Rock Paper Dynamite began in 2007 when brothers Andrew (guitar) and Joseph Janousek (vocals) teamed up with friends Scott Zrust (drums) and Trey Abel (bass) to write some music and play a few gigs to get some performance experience under their belts. Countless shows and 4 EPs later, the band traveled to Charleston, SC to spend the summer creating the musical magic that is RPD. The high-energy band is pretty well-known in the Omaha music scene, receiving nominations for local music awards, but the latest EP is sure to propel them to the next level. See for yourself– buy RPD here.

Want to know more about the band? Find them on Facebook and Reverbnation.

Check it–Rock Paper Dynamite – Love Thing

Thomas Kenney  and Adam Coyne on rhythm and guitar, Lindsey Sydow on percussion, and Brad Poplin on upright bass gives the band a unique feel. It’s fun to see the members rely on each other for every progression and how the flow of each song takes every member’s full attention in order to be seamless. They have an intensity in their music that is not only heard, but if you give them your full attention, you can feel it too. Some of the songs were covers, but it was their originals that had me on the edge of my seat, swaying to the music.

The Peaks just came together in late 2012, but already have a few gigs under their belt. They are hoping (obviously) to play more as the weather gets warmer and their name gets out more so be on the lookout for The Peaks around Charleston. Until then, you can find them on Facebook and Bandcamp.

Listen up:

They say that an ending is really the start of a new beginning, and Brave Baby proves this to be true. Who would have known that one band’s ending in 2008 would eventually lead Keon Masters (vocals), Ryan Patrick Zimmerman (producer), and Christian Chidester (guitar) to reunite in 2010 in Charleston, SC, and begin forming what would become Brave Baby. After some additions and deletions to the lineup, Jordan Hicks (bass) and Stephen Walker (keyboard) became permanent additions.

After spending many, many hours in the storage unit/ recording studio of producer Zimmerman (who also happens to be one of the biggest indie-rock producers in the Southeast), the band is finally ready to release their premiere album Forty Bells under independent label Hearts and Plugs.

I’ve listened to “Living in a Country” on repeat for the past hour, and am, without a doubt, looking forward to the release of Forty Bells. You can find Brave Baby on Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp, Fingertips Music, AND at the Charleston Pour House January 17, 2013 for their album release! Don’t miss out–these guys are sure to be fun.

This is not music to bring home to mom, but definitely to whip out at a party. Her songs have hit the club rotation all over the globe, and her classically-trained vocals mixed with some rap and house music gets everyone dancing in seconds. Azealia is currently in London working with Florence + The Machine producer, Paul Epworth, on her first full-length album. Get your party pants on.

Her lyrics raise a few eyebrows, but funny and oh-so-fearless Azealia rocks the “long hair, don’t care ” vibe of Rihanna and  the rap style and sound of a young Missy Elliot. Could we have a new Queen of Hip  Hop on the rise? Maybe. Make your own judgement– check out Azealia Banks on Spotify, Facebook, iTunes, and her website.

As up-and-comers, these folk-singing sisters got started with quite a bang: their EP, In Tandem, (released in September of this year) reached No. 6 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart within just a few days, and their EP release party sold out completely. Kudos, ladies. It’s no surprise though–their lyrics are rich, their harmonies are complex, their presence is intriguing. These talented young women radiate light and passion for what they do–it captivates the audience from the start. Almost as interesting as the music itself is the way the sisters of Ten Bartram rely on each other to create their music. In Tandem was so named for that very reason–every line, lyric, melody, and harmony is infused with the personality and creativity of each sister. Originally that meant Rebekah would write lyrics and Eleanor would put them to music, but now the creation results in a collaboration of lyrics and notes from both.

I haven’t even mentioned the best part yet: there is a ukuleles involved..and a mandolin..and a guitar. In the EP, Eleanor plays the guitar and sings, Rebekah play the mandolin and ukulele and sings, and special guests Matt Nelson (upright bass), Peter Hagemeyer (cello), Amy Stafford (violin), and Paul Canestrari (percussion) strengthen the sound of the final product.

Ten Bartram continues to perform and create beautiful folk music so be on the lookout out for more EPs, maybe a CD, and if you’re in Chattanooga, TN anytime soon, check out the local venues for a performance by the sisters. They are also on Facebook, Amazon, and iTunes. If you’re into Ten Bartram, then also check out First Aid Kit. There’s something magical about sister duets.

Here’s a post-Christmas, Christmas song a la Ten Bartram for those of you who aren’t ready to move on quite yet…

Adam’s voice ranges from raspy to breathy to smooth and clear; Sarrenna’s harmonies are lovely. They keep the sound interesting, yet accessible…and big..and..okay, listen here:

And, uhm, here’s a weird video for you:

Weird video, fantastic music. So check out POLIÇA stat. The band is currently on tour around the world, but you can hear their music on Spotify and their website…oh, and of course they have a Facebook. Happy listening.

COOL. South Street knows how to get down. Their music resonates with music-lovers of all ages, but it truly hits home with the college-aged demographic. People are drawn to South Street’s catchy lyrics and high-energy beats–the band as a whole is definitely magnetic. Dexter Jenks’s way with the microphone and dance skills keep the dancing at it’s finest as Brian Hutchinson and JR Spencer kill it on the guitar. But that’s not all. Whether you like it or not, no kind of party-starting jam session is possible without the bass brought to you by John Barry or the drums a la Sam Roberts. After seeing South Street a few times, I’ve gathered that even though Sam’s keeps it cool, calm, and collected, his..ahem, nasty… drum skills are on another level. I can dig it.

This rock, reggae, funk, and self-dubbed ‘jamalicious’ band doesn’t play games…well, they do sometimes–they like to have fun everyday–but their music is no joke. The band works hard to continue to progress in the music industry as well as within the music itself, and it’s evident in their music and performances. The best part about it all is that they are only just getting started.

So love the video, love the song, love the band, and check them out on Facebook, Reverbnation, and YouTube. Be on the lookout for them around Charleston and share them with your friends as a little early Christmas present.

The Jacob Jeffries Band is a 3 piece pop/rock group from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As a child, Jacob loved to play music and began writing his own songs at the age of 10, but it wasn’t until much later that he recruited a guitarist (Jimmy Powers) and drummer (Eric Jackowitz) to complete the band. Ever since the band started in 2006, they have worked incredibly hard writing, practicing, touring, and promoting their music so that music-lovers all over have the opportunity to fall in love with the Jacob Jeffries sound. South by Southwest, Sundance Film Festival, and Red Gorilla Festival are just a few of the places the band has stopped at to perform while on tour. Although the Jacob Jeffries Band performs at huge festivals, they remain down-to-earth by also performing free shows on the way to their next stop on tour. For this band, it’s all about sharing their love of music with the world.

The pop/ rock style band has a Maroon 5 vibe, a Gavin Degraw-esque voice, and the musical style of the Beatles. Jacob’s fresh, young sound and piano skills caught the attention of Sebastian Krys and Dan Warner and he has recorded with them ever since. His enthusiasm also scored him a sponsorship from Baldwin Pianos, title of Best New Artist in the Florida Grammy Showcase, and a spot as opener for artists such as Dashboard Confessional, Sugar Ray, Eric Hutchinson, and Sister Hazel. Jacob isn’t the only band member with multiple accolades up his sleeve–drummer Eric Jackowitz has played alongside jazz extraordinaires such as Dr. Fred Tillin and Geri Allen, funk aficionados George Clinton and Bernie Worrell, and the legendary Eagles. The guitarist Jimmy is a black belt in — need I say more?

The Jacob Jeffries Band debuted their first album, Life As An Extra, in spring 2008, and quickly recorded their sophomore album, Wonderful, which they released in the fall of the same year. Their third album, Waiting for the Piano Movers, was released in 2009 and their latest album, Tell Me Secrets, debuted earlier this year. Currently the band is on tour promoting their music thoroughly steeped in thought-provoking lyrics, dance-inspiring beats, and heartfelt creativity. So if you happen to be at a show and Jacob is walking around collecting emails and chatting with the audience be sure to sign the email-list, this is a band you don’t want to miss out on! Check them out on Facebook, YouTube, their website, and be on the lookout for them on Eclectic Evenings Season 3 airing in early 2013.

Here’s a little somethin’, somethin’ for you, enjoy:

Darius has worked with famous songwriters, artists, and producers, yet remains a relatable, down-to-earth role model for everyone he meets as well as aspiring artists all over the country. He continues to build his fan base as a country singer while keeping some of the essence of Hootie & The Blowfish so loved by millions across the globe. The familiar voice of Hootie mixed with the accessible simplicity of country resonates with young and old, sending Darius touring all over the country. His concerts sell out, his records fly off the shelves, and the amount of buzz generated on social media sites by the mention of him on the CofC campus reiterates the fact that although Hootie & The Blowfish continue to work on projects together during their hiatus, his image as a country artist superstar is here to stay.

Check out his latest single ‘True Believer’ and find him on Myspace, Facebook, Youtube, his website and almost any music collective website. If you’re a fan of Hootie & The Blowfish, it’ll be hard for you to not fall in love with the sound of Darius Rucker.

Yellowknife is everything but the kitchen sink: a little hip hop, some rock n roll, throw in a dash of acid jazz, an indie beat, and there you have it, Yellowknife. Every band who courageously decides to cross the genre borders on  a whim of musical creativity must have some incredibly talented band members, right? Well yes, if it works. And works it does, Yellowknife wouldn’t be where it is today without the strength of its members: Stephen Jenkins (vocals, keys, guitar), Stratton Moore (drums, rap machine, vocals), and ‘Rasta’ Rick Stonecypher (percussion, tambourine, vocals). The strength of this band does not lie in musical talent alone– their lyrics and live-presence mirror the caliber of artistry apparent in their music. Oh yeah, and they’re funny. Charleston City Paper compared them to “a cross between a funkier Black Keys and the Flight of the Concords.”

Can you hear it? Black Keys? Flight of the Concords? I can. While they have a solid 12-song album (released earlier this year), Yellowknife knows whats-up when it comes to improv, in fact, that’s how they roll whenever ‘Dance Like You’re Stupid’ hits their set list. They keep the audience (and each other) on their toes by blending new notes, chords, progressions, and rhythms into their live songs–for them, it’s all about musical interaction. So check out their recent self-titled album Yellowknife and be on the lookout for their sophomore album which is currently in the works. If you missed Eclectic Evenings last Tuesday, and you’re really feeling the loss of a night of great music–no worries, as always the bands are recorded and aired on C2 on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and 11:00 pm. Look for Yellowknife to be featured in Season 3 of Eclectic Evenings coming soon to a television near you.

Here’s a little somethin’ somethin’ from their latest Charleston Pour House performance. Enjoy.

They just do it right. The deep and dark sound of the bass mixed with the passionately haunting vocals are stellar musical complements. The drums and bass pound. The piano adds those little haunting notes. Her voice, well, it wails. It wails and we love it.

So what do you think? Were the chills we got just from the cold or is it her voice? Judging by the current chills on my arms from listening to this EP, I’d say it’s not just the cold. If you missed them this week, head on out to The Mill in North Charleston on December 6, for their next show. Until then, listen up on bandcamp.