Before we embark on my first post as an ILiveInDallas.com contributor, I should probably introduce myself!  My name is Ty, and I hope that you find value in this post and in my posts in the future.

1. Descender

“Thick” rock and roll from a group of guys that were all a part of the Deep Ellum scene in its prime.  Casey Hess (Doosu, Burden Brothers), Jeff Gruber (Local 63), Zack Busby (Burden Brothers, Slow Roosevelt), and Duncan Black (3 Faced, Slowpoke, Floor 13)  have all joined forces to bring solid rock music that  melts your face.


Next Show: May 6th – Army of Elephants Listening party at Vickery Park, CD Release Show on May 7th at the Doublewide with The Crash That Took Me and R2B2
Listen to Descender on MySpace


2. Here Holy Spain

Post Punk rockers Wes Todd, Erica Guagliardi, and Scott Brayfield have been writing songs like crazy since their debut Idol Records release, Manic.    Now they’re showcasing their new material live and are planning on hitting the studio in summer to record their sophomore release.  There’s no band in DFW that writes better songs about being pissed than Here Holy Spain.

Next Shows: Lola’s in Ft Worth on May 22nd; Dia De Los Toadies Festival on August 28th.
Listen to Here Holy Spain on MySpace


3. The Commotion

Micah Creel, former guitarist for now defunct Edgewater, has been inspired and the product of his inspiration is none other than his solo project known as The Commotion.  Along with his guitar skills, he showcases his talents by recording and playing all the instruments himself.   He scored a gig opening for none other than Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club back in March at the House of Blues, and there are some shows the works for this summer.

Next Show: June 5th at Curtain Club
Listen to The Commotion on MySpace

4. Sarah Jaffe

This singer/songwriter has an amazing voice and her indie/folk brand of pop is just impossible to ignore.  Her new album, Suburban Nature, was just released on Kirtland Records, and she recently returned  from some European tour dates  with Denton legends, Midlake.

Next Show: May 4th at Dallas Music Hall opening for Norah Jones
Listen to Sarah Jaffe on MySpace

5. Siren City

This ambitious hard rock crew were very patient with the release of their latest album and it was well worth the wait.  With Randy Stephen’s ridiculous vocal range and the hard rock force from the rest, their approach obviously has done them well.

Next Show: Trees on May 15th
Listen to Siren City on MySpace

6. Dem SouthernFolkz

This Dallas Hip Hop Trio is a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the mainstream hip hop that dominates the radio waves currently.  Their music has a strong message and meaning, and their style and attitude is reminiscent of Outkast and Goodie Mob.  Their latest album, The Message, is a definite must-have.

Next Show: May 7th at the Prophet Bar
Listen to Dem SouthernFolkz on MySpace

7. The Better Death

The progressive/experimental band that consists of Sean Dailey, Ed McMahon, Danny Handler, and Ricky “The Honky Mofo” Wolking (formerly of Edgewater and the Nixons) is eccentric to say the least and that’s exactly what makes them so awesome.  Their main influences include the Mars Volta, Faith No More, King Crimson, and more.

Next Show: Scout Bar in Houston on May 30th
Listen to The Better Death on MySpace

8. The Crash That Took Me

Art Alternative rock at its finest.  This 7-piece took the Dallas scene by storm with their first Idol Records release, Orchestrated Kaleidoscopes.  Now they’re back with a new album, Chlorine Colored Eyes, that has the critics raving.  With the new album, there are even more layers to their sound and will keep you listening from the first song to the last.

Next Show: May 7th at the Doublewide with Descender and R2B2
Listen to The Crash That Took Me on MySpace

9. Dead Twins

Brothers Gabe and Nick Cardinale started making a name for themselves as the Dead Twins back in 2008 with the release of some singles and playing a bunch of shows.   Now they have a full new record on the way, and just released split Vinyl single with the Austin rockers, Magnet School.  Gabe’s vocals and guitar playing are raw and infectious, and have a way of drawing you in.  Combine that with the Nick’s hard driving drum rhythms  and you have recipe for a great rock band.

Next Show: TBA
Listen to Dead Twins on MySpace

10. Smile Smile

This Kirtland Records band consists of a guy writing songs about a girl that broke his heart.  The twist with Smile Smile is that singer Ryan Hamilton is writing about his bandmate, Jencey Hirunrusme.  The pop rock sound on their latest album, Truth on Tape, has caught many critics’ eyes, and they’ve been a part of some great tours with Bowling For Soup, Metric, and Bob Schneider.  It’s safe to say that the future looks promising for this duo.

Next Show: May 12th at Black Finn (Arlington)
Listen to Smile Smile on MySpace

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Ty Griffin is an eligible bachelor in his 20’s that is living in DFW and is on a quest to be truly legit.  Music is his main passion, but Texas Tech football is a close second.  He is currently promoting his new website/blog, EscapingTheOrdinary.net, contributing for the music blog, ExplodingInSound.com, and managing online marketing for Pop Up Records and the HUM tribute album. To see him in action throughout the social interwebs, add him as a friend on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.