Under The Radar

What makes them special?

Mandy K consists of five friends from upstate New York. The band will be hitting the road with The Scenic and Kelsey and the Chaos in April for a string of dates. “We would be in my attic for hours playing Blink 182 songs” says lead singer, Mike Brady. “It has always been our dream to write and play music that we love and that other people can identify with.”  The band is currently seeing their dreams come true as they’ve been piling up fans in the northeast and Canada at an alarming rate. They’ve recently in-listed the help of a veteran manager and booking agent, further paying the way for their successful future.

http://www.myspace.com/mandykmusic

What makes them special?

What’s the worlds greatest mystery? Well, there’s the pyramids, the Lochness Monster,  Bigfoot, and the fact that The Dropout Year still isn’t signed. This Maryland pop-rock outfit has been scorching the touring scene for the better part of four years. Their infectious tunes and warm inviting personalities have won over fans up and down the east coast. They’ve become such a mainstay in the “scene,” that Alternative Press drops their name on a regular basis when describing similar bands. 

www.myspace.com/thedropoutyear

What makes them special? 

Hailing from the music hotspot of New Haven, CT, these young men have found influence from sources across the board. These Green Eyes to Jamey Jasta serve as influences to the quintet who site their diverse local music scene as their biggest influence. I.M. Legends music has been described as Say Anything with more balls,  equally as much mental instability, and an edge that could only be born out of New Haven’s thriving hardcore scene. Still they have managed to cross “pop” boundaries, opening for rapper, Asher Roth.  Check out the band on tour this summer with Van Atta High (Tragic Hero) and Driveside Impact (Victory). Rumors are swirling in regards to a new 3 song demo this summer as well.  

www.myspace.com/imlegend

On a visit to West Chester University, my best friend insisted I listen to a CD he had just purchased. "It will totally change how you feel about rap," he boasted.

The album featured local rap artist, Asher Roth. I gave the disc a quick listen and wrote it off as an Eminem impersonator. This took place nearly four years ago.

Over the next few years, I witnessed Roth perform at various frat parties and bars throughout West Chester. Still, the frat guy rapping about beer pong didn’t impress me.

It seems both Jay Z and Ludacris saw something I didn't. With their help, Roth has recently appeared on Conan O'Brien, been featured on the cover of XXL magazine and signed to Universal Records.

He’s also won me over with his hit song “I Love College.”

What makes them special?
Aside from the fact that the group resides down the road in Tannersville, they’ve also got a song called “Normal Street.” Go figure, East Stroudsburg University also has a street called Normal Street. The song is, however, written about Penn State University.
Oh, did I mention that both major and minor record labels across the country are desperately trying to get their hands on them as well?
www.myspace.com/pullthepinpa

What makes them special?
This group of talented young artists hails from the state of Maine. They’ve been playing to crowds of over 300 in their home state, which equates to nearly 1/3 of the state’s population.
Lately, though, they’ve been gaining popularity across the country and touring with Victory Records’ The Scenic.
Not to mention, their songs are more infectious then yellow fever.
www.myspace.com/sparkstherescue

What makes them special?
Forget the upcoming ska-influenced No Doubt album. Scranton’s own, Skip Town Matty, is one of the most talented punk-ska bands on the east coast.
The band just returned from a southern tour in support of their debut album, “Stories from Dog-town.”
In the midst of all the angst-ridden music circulating these days, Skip Town Matty’s feel-good sound is refreshing.
www.myspace.com/skiptownmatty

What makes them special?
Take Hailey from Paramore, cut out all the teeny-bop nonsense, and imagine she could play good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll. Enter Kelsey and the Chaos. Not only does this girl have pipes, but her support band can shred with the best of them. The band will finish out the month touring with Just Surrender and Red Car Wire. They will then prepare to put another year of Warped Tour under their studded belts.

www.myspace.com/kelseyandthechaos 

What makes them special?
If it weren’t for Myspace killing the music industry, these guys would be super stars. These indie-rock hipsters have developed a unique sound, blending dirty guitars and solid drum beats. The Gay Blades are one of the most captivating live performers on the market today. Their mixture of hypnotizing vocals and verbal assaults on the crowd will leave you begging for more.
www.myspace.com/gayblades