As 2012 unfolds, there will be several bands that you should be on the look out for. This is for many different reasons, whether it be a new band member, a growing sound and fan base, etc. These bands are, in my humble opinion, going to take us places musically this year, so hold onto your dancin' shoes!
Perpetual Groove - The return of keyboard player Matt McDonald marks an era P. Groove is calling 'P. Groove 2.012'. 2011 held a packed touring schedule for them including 85+ shows and festivals, a killer 2 day new years celebration, and hosting a sensational 10th annual Amberland. 2012 has started off strong with a 2 day stand at the Asheville Music Hall. The vibe and playful interaction between the 4 members was a clear indication that the return of McDonald will be bringing some new juices into the mix. The overall feeling in Asheville was one of excitement and experimentation. With over 20 dates already on their calendar for the year, 2012 is starting off strong with a new vibe as they return to old roots while forging an exciting future. Perpetual Groove's multi-layered sound will continue evolving, and I'm excited to see some of the new material mastered by former keyboard player John Hruby refined and remastered by McDonald. If you're into getting lost in a jam, funky psychedelic electronic, playful ballads, and soothing, dancey tunes then you'll love getting to know Perpetual Groove.
Papadosio - These guys are another advocate of intense touring schedules and breaking musical boundaries. This live jam-tronica fusion group is coming off of an excellent year with tons of shows, music festivals, and their own big event deemed Rootwire. This festival entitles all attendee's VIP access to showers, meals, and special late night festivities. With everyone being VIP there is a sense of community and appreciation for artists and their support base of fans alike. Papadosio and Rootwire also promote sustainability, re-use/recycle, and other earth-friendly concepts as part of their message through arts and music. Rootwire 2012 has recently been announced for August 16th-19th. After pushing their own limits, like an all improv set at Floyd Fest, and gaining speed with their following through a rather large and on point All-Good performance, I see big things for these guys this year. Watch out! Papadosio's Winter Tour "Awake Inside" Starts February 2nd here at our local spot the Jefferson Theater, and will continue until March 24th with a close out at their hometown venue the Orange Peel.
Former Champions - These locals from Richmond are another band coming off of a big touring year, and are easily gaining press as one of RVA's local favorites. Making a name for themselves on the festival circuit, their regular spots at City Dog's and Cary Street Cafe, and headlining shows throughout the East, the Champs are coming into their own as a shining star. Mixing rock meets psychedelic dance funk and jams, playing to the vibe of their crowd, these guys are a continual evolution of their sound. This bands vast creativity leads them toward a path of ever growing exploration and perpetual ingenuity. Look out for them headlining festivals, bringing you their hot money fire, and blowing your mind with their talent.
The Mantras - This is another high energy jamtronica-funk/rock-fusion band that has been solidifying their sound and fanbase rapidly over the past few years. I first saw them at the first Nomadic Roots Festival in 2010 and was blown away by their flowing and organic sounds, mixed with dancy tunes and blood pumping tracks. The Mantra's expanded their horizons and set big goals for 2011 with a heavy tour and festival schedule. The first Mantrabash will be held June 21st-23rd at High Country Motor Cycle Club in Ferguson, NC. Several "Mantrabash Showcases" are scheduled around the mid-atlantic to promote and help fund this great homegrown festival.
Pimps of Joytime - If you've yet to experience the Pimps of Joytime, get on it! This funk band from Brooklyn brings you soul like no other. My first experience with them was over the summer at Floyd Fest during their daytime set. The set was fun, funky, experimental and groovin'. It was something special. A few hours later, okay 4 am, I hear this wave of psychedelic, spacey alien funk... I check out my program and it's Pimps of Joytime. It blew my mind that they were so versatile and had such a range that I had NO idea it was them a few hours later. Their sound is never to be stated as one dimensional funk, they pull from salsa, rock, electronic, and afro-beat to keep their sounds ever changing. With hundred's of shows, venues, and sounds under their belt, these cat's are fully ready to take it to the next level.
A few bands I feel made an honorable mention, Dopapod, Rubblebucket, Silo Effect, The Werks, and Trampled By Turtles. They're all hard working, very talented musicians that will be bringin the noise and taking names in 2k12. Hear me out ladies and gentlemen, if you have the chance, go see each and every one of the bands on this list this year!
Who do you think will be taking the reign's in 2012? Anyone I Forgot? Please leave a comment, and if you're convincing enough, it may end up as an addition!
Look out for the February 2012 show listings and a Festival Feature mid-February!
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