Combining raspy punk-rock vocals, fresh, fun lyricism, and a stage presence that will give any veteran concert-goer the chills, Lost In Society are undoubtedly the real deal. Based in the ever-expanding music hub of Asbury Park, NJ, this alt/punk trio likes it loud and simple. Combining elements of polished punk and alternative pop rock, they resonate a sound that is catchy, fun and fast.

In February 2011 they hit the studio with Pete Steinkopf of the legendary Bouncing Souls to record a 5 song EP that was released as a split album with American Pinup. 2012 has held extensive touring for these modern punks, as they performed a week’s worth of industry showcases at SXSW, two weeks on the Vans Warped Tour, and an official showcase spot at CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. Their most recent album “Let It Sail” was released in June 2012 and has received rave reviews from outlets all over the nation, including Alternative Press, Absolute Punk and AMP Magazine.

With a serious D.I.Y. dedication to promoting and touring, LIS are known for bringing fans out the same way old punks did: by word of mouth.

In late 2012, Stealing Volume set to preserve a lawless swagger while shaking the sweat glistening hips of American rock and roll. Since the release of their first album, “Animal Fly”, the band has been making their way through the Midwest’s best and grimiest watering holes; making a name for themselves in local press and underground zines. This unruly quartet was named a top 3 “Punk Band” in Nuvo’s “Best Of Indy” 2013 edition, as well being titled “Best Local Band” at a recent Punk Rock Night Music Awards in Indianapolis, IN.

American Pinup emerged from the suburban sprawl and unsung underground music scene of Westchester County, New York and brought along an original brand of fierce, exuberant performance that is just as wild as it is charming. The indie/punk four-piece was pegged by AMP magazine as the “voice of the new decade” and combines elements of rockabilly, surf rock, punk, pop, folk, and ska to create a unique and fresh alternative sound. Blending the DIY ethos of the punk scene with a reverence for the melody and simplicity intrinsic to pop music, American Pinup has carved out their own niche in the world of independent music.

Frontwoman Lauren West combines soulful, melodic crooning with raspy, punk rock vocals, adding dimension to their hooky compositions and high-energy live performances. In 2010, the band took to their drummer’s basement recording studio where they self-produced their debut album, Strange Creatures. It quickly caught the attention of Altercation Records, who signed the band and released the record in February 2011.

American Pinup has appeared at festivals such as SXSW, Red Gorilla, Valley of the Vapors, and Upstart Fest since coming on to the scene. In February 2012 they put out a split with New Jersey’s Lost In Society on Altercation Records and spent the following March on a co-headlining national tour in support of the release. In August 2012, the band followed up with the independent release “The End of the World EP.” They are currently working on completing their sophomore full-length album and are slated to play at The Fest 11 in October 2012.

Sidekick Fantasy was started by Roy and Steve in September of 2009. They were in a band called Whisper Out Loud. Due to differences in the band Whisper Out Loud was forced to end. So in the Summer of 2009 Steve and Roy had taken a break from music Then in August of 2009 Steve had gotten a call from a friend named Danny saying that he is playing a block party but all of his bands had bailed. He asked if Roy and Steve could play. They agreed and played a set full of blink 182 songs. After the show Steve and Roy ask Danny if he wanted to start a real band. A month later Sidekick Fantasy was born. After a few shows Steve discovered he needed another guitarist to help with the live sound. So he called in long time friend Mike do play back up guitar. So Sidekick Fantasy became Steve, Roy, Mike, and Danny.

The Ex-Bombers play dirtbag spy jazz or beatnik punk, depending on who describes it. Both descriptors hint and the pair’s decidedly avant and seedy approach to making pop music.

The duo started in 2010 in Columbia, MO before moving to their current residence in Charleston, IL (home of Eastern Illinois University). Keri Cousins provides the rhythm for the pair on a small Rogers drumset as well as her vocals. Scott Walus plays a weathered Hagstrom 8-string bass (EADG octaves) and shares vocals. They play dark but catchy songs using only these instruments, without distortion of digital trickery.

Their songs result from crashing into the awkward years of adulthood when the hangovers last two days instead of just one. This results in an uneasy but provocative alliance between the flippant sounds of early Velvet Underground/Sonic Youth and the content and style of Soft Cell or Girls Against Boys.

In 2012, The Ex-Bombers released their full-length debut album The Tightwire on Cavetone Records. The album was recorded entirely on open reel tape and was released exclusively on vinyl without digital counterpart. The record has 10 songs and 3 interludes that combine to tell a 31 minute sonic narrative. In October 2013, they will release a 7 inch split.