Pop

Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child, Elton John

Balthazar B and the Beatitudes: Like Shrapnel

Balthazar B and the Beatitudes might seem like an odd name choice for a band but there's definitely nothing odd about their sound. Creating a beautiful mix of indie folk and rock, Balthazar B and his ever-revolving cast is bent on sharing their gorgeous melodic sound to anybody who wants to listen. The group was founded and fronted by Paris based musician, Baltazar B. To complete his sound, he enlists the help of friends from various walks of life, some of them doctors others "geeks and religious scholars." This helps create a fresh menagerie of sound that's a certain delight to listen to. Like Shrapnel is a short EP that was recorded in pockets of time between Paris and London.

Green River Ordinace: GRO FREE Sampler

Green River Ordinance (GRO) looks like their ready to steer the wheel to stardom. The pop-rock group composed of John Jenkins, Jamey Ice, Joshua Wilkerson, Geoff Ice, Denton Hunker have greatly evolved from their childhood in Forth Worth, Texas to the release of their latest album Under Fire and their current North American tour. The seven-track GRO Free Sampler offers a sneak peak on the band’s pleasant offerings.

Opus Orange: Reinventions EP

A short and sweet teaser EP, Reinventions contains only 4 tracks. Regardless, this is more than enough to make you want to find out more about the band. Opus Orange is actually a personal project by long time music mixer Paul Bessenbacher. It took him some time to finally release this short compilation as he focused on his main work of helping bands mix their own sound. Judging from the gems in this EP, he really should find more time recording and releasing his own material. Featuring beautiful indie folk pop, the EP is a real treat. It's upbeat, catchy and highly enjoyable.

Elle B: Until the Light of Day

Counting Prince, Lauryn Hill and her classically trained mom as influences; singer/songwriter Elle B, certainly knows how to make gorgeous R&B tinged tracks that'll make you want to listen all night long. Her soulful voice is reminiscent of song sirens of the yesteryears, allowing her to gain a wider audience each time she's performing. Until the Light of Day is her latest release and follows up her successful debut, the Elle B. EP. The record comes with 9 free tracks/demos recorded between 2007 to 2010.

Montes Rook: Patience

Mixing folk music with some enchanting vocals, Montes Rook is a cool little trio from Montgomery, NY. The band is made up of Drew Guido , Jean-Marie Dean, and Noah Meyer; the members aren't exactly new in the band scene. They've spent some time in various other bands before coming together to record this sweet compilation. Drew and Noah have been friends since they were young and have dabbled with different musical genres before settling with this indie acoustic piece. Afterwards, they finally drew the courage to ask Jean-Marie to sing for them. The result was this pleasing trio and their sound.

Kit Oh Nein!: KON!

Feel-good psych punk with a touch of indie rock is one way to describe Kit Oh Nein!'s music. The three piece band hails from Detroit/NYC and seems to know their way around the sound. Led by frontman Ryan Milligan from The Hotwalls, KON! (an acronym of the band's name) is the group's debut record. The album contains 10 tracks that run circles around punk, pop, and psychedelic indie rock. Enveloped in raw energy as well as a hazy indie rock club vibe, it's hard to believe the entire set of tracks were recorded in only 3 days. This is one of those debut albums worth checking out if you like dirty, cerebral indie punk rock.

Tanya T6: Pieces EP

Tanya T6 brings her music to a higher level in her latest EP’s official single Fly Away. Boasting an imperial command of R&B, the Mt. Vernon-raised singer/performer offers sweet, sensual, and strong music. At an early age, Tanya “T6” Dormevil have always known that she’ll be famous. Her first introduction to the entertainment world was as a model in national fashion shows. She began performing at fashion shows that lead her on the stage of well-known venues throughout CT and NY.

Sweatshirt Weather: With High Hopes EP

Indianapolis natives, Sweatshirt Weather, is more or less a young band, but this doesn't mean they can't hold their own when it comes to beautiful and fun summer pop rock songs. With High Hopes EP was released in BandCamp back in January 2010 but it wasn't until 2011 when the band officially solidified as a group. They were joined by bassist , Chad Kulaga, by this time and faithfully started their journey in the indie music world. Their brand of summer power pop has helped propel them into the spotlight and has allowed them to share the stage with the likes of The Fold and The Bigger Lights.

Monarchs: ft. Celeste – a Monarchs Mixtape

Monarchs is a surprising band that people who enjoy hip hop, alternative and soul should take note of. The group is led by the sultry and sexy Southern belle, Celeste Griffin. Currently based in Austin, Texas; the singer has several backing musicians that help complete her crew. Together, they combine to create a powerful and soulful sound complete with catchy beats and samples. Ft. Celeste is their latest record. They've released previous ones too, particularly The Rise and Fall; Those Words, Those Frames and The Oak EP. All of which are up for purchase over at BandCamp.