Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers
“Here’s to life!” Fans around the world can be found singing the chorus of the Roger Clyne-penned fan favorite “Mekong” and toasting their glasses in unison to celebrate life through rock-n-roll. But the inspiration for the song dates back to the time Roger went to Taipei, Taiwan, as a college student to teach English during the day and busk with his guitar at night for money. Today, as Clyne prepares to release his 11th studio album, he continues to transform his life experiences, inspirations, observations and his own muses into timeless music. And whether he’s wearing his Converse high tops, boots or sandals, Clyne’s blend of punk rock, americana, indie-pop and mariachi influences have made him, drummer PH Naffah, guitarist Jim Dalton and bassist Nick Scropos – collectively known as Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers – one of America’s best live rock-n-roll bands. Starting with the seminal Tempe quartet, The Refreshments, Clyne and Naffah put the fun in rock & roll during the 90s grunge era with a sense of humor. They also started what would become a trademark sound on all future albums by adding mariachi horns, something Clyne was influenced by while in college studying Cultural Anthropology with an ethnography study of mariachis during a three month Spanish-immersion stay with a local family in Ensenada, Mexico. The Refreshments’ debut album, “Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy,” became a cult classic. Changes within their record label and internal band issues resulted in Clyne and Naffah going on a vision quest of sorts in the Whetstone Mountains near the Clyne Ranch in Southeastern Arizona. It was there that Clyne found inspiration in the rolling hills and the jukeboxes of small town taverns that still played Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash – music he had shed from his youth in favor of bands like Camper Van Beethoven & They Might Be Giants. But after reconnecting with those old country records, Clyne and Naffah wrote and recorded under a new moniker what would become Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers’ debut album, “Honky Tonk Union.” The album was the perfect combination of classic rock and twang, and fans immediately connected with it. Their independent release, “Honky Tonk Union,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Internet Album Sales chart in 1999 prompting a call from a Billboard exec to their Manager demanding, “Who the hell is Roger Clyne and why is he #1 on my chart?!” beating out much better known artists that week like Santana, Creed, Nine Inch Nails, Melissa Ethridge and 311. RCPM released eight more albums that landed in the top ten of Billboard’s Internet Album Sales chart, including a No.1 debut for their third album, “¡Americano!” – all without the backing of a major record label and while flying under the radar of commercial radio. Currently, they just finished their next album, “Hell to Breakfast.” The first single hit streaming on November 21st, 2025, the second single will drop Jan 9th, 2026 and the album launches March 6th, 2026. Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers have toured all over the US and achieved a faithful following through hard work and great music. They have done this all while being independent, without the safety net of a label or a label’s radio promotion department. Dubbed “The Springsteen of the Southwest,” by the Asbury Park Press the band delivers exciting live performances that garner declarations like the one from emcee Jay Peterman of the Seinfeld TV show at Alice Cooper’s annual Christmas Pudding event, “Young man, you light that stage a-flame!”
The Callous Daoboys
The recklessly free-spirited collective from Atlanta, Georgia, revels in high-strung extremity, music that’s somehow dense, impenetrable, and chaotic yet confusingly inviting.
Auslander – Rammstein Tribute
Chasing Supernovas
LIE
Leila’s Rose
Formed in 2021 at the University of South Dakota, Leila’s Rose is an indie/alternative rock band based out of Omaha, NE. The five-piece group features Easton Ritz (lead vocals), Adam Kays (lead guitar), Kadin Williams (rhythm guitar/backing vocals), Connor Drahota (bass), and Micah Hansen (drums/backing vocals). Known for their dynamic sound and infectious energy, the band has built a reputation for high-energy live shows that leave a lasting impression. The band has performed extensively across the upper Midwest, frequently playing across South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. They have built a loyal following with their electrifying stage presence, driving guitar riffs, and shining vocals. From college bars to small arenas, Leila’s Rose consistently delivers unforgettable performances that connect with audiences. In 2024, Leila’s Rose took a major step forward, recording their debut EP “Make It Easy” in Omaha. Released on January 16, 2025, the four-track project showcases their growth as a band. Blending indie rock, alternative pop, and folk elements, “Make It Easy” marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the band. GIVE EM’ A LISTEN HERE
Ashes to Amber
Emerging from Orange, CA, Ashes to Amber is a Post Wave/Indie Pop project that formed in 2018. Driven deeply by guitar melodies from the inspirations of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Eric Johnson, Kane Acosta fused a new tonality to the indie pop genre. He has released 3 full-length albums: Jade (2019), Do not Pick the Flowers (2021), and My Little Maniac (2023) as well as three EP’s and a myriad of singles
Mitch Gettman Band
Violenteer
VIAL
Minneapolis’ VIAL magically met each other through a Tinder post in 2019, brought together by a shared love of 90’s punk, indie, and grunge. Launching into their home scene with their debut Grow Up they quickly became local favorites with everyone from The Current to Music In Minnesota. Signing to LA’s Get Better Records in 2021, their follow up full length, Loudmouth, was an evolution of their indie-pop and alt-rock beginnings but began to hint at other leanings, especially in the tracks Ego Death and the fan-favorite Piss Punk. A little less reflection on the past and a little more anger at the future. Even though their third release, Burnout, retained the whimsy, the fiercer side of things kept creeping in. Tales of betrayal and teen drama were also being matched by a hardness reflective of our fractured society. With their 4th record, HELLHOUND, the gloves have come completely off. There’s a wee trace of the jovial in the LP’s title track/interlude but the rest of the record is one shredder after another – deceit, revenge, frustration and vitriol are nailed incessantly into the tracks from start to finish. Produced by Martin Cooke (Death Cab For Cutie, Of Monsters And Men, Destroy Boys), the LP is a powerhouse that draws from vintage punk, classic metal and all in between. Anyone who’s crossed them is a target and asking to get cut. First single CREEP SMOOTHIE pulls no punches in calling out disrespect from the worst kinds of men and would-be’s alike. IDLE HANDS channels the rage inward. Overall the record is a culmination of influences and experience and an explosive chapter in VIAL’s life. Behind everything they do is an underlying dedication to causes ranging from gender equality and abortion rights to supporting indigenous arts and refugee aid. The band constantly helps on a material level, funneling income directly to these groups. Many artists pay lip service to making the world a better place. VIAL put their money where their mouths are and their steel toes where the sun don’t shine.