We recently had a chance to catch up with Step Rockets, a Kings favorite. We named Step Rockets a top 8 emerging artist as well as a “Year End Best Artist. Step Rockets burst onto the international music scene with their single Kisser, a self-released indie pop anthem that shot to #1 on the Hype Machine charts just weeks after its release.The Minneapolis foursome has built a reputation for their cosmic recycling of music past and present. The band seamlessly blends New Wave, Reggae, and EDM through the lens of a psychedelic rock band, churning out indie pop gems that keep the listener coming back for more.
You have had lots of underground success. What was the pivotal moment when the press started taking notice?
Thanks! The big turning point was when our song “Kisser” went to #1 on Hype Machine late in the summer of 2013. It was a totally organic moment and surreal experience. A few blogs picked it up, and people started to really connect and retweet the song. It was a fun seeing all of our hard work finally pay off.
Just 13 days after the release of “Kisser”, the track hit #1 on Hype Machine garnering 200,000+ SoundCloud plays. Did that lead to major attention?
Yeah, things started happening quickly. A lot of people within the music industry reached out to the band immediately after the song hit #1. We had people from major labels contacting us, as well as agents, managers, and lawyers. We were completely DIY at the time, and I remember sitting in a coffee shop and sending out about 150 emails to music blogs to keep the hype going. After we had those initial numbers it was a great talking point for blogs and press to open up our e-mails and listen to our story. Since then we have toured the nation and been apart of some great festivals and have really found out what works for us. CONTINUE READING
Los Angeles-based indie rockers Kin Cayo released their first single “Our Ship” from their debut EP, slated for release in April 2015. The untitled EP was self-produced and the newest track showcases their energizing blend of Calypso vibes and melodic indie rock. Since their inception in August of last year, the quartet has recorded a four track EP with a sound that is firmly rooted in their influences for the band include The Clash and Paul Simon. They have received praise from Stereo Embers Magazine calling them “one of the most exciting bands around melodically adventurous and musically cunning.” Regarding “Our Ship,” The Burning Ear remarks the track is a “beautifully infectious debut jam.” They have performed at venues such as Community and Greek Theater Plaza Stage and Little Joy in the neighborhood of Echo Park where they just wrapped up a two-month residency. This is an artist to watch.
Contact: Elyse@ei-pr.com
Molly Moore made the move to Los Angeles since our last feature. Her songs “Ready For Love” and “Hollow” were picked up and transformed into uncharacteristic EDM successes by Canadian Felix Cartal and veteran Dutch duo Dubvision. She signed with manager Ric Aliberte (Billy Idol, KISS), and has worked with a variety of producers, mainly with Steve Dresser (signed to songwriter/producer Busbee & BMG) to help hone her sound. Molly has been compared to the 90’s singers like Suzanne Vega, Joan Osborne and Lisa Loeb. Molly Moore and Brandyn Burnette will perform a free showcase for BMI on Monday, March 2, 2015.
Contact: mollymooreofficial@gmail.com
Mark Ronson “Uptown Funk” 41,134 downloads
Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud” 27,576 downloads
Rihanna & Paul McCartney “FourFiveSeconds” 19,286 downloads
Maroon 3 “Sugar” 15,064
Imagine Dragons “Shots” 14,531
Ellie Goulding “Love Me Like You Do” 12,272
Hozier “Take Me To Church” 12,272
Taylor Swift “Blank Space” 11,996
Meghan Trainor “Lips Are Movin” 10,484
Fall Out Boy “Centuries” 10,474
Taylor Swift “Style” 9,043
The Weekend “Earned It” 7,627
Ella Henderson “Ghost” 7,055
Sam Smith “I’m Not The Only One” 7,020
Grammy nominated R&B/Soul artist Teedra Moses recently signed a recording agreement with Shanachie Entertainment to release her new album “Cognac & Conversations”. Moses has written songs for artists including Christina Milian, Mary J. Blige, Macy Gray, and a host of others. She is a Grammy-Nominated Songwriter and BMI Songwriter of the year, for 2 consecutive years. Moses is currently on “Family Ties” from Rick Ross’ Hood Billionaire album as well as the ambiance vocals on Rick Ross’ previous projects “Nobody” featuring Diddy and French Montana from the Mastermind album, and “Amsterdam” from one of the most anticipated albums of 2012, Rick Ross’ God Forgives I Don’t. With over 10 years of live performance, selling out intimate venues around the world, and a stream of mixtapes, Moses will release only her second commercial release in a decade. Check out the track California Vibes.
Contact: blackmosesonline@gmail.com, bcmclane@aol.com
Indie pop rock group A Lion Named Roar who we named an “artist to watch” has won American Songwriter and Martin Guitar’s “The Pub Deal,” a year-long publishing contract with LA-based publisher Secret Road Music. The Louisville-based group has been building a strong, loyal following across the Southeast and Midwest with their emotive, driving brand of indie-pop. They’re hard at work writing for an upcoming full length they expect to release in 2015. The band has upcoming Louisville performances in January. Check out the track Riches Or Gold.
Contact: matt@monroemusicmgt.com
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