Part of CMJ Music Marathon

Portugal the Man

http://www.portugaltheman.net/

http://www.myspace.com/portugaltheman

What is it about Portugal The Man that makes them stand out, that separates them from every other rock band?

Is it due to an unconventional upbringing in the magical and menacing tundra of the Land of the Northern Lights? Maybe it has something to do with their visceral live shows, their effortless ability to create concert experiences that differ wildly from night to night. Or perhaps it's due to the bond they actively forge with their ever-growing fan base evidenced by their showing up to in-store signings, radio stations or interviews with personalized paintings for their supporters.

In other words, Portugal The Man isn't a band, it's a movement and a force this strong could only be born out of a place as icy and isolated as Wasila, Alaska. While those of us who grew up in the Continental United States were raised on Saturday Morning Cartoons and sugary cereal, PTM front man John Gourley's upbringing was unorthodox. He spent a good deal of his youth exploring nature in one of the few virtually untouched territories left in the world. "Alaska is the prettiest place I've ever been," explains Gourley, whose striking enigmatic vision makes its mark on all of the Portugal The Man's CD packaging, merch designs, videos, photos and posters. "I think that environment has had a huge impact on our music."

Although Alaska is a decidedly conservative state, Gourley grew up as the child of two hippie parents, also one of the few husband-and-wife teams who ran the Iditarod, Alaska's annual dogsled race. John and his family lived in a remote cabin that needed a generator to provide electricity and had no phone. Thankfully, the generator provided enough juice to power the family's record player, and instead of getting caught up in mainstream hip-hop which permeated his hometown, he was raised on his parents' very limited record collection, poring over albums by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Zombies, and Motown artists at a young age and being encouraged to explore his own inner creativity, which eventually lead to his joining Anatomy Of The Ghost with bassist Zach Carothers in 2002. When that band broke up in 2004, Portugal The Man rose out of the ashes.

The Temper Trap

http://www.myspace.com/thetempertrap

On the strength of their self titled debut EP in 2006, Melbourne band The Temper Trap emerged as an endearing story packed full of irresistible promise An arrangement of atmospheric grooves, crowned by the vocal powers of singer Dougie's captivating voice led to the single 'My Sun' receiving rotation airplay on Triple J and the band being compared favorably with the likes of TV on the Radio, Radiohead and early U2

Intense and energetic live shows ensured an impressive tour roster with the band gracing the stage with prestigious international acts including Modest Mouse, Kasabian, Cold War Kids, Omar Rodriguez, The Dears, Damo Suzuki, and Spank Rock. Complimenting this were spots on multiple major festivals including V Festival, The Great Escape and The Laneway Festival.

Drug Rug

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=91310134

Thomas Allen and Sarah Cronin met in 2006 while working at the Middle East Club in Cambridge, Ma. After trading secret demos of their own songs, Tommy persuaded Sarah to combine forces. They spent their first date drinking whiskey in bed and playing each other songs on an old guitar. They've been inseparable ever since. Several months later, they christened themselves "Drug Rug," a name which has made strangers laugh and parents cry. Drug Rug began as an acoustic duo in the vein of the Everly Brothers and The Carter Family. Over the course of three or four shows Drug Rug evolved into a rock band with a revolving cast of friends and family. Their early rock and roll sound can be attributed to such influences as The Velvet Underground, The Byrds, and most importantly, the Paul and Linda McCartney record, "RAM". The songs are also inspired by the storytelling style of early folk musicians, comic books, campgrounds, funny hats, and the illustrations of Garth Williams. In the month of June, 2007 after consulting a psychic and a lawyer they signed to Black and Greene Records and are now slated to release their first record in the fall. Sarah likes to be covered in dirt and Tommy wears the same shirt for four days. They used to be drug free, but now they aren't so sure. They believe in the imminent end of the world and will destroy each other with love before the apocalypse. - Harmony In My Ears

The Grants

http://www.myspace.com/thegrantsrock
 

All the Day Holiday

http://www.myspace.com/allthedayholiday

This Ohio based four-piece has freshly come out of nowhere. Garnering an immense amount of attention and interest, things have picked up quickly for All the Day Holiday. While recently signing to Linc Star Records the band is in the midst of developing a strong foundation by building their fan base and voicing their perspectives and passions on life, people, living, and loving the fellow man.

While it’s rhythmically driven, the music is sophisticated and melodic. The songs have depth and purpose. The guitars and vocals give the music an identity that embraces the music's soul and perspective while the rhythm section lays the foundation and body of the music giving it it's unique swagger, energy, and direction...almost as if it had a definitive bone and muscle structure.

Inspired by art, experience, and the wonderful mystery of life they are multidimensional. These fresh faces in the music scene will soon become familiar. For fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Sunny Day Real Estate, Coldplay, Muse, and Jimmy Eat World, All the Day Holiday is a band you will be more than pleased with. Their first full-length album, “The Things We’ve Grown To Love,” just became available at shows—make sure to tell your friends before they tell you and be expecting big things from them in 2009 and beyond.