The Actor Repents
Reminiscent of Jimmy Buffet ballads with more guitar-driven country twang. Lyric driven with clear instrumentation. Local flavor song: Garden City. Coolness factor: a homemade amp implemented into an old tube TV set with fake vaccuum tubes and wiring.
The Afternoon Round
Good humored guys...guitar driven...high effin energy!!!! Their sounds reminds me of a young Elvis Costello (voice) meets the cooler songs of Gin Blossoms/Cracker. Definately '90s college rock sound, which I have an affinity for. Their own description of their music is described as "sappy bastards but uptempo". Perfect description.
Racine and Gas For Less
Instant reminder of a young Dwight Yoakam, both in sound and on-stage mannerisms! Classic country twang with lyrics such as "i was born sorry...I am the King of regret..."
Doop and the Inside Outlaws
Don "Doop" Duprie and his band, The Inside Outlaws, are the most polished and professional group of the evening. Their sound and lyrics are pure local alt-country rock: Heartfelt and bad-ass all at once. Combining Doops stage presence and blue collar voice, Katie Grace's hot-ass-girl-next-door bass playing (think Phoebe Cates in cowboy boots and attitude), Pete Ballard's damn good slide-guitarin', all backed up by Jim Diamond (guitar) and Danny Kanka (drums)...its a real surprise that these guys arent more popular than the local draw that they attract. I have a really good feeling though that their next full-length CD release will solidify their presence in the Detroit music scene.
On a personal note, thanks Don for taking the time to answer my many questions regading your experiences in the music industry, both here in Detroit and in Nashville. It was refreshing hearing an artist whose ideology truly lies in the passion of music and friendship. - LAWRENCEcreative