winners of the VH1 show, Bands on the Run. The influences they list range from Pink Floyd to The Flaming Lips to Jagermeister (and yes, they mean what you think they mean). These boys always put on a good show, which is good since they are almost always touring. You can hear more at Flickerstick on MySpace.

Zayra Alvarez came to fame on Rock Star: Supernova as the wacky Latina chica who was sure to put on a show. Her unusual fashion choices somehow seemed to mirror her outlandish ways of performing classic rock songs, but somehow, she made us want to see more. Her original music is hauntingly beautiful and eclectic, and is well worth a listen. Oh yeah, and she is also friends with the Blue October boys and has sung backup on some of their music! More here: Zayra on MySpace.

Calhoun again is a Dallas area band with an unusual indie rock sound. On stage, they tend to take on the mood of the crowd to which they are playing, making each live performance a truly unique experience. Check 'em out! Calhoun on MySpace

Ryan Star is a singer and songwriter who knows how to rock. His music can typically be played all on the piano or the guitar and his lyrics are both touching and thoughtful, even those that are occasionally disturbing. Based out of New York, he gained popularity on Rock Star: Supernova before signing his own record deal. Listen in : Ryan Star on MySpace

Miser is a hard rock band out of Dallas that has begun to gain widespread acclaim due to their phenomenal cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie". Boasting a solid rhythm section and vocals that both bite and take flight, Miser is a band that you can't afford to miss. Go here for more: Miser on MySpace

Magni has proven that Iceland rocks! His performance on Rock Star: Supernova took his fame from being primarily within Iceland to having fans across the world. He can sing anything from a gentle melody to a hard rock/metal anthem, and does it all with a sense of humor. His music is newly available on iTunes, and you can get a preview of it here: Magni on MySpace

Burden Brothers is another Dallas area band, this one formed by former members of Dallas band The Toadies. If you were a fan of the Toadies, you will like Burden Brothers as well! They have a similar feel with an updated sound that really works. Listen in for more: Burden Brothers on MySpace

Juke Kartel are an Aussie band that know how to have a good time! Lead singer Toby Rand gained the band an international fan base after his stint on Rock Star: Supernova, but the boys in Oz were not too disappointed to see him come back to them. They were invited to open for Supernova on tour, and have gone on their own tour in the US as well. The world is eagerly awaiting their new music...but listen to what they've already recorded here: Juke Kartel on MySpace

Mothers Anthem are an Austin-based band with a message. Rock music underscores lyrics designed to inspire and lift the listener up. They may be new to the scene, but they are preparing to take the scene by storm. Listen here for more: Mothers Anthem on MySpace

Suzie McNeil learned on Rock Star: INXS that while she may have been technically the best singer, she was not the best for INXS. However, she has rebounded from that show with a debut album. The Canadian songstress offers catchy tunes backed by a powerful voice. Check her out. Suzie McNeil on MySpace

RadioRadio is an indie band from Tulsa, OK brought to my attention by my friend soonergurl8. They combine rock music and a dance feel for a unique sound all their own, but one you can't forget. Take a listen: RadioRadio on MySpace

Brave Combo is a Denton New-Wave polka band. Yes, New-Wave polka. They've been together for nearly 30 years, and have won multiple Grammy's for their efforts. What exactly, you may ask, IS New-Wave polka? Well, if you want to know, you need to listen. Check them out on MySpace: Brave Combo on MySpace

Holding Mercury is the new band fronted by Chicago's Rock Star: Supernova hopeful, Matt Hoffer. What do they sound like? Well, I don't know that I can put a label on it. I'll just say that I like what I've heard, and I can't wait to hear more. Hopefully they will have an album out soon. Listen in here: Holding Mercury on MySpace

Josh Logan combines rock, soul, and r&b music to achieve his unique sound. Part Stevie Wonder, part Pearl Jam, Josh makes it seem easy to combine so many styles into one. Gaining popularity on Rock Star: Supernova, Josh refused to compromise his own strengths and style, his musical integrity, in order to win. Wanna know more? Click here: Josh Logan on MySpace