Artists on the Rise

Editor’s Note: Lara Etzen will be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Lara Etzen is a indie acoustic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Sacramento, CA, where she started her career in music, playing at various Fairs and Festivals, airing on local and Central Valley television channels, and writing for indie films. Her first single, “Luana”, was released in 2016. 

Etzen started writing and performing in her youth, as an outlet for her battles with chronic illness from a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, but her spark for music happened as a small child, singing melodies around the house with her sisters. The first instrument Etzen played was flute, which she continued with for a number of years. Later she branched out into other instruments, including piano, various percussion instruments including marimba and vibraphone, and stringed instruments including guitar, ukulele and banjo. 

Nearly 3 years ago, Etzen relocated to Southern California, still battling chronic illness. Etzen doesn’t let anything stop her, including the most difficult situations. On various occasions she’s played events after freshly being released from the hospital and even while still hooked to IVs. Music is what keeps her heart beating and it definitely shows. Her lyrics and melodies stream straight from the soul and are described as both haunting and beautiful, with a touch of folklore. 

Editor’s Note: Lara Etzen will be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: Travis Atwell will be performing at Sound The Groove NY’s 21+/ SOUND THE GROOVE | DROM NYC [NEW YORK, NY] on October, 24th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

 Coming from a long line of Appalachian folk musicians and born in the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee, Travis has had music in his bones from the beginning, adapting the stylings of his origins and blending them with elements of alternative, pop, and indie rock into something unmistakably original.

Travis’ passion for songwriting and self-expression eventually manifested in his first original album, Lines of Prematurity in 2015, and he has since written, recorded, and produced 5 original collections of songs.

His music is an outlet that captures the many layers of his erratic, all-over-the-place mind, with lyrics that dance wildly between the melancholy and the carefree. Currently based in New York, Travis is thrilled to share what he loves to help bring every kind of person together.Listen to Travis’ music at travisatwell.com.

Editor’s Note: Travis Atwell will be performing at Sound The Groove NY’s 21+/ SOUND THE GROOVE | DROM NYC [NEW YORK, NY] on October, 24th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: Samsara will be performing at 18+/ SUNDAY FUNDAY BASH | THE KNITTING FACTORY [BROOKLYN, NY] on October, 6th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Meet Samsara. 

Started out as a four member rock band covering both classic and current rock tunes, as well as the band’s originals.  When John, their bassist went to college furher north, Brendan was introduced as second bass to take John’s place until his return

Charlie, Ben, and John began playing music together through a local music school on Long Island when they were all under the age of 12.  Several years later, they met Dylan and connected immediately.  In recent months, Brendan came along and the connection was made. They draw influence from several styles, including grunge, blues, funk, and metal.  

Samsara brings a fresh attitude with high energy and a killer style.  They know how to show the crowd a good time.

Lead vocals:  Dylan Trif
Lead Guitar and background vocals:  Charlie LoMonaco, 
Lead Bass: John Devito
Drums and background vocals: Ben Bustamante
Second Bass and Secnd Guitar:  Brendan Sandhovel

Music video for Samsara:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueQ9DlN5qbI

Contact infortmation for the band:

Email:  info@samsarathebandnyc.com
Facebook.com/Samsarathebandnyc
instagram:  @samsara.band
youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxfUp8_K0YfCpB0UHE5QXgw

Editor’s Note: Samsara will be performing at 18+/ SUNDAY FUNDAY BASH | THE KNITTING FACTORY [BROOKLYN, NY] on October, 6th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: Anointed Blue will be performing at 18+/ SUNDAY FUNDAY BASH | THE KNITTING FACTORY [BROOKLYN, NY] on October, 6th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Anointed Blue is an exciting up and coming Gospel/Rock band.  They have found a way to fuse music genres all across the board creating beautiful sounds and rhythm that everyone can enjoy.

The band consists of five members with multiple unique talents, based in the Big Apple, New York City.  Music is a vehicle and a powerful tool.  Music can uplift the soul and heal the sick.  It can stop someone from committing suicide and enlighten people while giving them hope and joy.

Music breaks all barriers and touches the heart strings of all who listen.  Every language, every culture, every precious soul here on earth needs the power of music and the love felt through music to set them free.  That’s what Anointed Blue aims to do through their electric sound.  Stay tuned to this up and coming new band…Anointed Blue, you will be truly inspired and uplifted.

Editor’s Note: Anointed Blue will be performing at 18+/ SUNDAY FUNDAY BASH | THE KNITTING FACTORY [BROOKLYN, NY] on October, 6th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: Jeff Carlson Band will be performing at 21+/ GLOW PARTY | HOUSE OF BLUES LAS VEGAS [LAS VEGAS, NV] on October, 5th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Jeff Carlson Band formed: 2018

Jeff Carlson: Lead Vocals/Rythm Guitar
Robbie Wolfe: Lead Guitar/Harmony Vocals
Cory Kay: Bass Guitar/Background Vocals
Mike Mitlying: Drums/Background Vocals

Formed in June of 2018, when Jeff signed a solo deal with Potomac records and the Orchard distribution.Based out of Las Vegas, Nevada the group since May of 2019 have played such world class A-list clubs as the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, Count’s Vamp’d and Mandalay Bay’s House Of Blues with Phil X from Bon-Jovi, Faster Pussycat, Bang Tango, Tora Tora, and Jack Russell’s Great White, all for their summer dates of this year.  They have signed with Al Gomes of Big Noise Now, who have workedwith Christina Aguilera, Alice Cooper, and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. They have released three singlesunder Potomac records with the first being “Never Be Another You”, “So Long”, and “Screamin’ Inside”, aswell as their new E.P. “Second Chance” along with getting numerous write ups on Google news, KNAC,Sleaze Roxx, ect. They are currently writing for a fall schedule to be recording their follow up to “SecondChance.” 

Website:  Jeffcarlsonband

Editor’s Note: Jeff Carlson Band will be performing at 21+/ GLOW PARTY | HOUSE OF BLUES LAS VEGAS [LAS VEGAS, NV] on October, 5th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: ROZEN will be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

ROZEN is an R&B/ Soul artist based in Los Angeles, CA.  Born Rozen Christine Lalas in the islands of the Philippines, this soulful songbird had quite the international upbringing living in countries such as Nigeria, India, Thailand, and England all before she was 15-years old.  After graduating from Western Michigan University, ROZEN quickly moved to Lala-land to pursue her dreams and was a part of 6 different girl groups before finally deciding to take a leap of faith. 

After leaving her final girl group in 2016, ROZEN found her voice.  Lalas released her debut 2-part EP entitled “Pages”.  A 6-song medley inspired by the pages of her journal describing her dark past as a victim of domestic violence. Now, ROZEN travels all over the U.S. performing her original music and sharing her story to raise awareness against DV through the non-profit organization known as ‘Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence’.  

ROZEN has had the honor of working with Michael Jefferson (Grammy Award singer/songwriter), Andrew Chavez (engineer “Bionic” album by Christina Aguilera), and Davion Farris (songwriter: Tyrese, Mary J Blige).  ROZEN’s sound has be compared to her musical influences like Aaliyah, Ella Mai, Ashanti, Jhene Aiko, and Sade.  Her music has also been featured on Emmy nominated show, “Tough Love”, and is readily available on all digital music platforms.  This talented songstress will be releasing new music in the fall and is currently preparing a U.S. tour for 2020.

Editor’s Note: ROZEN will be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: BeastSquad will be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

“Grind, grind, we grind all the time
Catch me flexin’, wastin’ checks
And spittin’ all these rhymes 
Grind, grind, haters make me shine
Pulled up to the back just to roll up a fat 
Makin’ moves cause I got it like that”
– Cy. Lights

“ Los Angeles, California based collective BeastSquad is a group of artists and musicians made up of 6 members. BeastSquad (one word) originally came together in 2016 with original members Antonio J, Wil-C, iCoast and MadManMon. What began as homies messing around and rapping/singing over mediocre beats in a backyard shed soon became a passion and lifestyle. In 2018 Cy. Lights made her debut as the first female member of BeastSquad, bringing along a fresh new style and perspective to the table. Later that year, fellow artist and performer Scrap Dawg joined the ranks of BeastSquad as a featured and solo artist, finally connecting the pieces and helping to bring this all together. The sounds created through the minds of these talented individuals can be vaguely described as Electronic Hip-Hop/Experimental Rap; the squad was born from the common desire to create music that touches on all different types of genres. BeastSquad is currently working on solo projects for each individual artist, stating with the release of Scrap Dawg’s EP “Perceptions” (Out Now!) early this month, then followed by Cy.Lights’ EP “For the Shine” (coming soon) and so forth. BeastSquad is dedicated to delivering musical hooks, rich melodies and an array of emotional color through our music and performances. BeastSquad is a state of mind, a behavior, a movement.”

Editor’s Note: BeastSquadwill be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: In Theaters Friday will be performing at 21+/ SOUND THE GROOVE | 172 AT THE RIO [LAS VEGAS, NV] on September 13th, 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

“In Theaters Friday combines off-kilter, melodic guitar, and straightforward indie rock/pop/punk sensibilities to produce catchy songs. Although the music is both eccentric and tuneful, In Theaters Friday is still new and fresh to the Las Vegas scene gaining a strong following of allegiant fans with each show they put on.

Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Arnold Silva, bassist/background vocalist Joe Masters, and drummer Nate Morgan. Once formed, In Theaters Friday garnered attention in Sin City without having recorded a single album, their success attributed partly to a key live shows and playing for well establish music venues”

Editor’s Note: In Theaters Friday will be performing at 21+/ SOUND THE GROOVE | 172 AT THE RIO [LAS VEGAS, NV] on September 13th, 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Photo by Kaycee Felton-Lui

Editor’s Note: HOI POLLOI will be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

HOI POLLOI is not your typical local Southern California reggae/ska band! It blends the natural sweet vibe of reggae and ska, and subtly interweaves across rock; and tops it off with a heavy load of rhythmic groove, melodic guitar riffs and powerfully strong vocals that carry memorable lyrical melody hooks. HPSC takes these musical elements and elevates the groove, and drives it home hard with intensive, passionate, vibrant, and energetic live stage performances.

Vince Lui, founder of the OC band, put this together in Aug 2018, and performed its first music venue show in Feb 2019. He directs HPSC with his strong musical influences, and vision. Also, his hands on approach in every aspect from; songwriting, front man vocals, and entrepreneur as business owner of Talo Tunes Entertainment, Inc. the booking & management agency for HPSC has moved the band forward rapidly in under a year.

He leads this well-oiled rock groove machine of musicians in multi-genres of; rock, ska, & reggae rhythms, but the music direction also bends outside the edges of these musically labeled boxes. Vince says, “People who love reggae say, I thought you were a reggae band? But I really like your sound.” Vince says, “You can hear similar musical overtone styles of previous SoCal bands such as; Sublime, No Doubt, & 311, but instead of a punk rock edge, its rock, which is not heard of in today’s standard Cali-reggae”.

Editor’s Note: HOI POLLOI will be performing in Sound The Groove Anaheim’s 21+/ MASQUERADE BASH | HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM [ANAHEIM, CA] on September, 28th 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Editor’s Note: Gnashing will be performing at 21+/ SOUND THE GROOVE | 172 AT THE RIO [LAS VEGAS, NV] on September 13th, 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.

Steadily climbing the music chain to the top, Gnashing has taken over the 9th/Desert Island of Las Vegas with their unique sound and high energy presence. The sound and brand known as “Electrix Rootx”, has transcended and drawn audiences from all musical backgrounds from Pop to Punk. This new sound has incubated Gnashers world wide. The music is infectious. The vibration is incontestable. What makes Gnashing very special is their analeptic  properties. A fan stated “This music is what the world needs today”. Gnashing has poured itself upon the blue planet mashing up di place with a hard hitting heavy sonance. Gnashing, has arrived!

Editor’s Note: Gnashing will be performing at 21+/ SOUND THE GROOVE | 172 AT THE RIO [LAS VEGAS, NV] on September 13th, 2019! Be sure to check them out, along with other amazing artists from the area! If you’d like to perform with Groove, contact us here.