Insomnia Radio: Daily Dose MP3 Blog

The Wax Standard is a DC-based indie/alternative rock band; fans describe them as “atmospheric, gritty and poignant”, with “haunting melodies and bittersweet lyrics that are soulful and insightful.” Band members Julie Arranaga (lead vocals, guitar), Paul Fadoul (drums, keyboard, backing vocals), Dustin Cawley (lead guitar) and Jerry Skiscim (bass, mandolin, strings) cite influences such as The Pixies, Wilco, Ryan Adams, The Shins, The New Pornographers, The Beatles, Television and Neil Young among others. Formed in the spring of 2007, The Wax Standard performs original songs by Arranaga and play live regularly in the DC area. Formed in the spring of 2007 The Wax Standard started performing original songs penned by Arranaga. Jerry, a native DC musician, joined the group that summer, bringing with him a diverse musical background. Dusty joined in 2008, a guitar slinging transplant from rural Illinois. The Wax Standard entered Bethesda’s Avalon Studios to record their debut EP which will be was released this June– five stunning songs showcasing the unique style of The Wax Standard. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe to All Links thewaxstandard.com myspace.com/thewaxstandard IODA Promonet Links Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Formerly Peggy Sue The Body Parts EP was released under the newer Peggy Sue s MySpace site or the live iTunes festival version here. All other songs are listed under different variations of Peggy Sue, not too difficult to track down. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe to All Spread It Around: Hide Sites

WINTERUN – INTO THE UNDERGROUND Below the shallows of mainstream music there lies an alternative scene running rich and deep. Having spent the last five years building a strong clan within this healthy community in Australia and abroad, Winterun now lure you Into The Underground.  Following on from the success of The Full Effect (2004) and Welcome To… (2006), Winterun have captured their live energy with album number three. Into The Underground sounds like a truckload of logs set loose down a mountainside. It’s a rolling blend of infectious heavy rock - chockfull of chunky riffs, grooves and stomp. Into The Underground was recorded by Neil Thomason at Head Gap Studios (Magic Dirt, The Slits, Batrider) and mixed/mastered by Paul Fox (Deftones, Dirty Three, Nation Blue). The album was tracked onto two inch tape, giving it a thick analogue sound - adding extra depth to Winterun’s heavy grooves. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Subscribe to All Links winterun.com myspace.com/winterun_band Spread It Around: Hide Sites

New York four-piece Bell Hollow has crafted a dark, lush, and somewhat wistful ten song masterpiece in their newest release Foxgloves .  The song we are featuring today, Copper Crayon , immediately lures the listener down into a dark yet enticingly romantic environ, conjuring up images of a seemingly cultist noir flavored tale of gothic lust. Jangly guitar flits throughout the song, eventually exploding into successive distorted waves of surf slumber, and ultimately bringing to mind the drifting guitar textures of our two favorite bands from neighboring Pennyslvania, The Ocean Blue and Riverside. Released November 2007 on five03 Records, the debut full-length Foxgloves debuted at #166 on the CMJ charts and Copper Crayon was featured earlier on our Detroit show with host Les Zaldor. You can pick up Foxgloves at e-music, iTunes or directly from the label. [cs] Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe to All Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Airstrip One are a three piece from West London. Formed in 2006 under the name Fyrstikk and hailing from the UK, Poland Malta, they are a blend of catchy guitar riffs, melodic vocals and influences ranging from Pearl Jam to Beirut. The band recorded their first demo s in 2006, and September 2008 sees the first formal release, EP Into the Silence which contains one surviving demo (re-recorded) from the original 06 recordings and 5 other fresh tracks. The EP will be available from iTunes soon, or directly from the band. Circles is the first single from the it, and is available as a free download from Myspace. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe to All Links myspace.com/airstriponeuk Spread It Around: Hide Sites

With vocals swimming into the mystic range of Van Morrison and even Vedder or Duritz, San Luis Obispo s Still Time adeptly soaks up a variety of rock, folk, jazz and reggae influences and styles in the ever-widening musical tributary the band has finally arrived at with their debut album. From San Luis Obispo, on California s central coast, Still Time released their first album Stream of Consciousness in 2007.  Through word of mouth they ve sold a few thousand copies of the release and are playing all the perfect venues in California, including lots of recognizable events like the Welcome Week Block Party at Cal Poly SLO. Still Time really does do a perfect job representing the amalgamation of laid back styles in this state that you ll find people listening to, from the beaches to the mountains, and even jamming to out in the desert.  Their CD solidly hits the spot, reminding me of road trips checking out bands from SLO and numerous other coastal towns during the over-extended college years. You can pick up this track as well as the album at e-music , cdbaby, or iTunes.   This ones for LeRoi! [cs] In Memoriam: LeRoi Moore (Dave Matthews Band, 1962-2008) DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL Spread It Around: Hide Sites

This Town Needs Guns are Stuart Smith, Tim Collis, Chris Collis, s pretty much how most people discover new music these days. We don t have a problem with anyone downloading our stuff, but if you have downloaded a record/release of our music and listen to it regularly, it would be nice if you could spare some cash to help go towards paying for future recordings. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links thistownneedsguns.com myspace.com/thistownneedsguns Big Scary Monsters Recording Company   Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Since we re not getting enough of the constant Sugar flowing from Bob Mould s Minneapolis ve decided to forage further to the east and break the lock off the overstocked New York musical pantry, bringing you a somewhat similar sounding and striking selection off the 2007 release by NY musical protagonists, Blood Red Sun. BRS let out a blast of inspirational rock that transcends what s currently on the radio waves with All at Once , from their 2007 release A Nation of Saviors on Thought Crime Records. Like neighboring New Jersey s The Milwaukees, Blood Red Sun are the torchbearers of an intelligent and solid sound movement we hope breaks some of the grip that mass media has on keeping quality new music at bay. You can purchase the tracks from A Nation of Saviors at CDBaby or iTunes. [cs] DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Over the years, The Clintons have become a huge hit with a very small group of people. In other words, they’re not for everyone. If you have Montana roots, you’ve no doubt heard of this energetic, humor-driven four-piece, but they may not have tickled your musical fancy. But if you live life outside the boundaries, like to discover music instead of having it force-fed to you by a huge media conglomerate, or prefer to drive a rust-colored ’81 Chevy Chevette just because you know nobody else has one, then you might be qualified to become the newest Clintons fan. [From their most recent album, Have Another,] John wrote Dance Slow a couple months after his wedding in August of 07. What was meant to be a beautiful and sunny beach wedding on the Oregon Coast (Manzanita) turned into a rainy and overcast day. It was still an amazing and special day but the beach party around the bon fire never happened because of the rain. John and Ingrid s first dance ended up being a couple days later in their small Portland apartment. Go figure, he turned the lights down and lit a candle on the coffee table to set the mood. Sometimes happiness is all in your head. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links clintonsband.com myspace.com/theclintons The Clintons Online Store Spread It Around: Hide Sites

From Yonkers, New York we would like to introduce you to Mouthblocks, one of our favorite new hip-hop artists who just released his debut EP, Sing for Your Supper on fledgling Baby Grey Records. Mouthblock adeptly presents tightly packaged edible beats, unwrapping them with a flurry of scratches and lyrical chops crafting some of the tastiest music to come out of the state since Insomnia hip-hop favorites, Metermaids. You can currently head on over to the Mouthblocks site to pick up this song for free, and also help support some of his further efforts by picking up the five song EP at his online profile for the low price of 5 bucks. [cs] DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL Spread It Around: Hide Sites

From the first EP released by Australian band Drawn from Bees. Drawing on their influences of art and literature, the first EP is a tale of survival, struggle and desolation, set against a backdrop of seafaring antiquity. The principal character begins his sojourn quite carelessly bathing in the ocean safely near the harbor of his sail ship (“A Mighty Splash”). However the wrath of the ocean is soon unleashed as a thunderous gale ravishes the ship and crew leaving our hero adrift and isolated at sea. Visions of ghostly terrors and the haunting whisper of perishing hope echo through the caverns of the young boys mind as he struggles to cope with all encompassing struggle he is forced to endure (“English Line” & “Ready to Explode”). The story draws to a close as our champion contemplates equal parts hopefulness and despair as he finds himself through a twist of fate, to be washed upon a shore (“The Picture Show”). Overcoming shear exhaustion, the sole survivor manages to gather the strength to battle to his feet, he surveys the surroundings of his refuge – he finds himself captive of an insignificant island hidden amongst the immensity of an endless ocean, the last glimmer of hope slips away (Talk to God). Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links bonefingerrecords.com myspace.com/drawnfrombees Spread It Around: Hide Sites

There Is Loud Laughter Everywhere, Head Like A Kite’s second full-length album, and first for Mush, is an expert blend of electronic rock production and pure pop-songcraft built on a bed of pillaged found-sound from cities the Seattle based band visited on their 2006 US tour. No stranger to sharing the stage with big names on national and international turf, ringmaster Dave Einmo has assembled some of Seattle’s finest for the album including members of The Long Winters, Smoosh, Radio 4, Crooked Fingers, and Preston School Of Industry. Whether it be guest vocals from Asya Smoosh and Graig Markel, added inspiration from touring drummer Trent Moorman, or the production of Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron & Wine) each track is flavored with the perfect additions to the epic songwriting and big-beat electronic production that is Head Like A Kite’s forte. There Is Loud Laughter Everywhere strikes the balance between art and craft and is the finest sonic road-trip in the Mush catalog. If you enjoy great music that somewhat explores the general sound Folk Implosion forayed into once-upon-a-time, make sure pick up the album at e-music or at the Mush Records store. DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Conquest formed in late 1989 by founder Derrick Brumley, frontman and guitar player of the band. Joined by Tony Restivo, Tim Fleetwood and Adrian Vesper, Conquest played locally and made their first full length heavy metal record titled Hellraiser (demo). Through the 90’s the band experimented with a variety of metal styles only to find the real calling for the band was aggressive in your face high energy thrash.  In 1995 with the departure of Adrian Vesper and the addition of Mike Crook, Conquest rejuvenated their heavy root beginning with the European release of Rage. In 2000, Tony Restivo left the band and was replaced by Robert Lloyd. The band began work on what would become their next release No Boundaries.With the success of the No Boundaries tour where they completed a full 70 over the road performance, Jagermeistermusic offered their endorsement of Conquest, opening up new avenues for the band. In 2005 with the exit of Robert Lloyd and the return of former bass player Tony Restivo, Conquest began work on their largest project to date End of Days. After rave reviews record label Dark Star Records joined the forces and will release released End of Days on June 3, 2008. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links conquestmetal.com myspace.com/conquestmetal IODA Promonet links Conquest It s All Over (mp3) from End of Days (Dark Star Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Spread It Around: Hide Sites

From Toronto Ontario, Canadian foursome Put the Rifle Down seemingly has the incredible talent that allows them to craft non-disposable synth-pop styled masterpieces, which also happened to spark the same hibernating auditory receptors that lept to life when I first heard New Order in the 80s. Architekt is a demo from PtRD s upcoming Selector album which was featured on the first edition of the SXSW 08 compilation of tracks released to festival attendees. Unfortunately the band couldn t attend the festival due to logistical reasons, but do hope to be back for an appearance next year. The artwork for the new album will be pieced together by LA designer BustBright and the record will feature eight songs plus three remixes, hopefully dropping this month on Summer Lovers Unlimited. [cs] Image by Dave_Pike DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL Spread It Around: Hide Sites

  Hot Little Hands – armed with two synthesizers and Wurlitzer - aren’t just a reflection of the 80’s revival scene. Insert 1950’s electronic-voodoo-swamp-blues, 1960’s garage disco. Enter some old soul, a touch of electro, four part harmonies and now you’re getting the picture. Once framed, the picture is Hot Little Hand’s debut album : Dynamite in Black and White.Based in Melbourne [Australia] and led by Tim Harvey, of Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set, Hot Little Hands are made up of two other Harvey s - James on drums and vocals, China- on keyboards, percussion and vocals- plus two honorary family members, Raph Hammond on trumpet, keyboards and vocals, and Royce Akers on bass. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links hotlittlehands.net myspace.com/hotlittlehands IODA Promonet Links Hot Little Hands Scene of the Crime (mp3) from Dynamite In Black (Rubber Records) Buy at Napster     Spread It Around: Hide Sites

In early summer of 2004, San Francisco’s Finest Dearest began practicing in a basement bedroom, hashing out concepts and ideas. After a series of musical chairs in the lineup, the band emerged with a bolder, more confident sound as showcased on their new self-titled, full length album released in April 2008 on Bloodtown Records. Finest Dearest announced a few weeks ago that they were heading to Different Fur Studios in San Francisco to record a just-for-fun split with their pals, Empty Rooms.  They are recording two songs each, after which FD will look at touring a bit outside the Bay Area. Finest Dearest is Carly Schneider (vocals), Steven Treffers (drums), Christine Bolghand and Josh Luke (guitars), and AJ Dickerson (bass). DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL Finest Dearest Your Hometown (mp3) from Finest Dearest (Bloodtown Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Formed in San Francisco in the spring of 2006, The Union Trade consists of Don Joslin (guitar), Nate Munger (bass/vocals), Eric Salk (guitar /vocals), and Dan Rodkewich (drums). The Union Trade’s sound is the product of a collaborative writing style and mind-set, largely free of the barriers of role or instrument, that relies heavily on experimentation and reflection to find the feel of each song. With their first full-length release, Everyday Including (Tricycle), The Union Trade have bridged the gap between their instrumental-band inspirations, and a more vocals focused indie rock sound. This accomplished and cinematic album explores both sonic and human emotion as The Union Trade move in sweeping lines from dark and delicate beauty to soaring, triumphant peaks. Heavy, distorted guitars awash in delay are lifted by driving rhythms to create expansive melodies and lush textures anchored by the spare, evocative lyrics that narrate these songs with scenes of struggle and hope. The Union Trade s new album Everyday Including will be out was released August 5th 2008 on Tricycle Records. (CD/Digital) Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links theuniontrade.com myspace.com/theuniontrade IODA Promonet Links The Union Trade Talk (mp3) from Everyday Including (Tricycle Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at mTraks More On This Album Spread It Around: Hide Sites

We first heard from Phoenix, Arizona s The Love Me Nots in IR: San Francisco s lovefest around early 07 during the period in which tLMN released their debut album Black d expect to find in a more psychedelic acid-a-go-go version of the Dr. No gun barrel sequence. This spectacular new sophomore offering became available August 1st, so if you enjoy similar sounds of groups we ve played in the past such as Darker My Love or The Vandelles, head on over to iTunes or CDBaby, and don t forget to pick-up a Detroit ringtone from our friends at Myxer while you re at it. [cs] DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL Spread It Around: Hide Sites

As a three-piece band with a progressive metal drummer, a post punk guitarist, and a thrash rock bassist and with song names as bizarre as Perverted Shark and Where is My Skeleton, Cactus s self proclaimed style of Tropical Punk is actually something fresh and different in rock. With influences ranging from XTC and The Pixies to Converge, Cactus s offer an intense and lyrically smart brand of music that can reach to the musically inclined as well as the musically blind. The three have been playing together for only a year but this isn t the Cactus s first rodeo. All three members are from prior regional and national touring acts. Armed with their EP Tropical Terror, Cactus’s embark on a month long tour this July and will be performing with Panache across the Northeast from Nashville to New York to Toronto and beyond. This outstanding band must be seen and heard and you can help by adding them to your playlist. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links myspace.com/cactusshavewon Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Beyond their years musically, Los Angeles based Drive A has just completed their full length record with Grammy Award winning Producer Julian Raymond and are on the verge of capping off their Warped Tour experience in late August with dates in San Diego and Carson, California. In 2009 they will be heading to Europe after taking care of their North American leg. Drive A has some impressive accolades for a group containing members in the 15+ year old age range, but lets forego all that sensational mish-mosh and let the music speak for itself. We are pleased to see that the band is generously offering the first album entirely for FREE on their website along with a few other miscellaneous downloads. You can pick up all eleven rockin tracks here, and then some. [cs] DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE | SUBSCRIBE TO ALL DRIVE A - EPK Spread It Around: Hide Sites

When most bands tell you they’ve had to “grow up in public,” they’re talking about getting pushed into the spotlight before they’ve had a chance to find their voice. But for Whittier, California, trio The Dares, who started playing when twin brothers and co-founders Ben (guitar/lead vocals) and Matt (drums/vocals) Peterson were all of 8 years old, the idea was a bit more literal. These boys-to-men literally grew up in public, forming a band when their peers were still dabbling in youth-league sports and landing a major-label contract with Jive Records before they’d even finished high school. Today, as the trio’s powerhouse spin on pop-punk tradition is making clear, The Dares are ready and able to grow even bigger. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links thedares.com myspace.com/thedares Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Kansas City based group, The Republic Tigers, got their name from a mixture of a former band name, Golden Republic and a certain animal mascot from one of the band member s alma matters - two things that were apparently from significant periods in their lives. The quintet officially formed in 2005 and were the first 2007 signings to an imprint called Chop Shop Records based out of Pasadena, CA, a label with roots in music supervision (e.g. The OC, Grey s Anatomy). Buildings is from The Republic Tigers 2008 debut full length called Keep Color a follow-up to the first self-titled EP they released on Chop Shop in 2007. To me, this soulful song has a bit of British flair, reminding one of certain 80 s works from successful indie-pop troubadours World Party; definitely not a bad thing. Enjoy the ethereal background vocals, languid yet powerful lead, beautiful flourishes of psychedelia, and most importantly, don t forget to bring the life preserver and oars. The song and album is currently available for sale on iTunes as well as Insound. [cs] Spread It Around: Hide Sites

About SO3 SO3 was formed in Southern California in early 2007 by purveyors of guitar-driven, blues-infused rock, drawn together by a shared appreciation for ripping guitar solos, deep throbbing bass, melodic hooks, and thrashing (yet tasteful) drum beats. Since then, SO3 has taken its act coast to coast across the US, delighting fans from San Diego to New York City, establishing in its wake a nascent cult following behind wildly innovative lead guitarist Mike Artamonov. At the close of 2007, SO3 crossed the Atlantic for a whirlwind tour through Europe and the UK. Now based in Los Angeles, SO3 is releasing new songs, including the crowd favorite MIA . Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links so3music.com myspace.com/so3music YouTube Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Out of Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Teddy Boys have managed to revive the sounds of 60 s Britain in the Corn Belt, the soil apparently UK friendly last year, with another crop of songs promised to be germinating in the sonic fields this year. Baby You re the Best is from the Teddy Boys debut LP Love After Dark , planted, harvested, and then released in late 2007 on the Tyros label. The group is currently at work on their 2nd LP and have been touring much of July, running the gang gauntlet via tourvan in the late of night in Omaha, unsuccessfully dodging drive-by pellet gun attacks, and engaging in drunken sharpie shenanigans and light-hearted 4am yard pranks. For some oddball reason, I m envisioning their tour as a Mentos-like video for Insomniacs, where everything is ultra-cheerful in the end as the sun comes up. Join the lovefest and head over to SnoCap where all songs on Love After Dark can be purchased additive free. [cs] Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Peter was formerly one half of the duo eastmountainsouth signed by Robbie Robertson to Dreamworks Records in 2002. Since then, Peter has released one solo record independently ( Gather Up 2006), and is set to release his second, Leavetaking , this August 5th on Sarathan Records. Stay tuned Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links peterbradleyadams.com myspace.com/peterbradleyadams Preorder Leavetaking Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Trains Followed Us is a promising two year old rock band residing in Jacksonville Beach, Florida that has just released an EP entitled Sinking, Sleeping to sit alongside last years deubt EP, Reveille . TFU consists of Matt Brame (Bass/vocals), Dale Hiscock (guitar), Brian Squillace (drums), and Landon Paul (guitar). Influences include Minus The Bear, Brand New, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Eat World, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and The Junior Varsity. Their latest EP Sinking, Sleeping is now available for download on ITUNES! Click the link below: Spread It Around: Hide Sites

It’s unlikely a band takes as much from The Ronettes as they take from Weezer, but far more unlikely such a band springs out of the desert, border-city of El Paso, Texas. The Royalty, for the El Paso/Juarez metro, is just that: a pleasantly misplaced oddity. The band is currently readying for its summer California tour with their new self-titled debut EP in tow. When not on tour, the band can be seen playing several shows a week in the El Paso/ Juarez/ Las Cruces area, or you can catch them on Juarez radio station, Orbita 106.7. In September 2008, the band will record its first full-length album, shoot it’s second music video and tour the following winter. The Royalty would love to see you at a show Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links myspace.com/theroyalty Youtube Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Marching Band is an indie rock duo based in Linköping, Sweden. The band just finished recording their upcoming release Spark Large with Adam Lasus, renowned indie rock producer of such artists as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Army Navy, Yo la Tengo, and many more. Mastering Engineer Greg Calbi (David Bowie, John Lennon, and The Ramones) mastered in May and the album is poised to drop with great fanfare in a few short days on August 5th. While the group does use the mainstay rock sounds of guitars, drums and bass guitar, they also employ an array of more eccentric musical instruments for a indie pop band, such as xylophone, marimba, banjo, vibraphone and unique vocal harmonies. Check out what sounds like a steel drum intermixed throughout this track For Your Love ! [ioda] . Marching Band For Your Love (mp3) from Spark Large (U & L Records, Inc.) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This Album Spread It Around: Hide Sites

From their debut EP Karma out August 5th Starting out in the early days of February 2006, RALEIGH thrived on the idea of creating a style of music that would keep their listeners wanting more. RALEIGH would not be classified as veterans of the Indie/Post Hardcore music scene. However, do not let this sway your opinion on this new 5 piece out of the South Shore Massachusetts area. Download | Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes Links myspace.com/raleighmusic purevolume.com/raleighmass Spread It Around: Hide Sites

Losing ourselves in the San Francisco night, today s Daily Dose takes a look inside Return To Mono s hybrid sound experimentations, specifically the sultronica musings of their track Losing Faith . This organic offering is available on RtM s 2006 release, Involution , a well reviewed album that takes you right to the heart of the thriving Bay Area electronic landscape. If you enjoy the ethereal playlists of fellow DJ s Dave Warner (Dave s Lounge) and Anji Bee (The Chillcast), I can guarantee this will be right up your alley. Aside from finding this solid and lauded release at CD Baby, you can find Involution and the track Losing Faith over at iTunes as well. [cs] DOWNLOAD | SUBSCRIBE Spread It Around: Hide Sites