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 No they aren’t really scary, though they are an acquired taste. Being upfront about it, Scary Kids Scaring Kids aren’t for anyone. Duo guitars and electronic infused keyboard, Scary Kids seem like they are still finding a sound that is both pleasing with out compromising their unique sound. Though the topics of many of their songs still seem generic, they add a new perspective on the old themes. One thumb up, and one thumb down for them.
“What’s Up Now, My Darkest Hour” and “Faces” are some of their most popular songs. With only a 6 song EP and a recently released full album, The City Sleeps in Flames, they are just barely getting the ball rolling on their musical careers. Many of the people I have talked to about Scary Kids Scaring Kids only like a small portion of their songs, but with the improvement from their first EP to the recent album, it will be enjoyable to watch them move forward.
They are signed with the small Immortal Records, but still aren’t entirely pleasing and somewhat unstructured. I put the few of my favorite songs of theirs on my iPod, where they have a solid place for when I am in the right mood. They sound somewhat like Saosin, though I am hesitant to compare Scary Kids to such a sweet band. I just wish they had a more solid album, or were given more constructive criticism when they were recording. Though, the raw unaffected sounds they chose to have are what really makes them Indie isn’t it?
Give their music a quick listen and see if they are right for you, on their Myspace Page and on their homepage, Scary Kids Scaring Kids
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 Brett Dennen is a pretty excellent example of an Indie musician who is only concerned about doing what he does best; writing and performing his own unique style of music. His is chill folk rock, pop, and Indie. With his tall stature, giant moppy red-hair, he has a fearless yet unintimidating way of performing. As a singer/songwriter, Brett Dennen can play solo acoustic or with a small band.
Many people who like Indie musicians like the fact that they have full control over their music and generally keep it all original. Why we feel you will like Brett Dennen isn’t just because of his catchy and soulfully written music and not entirely because of his extremely friendly “big bear/soft hear” appeal, it’s because we just straight think he is unique. From his style, personality, performance capability, and music; this young kid is unique.
Brett Dennen’s music recommendations? Try out “Ain’t No Reason,” or “Darlin’ Do Not Fear.” Since everyone needs a good mix of music, try out Brett Dennen when you are looking for something a little chill.
On his MySpace page, you can not only hear his best songs, but actually buy and download individual songs.
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 Kaddisfly is progressive rock, so be ready for a musical roller coaster when you listen to them. Kaddisfly will take you to many different places and musical levels, all in the same song. True Indie rock musicians, Kaddisfly started off writing and recording their music at home and in a local studio. They tour hard, travel far, and love to play as many concerts as possible while they are out on solo tours. After recently landing a tour with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, they moved on to a spot on the warped tour for a bit and can usually be found touring with other Indie bands trying to share their music with the world.
Their live performances are better than most major label supported bands, and they still maintain full creative control over their music. Their first two albums were recorded and released independently, then they worked with the small Indie label, Hopeless Records for the their album (the best album they have made to date) called “Buy our intention; we’ll buy you a unicorn”. They kept their status with Hopeless Records (and Subcity Records now) for the fourth and most recent album, Set Sail The Prairie.
They wanted you to be affected by music and they live by the standard “Write, Influence, Change, Live”.
It’s extremely hard to put this band in a single genre. Their refreshing music changes between an during songs includes everything from hard metal to electronica, screamo and emo, ambient and more. They are purely entertaining. The lead singer has excellent vocal control on both album and live settings and the rest of the band is also obviously passionate about their responsibilities and the instruments they play. I recommend “Manhattan Loves You”, “Akira”, “Osmosis in C”, “New Moon Over Swift Water”, and “Eres Tremulent”. If you want one particular album to purchase, I would again recommend and endorse Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You A Unicorn.
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Kalai (Kaniela Ka lei Ali’i ‘O’Kalani Kala’i) was born in Hawaii, but raised primarily in Alaska. His musical styles include blues, folk rock, and acoustic. His fans usually also like Ben Harper, G. Love, Israel, Damien Rice, and he is much better than that annoying Jack Johnson. Give your ears the soothing sounds of “On My Mind” (available on his Myspace page). You can’t forget a crowd favorite, “Fear Not the Wild Things,” which combined with the music from the rest of his albums will convince you as it has me, that Kalai brings a new standard to the singer/songwriter category of Indie music. He has a super smooth and controlled voice, and is almost surgical with his clean and crisp guitar playing.
Nicknamed “The Hand” because of an enormous hemangioma that grew on his hand as a child, he has had to learn to live with constant pain in the affected area’s of his hand which he usually keeps wrapped and medicated. His sound is a mix of the areas and cultures which have influenced him through his life; the laid-back sounds of the Polynesian culture as well as the blues and folk styles of the mainland. One thing common in Blues music that Kalai is an expert at is ad-libbed, on-site song writing. Just as a he makes a joke or tells a story, he can immediately flow that story or joke into a completely original song.
On stage and in person, he is one of the funniest musicians you may ever meet, aside from Stephen Lynch of course. His humor and vocal tones when he is making jokes and teasing, have a strange but welcome familiarity, just like that of the late Mitch Hedberg. Even in the middle of a live performance, he once took a short time to make fun of me as I had to leave to take a phone call from a friend who was meeting me at the concert. By short time I mean 15 minutes, and by make fun of me I mean thoroughly embarrass.
If you are a big fan, leave a comment with your favorite songs and why you like Kalai.
Label type: Indie
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 One of the new and upcoming underground bands in the Utah and Northern California area’s (and expanding) is a group called Victim Effect. This Rock, Electronica, Metal, Melt Your Face Off, Progressive fusion band has an extremely unique writing style which is perfectly combined with a strong and commanding stage presence. As a well practiced band which cares more about the fans and the music than they do fame and riches, be prepared to become a hardcore fan as you get addicted to their self titled CD, Victim Effect, which is almost exclusively sold only at their concerts and their website. With three guitarists (who compliment each other very well in their musical composition), a bassist, an amazing drummer (which all super amazing bands should have), keytarist (for electronica awesomeness and sample playback), male vocal lead, and female back-up vocals.
Started in Sacramento, CA and relocated to Provo, UT this is definitely a band that wants you as a fan and will prove it. Send them a myspace message, talk to them after a show, bump into them somewhere random, and this is a band who wants to get to know every single one of their fans. They have gone on a few mini-tours up and down the west coast and hit most of the western US states. Where many Indie bands in this genre fail, Victim Effect successfully makes you want to move to the music.
When it comes to making a list or searching for a new less-known band to listen to, going to a concert is the best exposure you can get to Victim Effect. They have a song called “Alice Alice” for free download on their website, or you can listen to a few of their songs as well as see their “Go Fight” music video on their Myspace page. I would recommend “You Bet” and “Backwoods Gunsmen” as initial songs to listen to in addition to the “Go Fight” music video.
Label type: Indie
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 Imogen Heap, the talented and dynamic ex-Frou Frou front woman takes the lead as a soloist continuing with her strong independent sounds and emotion evoking lyrics. Regardless of what style of music you come from, you are sure to enjoy listening to “Hide and Seek” as well as the rest of the tracks on her recent album Speak for Yourself. It’s a well-rounded, powerful album that you not only need to hear but are sure to love after you do.
On stage there really isn’t an explanation that will do her justice. Mixing and looping her own sounds and creations live, she provides a unique expression of multiple instruments controlled over a MIDI keyboard and laptop while singing at the same time. She is self-taught in sequencing, music engineering, and sampling. On musical instruments, she is proficient in playing piano (her first instrument), as well as the cello, clarinet, guitar, drums, and the unique Array Mbira.
Imogen is an accomplished singer/songwriter and producer who has worked with people from Josh Groban (ah hem, no comment), Britney Spears (we might just forgive her this one time for that), Jeff Beck, Sean Lennon, Blue October, and even Acacia. She has been burned a few times and doesn’t trust big music labels, rightly so, but has recently sided with BMG after working explicitly with Almo and Megaphone.
As far as genres are concerned, good luck really hitting the nail on the head, but as far as an attempt we could put her in the following: Electronic, Alternative, Indie Rock, and Ambient.
Label Type: Indie
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