The Orange Drop

          From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Orange Drop styles psychedelic acid-rock from the 60's with distinct overtones of 90's lo-fi garage rock.  Members Marc-Andre Basile (Vocals/Guitar), Anthony Bove (Drums), Matt Calhoun (Bass), Peter Stanko (Guitar), and Dave Johnson (Keys) come together to make their contribution to the growing umbrella genre of neo-psychedelia and have released their debut album (via their label Mega Dodo), Stoned In Love.  With all 9 tracks showing strong potential in the wider market with songs for a diverse audience, this group may just bring an underground type of music to the forefront of the rock community.

Kentucky Nightmare

          Coming from Bloomington, Indiana, Kentucky Nightmare fuses bluesy rhythm with more modern indie stylings to create a sound that is reflective of decades of musical evolution.  Having initially formed in 2004, the band currently consists of members Simon P. Moore (Guitar/Vocals), Chris Brubeck (Guitar/Organ), Casey Reuter (Bass), and Kyle Collins (drums), and have released four albums.  Most recently, In The House Facing South (April 2016) has perpetuated their musical journey.

Sex Toys

          It's not often that one comes across instrumental psychedelic pop infused with heavier progressive themes that can truly captivate an audience.  The brain child of Thomas Swing, Sex Toys does just that, showing to the world that abstract fusion genres that have fallen by the wayside are not dead, but rather teeming with life given by those with a desire to blend the past and the present.  The first and only piece of work put out by Sex Toys (every instrument is recorded by Swing, however the live band is comprised of members Ashley Viers, Jarrett Ross, and Thomas Swing), The Xhoenis exemplifies musicianship and the careful composition that is necessary to make each instrument serve a worthwhile purpose.

Frazer Spooner

          Hailing from Sheffield, England, Frazer Spooner trades in his metal background for a more indie-folk styled sound compounded by descriptive, storytelling lyrics.  Having played music from a young age, Spooner now strives to attain a working ability play a great multitude of instruments, so that he can record his own music independently.  Yes, that's right, he records every instrument and the vocals entirely by himself, thus granting his music an affinity for the complex layering that comes from long hours in the studio trying to figure out how a violin or mandolin can fit into mix.  Having released his first full-length project Only After Dark: A Short Story, I can't help but find myself excitedly waiting for the next.

Interview - Levingstone

          Music is one of my passions and one that I know will be shared by many of you.  I listen to all kinds of genres and especially to musical artists who are either not very mainstream, not widely known, or both.  Through my interviews, I hope you’ll join me on this musical odyssey of not only listening but learning about the music from the artists who love what they do, who are original, who are unique and who take you outside your own environments and give you a different global perspective.

          This week, I caught up with Sammi Su of Levingstone to discuss his music and his life as a musician.

Read the full interview below: