New Band Alert: Toy

Alana Grace + 3/4 of After Midnight Project = Toy. That’s enough to sell me. I still remember being impressed with Alana Grace back in 2008 when I first saw her at Bonnaroo. Her song “Domino” was stuck in my head for days. And, of course, After Midnight Project is one of my favorite LA bands of more recent years. Their CD, Let’s Build Something to Break, still gets play time in my car stereo. I can’t say I’d put this combo together, but I’m excited to see where it will go.

According to their bio, Alana wanted to go a little heavier with the rock and add an electronic edge. She called upon Spencer Bastian, Christian Meadows, and Ryan Folden, friends from Warped Tour, to work with her on creating this sound. They’ve already been booked on a major nation-wide tour opening for  Styx and Yes. They have a song up on facebook called “Get Out of My Head.” Like their page and have a listen.

If you like what you hear (as I did), go vote for Toy for the Summerfest emerging artist series. They are competing with some of my favorite up and coming artists like Makeshift Prodigy, The Republic of Letters, Atomic Tom, and Tailor Made Fable among others.

And, there you go! Another great band to discover and follow. You’re welcome!

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’10 Mix – Track 9 – Lady Danville

9. “Tired Magician” – Lady Danville

One of the highlights of my year was the North Park Music Thing, a music conference in San Diego. During the day we went to talks about the industry, including a keynote speech by Kim Fowley. Then, at night, the North Park area of SD was turned into a veritable pupu platter of music. It was truly fantastical. Highlights of the weekend included Endoxi, The Silent Comedy, The Rescues, The Republic of Letters, The Makepeace Brothers, and LA’s Lady Danville. I’d been a fan of Lady Danville for awhile, but this was the first time I was able to see them. They did not disappoint.

More pictures from The North Park Music Thing:

~ Kristen

track 8: Endoxi
track 10: Safetysuit