Sing It Loud

Minneapolis natives Sing It Loud are a popular pop/punk/rock band that is made up of: lead vocalist and guitarist Pat Brown, guitarist and background vocalist Kieren Smith, bassist Nate Flynn, keyboardist Ben Peterson and drummer Chris Lee. Together these five guys create the dynamic sound that has made Sing It Loud one of the most popular bands in the Minneapolis area. 

Sing It Loud has a rather unique beginning. According to the bands MySpace they formed in April of 2007 when Pat Brown and Kieren Smith were in two local Minneapolis rival bands, (The Semester and Jamestown Story), but learned that they had a unique connection to one another: Kieren Smith's step-aunt was dating Brown's dad and neither of them were aware of this. Once the two guys found this out they decided to join forces and mixed their passions for pop punk and arena rock and thus Sing It Loud was born. 

Sing It Loud came from relatively humble beginnings as guitarist Smith explains on the bands MySpace that their first shows were disappointing as Smith said, "I honestly don't know why [Epitaph label head] Brett Gurewtiz signed us; we were so bad." Sing It Loud was obviously doing something right as they only played seven shows as an independent band before they were signed. 

In September of 2008 Sing It Loud released their first album titled "Come Around" on Epitaph records. The album was produced by Motion City Soundtracks guitarist Josh Cain and engineered by Mark Trombino who notably has worked with bands such as Jimmy Eat World and Blink-182. Sing It Loud's website states "Come Around is a collection of songs with fist-pumping melodies and head-bopping choruses." This mixture of catchy melodies and rocking beats keeps Sing It Loud's fans filling up venues and selling out shows. 

Sing It Loud doesn't see an end in sight and hopes that they can keep the ride going as long as possible, "we want to be able to play shows and support ourselves by doing this for the next 10 to 20 years, hopefully. We love doing this and there's nothing else we want to do." As Sing It Loud keeps writing and playing music they are sure to leave their mark in pop/punk/rock history. 

To listen to music from Sing It Loud click here. 

The Jeremy Sanoski Band

The Jeremy Sanoski Band is a Christian/Pop/Rock band based out of St. Paul, Minnesota and is composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Jeremy Sanoski, bass player Phil Hicks and drummer Steve Goold. 

According to the bands website from 2002-2004 Jeremy toured with Absolute Records' Big Fat Jam as the lead guitarist, which included both national and international touring. 

In 2004 The Jeremy Sanoski Band released their first CD titled "Somewhere in the middle." Then in 2007 the band released a 3 song EP called "Midway." Since then Jeremy have been busy leading worship at a local church in Minnesota and playing over 150 shows with The Jeremy Sanoski Band. 

The Jeremy Sanoski Band has built a reputation for themselves by performing high-energy, entertaining shows all the while spreading the good news of the gospel through their music. Jeremy Sanoski is quoted on the bands myspace as saying "with every show, whether in a church or club, we want people to leave feeling better about themselves." This is a pretty high calling for a group of 3 guys to do, but they are committed to bring hope to all people through their music. On the bands website Jeremy states "I feel like God has made me for this, and as long as He opens the doors, I'm running through them!"

With rich, deep and thick guitar tones, solid beats and warm vocals the straight forward driving sound of The Jeremy Sanoski Band is sure to impress all who listen. 

To check out music by The Jeremy Sanoski Band click here.  

Take Cover

Hailing from Minneapolis "Take Cover" takes the genre of pop/punk and elevates it to the next level adding their own unique twists that help distinguish themselves form other local bands. Take Cover is: bass player Chad, lead vocalist Ryan, guitarist and background vocalist Odin, drummer Nick and guitarist Brady. Together these guys bring the dynamic and powerful sound that is Take Cover. 

Take Cover had their first EP, released in September 2008, reviewed by David Taintor of The Daily Chorus, a band review website. The review is posted on Take Cover's blog as Taintor reported in the review that "Take Cover's tones are bright and the mix is balanced...it actually sounds like a band is playing these songs." A high compliment being that many bands playing pop/punk today rely heavily on computerized vocals, riffs, guitars and drums. 

Take Cover's EP was recorded by producer Jordan Schmidt who has also worked with other local bands such as Sing It Loud and Jamestown Story. Schmidt allowed Take Cover to explore there own creativity while at the same time adding a level of expertise and experience that helped Take Cover to craft a powerful and catchy EP. 

For anyone that enjoys the sounds of bands such as Fall Out Boy, Sing It Loud or Motion City Soundtrack then Take Cover is a band the should definitely be added to your playlist.  

To listen to Take Cover's music check out their myspace. 

Motion City Soundtrack

Motion City Soundtrack hails from Minneapolis Minnesota and combines a mix of pop/punk and rock to create a sound that is unique to only them. Motion City Soundtrack is: lead vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Justin Pierre, Keyboardist and background vocalist Jesse Johnson, guitarist and background vocalist Joshua Cain, bass guitarist Matt Taylor and drummer Tony Thaxton. 

Motion City Soundtrack has released three full-length albums starting with their debut "I am the movie." The bands second release "Commit this to memory" was their mainstream break through album. Recently the band has released their third album "Even if it kills me." The bands most recent album was recorded in New York City in two separate sessions over the winter months and included an all-star line up of producers, such as the "Cars" Ricj Ocasek and Adam Schlesinger of "Fountains of wayne." 

Motion City Soundtrack found success with their second album "Commit this to memory" with songs such as "Everything is alright" which became a hit among pop/rock fans. The popularity of songs such as "Everything is alright" eventually caught the attention of indie label Epitaph Records, to whom the band is currently signed. 

Frontman Justin Pierre comments on Motion City Soundtracks website about their most recent album as he says "A lot of these songs seem to be about loneliness and failed relationships and that surprises me because I've never been happier." Despite what the bands motivation was behind this most recent album the most important thing is that they are having fun and writing solid music that keeps their fans listening. 

To check out the bands myspace click here.

Below is a video of Motion City Soundtrack performing a live version of "Everything is alright."

Mark Alan

A dynamic singer, songwriter and producer Mark Alan does it all. Mark has put out 4 CD's and is highlighted on 2 other compilation CD's. He also owns his own recording studio called hidden room productions and he leads worship at Woodridge Church in Plymouth, Minnesota. 

Mark states on his website that "songwriting continues to be a major passion for me." Mark write in a dynamic way that mixes the struggles of who we are as people and the call that God has laid on the life of the Christian. In songs such as "Nothing At All" where Mark writes "you pull up to the stop light and see the man with his sign asking you to give to his need, you try not to catch his eye 'cause you can't spare the time, just hoping that the light will turn green." Through Marks lyrics he challenges us to be less selfish and more selfless. 

Mark is a diverse musician with his hands involved in many areas of music. One of those areas is with his studio, hidden room productions. Mark spends a significant amount of time with other local artists and works as their sound engineer, studio musician, vocal coach and overall producer. To check out hidden room productions click here. 

Mark Alan has a great sound is a talented guitar player and a solid vocalist. He is a local artist that is sure to be gaining attention in the near future. 

To listen to Mark Alan's music click here. 

Hyland

Hyland is a Christian rock/pop band based out of the great city of Minneapolis. Hyland is: vocalist and guitarist Jon Lewis, bassist Lee Carter, keyboardist/guitarist and background vocalist Ben Early and drummer Steve Weigel. 

Hyland has been a busy band over the course of 2008 as they played over 100 live shows. All of their hard work is starting to pay off as the band is getting the opportunity to open for big name Christian bands such as Thousand Foot Krutch and Children 18:3. 

Unsigned.com talks about Hyland and the website states that "the genuine honesty in the songwriting is not something you'd entirely expect from a rock and roll group, but the warm sounds coming from your speakers are entirely open, full and inviting." Frontman Jon Lewis comments on unsigned.com about writing for the band.He states that "the best points of writing music is when the song finishes itself, it's like it's all there, just waiting for you to discover it." Hyland has been discovering the right formula for their music as they have worked hard to create driving guitar riffs combined with a certain level of pop to it that works to captivate listeners.                                                                                                

Hyland has been making a name for themselves with their honest lyrics and energetic live show that keeps their fans engaged and wanting more. As Hyland continues to tour and widen their fan base they will be a name to remember within the Twin Cities. 

To check out Hyland's music click here. 

Now And Forever

Now and Forever is a local rock band that started in the suburbs of Minneapolis. Now and Forever just recently released a five song EP titled "wounds and blessings" and was produced by Weaver At The Loom's Zach Parnell and Izzac Burkhart. 

According to Now and Forever's myspace their music is inspired by the "harsh Minnesota winters." Their music resembles that of a

 Minnesota winter in that the first couple of songs on their EP start out dark and heavy but eventually the snow melts away and the sun shines through the clouds and more joyful times are brought to mind with songs like "through glass on windows." 

The band has been touring heavily and plans to continue their rigorous schedule in order to start to build a larger fan base in Minnesota and the surrounding area. 

Now and Forever has a rich unique sound that establishes them from other melodic rock groups in the Twin Cities. A review from absolutepunk.net says "Although the music's character shifts from one scene to another, often in strict opposition, the album melts together into a well-excuted harmonic expedition. Minnesota has once again turned out a talented group of up-and-comers writing some of the best melodic rock on the market." To read the whole review click here. 

As the band continues to mature in their style and writing abilities they will be a force to be reckoned with.