The Sonder Bombs
The Sonder Bombs ​​Like moonlight bouncing through the leaves of an old oak, the newest piece in The Sonder Bombs’ ever transforming portfolio shimmers through the fog to reveal a new era for the band. In making peace with mortality, “The Star” reflects and embraces the power of losing control. Through navigating an industry built to suppress and exploit artists, songwriter/vocalist Willow Hawks croons the question, “will you see me for who I am? Not for what you bought.” Mixed by Sarah Tudzin (of Illuminati Hotties) “The Star” highlights everything we already cherish about TSB while gifting us so much more to obsess over. Self-funded & self-released, The Sonder Bombs are only interested in carving their own way through the woods, straight to center stage. The Ophelias After the critically acclaimed Almost opened The Ophelias to a world beyond their Cincinnati home in 2018, the indie rock quartet craved a return to a sense of community. “It was surreal for this time capsule of events and feelings, songs written early in college, to be reviewed in outlets like the New York Times,” recalls vocalist/guitarist Spencer Peppet (she/her). The band members no longer lived in the same city—Peppet and new bassist/longtime music video collaborator Jo Shaffer (they/them) live in New York, while drummer Mic Adams (he/him) and violinist Andrea Gutmann Fuentes (she/her) remained in Ohio. In the time since Almost, a fair amount changed: the band members all graduated from college, Shaffer joined as the new bassist, and Adams came out as transgender and started HRT. So when it came time to record the candid, expansive Crocus (due September 24th via Joyful Noise Recordings), The Ophelias purposefully focused on the experimental, communal spirit that fueled their first record. Through songs equally infused with references to the Bible and The Twilight Zone, The Ophelias wring mystic emotion out of the spaces between their past, present, and future.The Ophelias’ growth has been marked — so much has transformed and been rebuilt that the Ophelias feel like they’re eagerly reintroducing themselves to the world. “Crocus represents that state of flux, between dreaming and reality or internal reflection and external action,” Peppet says. “I had to wring this all out of my chest, and doing that is very vulnerable. But being in a band with such a strong sense of community, trust, care, and love makes that process a lot easier.” All shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Robber Robber
Robber Robber: Burlington VT’s Robber Robber are purveyors of slimy, cerebral post-gunk, soaked in deadliest poisons and deep fried in diesel fuel. The bass is like a broken transmission, the guitars like a bucket of loose bolts, the drums ready to rattle the lugs right off the hub. Pair that with scorching vocal delivery and you’ve got the whole bitch.Heatloaf: Heatloaf is a soft rock project based in philly. composed of margot whipps (vocals & guitar), beck picone (bass), pax martyn (guitar & vocals), and raven bell (drums). Lola Star: ☆Lola Star★ is the recording project of Brenna Gonzalez and Dan Poppa (waveform*/People I Love). Based in NYC, Lola Star originated in the winter of 2022 with their first release, a surprise-drop self-titled EP, commemorating the 1 year anniversary of the pair. Eventually, a live band formed with the originating members including James Keegan (kitchen/the loners) on bass and Avery Kaplan (waveform*/red) on drums. This remains the lineup to this day while continuing to play live shows and recording their debut LP to be released on Julias War Records. Julia’s War first teamed up with Lola Star in 2023 with the double single release of ‘Waiting’ + ‘Winter’.All shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
GUTTERDRUNK
BAGHED (Reading PA) LACKEY (LA) RECKLESS + THE MENACE (Philly/jersey) GUTTERDRUNK (Atlantic city)All Shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
VOID VISION
VOID VISION Void Vision is the electronic solo project of Philadelphia-based musician, Shari Vari, formed around 2009 when the minimal synth and coldwave genres were undergoing a revival and rebirth thanks to labels such as Wierd Records (home to acts such as Xeno & Oaklander, Led Er Est, Martial Canterel, Automelodi, etc.) and Veronica Vasicka’s Minimal Wave, among others. Void Vision’s debut album, ‘Sub Rosa’ was released on Mannequin Records (Berlin) to much acclaim, and sold out of multiple pressings. Void Vision’s cold, analog tracks are dominated by Vari’s haunting, powerful voice. But unlike many others associated with the genre, the songs are quite dynamic in range and structure, referencing a cross-section of the last 30 years of electronic music, while retaining a strong sense of personality and soul that speaks for itself. The past few years have been spent touring and sharing the stage with the likes of ADULT., Gary Numan, Boy Harsher, Clock DVA, Drab Majesty, Crash Course In Science, Eleven Pond and many others. RONNIE STONE Who is Ronnie Stone? He seems to have traveled from both the past and future simultaneously, bringing with him a unique style of contemporary synth-pop that seamlessly blends nostalgia with the bleeding-edge of modern dance music. The NYC-based producer and multi-instrumentalist writes and records all of his music at an undisclosed location, where he utilizes a massive arsenal of 80’s synthesizers to cook up dance-pop gold for the freaks and the loners. His forthcoming album, Ride Again (Feeltrip Records), is the culmination of a decade spent dwelling in the shadows at nightclubs and warehouse parties. Inspired by the solace and epiphanies he found on the dance floor, he blends New Wave with the groovy and persistent infectiousness of Techno and House. Since the inception of the project in 2014, Ronnie has built up a loyal following in the NYC scene. His debut album, 2015’s Motorcycle Yearbook, was greeted as a revelation, and his live shows quickly gained a reputation as quasi-religious events. Emerging from the haze in full leather, Ronnie takes the stage as if every nightclub was a packed stadium. As soon as he starts to sing, you believe him. RYDER HOUSTON Ryder Houston is an American filmmaker and musician born and bred just outside of Dallas, Texas. As much as his evocative sound dotes on alternative pop acts Depeche Mode, Garbage, and even Madonna at her most controversial, it also seems to suggest something greater operating on the periphery: a dark, omnipresent melodrama not unlike the crooning music of David Lynch composer Angelo Badalamenti and the baroque sensibilities of Lana Del Rey. Nevertheless, Houston’s discography remains adhered to a certain groovy allusion to chopped-and-screwed electronica with his spidery vocals weaving clichés of lust and rock ‘n’ roll menace anew. THE MODEL THE MODEL is an American electronic music band, composed of founding member Markie and longtime collaborator and DJ Justin Paul. While their origins are to be found in philosophic-kraut-pop parties held in late ‘90s Philly warehouses, THE MODEL went on to record and release two studio albums. It was on Physical that the band embraced more traditional ideas of song structure and arrangement, as well as the sounds of their youth. Physical was given a generally favorable reception among fans and press in both Philadelphia and New York, and reviewed in national and international magazines and sites. Markie went on to co-write and produce several albums for Class Actress.
Hotel Fiction
Hotel Fiction:Hotel Fiction is an Athens, Georgia-based band comprised of Jade Long and JessicaThompson. Both women have been playing music for over ten years and began writing,performing, and playing together in January 2019. In August of that year, Hotel Fiction releasedtheir debut single “Astronaut Kids” which received a warm welcome from the indie scene, andwent on to amass over 2 million global streams.Hotel Fiction’s sound has often been described as genre-fluid, with indie, pop and rockinfluences. With Jade’s dynamic vocals and piano, and Jessica’s complementary lead guitar andharmonies, the two create a sound that invites listeners to settle in and stay a while. For HotelFiction, the no vacancy sign is never illuminated, everyone is accommodated here.During quarantine, the two finished recording their debut album Soft Focus which was releasedin the fall of 2021. The project was met with praise from Atwood Magazine, Early Rising, A1234,and We Are the Guard, and was placed on Spotify editorial lists Fresh Finds and Fresh FindsRock, where it spent eight weeks straight.Most recently, Hotel Fiction has supported Beach Fossils, Adam Melchor, flipturn and TheBrooke and The Bluff. The band released their new EP Enjoy Your Stay on October 28, 2022.Supported By:Air DeviAll shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Solid Bronze
Solid Bronze – Groove-based, psychedelicly-tinged, jazz-informed, hazy funk. Hot off the heels of their sophomore album, Mt. Fuji, the six-piece live lineup brings it all to the stage from deep rhythm section grooves to meditative airiness. The Third Arrangement – In a blend of jazz, funk, rock, and even pop, the sounds range from warm and imaginative to jarring shuffles, which can be heard on their 2019 release Scarecrows up to their newest single “The Look”. Moustapha Noumbissi -Moustapha grew up a participant of many musical traditions, including West African drumming, American pop, and choral music. His latest recordings with producer Lee Clarke favor indie rock and psychedelic soul.
Sweet Juice Fundraiser
Sweet Juice Fundraiser Presents:Popcorn DaddyjustmadniceThe Lunar Yearhosted by: Sug Daniels The Lunar Year The Lunar Year is the art rock project of Philadelphia based musician and producer Katie Hackett. She has released two full length albums (Herodias, 2017) (katie bird, 2020) and in September 2022 released single Mist of the Teal Mara in anticipation of her new record, due out later this year. The band has gone on two U.S. tours (East and West Coast) and will be embarking on their third at the end of March 2023. Hackett has also scored for film, being featured at the London International Animation Festival, Viet Film Fest, and MAM Festival. Her songs have been featured on comedian Chris Gethard’s New Jersey is the World, MTV’s Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2. justmadnice justmadnice is a Philadelphia based ensemble fronted by Alex Far. Collectively described as blues-dipped psychedelic jazz, Farr’s vocals are reminiscent of Lianne La Havas and Billie Holiday. Originally a solo project, their debut EP, Small, was released in 2021 followed by a music video for their song “Lost,” a handful of live recording sessions, and their single “Resolution” released in 2022. From minimalist, delicate, folk tunes to a stage performance that will shake you to your soul, justmadnice is entering into an era of experimental sound. While still holding onto their love of minimalism, they are clearly influenced by elements of noise, psychedelic rock, and negro spirituals. Popcorn Daddy Popcorn Daddy is a pop-folk duo created by Melina Harris and Shona Carr. With an immense appreciation for harmony, these two artists mix earnest, vulnerable songwriting with tongue in cheek social commentary to develop musical performances that are both deep and whimsical. Through their engaging and catchy tunes, Popcorn Daddy aims to share the chemistry and passion of their friendship – or their ‘poppity-pop’ as they like to call it – with audiences everywhere. Sug Daniels (host) Sug Daniels is a Delaware born singer-songwriter and producer based out of Philadelphia who is using the tools around her to capture the emotions of an era. Daniels’ work is as colorful, vulnerable, and charismatic as her personality. She thoughtfully combines elements of folk, R&B, and soul alternatives to create personal and tender music interlaced with messages of truth and positive change.
Dead Bars
Dead Bars Seattle, WA A-F Records/Dirt Cult Records DIY…but can you help? Two New Jersey drummers meet in Seattle; magic occurs. Neither (usually) plays drums. A Tom Petty riff over an Iron Chic chorus, where everyone is a regular. This one is for the freaks. Spirit Weak Philly Mazz Cardxne & comrades emerge from quarantine disarrary with gruff, anthemtic pop-punk Olivine Philly Four-Person post-hardcore band. Established 2019, realized 2022. “I am trying my absolute best.”All Shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Crossed Keys
CROSSED KEYS Full-length record BELIEVES IN YOU out now! Chances are, if you’ve been paying attention to the Philadelphia underground music scene in the past two decades, you’ve seen one or two members of Crossed Keys before, although it’s very likely that you’ve seen them all. The members of Crossed Keys have a long history of playing in hardcore and punk bands from the area including Kid Dynamite, Ink & Dagger, Step Ahead, Kill The Man Who Questions, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, Halo of Snakes, and The Curse. Crossed Keys draw from an eclectic palette of influences to create a unique twist on a sound that has been cultured in years of basement shows and record shops. Crossed Keys has gotten a lot older, a little wiser, and lost varying amounts of hair, but still makes music perfect for sweaty singalongs and all around good time. KATIE ARROSA Katie is a Philadelphia-based writer and comedian. You might have seen her last year at Fest 20 as one of the comedy hosts! REVELATOURS Revelatours are four friends from Philly playing fast songs! ERRTH Errth is a new band featuring current and former members of Aspiga, Public Serpents, Reunions, and Seeing Snakes.All shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Scan & Dan
Dan Finnemore, one of the two founding members and original songwriters for Low Cut Connie, is returning to the US after 7 years back home in Birmingham, England. Finnemore is joined by his two old tourmates James Everhart (Cosmic Guilt and Scantron) and Will Donnelly (Low Cut Connie, Scantron, Lady HD) and an all-star band composed of members of Philly buzz band, Cosmic Guilt. Expect a night of pure garage rock versions of Finnemore, Scantron, and Cosmic Guilt songs as well as a deep selection of covers. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. All shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+