Rock and theater have always been ardent bedfellows, ever since The Rocky Horror Picture Show did the time warp and Meatloaf did anything for love. Broadway has delivered countless rock musicals from anonymity to mainstream consciousness, from Jesus Christ Superstar to Hedwig and The Angry Inch. The aforementioned Meatloaf along with KISS and Alice Cooper took their rock to operatic heights during the ‘70s and inspired recent theater kids like My Chemical Romance and Panic at the Disco to update the rock opera canon with youthful sensibilities.

When you think of Daddysmilk, consider them as equals to MCR and PATD. Hailing from Manchester, UK by way of Norway, the band churns out fantastically cheeky rock with a theatrical sweep. There’s plenty of dissonance and distortion – guitars careen herky jerky to the raucous stomp of drums. Singer Kris Zeigler teases, mocks and croons like a rakish pied piper, beckoning listeners to follow him through his tales and character sketches. Surrender now, and you’ll find yourself doing anything for Daddysmilk’s deliciously melodic rock drama. (But you won’t do that.)

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Since its inception in 1841, the saxophone has witnessed many soundscapes. Originally introduced into the public realm as a military band instrument, this oddly-shaped hunk of metal was intended to fuse the power of brass instruments with the versatility of woodwinds. The rest is history. Whether being used as a medium for intricate improv or as a hip hop sample, it’s safe to say the saxophone has been used to the utmost extent—and the boundaries are only going to expand as musical possibilities grow with future technology. Below is a mix of the most diverse saxophone features found on OurStage. Dig in!

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Congratulations to Amanda Kaletsky, Process, Twank Star, Anthony F Matrumalo, Amy Marie Worship, and the many other high-ranking artists featured in the OurStage Radio Channel on WinAmp.

OurStage Radio is broadcast to over 72 MILLION WORLDWIDE WinAmp users, so this means huge, global exposure for OurStage artists! The channel is currently featuring the best music from OurStage artists in Country, Rap, Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop and many other music genres and will be updated regularly with the chart toppers from the OurStage competitions!

OurStage wants you to meet our newest partners. Introducing Radio One and Sony Music. This duo is responsible for bringing us the “Be Legendary” with John Legend Competition.  

These industry players are very impressed with the talent here on OurStage, especially the artists who participated in the “Be Legendary” Channel for March.  I’ve created a playlist that highlights the channels talent. It  shows our artists tremendous ability to recreate John’s song in a new light across many musical approaches. 

Through competitions like this one, our artists are getting more and more exposure from big time industry A&R pros! Stay tuned for April’s round of competitions when our partner duo has Bow Wow host the Hip-Hop Channel. The winner will be given a shot for career advancement. Visit April’s prize calendar for more details.  

OurStage, I want to know which artist you’d like our new partner duo to bring to us next… I’m listening. 

San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival may just be the best kept secret on America’s indie festival circuit. But this year’s loaded lineup may just blow its cover. Indie legends Stephen Malkmus and Bob Mould share the bill with “it” bands like No Age, Ra Ra Riot, and Antony and the Johnsons. If you’re a Noise Pop Newbie looking to make the most of the experience, here are a few tips:

Map it Out:

Think of Noise Pop as the Bay Area’s mini version of South By Southwest. Tons of great bands descend upon San Francisco and play venues across the city. Like SXSW, it can get incredibly difficult to keep the schedule straight. Before you walk out the door, print out Noise Pop’s online schedule. Highlight the bands you really want to see and make a plan.

Bands to See (bigger names):

Stephen Malkmus: Those pining for a Pavement reunion can at least get a solo fix from their ex-frontman. Good to see him back in NoCal.

Ra Ra Riot: With strings, horns, and an electric stage performance, seeing them live is like watching a feel-good version of Arcade Fire.  Scroll to the bottom on this page to watch my interview with them at last year’s SXSW.

Martha Wainwright: Persistent comparisons to her brother Rufus undermine her own astounding talent and skill. If you haven’t heard her voice live, do yourself a favor and get to this show.

Bands to See (hidden gems):

Sholi: After opening for Iron and Wine this past fall and signing with Touch and Go, Sholi is poised for a breakout year. Be there as they officially release their new CD at Bottom of the Hill. (P.S. They booked the gig through OurStage’s Marketplace!).

Clues and Harbours:  If you want to see the show all the in-the-know critics will be attending, spend Saturday night at The Rickshaw Stop where Clues (featuring former members of The Unicorns and Arcade Fire) will be playing one of their first shows.  Don’t miss the roster of impressive openers, including Harbours whom OurStage fans will know for their spacey-pop masterpiece, “Telling Lies.”

Scissors for Lefty: After winning over OurStage fans by releasing a free preview of their EP this past fall, SFL kicks off Thursday night’s festivities with a free happy hour show at Benders.  Don’t miss their catchy blend of pop/punk.

Things to Do During the Day:

If you’re visiting San Francisco from out of town, skip the city’s overrun tourist traps (i.e. Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, etc…) and head to the much hipper Mission District.  Get over a hangover with an excellent brunch at The Pork Store Cafe at 16th St. and Valencia (the mango mimosas are delicious).  Head south on Valencia (stopping at the abundant thrift stores along the way) until you arrive at the Pirate Supply Store (which actually masks an excellent writing center for kids in the back).  Don’t ask, just go.  And if you could use a cool treat, Mitchell’s homemade ice cream is worth the wait in the inevitable line out front.

Start Preparing Now:

Figuring out what bands to see can be exhausting and overwhelming.  We’ve made your life easier by creating this playlist of all the OurStage artists at Noise Pop.  Enjoy!

So you want some free music? Lets face it, you’re probably gonna steal it anyway (thieving jerk!)… So we figured why not give it away. Fighting With Wire wants to hook you up with a completely free 5 song EP + the official music video for “Everyone Needs A Nemesis” just for signing up to the new Fighting With Wire mailing list. This is only available for a limited time, so be sure to download your free gift now. Head over to photofinshrecords.com/fightingwithwire to get your free EP. Now hows that for a sweet deal?

It’s amazing to think that just six short months ago this band didn’t exist and now they are American Country Countdown Superstars. Williams Riley Band is just six guys from Louisiana and Nashville doing what they love, and the fans are responding in a big way. (They even count Slash, Bryan White and Edwin McCain among them!)

They even got a nod from Kix Brooks, the host of American Country Countdown and member of Brooks & Dunn:

“Williams Riley’s CD is on par with the major label releases coming out of Nashville, and their song sounds great on the radio. They’ve got an exciting future in front of them.  We’re proud our competition was helpful in getting them out the gate.”

Check out the winners and keep listening to the American Country Countdown to hear them on the air with Kix Brooks!

Today is the day. The end of an era. The start of a new one. Today at noon Barack Obama will be sworn into office, he is expected to speak for about 20 minutes. President Obama will be taking his place in what is certainly the most heralded inauguration in my lifetime. A while back we posted this video from CMJ, asking what indie artists want from the next president. Lets see how many of them are going to get their wish….

Holding your own inaugural ball? Got your own request of the president? Leave us a comment and let us know!

If you haven’t heard much about Jack Savoretti, you will.  The British (by way of Italy) singer/songwriter has been featured on TV shows like One Tree Hill and The Cleaner and just completed a tour with Gavin DeGraw.  I ran into him at this past year’s CMJ festival in NYC and interviewed him between shows.

So as the new year starts, here’s a belated nod to one of my favorite interviews from 2008.  Make sure to check out the full music video for “Between the Minds” on OurStage.  And while you’re at it, join his fanclub before the bandwagon leaves town.