Alright so here’s the deal people, I know you have all been patiently waiting to hear the big announcement on who will be playing collegefest this year. Well I have some pretty big news to reveal. This year, we are bringing in not 1, not 2, but 3 artists to  perform! Are you ready for them?

Alright, the first artist!

**Drum roll**

Playing this year at LMU’s collegfest is…

Shiny Toy Guns!

Although formed in sunny California during the early 2000s, Shiny Toy Guns’ music flaunts a sleek, ’80s-influenced combination of synth-pop and electro-clash. Founded in 2001 by bassist/keyboardist Jeremy Dawson and guitarist/vocalist Gregori Chad Petree — both natives of central Oklahoma — the band’s lineup was fully realized with the addition of vocalist Carah Faye Charnow (who was brought aboard in 2004 to replace the departing Ursula Vari) and drummer Mikey Martin. After building a local following in California, Shiny Toy Guns made its debut in early 2005 with We Are Pilots; the album was then re-recorded and reissued later that year, albeit with a slightly different track list. Extensive touring and networking on various Internet websites continued to broaden the Guns’ audience, and the group signed a contract to Universal Records in June 2006. That year also saw the third (and final) release of We Are Pilots, this time issued with the help of a major label. The album fared well commercially and critically, eventually earning a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Electronic/Dance Album” in early 2008. Carah Faye Charnow left the lineup later that year, claiming that the group’s male members had booted her out, while veteran vocalist Sisely Treasure (a former member of Cooler Kids, as well as a finalist on the first season of the Pussycat Dolls’ reality show) was enlisted to replace her. With the new lineup intact, Shiny Toy Guns released its second album, Season of Poison, in November 2008.

Here is where you can find out a whole lot more about STG.

Website
Myspace

And check out their music video for Rainy Monday below!

Alright, next up is….

Rebelution!

Rebelution first united in Santa Barbara, California, built from a wide array of musical backgrounds. With Reggae as the focus, the group set out to create a fresh and vibrant sound which they dub California Reggae. The band released their highly anticipated full-length album in June of 2007 and just weeks after its release, “Courage to Grow” became one of the most downloaded Reggae albums on iTunes. By the end of the year, it had been awarded the iTunes Editors Choice: Best Reggae Album 2007.

“Apparently, California Reggae is hot. Stemming from a foundation of local support, Rebelution soared into iTunes Reggae Top 10 (album downloads), amongst some lofty company. Lofty like Bob, Stephen, and Damian Marley.” — Santa Barbara News-Press

Rebelution’s dynamic sound is led by diverse vocalist and guitarist Eric Rachmany. Together with the elevating melodies of Rory Carey keyboards and hard-hitting beats by bass player Marley D. Williams and drummer Wesley Finley, the band will make you move both physically and mentally.

“If you love Bob Marley, Sublime, and Jack Johnson and you’re a regular on the State Street scene, then chances are you’re already crazy about Rebelution. Their combination of reggae, hip-hop, and rock have made them a favorite of music lovers all over town.” — The Santa Barbara Independent

Within the last year, Rebelution has made a name for themselves with their iTunes success and performances with notable artists like Barrington Levy, Israel Vibration, Junior Reid, Don Carlos, Pepper, Eek-A-Mouse, Pato Banton, Tanya Stephens, Half Pint, SOJA, Yellowman, Talib Kweli, E-40, and The Pharcyde. Rebelution has already proven themselves in the musical arena and intends to further expand their success with a sound that confidently claims itself unique.

Here is their site:
Myspace

Songs to check out?
Try “Feeling Alright” and “Safe and Sound” for starters!

Alright guys, last but not least isssssssss

Cold War Kids!

Fullerton, CA’s Cold War Kids make music with roots that go deep and wide, embracing influences as diverse as Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, Jeff Buckley, and the Velvet Underground. Matt Aveiro, Matt Maust, Jonnie Russell, and Nathan Willett began crafting their soulful, blues-inflected take on indie rock as Cold War Kids in 2004, recording demos in Los Angeles soon after they formed. After signing to Monarchy Music, Cold War Kids released their debut EP, Mulberry Street, in spring 2005. The band’s unique sound and impassioned live act generated a buzz — particularly from bloggers — that grew with each tour and release. Maust’s clean but eye-catching designs for EPs like With Our Wallets Full and Up in Rags and the group’s website also added to Cold War Kids’ mystique. They spent much of 2006 on the road with Tapes ‘n Tapes, Figurines, Sound Team, and Editors and appeared at that year’s Lollapalooza. That summer, they signed to Downtown Records, also home to Art Brut and Gnarls Barkley. The band’s full-length debut Robbers & Cowards arrived that fall. Loyalty to Loyalty, which moved in a slower, bluesier direction, was released in 2008.

And you can find out more about these guys here:

Website
Myspace

And check out CWK playing their hit “Hang Me Up To Dry” live here!

Alright guys, thats all of them! Keep checking back here for more updates!