Classically trained, Clockwise cites influences as diverse as Charlie Chaplin and the prime-time news media, and is renowned for the massive range of musical styles which surface in his song writing and performing. In addition to writing all of his own music, Clockwise plays every instrument on his recorded tracks.
His reputation for daring on-stage showmanship has garnered Clockwise a fervent live following; his unpredictable and electrifying live shows have sold out venues across Australia, London, New York - and more recently some of LA’s most iconic venues:

The up-and-coming rock outfit Marvelous Toy exude an energy that sounds at home amongst flannel shirts, chlorophyll depleted leaves, and comfortable jeans. Perhaps this band appeals to the senses so well because of the wholesome, comforting sound that is deeply entrenched in an earthy Americana meets independent rock crossbreed. While the weather is changing, the leaves are falling, and even your seasonal wardrobe is shifting - Marvelous Toy has already shed its Summer exoskeleton to make your transition (sound) better. This L.A. quartet is (mainly) the brainchild of Jordan Hudock's powerful voice and strong lyrics, their new EP All Is Quiet is so new that it still has that intoxicating "new smell" on its cover but offers so much I had a difficult time selecting which of the six songs to showcase. However, while the packaging is new the songs have a vibe and polished production that would make you think otherwise. Check out the catchy tunes "The City Is A Washing Machine" and "Waiting For The Fire" which may remind many of a blend of Okkervil River, Bright Eyes, and The Walkmen. A strong sound and very solid EP - one that you can play through and/or on repeat without hesitation.

First of all, Le Switch are not French (if they were, they’d probably be L’Interrupteur or Le Bouton). They definitely haven’t worked with M.I.A, and they’re not that new British buzz band. They’re a Los Angeles based rock ‘n’ roll band fronted by singer/guitarist Aaron Kyle. Le Switch got their start in 2006 when Kyle recruited drummer Joe Napolitano, trumpet/viola player Maria DeLuca, bass player Christopher Harrison and keyboard player Josh Charney.

The band’s self-released debut EP, Hello Today, came out in early 2007. Soon, Eastside Angelinos couldn’t escape them. They played shows pretty much every week at the Echo, Spaceland, Little Radio, Silverlake Lounge, El Cid, El Rey, The Scene and the Viper Room. Those gigs led to live appearances on KXLU and Sirius Satellite Radio as well as airplay on Indie 103.1 FM. Local bloggers like Aquarium Drunkard, LAist, You Set the Scene, Radio Free Silver Lake, Amateur Chemist, Rock Insider and Passion of the Weiss praised their EP and their passionate live performances. They all lauded the band, but couldn’t decide if Kyle’s voice was more “raspy” or “whiskey-soaked?” One even worried that Kyle might someday sing so hard that his uvula would explode.

The band’s debut LP, And Now... Le Switch, comes out this summer on Autumn Tone Records (Aquarium Drunkard’s label). It was recorded and produced by drummer Joe Napolitano and mixed by Joe Napolitano and head Radar Brother, Jim Putnam. It’s a record that might bring to mind early-1970’s records like Ram, Nilsson Schmilsson, Muswell Hillbillies and Leon Russell’s Carney mixed with a touch of Dr. Dog. The songs showcase the musicianship of the members with tasteful arrangements and Kyle singing like his life depends on it. At times the lyrics get all sensitive and broken hearted, but Kyle’s not the type to curl up on his bed and cry himself to sleep; he’s going down to the bar to drown his sorrows in bourbon and beer.

Following their recent appearance at the Hot Freaks! blogger curated party at SXSW, Le Switch have the coveted Monday night residency this May at the Echo. Supported by a slew of great bands, Angelinos won’t want to miss it. They’ll also be making a number of West Coast appearances in May in support of the Radar Bros. Le Switch will put a big ol’ smile on your face, but you might find yourself asking: “Is that drummer barefoot?”

Matt Ellis is an Australian singer/songwriter with an acoustic folk/rock sound. Born in Sydney and raised in Hong Kong, he has been based in Los Angeles since August 2005.

From the Sydney Opera House to New York’s CBGB’s (RIP), this brilliant Aussie independent has been performing internationally since the launch of his critically acclaimed solo debut “Peel”, back in 2000. Ellis has recently launched “TELL THE PEOPLE”, his third full length album.

The 11 tracks on “TELL THE PEOPLE” attracted a brilliant line-up to the recording sessions which included Nels Cline (Wilco) and Tim Young (David Sylvian, The Youngs) on guitars, Greg Leisz (KD Lang, Beck, Joni Mitchell) on lap steel, pedal steel and mandolin, Tim Luntzel (Bright Eyes, Norah Jones, Emmylou Harris) on bass, Dave Palmer (Fiona Apple, AIR) on piano and rhodes and Branden Harper on drums.

2008 was a massive year for this indie singer/songwriter with countless US shows
including SXSW, an Australian Tour, international airplay, TV placements and rave reviews. The momentum has continued into 2009 with a new album, "Births, Deaths & Marriages" set for release later this year.