Artist Page

Mayfield

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 20:30:29 -0700

Lead Singer/Songwriter Ben Bartel grew up in the mountains of California's central valley. Just south of Yosemite. There he learned a passion for Folk/Bluegrass. He packed up his passion for music along with his guitar and Headed south where he met up with bassist Ben Barnes, and banjo player Jeremy Clifton. They struck it off quickly and soon after pulled in Ryan Woolsey, another from the northern mountains, to fill out the sound with a second guitar to fill out the sound of their driving folk rock. making their sound nearly full.
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The final piece of the puzzle was found in Georgia: Erin Lancaster. Friends with Ben for several years, they had often talked of what it would be like to be in a group together, but the distance seemed too great. When Mayfield began to make headway in San Diego, they decided, enough was enough, and the band got together and flew Erin out . The power and attitude found in the new female vocalist were a perfect match for the band's current lineup, so the sound was complete.

Social Club

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:20:16 -0700

At first listen of Social Club it may be hard to imagine that the indie/ rock/ pop wave that crashes over you was born from a local San Diego hip hop group. Or perhaps, upon deeper listening, it will not.  Lead singer John Levan and bass guitarist James Spratley emerged on the San Diego music scene with a fresh, original and soulful sound appropriately named “Pull.” It didn’t take long for that magnetic sound to grab the attention of drummer Jeffrey Litzman. A jam was scheduled for the three to mingle. Love was made. Sparks flew while magical musical songs were born, reformed, and given fertile soil to thrive. This fertility inspired implementation of synth and keyboard, which in turn brought the need for a fourth member. Fate reeled local musician Thea Tochihara in shortly thereafter, and there’s been no looking back.  With influences ranging from one end of the spectrum to the other, the result are songs versatile enough to keep you listening, tonality and textures that keep you wanting more, beats that make you move, and melodies that you want to hear again. And again. And again.

Men and Gods

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:04:29 -0700

Formed in 2008, Men & Gods immediately set about making the myths. Creating a swirling, carnival-esque, psychedelic heavy blues music, drawing on their backgrounds, and drawing from the wellspring of something ancient and deeper and sweeter than the mere roots of Rock’n’ roll.

Troupe leader and guitarist/singer Marc Eden is the illegitimate son of a Greek shipping magnate shored up in Margate, Kent, England, where he was born. His mother was a beautiful Welsh gypsy from a circus background. His parents met at a public library whilst they were both searching for an out of print copy of Homer’s Iliad…Eden is said to have inherited his Mother’s gift of ‘second sight’, as well as both parents love of mythology and the occult…Without Rock ‘n’ Roll, Eden would have probably been a ‘spiv’, or a ‘carny’ all his life – selling bottles of beer to grammar school mates at England for a pound was his initial love, mainly during Latin, until he found the guitar, and when he first opened his mouth to sing out, it was all over. “I could hear Robert Johnson, I could hear Janis Joplin, I could hear all these voices telling me this is the path, the way, ya know?”. M.E. Described by Slash as: “One of the greatest RNR singers I’ve ever heard!” Well, indeed…

Main partner in crime is drummer/whateverer, Alrick Guyler, an Irish country boy Christian, who shares a deep love of the esoteric with Marc, travelling to Rosslyn cathedral in Scotland, to jam on strange instruments in the shadow of the profane, Masonic temple – always with his hands on the Celtic cross though…Both multi-instrumentalists, it is Guyler who collects the weird and wonderful. Harmoniums, middle-eastern lutes, strange African drums – all are utilised in the M&G sound, to “try and create something beautiful, something sacred”, according to yer man. Music is in this Celtic soul boy’s blood, it is his North, South East and West. No other interests…

On piano is Nadia Baki, a classically trained half Arabian, half Celtic-Scottish firebrand! Eden met Baki whilst she was belly-dancing in a seedy nightclub, pouring drinks over the ‘enthusiastic’ punters, who got a little too close! In the second half of the show, she sat down and played the upright. “It was single-handedly the most gorgeous piece of piano playing I had ever heard!” M.E. Needless to say, she was asked to join M&G on the spot. “Initially, I just wanted to be close to him, Marc”, says Baki. “I’d never met anyone that charismatic! For ages, I thought he’d put one of his spells on me, or something, and then I heard the music – WOW!” Never seen too far apart, rumor in London was that they were married secretly, or that they were related – cousins. Both declined to comment…

Martin ‘Minz’ Inman, is the bass player, and the ‘rock’ of the band. He is the calming influence that completes the Men & Gods quartet. He is improbably tall, and always has with a smile and a winning anecdote. Born in the North of England, Minz has a knowledge of glam rock music that would put Bowie to shame! Never too far from the pub, never too far from watching Bolton Wanderers, and never too far from souping up a car engine! Minz is mostly at home on the tour bus with a beer and a cigarette, dreaming of distant shores, of playing enormodome’s with M&G, and of living a house in the Hollywood Hills. A proper ‘stand up Gent’ – but remember ladies and Gentlemen, still waters run very deep!

So, roll up, roll up good people! And try and catch this band of gypsies while you can still see the whites of their eyes, and make out the crow feathers on their antique hats, as this is the Hari-Karaoke Show, and Men & Gods intend to have you all join them in their traveling extravaganza!

J Scott Bergman

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:00:39 -0700

J Scott Bergman was born in New Jersey and raised in Los Angeles. His words are often inspired by personal events and spiritual philosophy. Influenced musically by the likes of Nick Drake, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and the Beatles, J Scott Bergman continues to evolve with mysteriously evocative songs of love and hope.  
The latest studio longplayer, "OURS IS THE TIME," deals with a cast of characters in songs that demonstrate that no matter how diverse the human experience may be, we all essentially share the same core. Whether it be the pop icon in the song 'Icon' telling his fans to stop overanalyzing his lyrics, or the old man in his house on the hill reflecting on a life well spent in 'Milton's Offer', or the homeless character being observed in the song 'Lost Souls Communion', each person is a flawed and beautiful human trying to make sense of his or her world. With pop sensibilities in full-force and guest appearances by musicians from Beck, Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple’s touring and studio bands, the album covers a breadth of aural landscapes: a tapestry of folk, modern rock and bluesy jazz. The arrangements are solid yet purposefully sparse, letting the acoustic vibe and distinctive voice of the artist shine through.

Jimmy Patton

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:03:18 -0700

Nationally acclaimed guitarist Jimmy Patton is renowned for his ability to play two separate guitars at the same time, playing both melody and accompaniment parts simultaneously. He performs his own arrangements of popular and jazz tunes, as well as original compositions. In 2001, Patton claimed the title of "Best Unsigned Guitarist in the Nation," defeating over 3,000 guitarists across the entire United States. In this Guitar Center sponsored "Guitarmageddon" competition, Patton won a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Patton has shared the stage with Grammy award-winning Stanley Jordan, Laurence Juber of Paul McCartney's "Wings," Adrian Legg, Preston Reed, virtuoso rock guitarist Tony Macalpine, as well as keyboardist Derek Sherinian of "Dream Theater." He studied under Fred Benedetti of Benedetti & Svoboda master guitar duo.

Samantha Clemons

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:01:59 -0700

Since she got her first guitar at the age of 9, Samantha knew that music was what would set her life apart from most. Born Samantha Cheryl Clemons, in Houston, Texas, to a West Indian mother, her pure love of music has always been apparent. Growing up in a sheltered world, on a different army post every three years, music was her release. Whether it was singing in the church choir or getting lost with her guitar, music was the common variable, when everything else seemed ever changing. It was the one thing that always made sense. Samantha found her love of writing in high school, during which her personal life was filled with turmoil. When no one could listen, writing was the medium with which she could unload her heart. But it wasn’t until her second year in college when she put the two together and began writing and composing her own music.  Often compared to the likes of Lauryn Hill for her smooth vocals and soulful presence, Samantha’s sound is nothing short of original. Citing her influences as revolutionary musicians such as Bob Marley, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell, and Etta James, Samantha has seamlessly woven different styles and sounds into a sound described by her as “Urban Rock.” Samantha has taken influence from many different genres, and fused them seamlessly to make a sound all her own and her inviting melodies and compelling lyrics are sure to engage any listener. Quoted from an article in her school paper, Samantha says,“I believe all music is influential. Great music doesn’t lie in only one genre. And from the good to the plain ugly, there’s something to take away from it all. Even if it’s just a lesson in what NOT to do.”  Playing her music on stage for the first time at an open mic in Manhattan, Kansas, fellow musicians realized that her talent was undeniable. Soon after she was being asked to open for bands playing locally and in the region, as well as playing her own acoustic sets at coffeehouses and bars around the area. Samantha has only been playing shows for the past year, but given her extensive history on stage, it’s no wonder she commands the presence of the audience like a veteran. Opening for some of Manhattan’s premiere bands, Lucia Drive and Pomeroy, and playing some of the biggest clubs in the area. Samantha has been able to create significant buzz and a local following as well as a respectable fan base on YouTube where you can find her playing her originals and a few covers.  Already having formed a nook of her own at the age of 19, it won’t be long before Samantha’s name will be known around the world. Her passion for music along with her ambition and determination, make Samantha a force to be reckoned with. It is rare that a musician of such grace, ability, and conviction comes along. But when they do, there’s no denying the success that is inevitable and the impact they will leave.

Jimmy and Enrique

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:24:59 -0700

Jimmy and Enrique is the acoustic and magical sound of two artists that sounds like 6 people on stage.
Journey through different songs in an acoustic style with Jimmy and Enrique, as they play a guitar and percussion; experience the captivating sound that will grab your soul.
It's a guitar and percussion experience; it's a world class, world music.

Get Back Loretta

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:57:23 -0700

Get Back Loretta formed in 2004, when 5 unique musicians from San Diego decided to start a band that couldn't be easily defined. Quickly absorbing each others unconventional styles, they wrote and recorded their first EP in a week. It was then released on Pacific Records, and the band went on to win "Best New Artist" at the 2005 San Diego Music Awards. This success and attention inspired the band to get back into the studio and record a full length album that really stood out. The result is their debut album "Over The Wall." The album recently won "Best Pop Album" at the 2007 San Diego Music Awards. They also received San Diego Music Awards for "Best Pop" in 2006 and 2007.

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Press
 "Catchy enough for Clear Channel and sassy enough for the kids just learning the joys of white belts and art-mullets. Yeah, this debut is that kind of good. Best out-of-nowhere goodness we’ve heard."  -Troy Johnson San Diego City Beat

“We saw Get Back Loretta, this band from California… They just have this really positive vibe and are very catchy, in a way like Radiohead or The Hours, this kind of bouncy piano stuff. The whole time they were on, me and the rest of the band just couldn't stop smiling.”
-Anthony Green from Circa Survive  interview with punkhardcore.com

“Pop music nowadays is generally un-listenable trite, perhaps it has finally found a savior, fit to don the fab four’s steadily rusting crowns.”
-DecoyMusic.com Review by Rhys Duggan

Long Live Logos

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:55:23 -0700

Long Live Logos; long live monster-sized anthems; long live faith and love played with the lucidity and bombast that marks each.
It’s hard being one of the hardest working bands in San Diego, but Long Live Logos know the rewards of such distinction. The band, through all their touring, writing, playing and touring (LLL likes touring) has honed a tightness in its sound that a band twice its age would be lucky to have. Members, Danny (keys/vox), Ismael (drums/vox), Cesar (bass) and Ramon (keyboard) create seasoned music that belies their age, urging shouts of “play your old stuff!” even though they barely look old enough to buy a beer. It’s deceptive: it’s vintage; it’s absolutely fresh.
Long Live Logos send a simple, clear message put to music that smacks of their influences, like The Strokes, Keane, New Order, The Get Up Kids and The Cure. LLL’s intricately woven riffs dip in and out and between each other, leaving an unbroken chain of music with no bumps, flaws or seams. It’s a Teflon-slick musical terrain for meandering ears to glide along aimlessly and effortlessly.
Long live carefully crafted rock; long live hard-working, dedicated musicians; Long Live Logos.
Long Live Logo's first EP "Flashing" on Pacific Records (Oct 2006)