The Jim Ivins Band – You Sing I Write

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Over the past 18 months or so, I’ve had the pleasure of covering and interviewing some extremely talented musicians. Many, of which I’ve seen live multiple times and keep in touch with, whether it be on Twitter, MySpace, etc. And, it’s always a thrill to see a band that I’ve featured take off, get a record deal, or be featured in a prominent music magazine.

There are a few bands previously featured on You Sing, I Write who have some exciting news as well as free downloads (legally of course) that I wanted to share with you. Whether it be catching a show, buying an album, or listening on MySpace every little bit helps and I think you’ll enjoy at least one (if not all) of the bands featured below. I’d love to hear what you think!

A Moment’s Worth
I featured AMW a few weeks back as an Artist of the Week and was psyched to learn that they have recently been signed to In-n-Out records in Japan (home to bands like New Found Glory, Finch, Allister, Home Grown, etc). Check out all the info on their blog.

The Jim Ivins Band
The Virgina-based band just released their brand new EP for free to anyone who signs up for their mailing list. Sign up and get your free download at the band’s MySpace.

Lights Resolve and Ace Merrill
I’ve featured both bands on the blog in the past and was impressed to see them featured on Alternative Press’ Battle of the Band contest to play Warped Tour along with a third band, Van Atta High. Listen to a song from each band and read their bios on Alternative Press and vote for your favorite here.

Luke Brindley
A fellow Jersey native, Brindley has a lot of exciting things going on and is in the process of recording his new album. He’s decided to go the self-released route and is enlisting the help of his fans through donations, providing them with some cool perks. For more information and to help him out, click here.

So glad to see these bands taking off! It’s been an exciting journey following them and I hope to only continue to learn of each artist’s increasing success. Any bands you think I should give a listen? I’m all ears.

I received an email a while back from frontman Jim Ivins of the Jim Ivins Band, telling me about their recently released EP, Back To Reality. Produced by Ace Enders (formerly of The Early November), the band has opened for a few musicians I’ve covered, including The Ataris and Sparky’s Flaw. So, I decided to give them a listen and liked what I heard.

The songs on Back To Reality are well-produced tracks both musically and lyrically. Begging references to The Ataris, Yellowcard and even New Found Glory, the Jim Ivins Band’s mix of pop-rock and emo-punk pulls the listener in. In fact, while listening I felt as if I was taking a trip down memory lane vividly picturing myself waiting in line to get front row at a Good Charlotte or New Found Glory concert.

When checking out their MySpace, one hears the progress from older and guitar heavy songs to the band’s latest release. First song off the EP, “The Chance” is a stand-up track that tells the story of unrequited love. With catchy choruses and light, soft vocals that recall fellow pop-punk band Yellowcard (whatever happened to them anyway?) and early New Found Glory, the Jim Ivins Band are well on their way.

The band’s sound is reminiscent to many emo band beginnings with those wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve type lyrics (see “Stages of Your Life”). However, the versatility is what branches them out and distinguishes the Jim Ivins Band from inhabiting just one genre of music. An example is “Two Hours Two Days Two Weeks,” which demonstrates more of a punk attitude than heard on previous tracks.

“Two O’clock Wake Up Call” is another must listen with solid guitar accompaniment and sing-along choruses while “Stages of Your Life” is a ballad that begins with soft vocals and guitar strumming.

Originally a solo project, Ivins recorded his debut full-length album in 2007. Soon after the band came together with the goal to make “catchy, accessible music with honest lyrics that are easily relatable.” And they’re doing just that.

Hard to place into one genre, the Jim Ivins Band is a promising Virginia-based band who have a bright future on the music scene. Just listening to the growth on their two EP’s is impressive. I’m excited to see what’s in store for them.

What do you think? Give them a listen on MySpace and let me know!