Michael Harrell

Michael Harrell is a talented young songwriter with a knack for penning catchy and literate power pop. His debut EP, Greetings from The Village brings to mind classic pop dudes like Evan Dando, Alex Chilton, and Elliott Smith. However, his next release - which is currently in production with Jason Bullock at Lake Fever - has a definite heavier and raucous tone.

Wise past his years, he knows the importance that a great band can have on a recording and has tapped John Davis (Superdrag), Ethan Luck (Reliant K, Demon Hunter) & Josiah Holland (Lonely Hearts, Holland) as a studio backing band. Davis and Luck will serve as his rhythm section at our upcoming 8 off 8th at Mercy Lounge. He also keeps his fans and friends up to date on his comings and goings over at his blog.

"The End"
"Private Joke"

Orange in Circles

One of the newer additions to the local rock milieu, Orange in Circles deconstruct the modern-wall-of-sound indie rock of bands like Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene into a trim and streamlined package. Leader Burj Herr's songs steer into almost proggy phrasing and voicing, but stay anchored with high-and-tight melodies and a rhythm section whose heart beats with a punk rock ethos.

Below are two versions of the same song. The first being a band-friendly version and the other a home demo from Burj's own hands.

"My Shaker Mover"
"My Shaker Mover (Burj home demo)"

Orange in Circles will kick off the Out the Other/Indie Ghetto 8 off 8th on Monday at Mercy Lounge. Be sure to get there by 9:00 to check them out.