YUCA ( Vancouver, Canada)

I would like to tell you about a new band I discovered not so long ago. Yuca is the name of the band, and they come from Canada. The first song I heard on their myspace page, was " This Isn't Over Yet",and I can tell you I got chills when I heard it =) Singer Matt Borck have this unique and powerful voice , that you don't hear so often theese days. These guys are gonna be Huge, I can tell you =) I'm glad that I discovered them... I've talked to Matt via email , and I will buy their debut CD now from them , I will come back with a review and some more stuff about this wonderful band from Canada later on ! Once again, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR THEESE GUYS! THEY ROCK ;)

"YUCA formed in 2003, and is Matt Borck on lead vocals and guitar , Ryan B on lead guitar, Andy B on bass and Dave Atkinson on drums. The band got their huge break in 2006 when they were crowned the 2006 CFOX SEEDS Platinum award Winners - being chosen from over 650 bands)

Yuca's Biography ( from Cdbaby.com)

YUCA’s influences range from U2 and The Beatles to Radiohead, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. 

"YUCA is one of those bands that only come around every so often. They are the next big band to come out of Canada made for arenas, see them now in a club because one day soon they'll be playing in front of 60,000 people!" Comments of various radio and music industry reps exposed to YUCA at Canadian Music Week and Virgin Fest 2007 Vancouver.

Emerging from their rehearsal space and idea factory located in a barn on the outskirts of Vancouver, YUCA was chosen by an esteemed industry panel to be crowned the 2006 99.3FM The Fox SEEDS Platinum Award Winners beating out over 700 bands for the title. (Previous Winners include Nickelback and Default), 

In April of this year - YUCA was again crowned the Best Band in Western Canada winning the coveted title from the Pontiac “Battle of the Bands” at this year’s TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, BC Canada (Home of the 2010 Olympics) competing against the handpicked “10 Top bands” around including some from major labels.

YUCA has shared the stage with many brilliant bands like: Lifehouse on their Canadian LiveNation tour dates, The Killers, AFI, Metric and Hot Hot Heat at Virgin Fest, Billy Talent, Theory of a Deadman and Armchair Cynics at Fox Fest as well as Kim Mitchell at the Cascades Casino, blowing the crowds away with their live performance. The band was also asked to be the only opening band to play with Econoline Crush on their Vancouver Island Tour and has performed Live on Global TV with an overwhelming response from fans. In the bands experience, the fans are looking for melody, lyrics they can relate to, relevancy and a band that puts on a great live experience - YUCA is continually striving to be all of that and more.

Singer Matt Borck made the commitment to music after declining to pursue a pro soccer career, while also flirting with the big-time skateboarding scene. Along with his equally talented band mates, Matt has created nothing less than a total YUCA aesthetic, which encompasses music, design and an enthusiastic approach to the challenges of the current music business that focuses on independence, innovation and a "why not?" attitude.

With a full album of intense, infectious and brilliantly recorded tracks in the can (produced by John MacLean with the band and mastered by George Marino) YUCA's a band on a mission. YUCA released the Single “It’s about Something” through national radio promotion in Canada and saw the song shoot to Number 1 on Galaxie Rock Radio and beyond. The single was added and featured on many other radio stations. 

Through radio promotion in the UK, YUCA saw their single hit number 6 on University radio – while growing their fan base throughout Europe and Asia. 

YUCA released their debut album in 2008 and saw the CD sales hit over 1000 copies in less than 2 months from only side of stage sales. The band has also booked their own Western Canadian Tour dates to promote the new CD and has seen an overwhelming response in each city they visit – performing to sold out venues, gaining profile, momentum and new fans nationwide!

YUCA is the real deal and the bands powerful live performances, brilliant songs and authenticity has been attracting fans with every show they play. 

“We don’t do this because it’ the cool thing to do, we do this because rock and roll is in our blood” stated Matt Borck, “We don't fake a single note we play!”

Sincerity is a word that consistently comes up when people talk about YUCA. Seeing the band on stage and the passion that flows from the members, you know the band means every word they sing! 

They are after nothing less than international recognition and it starts here, now, in Canada with the first single "It's About Something" and a dynamic live show packed with songs destined to be arena anthems.

We hope you'll give the music a chance and become a YUCA convert in the process."

Music Style : Rock/Alternative/Pop

Myspace Link:http://www.myspace.com/yucamusic

A Cuckoo (Leeds , UK)

"This project was started out of curiosity. I love curious things.. Ouija boards, Music boxes, Old photographs, Carousels, Clowns, Steam engines, Dolls.. even Qabalah, Sephardic culture, Persian history, Bulgarian folk music etc etc. I suffer badly from Nostalgia!! So I uploaded a couple of rough tunes here on myspace and then things became even more curious when a few dear people insisted that rather than spend my days doing curious things such as frequenting the circus, walking through quiet graveyards, exploring abandoned buildings, creeping through the deserted streets of Leeds at 3:12am or trying to master the art of the Yaki Soba... They suggested I should take some time out to finish an album. I did.. and it’s turned into quite a curiosity. It reminds me of silent films, of romantic séances, of alter egos and dusty roads to nowhere."

“There is something reassuringly old fashioned about A Cuckoo, a singular individual who dwells on the Yorkshire Moors and has a fixation with sepia-toned Edwardiana, music boxes and the like… MOJO would like to add that we hope that A Cuckoo’s forthcoming album will be available on 78. It would seem impolite if it wasn’t.” – MOJO

By the age of 17 A Cuckoo had already played in respected UK bands Blue Aeroplanes and House of Love. In his early 20s he started to create and produce his own music. In the meantime he ended up working nearly full time as a composer for the BBC, which is where he “learnt how to orchestrate and paint sonic pictures.”

Quietly A Cuckoo began putting some of the rough ideas that he was developing up on MySpace.. The page quickly began to gather a list of complimentary comments and was visited by A Girl called Eddy (former Le Grand Magistery recording artist, currently signed to Anti), who asked what the situation was with the release of his material. “Um, they’re only rough snippets!” replied A Cuckoo, so A Girl Called Eddy put him in touch with Matthew Jacobson from Le Grand Magistery who insisted he finish the album so he could release it.

The result is ‘Destination Unknown’. A magical and dusty esoteric mix of styles that seems to effortlessly project a work of humble yet visionary compositions and poetry. Filled with music boxes, accordions, mandolins, bells, a quartet, acoustic guitars, and endless melody.

I followed this guy for over one year on his myspace page, and I highly recomend this album ! Just wonderful !=)

Music Style :Indie,Pop,Folk,Contemporary,Experimental

Myspace Link:http://www.myspace.com/cuckooshome

Brett Dennen ( Oakdale, California ,USA)

In 2004, Dennen released his first self-titled album, Brett Dennen. His second album was So Much More , which includes the singles "Ain't No Reason", "She's Mine", and "Darlin' Do Not Fear". A few songs charted as iTunes top downloads in the days following the album's release in November 2006. Dennen also contributed a cover of "Private Life" to the 2006 tribute album Drink To Bones That Turn To Dust: A Toast To Oingo Boingo..

Dennen's music has been featured in several television shows, including Grey's Anatomy, House, The Unit and Scrubs. In addition to television series, Dennen's music has also been used in national advertising campaigns for companies such as Hilton Hotels.

He has toured extensively across the U.S. with his band , supporting such musicians as John Mayer. In 2007 he toured with Guster and singer-songwriters Meiko and Joshua James.

Dennen has been a part of The Mosaic Project, San Francisco Bay Area based nonprofit, since its inception. The Mosaic Project works towards a peaceful future by uniting young children of diverse backgrounds, providing them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empowering them to strive for peace. As The Mosaic Project's Resident Rock Star, Dennen created an original musical curriculum for the program, in 2003. It won a Children's Music Web 2004 Award and a Parent's Choice 2004 Approved Award.

In November, 2007, Dennen was named as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "10 Artists To Watch.

Check him out !=)

Music Style: Folkrock/Pop/Indie

Myspace Link:http://www.myspace.com/brettdennen

Civalias (Los Angeles , California )

Hailing from Southern California, Civalias is the project brainchild of 23 year-old Adam Stidham. Conjuring influences such as Aqualung, Coldplay, and Radiohead, the infectiously melodic sounds of Civalias are both engaging and visually enticing. The young songwriter who began his journey in music by playing guitar in his teens soon found that music became a form of therapy. "I found an undeniable peace and calmness in making music. It was me at my most genuine." It is this vulnerability and honesty that makes Civalias special, attracting a contingent of fans who are seeking not only a uniquely refreshing sound, but the emotional substance to back it up.

Music Style: Acoustic/Pop/Rock/Indie

Myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/civalias

The Blizzards ( Mullingar, Ireland)

The Blizzards' indepedently-released debut single "First Girl to Leave Town" went to No. 11 in the Irish Charts in 2005. In July of that year, the band performed at the Oxegen festival. The following year the band signed a recording contract with Universal Music , Ireland with the band's second single "Trouble" reaching No. 6 in the Irish Single Charts in spring 2006. The single stayed in the Top 40 for four weeks. Follow-up singles "Miss Fantasia Preaches" and "War of Words" were released in August and October 2006 respectively. The Blizzards returned to Oxegen in July 2006, moving up the billing to perform on the NME scene.

The band's debut album, A Public Display of Affection, was released in November 2006 and debuted at no. 4 in the Irish Album Charts. Although critical responses to the album were generally positive, the album remained in the Top 50 for only three weeks. However, the band's growing popularity saw the album re-enter the charts early in 2007. A Public Display of Affection reached No. 21 in the Irish Albums Chart and remained in the Top 50 for eighteen weeks from January to June 2007. Two further singles, "Fantasy" and "On the Right Track" were released in 2007 before a Main Stage appearance on the Sunday Of Oxegen.

In late June 2008, the band confirmed via their official website that work on their second album had been completed. Produced once again by Michael Beinhorn, The Domino Effect was released on the 12th September, with a single entitled "Trust Me I'm A Doctor" released in July. The single, alongside other new and old material as well as a cover of Sam Sparrow's " Black And Gold", was performed during their July 13 hour-long set on the Main Stage of Oxegen 2008.

The Blizzards released their second album, The Domino Effect on 15 September 2008 to mostly postive reviews stating the album "does a concrete job in guiding the sextet through their new-found maturity". The album peaked at #2 on the Irish Album Charts, losing out to Metallica's Death Magnetic. The lead single from the album, " Trust Me , I'm A Doctor"" was released on 29 August 2008 and debuted at #2, again just being beaten to the top spot, this time by the Katy Perry single " IO Kissed A Girl". "Trust Me, I'm a Doctor" remained in the Top Ten for 4 weeks before dropping down to #13 on 10 October. The second single from the band's sophomore album will be "The Reason".

Music Style: Pop/Ska/Punk/Rock/Alternative

Myspace Link : http://www.myspace.com/theblizzards

Birds Of Tokyo ( Perth, Western , Australia )

Birds of Tokyo formed from a collaboration between members of other well known Perth acts including Karnivool and Tragic Delicate. Birds of Tokyo's music marries soaring vocal melodies with catchy rock based guitar hooks and a driving rhythm section, the live show is filled with an energy as raw and exposing as it is energetic, emotive and fun.

Birds of Tokyo were formed in 2004 and despite the relatively short life time of the band they have already established themselves as one of Perth's premier rock bands, regularly playing their own headlining shows at packed venues such as Amplifier, Rosemount Hotel, Metros Fremantle and Capitol.

The band have toured nationally several times and been featured in media including Xpress, Zebra Hype, Adrenaline Zine, Beat Magazine and Base TV. 2006 saw the band touring regional WA on a three week tour in January, before returning to Melbourne to finish working on their debut album, Day One . The album was released on 3 February 2007 and debuted at #88 on the ARIA album charts and #3 on the AIR album charts. Following the release the band embarked on their 'Day One' tour in February 2007 played in five capital cities around Australia.

At the 2007 Wami Awards Birds of Tokyo won two WAMingtons for 'Favourite Newcomer' and 'Best Male Vocalist' (Ian Kenny).

In April 2007 the band played at Blackjack 2007 (relocated "Rock - It" festival) and then undertook another national tour in support of their debut album.

Birds of Tokyo were nominated for two awards in the 2007 AIR Awards (Australian Independent Record Association) for 'Best Performing Independent Album' and 'Most Outstanding New Independent Artist'.

The band recorded their second album Universes in Australia, which was mixed in Los Angeles, California. The debut single from the album, "Silhouettic", was released as a free download on 14 April 2008. The album was released 5 July 2008 and debuted at No. 3 on the ARIA album charts and at No. 1 on the AIR album charts.

Music Style : Alternative / Rock

Myspace Link : http://www.myspace.com/birdsoftokyo

Lovedrug ( Cleveland, Ohio , USA)

Lovedrug is an indie rock band from Canton, Ohio, formed in 2001.
Since Lovedrug's formation in 2001, they have released two full-length albums and three EPs, all of which have been released through the record label The Militia Group to whom they are signed. While on tour with Straylight Run and Sparta in June 2007, Lovedrug's van and trailer was stolen in Detroit, Michigan. The burnt out shell of their van and trailer was later discovered with all of their equipment stolen. Despite this discouraging and unfortunate event, Lovedrug continued their tour, borrowing Sparta's equipment for the rest of the shows.
Their third album, The Sucker Punch Show, will be released October 28,2008.

From what I've heard from the new album , this album gonna be one of the best in 2008 !




Music Style: Indie/Rock/ Grunge

Myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/lovedrug