If Elton John and Aretha Franklin has an impromptu jam session, it might sound like the soulful duo David & Devine. In just under a year, they’ve gained support from fans, friends and celebrities, allowing them to release their upcoming self-titled debut EP and music video for the single, "Til the Sun Comes Up", both due on Feb. 22nd. Finding the missing link to their fans through Kickstarter.com, the duo were able to raise almost $8,000 to create their forthcoming Sci-fi thriller-themed music video directed and produced by Cullen Wright and Cypress House.

"When Dave and I met it was immediately comfortable," Devine remembers. "Our voices had a great blend and we genuinely enjoyed singing together. Our writing styles were really compatible right off the bat, too. We write what we love, songs that are catchy and have a soul. If they get stuck in our heads and make us say ‘ah yea!’ at the same time, we’re happy."

Following the release of their EP, the duo will be playing the Hotel Cafe on Feb. 26th.

-From the Open Blog

What is probably the most important phase of our L.A. Best of 2010 poll, the FAN’S vote, has left us with some fresh new bands to become obsessed with. 

The Filthy Violets reign as #1. The band formed in late fall of 2010, played a couple shows in December, recorded some jams, and won our fans poll…not a bad way to start the new year! They resonate pure rock, nothing too fancy, which is hard to find these days. With their catchy, witty lyrics and great onstage chemistry, you’d think they have been playing together for years.  

In 2nd place is singer/songwriter Patrick Joseph. Whether it be the mellow acoustics or the heart-wrenching piano keys, Patrick’s music and deep-rooted lyrics will have you swooning. He released his full-length LP "Antiques" in November of 2010. One reviewer compared it to Radiohead’s "OK Computer", and I can’t help but mention his similarities to Jeff Buckley, in both his looks and his music style.  

Angst-ridden, rock-n-roll quartet Queen Caveat bursts into our 3rd place spot. Lead singer Lauren Little is a bombshell with a striking resemblance to Cherie Curry, and the band sounds like what might have happened if The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Runaways had a jam session. They played a couple shows at The Viper Room last month and shredded it to pieces, and their 4 track EP "Emptor" was released last summer. 

And there you have it, the 3 completely different artists that comprise the tip top of our fan’s poll. All completely talented emerging artists showcase the diversity of the Los Angeles music scene, and we can’t wait to see what they hold for us in 2011!!

–Jenna Putnam

From the streets of Williamsburg comes Heroes of Popular Wars. With a resonating sound, they let loose an indie/electronic sound, unique to the scene. Their music is complex, yet simple; one of the many reasons they pick up so many avid listeners. One of their songs, “A Bus Called Further” sums up the band in just under five minutes: catchy, inventive, experimental and, overall, highly enjoyable. 

–LT

Commenting on a strange world from their burning observation deck, Public Jones fills its groove-based electronic art rock with crunchy guitars, cinematic imagery, and 80’s synth pop elements, jumping instantly from moody melodic pop to aggressive overdriven emotion — fueled by alienation, cynicism, and a desire to understand. Just crowned winner of the 2010 Best Alternative Artist at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, and having a recent video pick of the week in the San Francisco Bay Guardian, the band will stop at the Silverlake Lounge on Thursday, February 3rd at 9PM, to open for War Tapes.

-From the Open Blog

Kim and Alice of Eagle and Talon create an indie pop ensemble that is fun, sexy, and original. Their vocals are smooth and soft, and their music is danceable…think an early, toned-down Madonna meets The Like with a post-punk twist. You might have seen the girls performing "Coast That’s Closest" on the hit/guilty pleasure series 90210. Their second full-length album titled "In Manila" will be available at the end of February on Bi/Akka records, so stay tuned!

–Jenna Putnam

Writing, performing, and recording as their alter ego Happy Campers in 3D, the members of Hi Ho Silver Oh were able to to craft a collection of songs inspired by horror classic, Friday The 13th. One of the songs from the Happy Campers sessions, "Showers Without Warning", has wormed its way to an official song, even getting a proper 7" vinyl release on Trailer Fire Records earlier this month. The track’s sparse, reverb laden instrumentation and catchy ooh and ahh hook sugar coat the horror inspired lyrics to an expert degree. The 7" also includes a beautiful cover of Tom Petty’s "Time To Move On" featuring vocals from Leslie Stevens.

Hi Ho Silver Oh will be playing tomorrow, February 1st, at The Echo. You can get the Showers Without Warning 7" here or check out the rest of Happy Campers in 3D here.

-Angelo Lorenzo

We first got stoked on Lesands with their live performance during the CMJ festival in New York back in October. The sonic bliss of their 80s chill vibe combined with their quirky stage presence is captivating. They fall into the same category as N.Y. bands Neon Indian or Beach Fossils. Lesands will be playing a show at The Echo on February 3rd along with The Union Line, shining in their soul-funk rock glory, and the ambient indie group We Barbarians as the headliners. This is a fun lineup of talented groups based south of the L.A. commotion!

–Jenna Putnam 

An eclectic mix of electronica and classical music, discovering George Sarah for the first time was like finding a $20 bill in the pocket of an old jacket. Never straying too far from a strings section, bleeps, boops, and drum beats are sprinkled underneath tracks like the melodramatic "Manatee". Somber and complex, the only way to enjot "Sonata for Petra" is to simply crank up your stereo as loudly as you can bear. If Mozart was born in the age of Midi, you might get the same result.

You can enjoy winding down your week with George Sarah next Friday, Feb. 4th, at the Echo.

-Angelo Lorenzo

As expected, Young The Giant has come a long way since living together in Newport Beach and writing the songs for their debut album. Their self-titled debut is now officially out in stores, and is available both digitally and on vinyl. They recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel live as their first national television appearance, and just released a mellow, acoustic video for their heart-felt and truthful song "Apartment". Filmed by Alexander Shahmiri on a dreary, misty mountaintop, it is relaxing and eerie as Gadhia’s voice and the soothing acoustics seem to drift off into the distance. There is definitely an honest, comforting feel to their music, and it’s no surprise that the band has been so successful.

–Jenna Putnam

Before their show on Feburary 26th at the New LA Folk Fest, He’s My Brother She’s My Sister will be popping their heads above ground for their show at the Troubadour with British singer/songwriter Bobby Long (it’s worth mentioning his album comes out Feb 1st.). If you’ve yet to see HMBSMS, this is as good a chance as any to soak up their alt. folk musings complete with cello and a bit of tap dancing, and perhaps the masquerade masks will make an appearance too. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Then take a look at the video below.

-Angelo Lorenzo

Listening to Wazu‘s "Murder 1" provokes the urge to paint an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt across your face and visit a seedy, underground hot spot full of androgynous artists and wandering neon lights. The track sparkles with all the glitter and glitz of 70s glam rock and pops in your head like candy. Wazu resonates the same sexy, trancy sound as acts like Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, Marc Bolan, or Roxy Music. They intertwine the former with the new age feel of bands like Metric or Ladytron. They are recording the songs for their debut record in February, and it is expected out in March.

Purchase "Murder 1" in any format desired, and name the price!

–Jenna Putnam

The Dirges play energetic Irish sounding rock with a punk edge. The band has been around the scene a while and has toured with bands such as Flogging Molly and Millencolin. Their aggressive, hyper-fun sound would fit into the atmosphere of an Irish pub with Jameson flowing and Guiness foaming. They are playing two upcoming shows at Piano Bar in Hollywood…one of them is tomorrow, the 25th and the other is on February 8th. So come out, grab a pint, and start the week off right!

–Jenna Putnam