Key Track: Lights And Stones

The Story: American metalcore band The Word Alive is continuing to build a buzz. They formed in 2008 releasing 2 EPs which reached #15 on the Top Heatseekers. Their debut full length titled Deceiver, released in 2010 reached #97 on the Billboard 200. The band just entered into a co-publishing arrangement with Warner-Chappell/Fear More Music and wrapped up a successful run on 2011 Warped Tour.

Contact: bcmclane@aol.com

Key Track: Unaware

The Story: Singer-songwriter Allen Stone, a Kings favorite who we posted several months ago will self release his new album on October 4th. He has upcoming performances in Los Angeles and NYC. Stone is receiving love from USA Today and Seattle Weekly. His jazzy love songs are starting to make an impact.

Contact: bj.olin@mac.com

Key Track: Being Me (video)

The Story: The last release in 2009 had music featured on ABC, NBC, Lifetime and Teen Nick. Kira & The Strange Familiar performs at Hotel Cafe, Room 5 and World Cafe in Los Angeles and will be making the move to Nashville soon. Check out the video of the new single Being Me from the upcoming EP produced by Brian Malouf (Everclear, Michael Jackson).

Contact: jeff@thestrangefamiliar.com

Indie artist Kim Boekbinder is planning a fall tour through Kickstarter, an online pledge system for funding creative projects.

Typically, an artist books a shows then promotes it, hoping people will attend.

In Boekbinder case, she sells the tickets first through Kickstarter and books the venue after people have bought enough tickets to fully fund the project. Also, each pre-sold performance is different, with its own setlist, backdrops, tour poster, t-shirt, costumes.

According to Boekbinder, the strategy worked and she plans to book an entire tour through Kickstarter.

Key Track: Begging You Alive

The Story: Courrier’s debut record, “A Violent Flame,” was produced by Matt Noveskey, the bass player for Blue October. Courrier’s latest release had songs charting in the top 10 on Iheart Radio. Press includes MTV.com and LA Music Blog. This alternative band will be touring with Parachute and Kate Voegele this fall.

Contact: mattnov616@yahoo.com