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
And the Kids is made up of Hannah Mohan (lead vocals, electric ukulele and guitar), Rebecca Lasaponaro (vocals, drums, bells) and Megan Miller (vocals, synth, glockenspiel, woodblock). This indie pop trio from Northampton, Mass just released Turn to Each Other on Signature Sounds. Pitchfork calls them the ”The Next Generation of Western Massachusetts Indie Rock” while Addicted says “Their songs are creatively constructed with crunchy harmonies, unexpected twists and impactful lyrics.” They will be touring the East Coast as well as the Midwest in February thru March.
Contact: andthekidsmusic@gmail.com
Nashville based rockers COIN have released their self-titled EP. The band recently signed to StarTime International (Peter Bjorn and John and Foster The People) and worked with Grammy nominated producer Jay Joyce (Cage The Elephant, Emmylou Harris) on their debut full length album due out June 9th. Their sound is a more rock and synth heavy Vampire Weekend mixed with the catchy pop rock song structure of Young The Giant and driving rock sound of Cage The Elephant. Their track “Run” garnered more than 100K plays on Souncloud in less than three weeks after premiering on Idolator.
Contact: staff@stuntcompany.com
Buzz Track: Place In The Water
If you’re an avid follower of Kings then you should know who The Vantage is by now. They made our “Best 2014 Emerging Artist feature” as well as our mid year top 8 emerging artist feature. Ear Milk calls their sound is a blend of poppy indie rock melodies reminiscent of Imagine Dragons with a mixture of dark and sunny guitar riffs to ignite your soul with rock n’ roll”. They have shared the stage with American Authors, The Mowgli’s and Young The Giant. The single On My Way” garnered 354.7K+ Soundcloud streams leading to placements with ABC Family, MTV Networks and LinkedIn.
Contact: thevantagemusic@gmail.com
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