Isle of Rhodes was founded in the spring of 2011 by front man and keyboardist Rob Farren. Farren, who had previously played keys with Aphonic (of Detroit), and synth bass with Kiss or Kill decided that he would like to strip his rig down to one keyboard: a Rhodes. An eclectic choice for an instrument, the Rhodes is a vintage keyboard with similar circuitry to an electric guitar. The Rhodes was made famous by the work of soul and funk artists, such as Stevie Wonder, and Bernie Worrell. Farren, influenced by that sound, focused on creating a contemporary rock version of Rhodes playing. Using all analog gear, including tape delay, distortion, wah, and phaser pedals, Farren has sculpted a sound evocative of a three-piece guitar band. Featuring Alexander Markowitz on drums, this two-piece band, has garnered attention for its flowing melodies and huge sound, drawing comparisons to bands such as The Shins, The Magnetic Fields, and Radiohead.

Isle of Rhodes’ first studio length album “All Rivers and Oceans” was recorded with Grammy winning producer Jason Corsaro (Steve Winwood, Duran Duran, Motorhead, Madonna) and co-producer David Lloyd of Social Hero. Machine Dream Records will release the album in April of 2012. “All Rivers and Oceans” is not a just a collection of songs but a true body of work. Farren set out to use the recording studio as an instrument in its own right.  According to Farren the band “didn’t want to limit [itself] to just replicate the live show, but to fully produce a piece of art.” To that end, in addition to his Rhodes, Farren used Piano, and Hammond B3 organ. Farren also brought in strings, and auxiliary percussionist Gerardo Velez (Jimi Hendrix). Farren’s extraordinary vocal performances are found throughout the record, punctuating each song with his versatile approach. Some songs remind the listener of Freddie Mercury, while others of John Lennon, and David Bowie. The creative arrangement of the backups vocals, performed by Ian Lloyd (Stories, Foreigner), David Lloyd, and Farren himself, serve only to enhance these amazing performances. This combined with Farren’s moving, and smart lyrics take the listener on a journey through the human soul. The unique combination of all these amazing elements creates an incredible album in “All Rivers and Oceans.”

http://isleofrhodes.com/

The Rose Cult was formed in late 2010 in Detroit, MI, as an avenue for the songs being written by founder C.N. Pratt. His first release, The Fourth Wall, would serve as a template for the direction of the band. The group quickly evolved from the psych-folk sounds of Pratt's first solo record and towards a larger, louder sound as a rock-based power trio, and now as a psychedelic four piece featuring Andrew Maslowsky (formerly of Petal Shop) on lead guitar, young gun Miles Hubbell (of the Vonneguts) on keyboard and organ, and newcomer JD Whiting on percussion. With this potent combination of drive, musicianship, and versatility, there is no doubt The Rose Cult will be bringing neo-psychedelia to Detroit in high style.

http://christopherpratt.bandcamp.com/

DandyLyon Whine is the group fronted by songwriter Jeremy Otto. After putting out the debut album 'The Day After Labor Day,' in Fall of 2009 Otto realized it was time to put a band together. Two years later they are on the cusp of their first tour and release of the second full length album, 'Ceolacanth.'

http://www.reverbnation.com/dandylyonwhine

Mark Fain formed Gun Lake late in 2009 after a summer of writing. He is from a small Northern Michigan town, but now calls Ann Arbor his home. The band is Mark on guitar and vocals, Ryan O'Reilly on guitar, Macklin Underdown on bass, and Peter Felsman on drums. In March 2011, the band released their debut album, 'Balfour' and have since played CMJ shows in NYC and recorded a Daytrotter session.

http://gunlake.bandcamp.com/