IKE inhabits a world where bands like the Pretenders, Cheap Trick, and the Attractions used to live. No stylistic boundaries and proof that great songs can still come from a LOUD rock band.
Besides those mentioned above,
the Beatles,
Nirvana,
REM,
Replacements,
Police,
Bjork,
The Jam,
Jane's Addiction,
Juliana Hatfield,
THE CLASH
Toad The Wet Sprocket,
Marvelous 3,
Jimmy Eat World,
Fountains of Wayne,
Better Than Ezra,
Matthew Sweet,
Jellyfish,
Goo Goo Dolls.
IKE IS NOW WORKING WITH IMPACT ENTERTAINMENT FOR COLLEGE BOOKING. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BOOKING IKE (electric or un-plugged) OR JOHN FAYE SOLO AT YOUR COLLEGE PLEASE CONTACT
NICK DiROMA AT IMPACT ENTERTAINMENT BY CLICKING OVER TO THEIR PROFILE IN OUR TOP FRIENDS LIST!!
..
It took the near-disintegration of their
band and personal relationships for John Faye and Joann Schmidt,
the last ones standing in IKE, to make the most compelling record of their
career. Where To Begin their new 14-song album, puts a magnifying
glass to the ups and downs of staying together and starting over...
The Philadelphia rock quartet had
enjoyed a satisfying "slow burn" on their way to the upper echelons
of the city's rock scene. Led by powerhouse lead vocalist and songwriter John
Faye, the band has wowed audiences since the release of their debut CD Parallel
Universe in 2003. Having shared stages with the likes of Bon Jovi,
REM, Cracker, Butch Walker, Train, Better Than Ezra, Matthew Sweet, and The
Hooters, IKE is accomplishing more as an indie band than many major label
acts that get lost in the shuffle. Fueled by high-voltage live shows, unheard
of radio play for an unsigned band, and a loyal fanbase which extends far beyond
their hometown, IKE has taken its DIY ethic to every imaginable setting, from
arena-size concert venues down to their intimate "Living Room Shows."
The single "Into Philadelphia," from the band's 2006 album
In Real Life has morphed into a hometown anthem, garnering regular
rotation airplay on the city's legendary rock station WMMR, and getting
high profile stadium/arena spins at home games for the Phillies, Eagles, and
Flyers. The band received accolades like Philadelphia Magazine's "Best
of Style" Award. But by the end of 2006, IKE parted ways with original
members Cliff Hillis and Dave Anthony.
Starting 2007 with a new line-up
featuring original member Schmidt on bass, and honorary bandmates Brett Talley
(Outset) on guitar and Tom Kristich (Jellybricks) on drums, Faye
was once again ready to take IKE to new heights, winning "Best Live Band"
in Out & About Magazine's Reader's Poll and recording the 14 songs on Where
To Begin. Released in the waking hours of 2008, "WTB" shows
Faye and company at their best, combining soaring vocals, big hooks, and lyrics
that are at once confrontational and confessional. With the hard-hitting single
"We Like Sugar" in regular rotation on WMMR and on the station's
"Jaxon's Local Shots Vol. 4" complilation, IKE is building
on the radio success of "Into Philadelphia" and their reputation as
one of Philadelphia's most enduring bands. Ever
youthful, ever optimistic, IKE shows no sign of giving up, slowing down, or
losing validity, with an album that acknowledges how hard it can be to keep
going and rebuild what's broken, while looking forward to the limitless possibility
of things to come.
I voted, and you have Beer Music's support 110%! ...I'm a huge Coldplay fan, so add that to IKE's kickass music, I'll be sure to get a ticket for that puppy :)
If you have banner ads, songs or whatever, that you need people to hear/would help get you some support... send it over my way.
I loved the blog. Ironically, without knowing the details of this trip, I asked Brett if you guys had eaten at a WH while in Atlanta. See my comment on his page to read the conversation that occured when I tried to explain WH to a co-worker.
I think Meehan's is right near where my parents live (and, coincidentally, where I am right now. )
I'm great John, thank you. I had a rad time when I saw you guys play at Joclyns a bit back..great energy and crazy good music. :) Looking forward to the WCL show..
So sorry I missed your Atlanta gig- I was stuck in the Philly airport for hours. talk about a screwed up sunday! some of my friends were there to represent and update me. Dont be a stranger!
Whew! Are we back on the planet Pennsylvania? 'Twas a hard-fought rock battle down south, turning musical water into wine, making love out of virtually nothing at all, turning the incredible into the edible . . . moon, june . . . all that. Truly one of the most memorable weekends of our year, and maybe even our career! Thank you guys for being our LUVVAS in musical CRIME. Atlanta was kickass, y'all.
Hey how are you? Hope all is well ! My new song "Drama Lady" is up and running...take a listen and drop some feedback on my page! Take care and keep on keeping on!!!
Hey John - I'm so sorry I'm not in town this weekend. I had to get away and get out of town - I really hate I couldn't be there. I really love the new stuff. Maybe...if I beg enough you can come back down to ATL later this year. Please, please, please?
It's been quite a while now, but I remember you guys when you were John Faye Power Trip. You did a couple benefit shows for me back in Philly. Long time ago..
Love your new cd! "We Like Sugar"...fuckin' A ;-) Can't wait to see you at Iota in Virginia! Have to get caught up as much as I can on your other cds (and the Caulfield cds) by then :-)
