Hailing from the depths of Nashville rock, MODOC have hit the ground running at full speed. Determined to make their way, these fearless leaders have proven themselves time and again throughout their live ventures. Passion and desire pulse through their lyrics, creating a surge of energy that blankets their audience. After seeing them live at the I AM Festival at Bicentennial Park Saturday, August 3rd, MODOC has transformed my vision of the Nashville local music scene. MODOC brings a rare and unforgiving talent to the game. These guys are here to stay. Powerful guitar riffs against an unfaltering rock rhythm bring MODOC’s music to life. Catch a glimpse of this rare talent and see for yourselves at their upcoming CD release party this Friday, August 9 at Mercy Lounge. – Maria Hartfield

http://modoc.bandcamp.com/album/devil-on-my-shoulder

Great Peacock is a duo comprised of Blount Floyd and Andrew Nelson. The pair met when they were both new to Nashville, and solidified their best-friendship over a 12-pack of Busch (a frequent catalyst for greatness). From this emerged their self-titled debut EP. Its sweet, traditional folk songs are characterized by vocal harmonies the same caliber of mountain-dwelling epic as the Fleet Foxes. “Desert Lark” is the song that convinced the band that there was something special happening beyond their hobby songwriting and beer drinking. Listen for the slightest taste of ABBA’s "Fernando." Great Peacock plays The Basement August 15th. – Terra James-Jura

http://greatpeacock.bandcamp.com/album/great-peacock

Today is the official release of Vinyl Thief’s single, “Smooth.” It is off the electro-pop band’s first full length album, “Fathom,” scheduled for a fall 2013 release. The project was funded via Kickstarter by fans worked into at lather by the band’s 2012 EP, “Rebel Hill” (And for good reason; listen to the namesake and admire how gloriously schizophrenic that song manages to be.) “Smooth” is a swell of ethereal synth and drum tracks punctuated by unexpected structure changes. Vinyl Thief is bringing their ecstatic energy and multiple keyboards to 3rd and Lindsey August 16th, with Joy of Painting and Machines are People Too. –Terra James-Jura

http://vinylthief.com

R.O.A.R aka Roots of a Rebellion is a reggae rock band whose positive lyrics swim through your blood stream with a soothing and stimulating effect. The heartfelt roots of their lyrics play to your soul, guiding you on a deep spiritual journey. Their original melodies are mixed with soul and hints of jazz coming from their intricate horn phrases. The up-and-coming septet is moving fast in popularity and straight up reggae truth and love.  On June 4th the band released ‘Summer Sampler 2013,’ a mixtape/scrapbook of old and new songs to hold fans over until the release of their next album, due out the summer of 2014.  Get all 17 free tracks here: rootsofarebellion.bandcamp.com/album/summer-sampler-2013 – Maria Hartfield

Ashly Badgett of Bashly (get it?) has a gorgeous voice that is probably powerful enough to rattle rafters. However, what makes listening to Bashly’s spring EP “Not Alone” so interesting is the restraint in the vocals. Badgett sounds similar to Adele with an avant-garde edge, and she provides an anchor to the EP’s dreamy, languid collection of songs. The band is working on a full length to be released this winter, and will be performing at The End August 11th. – Terra James-Jura

This Thursday is the first day of August, which means there are a precious few weeks of summer left to seize. Herald the dog days tonight by wearing something acid-washed and getting down to Foo Bar to catch Red Wine Hangover. The Nashville band has a healthy love for classic rock with a nod towards the London Mod scene (think the Kinks) and have been hard at work on a new EP.  They open for Wings of Apollo and The Die Nasties. Take a cab, as this is music to get irresponsibly drunk to.  – Terra James-Jura

Harrison Hudson’s previous recordings have a wholesome, 1950’s sensibility in their straightforward, rock and roll arrangements. Put a bratty sneer on Weezer singing ”Buddy Holly” (or better yet, Buddy Holly singing Weezer) and it’s a pretty close approximation to Hudson’s musical personality. However, the July 17th release of the official music video for “Curious” presents a sharper and decidedly more modern slant to their sound. It’s a powerhouse of a pop tune, and a precursor to Hudson’s 4th full length album (also titled “Curious") due out September 24th. The duo has a packed tour schedule this fall, including a show at the High Watt on November 13th. – Terra James-Jura

Just a year ago, Nashville indie rock band Staying for the Weekend was gearing up to release their first EP with their then-new singer, Mitch Davis. He and the rest of the band, bassist Wade Luplow, guitarists Carson Mays and Kurt Krafft, and drummer Mac Gibbons, worked hard to release "Camp Empathy" (available for free download here.)  This hard work did not go unrewarded. After establishing a reputation in the local music scene, the band went on to play Bonnaroo in June 2013 and is set to release a string of singles. Staying for the Weekend will be playing 8 Off 8th August 26th and continuing their festival circuit with WARMfest in Indianapolis on August 31st. – Jack Smith

AJ and the Jiggawatts is a mix of rock and classic soul. This band’s music brings a modern spark to an old-school feel. Lead singer AJ Eason leads a captivating crew, including members on horns, trombone, trumpet, flute, and other trendy jams into a jazzy groove of intensity and depth. This music is sure to get you on your feet and take you in a time machine back to the classic funk era of the 80’s. They will be part of the G.E.D. Soul Revue lineup at the High Watt on August 16th.  – Maria Hartfield

Anyone with their night suddenly open is strongly urged to go to the Basement to catch Machines are People too. They’ve been touring hard and heavy this summer, and are bringing their ecstatic synth-pop to Nashville between Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Their sophomore album, “Nickels and Dimes” was released July 23rd and “Do What You Love” is the first official video, which nails the ultimate summer fantasy of flipping off The Man and starting a bike gang (and the secondary fantasy of having an adorable indie rocker pay for every food truck taco a heart desires.) – Terra James-Jura

Sol Cat is a groove rock band with melodies that catch your imagination and often cause a daydream-like effect. Their psychedelic feel and catchy melodies bring out the best dance-rock music that will get your bodies moving. The unique feel that Sol Cat produces reaches out to audiences of all kinds. With positive vibes and uplifting spirits, these guys radiate with talent and skill. – Maria Hartfield

Keywords in the bio of Buffalo Clover include: garage, Motown, acid, boxcar, gypsy, Vaudevillian, folk, and train wreck, and make me wish I had some sort of point system for verbiage.  Within all of that I hear an exceptionally tight band supporting Margo Price, and she sounds as though she was born to entertain you. Between the horn section, Margo’s soulful vocals, and their rootsy throwback vibe, this is perfect summertime music, and there is ample opportunity to catch them this August. So go pick a day here and fulfill your cosmic duty. – Terra James-Jura