The Pass
Louisville’s representative in the electro-rock scene has been gaining momentum with each of their first two albums, but it’s this summer that we could see them reach their full potential. Each month for the first four months of 2014, The Pass released a new single complete with a B-side, which will culminate in a full album with a release date TBD. Highlights of the single series include “Be Easy” with deep harmony chorus, wavy synths, and an easy beat and “Only For You,” which emphasizes the ‘80s New Wave style drum machine.
Tour dates near you: May 25 Boomtown Ball in New Albany
June 13 Baxter’s in Louisville
July 12 Bunbury Music Festival in Cincinnati
July 31 The Best of Louisville at Play in Louisville
Nick Dittmeier
Dittmeier plays a good down-home rock’n’roll. Originally from Southern Indiana, Dittmeier looks and plays like the guy down the street who jams with his guitar on his porch, (but when you pass him, you realize he has all the chops). The EP he released last month called “Light of Day” contains two songs that hit the five-minute mark, leaving room for bluesy solos and booming choruses. Dittmeier plays smooth and it he plays it real well.
Tour dates near you: May 16 The Bard’s Town in Louisville
23 String Band
With the modern-day Bill Monroe formation, 23 String Band makes a modern twist on bluegrass and folk. A song from their debut album “Long Hot Summer Days” is their “Wagon Wheel,” but you should definitely check out the EP that they released in February called “Bangin’ and Clangin.’” It includes The Horn Dog Millionaires (a great horn section), which give the EP a New Orleans feel. You’ll get some easy listening and some amazing instrumentation with 23 String Band.
Tour dates near you: June 28 ROMP: Bluegrass, Roots and Branches Festival in Owensboro
July 19 Buckle Up Festival in Cincinnati
October 17 Steamboat Days Festival in Jeffersonville
Old Baby
Named the Rockers of the Year at the 2013 Louisville Music Awards, you know Old Baby has got the credentials. Add a Forecastle appearance this summer and what else do I need to say? Old Baby plays dirty rock ready to explode. Old Baby’s sound is a mixture of AC/DC, Louisville post-rock legends Slint, and old fashioned Southern rock. Still touring in support of their 2013 album “Love Hangover,” Old Baby will blow you away.
Tour dates near you: July 18 at Forecastle Festival in Louisville
Kyle James Hauser
Hauser’s second album “You A Thousand Times” that he released March 25, 2014 elevates his great folk/pop sound with the help of some great session musicians. His distinguishable voice and great songwriting make Hauser’s songs personal and unique. Hauser’s new album ranges from slow, folky ballads to thumping rock songs. While Hauser will be spending the summer in his second home in Colorado, you can still soak up his album, and he will be back for NuLu Fest in September.
Tour dates near you: September 27 at NuLu Fest in Louisville
Photo courtesy of The Pass Facebook page
