The Blewjays

Here's another solid group popping up in Memphis. The Blewjays is a garage / rockabilly duo from Memphis TN that is composed of Willaim Stull and Rickie Kyle. If you're a Memphis native you might have caught William Stull performing his solo material or his side project: William Stull and The Bad Men (which is composed of the drummer and front man of The Dirty Streets). I'm not a huge rockabilly guy, so pinning them on influences is hard. However, if you're a fan of Link Wray or Flt Duo Jets, then you'll gladly approve of the Blewjays. They're legit.


Myspace(William Stull)
William Stull & The Bad Men
Facebook (The Blewjays)

The Muddy Reds

It's been awhile since i've heard a good soulful rock'n'roll album I could honestly listen to from start to finish. That all ended when I found out about The Muddy Reds. Their latest release, Mannequin, is a nine track album that will have yourself asking why they're not signed-- at least that was my initial thought. This album has hints of Ryan Bingham's country style rock'n'roll peppered with a Kings Of Leon up-beat soulful feel. Give the album a good listen, because if the the swinging guitars and soulful vocals don't make your head nod you might want to check your pulse. Check their myspace, facebook, or bandcamp for updates. I believe they are touring around west at the moment.

Download/Purchase
Mysapce
Facebook

Knowledge Nick

Yet another young hip-hop artists who is emerging in the Memphis music scene. These dudes are coming out of nowhere! First Total Savage, then Cities Aviv, and now Knowledge Nick. In a city so thirsty for genuine hip hop, we are actually seeing some pretty good talent emerge! I don't need to write a paragraph on why I think knowledge is good, although I will say if you're a fan of Mission, Giant Panda, Zion I, Cunninglinguists, or any well written chill hip-hop, download his EP. Hope the dude keeps it up, we (Memphis) need to hear more. Also, the second link I provided is a track from "Royal T's LP- 4 All Seasons & Knowledge Nicks Second LP- Transcribed Sentiment. LP is set to release early spring 2011." If DJ Hush is writing these beats, don't stop. This shit is real.

The Enlightenment EP
Another Song
Myspace
Youtube

Artimus Pyledriver

This is real southern rock, none of that pussy footin' Scott Stapp vocal shit. Artimus Pyledrive sounds like Bon Scott vocals placed on top of a volcano of explosive southern riffs. In all seriousness, this band is great. Somehow, they've managed to drop an EP in 02 and a full-length in 05 and not been picked up. I can only speculate it's because of lack of exposure and touring? Regardless they have two albums that are 100 mph from start to finish. Check out their pages for updates. They're playing in the Atlanta area and hopefully touring more.

Southern Fried EP
Artimus Pyledriver

Myspace

The GunSlingers

This garage-rock/rockabilly/blues sound, so proudly hails from Memphis, TN and is some real roots soundin' shit-- I'm not kidding. With an attitude made of steel, this drum and guitar duo could rip through a lot of the mainstream southern crap that is so prevalent in the Memphis music scene. More light needs to be shed on bands like The Gunslingers, but on a major scale. The Gunslingers often remind me of Link Wray at times or maybe even some Flat Duo Jets. Either way, I'm proud to say it's from Memphis TN. Here is a link to listen. Check their myspace and facebook for updates and shows.

Myspace
Facebook
Buy / Download / Listen

Tanks

Here's another Rock'N'Roll band that is sure to blast you away. The four piece Memphis, TN based band just dropped their self-titled EP. With a musical style that most suitably fits in the stoner-rock category, this album is peppered with influence ranging from hardcore, punk, 90's rock, to roots based rock'n'roll like MC5. Who really gives a shit about categorizing them though, it's good! You can stream the album here or pick up a copy at a show.

Myspace
Bandcamp

Gypsyhawk

Dueling guitars, melodic riffs, and epic vocals-- all sorts of bad ass shit, rock is supposed to sound like. Gypsyhawk, Based out of California, is a four-piece band that manages to capture a very classic rock sound sprinkled with metal and hard rock influence. This album makes for a sound that is not forced or overdone. The band appears to be headed out on an eastward tour and is probably coming to your town so don't sleep on these guys.

Myspace
Gypsyhawk - Patience and Perseverance