In Cages is an alternative rock/indie quartet from Hillsdale, New Jersey inspired by acts such as the Pixies and Sonic Youth. With each member coming from a long history of playing in bands, their work ethic, extensive touring plans, and new self-titled EP (June 23) all reflect their collective experience and influences. The 4-song disc was described by Neufutur Magazine as “catchy arrangements with a down and dirty style; putting the guitars front and center ensuring that listeners stick around for the long haul.”

Fans of acts like Band of Skulls, the Black Keys and the White Stripes should be happy about In Cages’ arrival.

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“London” by In Cages

Emilia Cataldo was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts. On a world journey which led her to Israel, she took on the Hebrew name Nehedar which means “wonderful.” In 2000, Cataldo settled in New York City, where she began writing and performing her own music. She adopted “Nehedar” as her stage-name.

Nehedar has self-released five albums – Pick Your Battles in 2007, Dreamlike in 2008, Pterodactyl Baby in 2009, Power Plant Beach in 2010 and her latest, High Tide on March 15, 2012. Whenever possible, she includes Luis Cataldo (her saxaphone playing father).

Nehedar has enjoyed comparisons to Tracy Bonham, Bebel Gilberto and Ingrid Michaelson.

Stream High Tide in its entirety here.

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“High Tide” by Nehedar

mp3 courtesy of James Moore, Music Marketer for Independent Music Promotions

Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Rooftop Runners (RTR) offer an alternative/powerpop/trip-pop style. Their EP, We Are Here, will be released on April 3, 2012.

RTR are Canadian singer-songwriter brother duo Benedikt and Tobias MacIsaac. With a growing local fan base and the beginning of a European Tour, “RTR has arrived and they are here to stay.” Keep an eye out for the full length debut album also due in 2012.

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“Streets” by Rooftop Runners

View the music video for “Streets” on rooftoprunnersmusic YouTube channel.

“A seething concoction of trippy electro beats and spine-shattering bass lines is equalized by soulful falsetto vocals and folksy, dissonant guitars, making for a sobering but enjoyable listen.” ~ Independent Music Promotions

Indie/alternative rock quartet, Monks of Mellonwah, from Sydney, Australia have announced they will team up with renowned engineer Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, RHCP, Soundgarden) for the mastering of their upcoming 2012 release.

It will be a follow-up to their debut EP Stars are Out. Their music video for “Swamp Groove” took 1st prize at the Howard’s Shorts short film festival, and the Monks will be featured in a forthcoming documentary on ABC’s RAGE.

Have a listen to the new single “Neurogenesis” and the EP title track below.

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“Neurogenesis” by Monks of Mellonwah
“Stars Are out” by Monks of Mellonwah

mp3’s courtesy of James Moore, Promoter for Monks of Mellonwah via Independent Music Promotions