I work at Club Fred and from the many acts I've seen these bands would have to be the best that I have seen locally.

1.El Olio Wolof

2.Sleepover Disaster

3.The Nancies

4.Color Red

5.The Giddy Ups!

6.Apple Nasty

Best,
Edward Castillon
Club Fred Booking/ Sonicdeath Promotions

Well a lot depends on genre and such. You could list far more than 10 if you take genre out of it. So I'll do this. I like hard rock and metal so those are the top 10 I will list. This is in no perticular order.

1. HateFX
2. Max Kaos (if we're talking valley and not specifically Fresno)
3. Transistor
4. Grooveyard (now that they are out and playing again)
5. Approaching Darkness (these guys have been everywhere lately)
6. Warbound (again, if we're talking valley and not specifically Fresno)
7. Lowcrawl (now that they have a new drummer)
8. Gatja
9. Midnightmare (again, if we're talking valley and not specifically Fresno)
10. Something From The Planet Hell

These are the bands who are out there working, playing on a very regular basis, playing shows out of town, and really doing all they can to push themselves and get there music heard.

a constant change!!!

Yeah, it's a tough to do, huh Chris?

I'm trying to make my list of all genres and limited to 10, because that was what was asked of me.

But when I started to just brainstorm, I came up with 18 right away ...

This is gonna be tough.

In no order and ingnoring any kind of indie label they might be signed to:

The Same Shape
Argyle Pimps
Super Lucky Catz
Something From Planet Hell
Rademacher
Beandip

The Same Shape is where it's at man!

01.Diego Redd
02Fashawn
03.Same Shape
04.Clouded Vision
05.Super Lucky Cats
06.Toxic Sunset
07.Skinny Fat Kids
08.Global Reps
09.Chuck Dimes
10.Argyle Pimps

My #1 favorite band in Fresno is easily The Super Lucky Catz. I'm not much into the local music scene but these boys have talent!

Super Lucky Catz

Sam Rocha is one of Fresno's leading musicians. In high school, he lead Fresno High's Rasin Babies Jazz ensemble as an upright bassist and sousaphone player, and now is currently a regular bass player for Fresno's acclaimed jazz group, The Blue Street Jazz Band. He has played in numerous jazz festivals throughout California as well as in Oregon, Idaho, and even Canada. Although his emphasis is in jazz musicianship, he has worked with a wide range of players including Phil Roy, a musician who has worked with Ray Charles and Los Lonely Boys, as well as local artisits: Julia Dawn, the Same Shape, the Viper City Brass Band, and Eva Scow. Sam's sidework also extends to playing in regular bands for Palimino's, the Landmark, Vini Vidi Vici's, and Crossroads. He currently writes and produces music in his studio for his band, Monomyth. Although Sam considers himself a bass (both guitar and upright) player, he is fluent in trumpet, sousaphone, piano, percussion, tuba, trombone, and various other instruments. Sam has the talent of an old soul even though he is only a mere 21 years old. A musician truly not to be ignored, Sam will make headlines one day.

My vote is for...

Super Lucky Catz!
The Same Shape
Rademacher
Something from the planet Hell
Chuck Dimes
The Insects (Not Insect, although they are awesome too)
Patrick Contreras

i know there is more but i can't think of anymore now

Blake Jones & the Trike Shop of course! (ok, uncool to vote fer your own band? hahah)

It's hard. Are we talking about 'most popular'? 'most goodest'? 'hardest working'? most influential over time?

as far as 'major labels', I just finished watching "The Unheard Music" a docu on "X" and it was hilarious watching the bigshot label guys pick some band Point Blank(???) over "X" for a long-term winner. Geez. Major labels? Gimme
Quaker Oats--now THAT's a label.

ANyways, putting alllllll those difficulties behind me, I'd
put:
Sparkle Jet
Rademacher
Aspen Hollow (just seen 'em once, but enjoyed it!)
Poplord
Mofo Party Band
Sleepover Disaster
Julia Dawn
---ok, and the Trike Shop!
(there's a bunch I've forgotten I'm sure)
for individual musicians?
I'd have to mention Mike Newton (an amAZING guitar etc. player)
and Roger Perry who doesn't play enough anymore
and John Shafer who is an amazing drummer/musician

My vote goes to The Sleepover Disaster. They have been treating Fresno to their music for some time now with just the slightest of changes in the lineup. The Sleepover have moderate success playing venues outside of Fresno and California. With some guidance(money) they could break from the "college" scene and onto "the" scene.

Thanks for spreading the word Mike.

Vince Cosentino
VINDAWOP PRODUCTIONS

Best bands
#1 The same shape
#2 Patric Contreras (and his band)

If you want to narrow it down to musicians, its basically the same thing:

Tom Delgado (the same shape)
Patrick Contreras

There are plenty of great musicians in Fresno/from Fresno. #1 is Earlimart, and Brian Kenney Fresno is our best advocate.

A group or musician would need to have accessibility to the masses (nothing too complicated). Risk is taken with anyone over 40, unless they have a great stylist, or mind numbing talent.

Folks Playing in Fresno that make new noises and people show up:
The Same Shape
Argyle Pimps

Amazing Soloists that are listened to (by the young and old):
André Bush
Armen Nalbandian
Eva Scow
Jason Jurzak
Julia Dawn
Kevin Hill
Nate Ketner
Nino Moschella
Sam Roacha
Thomas Delgado

I surely hope that people have looked beyond the political aspect when choosing their favorite top 10.........on the other hand, I guess it would be rude not to vote for your friends. I on the other hand, can care less who these musicians are on a personal level, but look at what talent they can display...............

1) Patrick Contreras

2) Trey Tosh

3) Eva Scow

4) Brian Kenney

5) The Same Shape

6) 40 Watt Hype

7) The Mofo Party Band

8) The Super Luck Catz

9) The Nancies

10) Jay Rosette

I forgot to add "The Trike Shop." Can I post 11 please???

Thanks!!!!!

Kirsten

Apporaching Darkness.

My vote goes for Approaching Darkness, out of Fresno, playing all over town and out of town. Can be seen end of November playing the Crossroads, or Sept 15th in Bakersfield.

Check their Myspace page for info on upcoming shows

This is the list...The order was tough, but the bands were easy.

1. Patrick Contreras
2. The Super Lucky Catz
3. The Jay Rosette Project
4. The Same Shape
5. 40 Watt Hype
6. Mynis
7. The Trey Tosh Band
8. Argyle Pimps
9. Andre Bush
10. Chuck Dimes

Peace and love,

Tyler

p.s. Corby Yates is easily the best solo guitarist to come out of the valley, but he is living up north now, so I didn't list him.

in no particular order:

the same shape
super lucky catz
argyle pimps
patrick contreras
rademacher

1. Super Lucky Catz
2. Patrick Contreras
3. Chuck Dimes
4. Argyle Pimps
5. Same Shape

I'm sure there's more but these are my favorites!!!

Yeah, and now of course I'm thinking of all those jazz folks like Brian Hamada and co. and their jazz at Tokyo Gardens and David Aus and oddballwunderkinds like Brian KenneyFresno and....geez, maybe that's one of the reasons I hate these lists of local things---to *reduce* a LIFEtime of all of the townfolk living and listening to 10? It's fun yeah, and might even give some folks a fun-sunday-paper reason to check out a band/musician that they've never heard of...but really it's kind of insulting too.
I say, tell the Big Label Bean Counters to come spend a week or a month or a year hear and check it out for themselves...or , and this would actually CREATE interest (as scarcity does) tell them to f.....I mean, 'take a hike'; that we won't narrow our city down to any list of 10. Ha, yeah, that's what.

Argyle Pimps
Argyle Pimps
Argyle Pimps

Argyle Pimps are the best in the land!!! Let alone the central valley!!! I say they rock!! They are hilarious, entertaining and awesome!!

1. argyle pimps
2. beandip
3. same shape
4. 40 watt hype
5. the bicycle club

ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS!
ARGYLE PIMPS! (Jamie touched me)

Thanks to everyone who at least tried to list another local band besides their favorite local band/friend's group.

I can tell everyone that almost everyone of you who responded are tower rats! It's like Tower Idol on here more than anything else. I will give it to The Same Shape though, they have been grinding for awhile and are on the road making more fans outside of the tower. Not that I am dissing the tower scene, its just that hate when things like this happen in Fresno cause its always just one group of people saying what everyone else is saying.

argyle pimps, son. argyle pimps.

This is a list of bands I've seen. Though I've heard good things about Radamacher and Super Lucky Catz, I can't honestly say they're the best in Fresno...

1. The Argyle Pimps
2. El Olio Wolof
3. The Same Shape
4. Beandip
5. The Sleepover Disaster
6. Serus Victoria

That's really all I got. I'd put down my bands, but I think that'd be a little biased =p

Cristobal
Drummer for Bermuda Grass, Murdoc & The Dirty Sanchez

So Justin...
Where's your list?
You can't come on here and diss the lists, then not leave your own ...

Was tough, but The Jay Rossette Project can just get those hips moving...And that's what I'm into...Peace & Love
1.The Jay Rossette Project
2.Argyle Pimps
3.Patric Contreras
4.40 Watt Hype
5.The Same Shape

Argyle Pimps.
no list is necessary. they are the list.

1. Argyle Pimps
2. Argylical Pimps
3. Pimps Argyle
4. Argylian Pimps
5. Les Argyle-o Pimps
(are you sensing a theme?)
6. Trey Tosh
7. Beandip (the lead singer is the second coming of James Brown...'cept less violent...and a lil' tad on the RATM tip...i heart him)
(i think each vote should count...for each personality that i have...no i don't...yes i do...no...seriously...)
8. Rademacher
9. Patric Contreras
10. 40 Watt Hype

I miss you, Mike!!

Tom corrupted my crazy huge Myspace page...so now I'm kickin' it on my crappy little bitty page...

My post is so big that I have to split it into two. I'm sorry I can't help it, I like talking local music.

Patrick Contreras top 10 (1-5)

Wow, now that Fresno is Overflowing with talent lately, this is tough. Its gonna be hard to keep this short, because local music is someting I'm very passionate about. Well, I won't really do an "order of 1 to 10" of who I think is the best. But my number 1 spot is definitely the best in my opinion. One last thing, regarding my list. I try to get out there and here as much music as I can, and I've been blessed to work with a number of musicians so I can only judge by who I've heard and worked with. But be assured, I listen to a vast amount of styles. And I'm not playing politics to anyone, just be sure of that as well, just MY opinion here.

1. Eva Scow (acoustic jazz)- Mandolinist/Violinist. Eva doesn't play in alot of the "nightclub scene" so thats why I think alot of people might not be familiar with her, but there is also alot of people who do know her and recognize her talent. I think that Eva is the closest musician in Fresno (right now) that is on the cusp of stardom. Where that stardom will be placed? I dont' know. but her album she's recording is having some of the TOP people in the music business working with her, and I think they are even scared of how good she is. You can check her out at www.myspace.com/evascow

Jay Rossette (latin/rock..blues etc etc) - Guitarist: As a guitarist, Jay has the pro level sound, Clean, Clear and solid technique. And he's pretty versatile. I've seen him play jazz, and blues as well. Plus he's got the pro experience.. touring with Malo for three years, I feel that this puts him ahead of the pack of some of the younger players in town. check him out at www.myspace.com/5683music

Planet Asia(hip hop)- I see that he has a label, but its indie so I think I'll put him on the list. Planet Asia has a flow that's modern, relevant, and original and the most mature in town, I think. I also think that he has a really good shot at mainstream success, and thats why he's in my top ten. Listen to him at www.myspace.com/planetasia

Super Lucky Catz(pop/soul/acoustic)- It's hard not to be biased with the Super Lucky Catz because, yes, I do play with them. But on a honest level, I feel we have the talent to compete on a natinal level. One thing I notice at our shows is that everyone responds to us. Hip hop crowd, rock crowd, singer song writer crowd, young, old. I don't wanna say much more because it will sound like I'm pushing my own band, which isn't right.

Mezcal(latin/rock/world)- Three words. Mezcal owns Visalia. I've been witness to their high energy PACKED shows. Mezcal has a way to rock the crowd like nobody in the valley. And they are band filled with actual 'musicians' which is great..for me! haha. They are very passionate about there music as a craft and it pours out to the audience when they play. If your looking for a band to rock the house, look no further than Mezcal. Oh, and by the way they made it to the FINALS of the American Idol Band Competition. You can listen to them at www.myspace.com/mezcal

Patrick Contreras top 10 (6-10)

I'm gonna lump these two together and Call them under one name "old guitar gods" haha. They are Steve Kykendall and Rich Severson. Steve Kykendall plays at Sequoia Brewing Company in the Tower and was voted number 2 amateur guitarist in the Country, He owns a music store in Clovis. Kykendall's Music Center. Rich Severson I first heard last year when he went .. me at the Chinatown Jazz Festival, he has the cleanest Jazz guitar sound I've heard from anyone in Fresno. I really enjoy his playing he could easily be touring with Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse or anyone in that mold.

Mofo Party Band (blues/rockabilly)- Again I included because they are indie, not signed to a big lable. Everytime I've been to a Mofo Party Band show I end up dancing...DANCING, I'm a mexican from the East Side who's Jaded as hell, and they make me feel oooh so good, " you a bad trip bayyybay". Plus they've survived as a band for years, and they still pack places! thats pretty unbelievable if you ask me. Listen to them at www.myspace.com/mofopartyband

Flight 409 (punk, emo?..hell i don't know..just rock)- A teenage punk rock group. A band that doesn't really relate to me at all, and that really doesn't determine how good they are, but one things for sure. These Guys have a pro level that rocks! I think they would compete on the market on a larger level. They've got catchy riffs, good energetic vocals, and good singable songs, and a good look, everything a record label could ask for. Check them out at www.myspace.com/flight409

40 Watt Hype (hip hop/latin/funk)- In many ways I still seem 40 watt hype as "the" fresno band. I remember playing in my old band and being scared sh**less to open for them, because they were just so damn good, they could control a crowd like I had never seen at the time. And come on, Hip Hop/Latin/Funk...that style of music is just a natural winner for those that can do it. One other thing that needs mention..I think Aaron Wall one of the most talented front men in town, those looking to lead a band need to learn someting from Aaron Wall. Check them out at www.myspace.com/40watthype

Armen Nalbandian Jazz Pianist- Armen is the hardest working person in the Fresno Music Scene, let me say this again....Armen is the hardest working person in the music scene. I don't know anyone in town who can compose music at the rate he can. One cool fact that reaches beyond mere opinion. I remember when his cd came out at Tower Records a year or so ago, It was the largest selling Local CD they ever had. That says alot, a nd oh yeah...it was JAZZ! Please do yourself a favor and check out his concert series at the Fresno Art Museum. Or try to catch him with Nina Moschella, or playing at Veni Vedi Vic's. listen to him at www.myspace.com/armennalbandian and prepare to be musically challenged!

Now I'm NOT putting myself in a list, its not right. But if you'd like to check out what i do please go to www.myspace.com/patrickcontreras..and if you'd like go to I'll be performing ("Patrick Contreras and The American Gypsy Experience") at Warnor's Theater Thursday Oct. 4 Many of the musicians that you see in the list above and in other people's list are involved in the show.

Thanks Mike for putting this on Fresno Beehive. I think the main thing is to recognize the talent we do have in Fresno and this will get people thinking!

1.Dylon
2.Dylon
3.Dylon
4.Dylon
5.Dylon
6.Dylon
7.Dylon
8.Dylon
9.Dylon
AND
10.Dylon!

I've seen several bands in the area, there are a lot of good, and excellent, -but I was surprised to see over 30 votes on lists.

What I'm not surprised to see?
Same Shape on nearly all of them.

What's weird?
So far they're mentioned once on the Fresno Famous list...

There are a lot of excellent musicians playing around, (and a few that are kind of half-baked, -but 'big in town.'

The first time I saw Same Shape, the last time I saw Same Shape, (even at Envivo, where the soundman butchered the sound of the band,) I stood there mouth agape and just muttered 'my god, I can't believe I'm seeing this, this is amazing.'

There are a lot of excellent players (Julia Dawn, also spectacular,)

But that Same Shape is still unsigned and is still not freakin' HUGE?,
-How? Beyond me.

They're probably one of the best live shows you can see barre none.

Argyle Pimps
Jamie Nelson
Boney Beezly
Chuck "Chuck Snuggles" Dimes
Hype
40 Watt
The Neighborhood Watch
Soul Comps
Nomadic the Journeyman
James Worthy

sadly, i've only seen a couple of bands perform.
not enough to come up with much of a list,
but, i totally agree with those individuals who mentioned RADEMACHER & EL 0LI0 W0L0F.

They have their distinct/original style.
Musically & Physically.

1. The Jay Rossette Project
2. The Super Lucky Catz
3. 40 Watt Hype
4. Clouded Vision
5. Mezcal

These are the bands I've seen and loved every time. : )

My turn! My turn!

1. Super Lucky Catz
2. Patrick Contreras
3. Chuck Dimes
4. The Nancies
5. Blake Jones
6. Trey Tosh
7. Skinny Fat Kids

And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Argyle Pimps leave Fresno? Why is everyone listing them?

Mezcal
The Argyle Pimps
El Olio Wolof
Soul Profit

ARGYLE PIMPS!

All told.

Diego Redd
Fashawn
Skinny Fat Kids
Global Reps
Chuck Dimes
Cloulded Vision
Super Lucky Catz
F Plus
Argyle Pimps
Same Shape

I have yet to see the punk scene represented in any of these posts. so, I'm gonna list a few off the top o my head that you guys should check out. and not really in a particular order.

1. A.D.T.
2. Disgruntled hippos
3. Our Lost Cause
4. Speakers for the dead (not punk but, my cousin was playing with them before he passed. good rock.)
5. Check Raised
6. Locked out
7. Pinky Swear
8. Retard Nunchuck
9. Known Associate
10. The Velisha

I play i a local punk band as well. but, If I put our name on the list well, yknow. it looks dumb. so, I'll just tell you guys to check us out.
www.myspace.com/not4hire

Argyle Pimps are the only ones worth mentioning in my opinion

Soul Profit

Argyle Pimps

... i don't get out much

in no specific order whatsoever...

40 watt hype
mezcal
super lucky catz
jay rossette project
patrick contreras
argyle pimps

1. Super Lucky Catz
2. Super Lucky Catz
3. Super Lucky Catz
4. Super Lucky Catz
5. Super Lucky Catz
6. Super Lucky Catz
7. Super Lucky Catz
8. Super Lucky Catz
9. Super Lucky Catz
10. Super Lucky Catz

And that is all I have to say about that.

1. Serus Victoria

2. Patrick Contreras

3. Jay Rossete Project

4. The Dalloways

Argyle pimps

Patrick Contreras

the suppressors

40 watt hype

Mofo party band

Bean dip

Oh and, The Scene Machine :D

Top 3 are my boyz, but everyone's an artist in my heart and they all deserve to be recognized.

1. King:Ink
2. Biggz
3. Super Lucky Catz
4. Patrick Contreras
5. Planet Asia
6. Fashawn
7. Chuck Dimes
8. Diego Redd
9. Home & Sixth Productions-I think it's Assassin I'm not sure

10. I can't think of this one last one but if I know you and you're an artist I'm sorry.

I keep hearing about Mezcal, but never heard them perform...hmm maybe I should look into that then huh?

Good luck to all and God Bless

This would be my order for current bands.
1. Same Shape
2. 40 Watt Hype
3. Argyle Pimps
4. Patrick Contreras(doesn't matter who he's playing with)
5. The Nancies(so much energy you feel like you would explode)
6. Blake Jones
7. Julia Dawn
8. Flywright
9. Mofo Party Band
10. Songs 4 Pints (nothing wrong with self promotion)

Former bands
1. Trout
2. Cattie Ness
3. Sippy and old Guzzler
4. 2AM Orchestra
5. Lets Go Bowling
6. Crossover
7. Beach Party Blockade
There you go. Thats my choices. I do realize that some of these former bands may still be current but I haven't seen them in a while. Have a good night.
Deric

I believe the valley's Top Ten bands are.
1.Section 8
2.Lowcrawl
3.Grooveyard
4. Mo Fo Party band
5. Ma Hop
6.South of Shaw
7.7th Arrival
8. Gatja
9.State of Insomnia
10.Six Ounce Gloves

I'm gonna post some super unknowns/Be a loser and post bands I and close friends are in...

the Sotelowes
www.myspace.com/thesotelowes
the Unlikely Heroes
www.myspace.com/theunlikelyheroesca
Jakt Welr
www.myspace.com/jaktwelr

Avarium
www.myspace.com/avarium

and the Orchastra Pit from Zombie Prom.

No particular order...but these bands will ROCK you!

Blackbird
Head Rush
Something From the Planet Hell

They're all on MySpace...check 'em out for yourselves...I'd never steer you wrong!

Smooches~K

Hands down #1 belongs to THE SAME SHAPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! El Olio comes 2nd. :)

1.) Flight 409
2.) Argyle Pimps
3.) Diego Redd
4.) Tha Heat Committee (Kings County)
5.) Fallen Pilot
6.) Looka Le
7.) Six Ounce Gloves (Need to be signed to a major)
8.) 40 Watt Hype
9.)Flight 409
10.) Flight 409

I think that all the following bands are awesome and each one have their own special style. I know Fresno have a lot more of musician and they should be good too, but these ones are the Ones who has change my music library.
1) Patrick Contreras(Fresh, different, Excellent combination of cultures in his music)
2)40 Watt Hype( First band in fresno that i heard, and I feel in love with. awesome fusion, I have all Cds hehe)
3) Jay Rossette Project( I love latin music and rock!! excellent guitar player and drummer)
4) Super Lucky Catz( I think the best male voice in town)
5) Los Hooligas ( gosh... fun men... they make me sweat hahaha)
6)Eva Scow ( Excellent Musician, first time that i see a mandolin played like she does)
7) Mezcal ( from visalia but i feel them closer than that)

I love the band Head Rush !! These young men are Fresno State music majors(save one) and are brilliant musicians. They have a great new sound and are fun to watch play and interact with the crowd. I know that members of the band have received many awards and accolades for there musical ability, put this together with there energy and ability to engage the audience and you have a great time and a winning combo... If you want your face rocked and then melted these are your guys GO HEAD RUSH

1. PATRICK CONTRERAS
2. EVA SCOW
3. SUPERLUCKY CATZ
4. 40 WATT HYPE

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY SEEN THESE BANDS PERFORM, PLEASE DO. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED... PROMISE! THANKS TO ALL THESE MUSICIANS FOR THEIR EFFORTS AND DEDICATION IN BRINGING WORTH WHILE, QUALITY MUSIC TO FRESNO.

Sparkle JEt!
the same shape
Sleepover Disaster
40 watt hype
Trike shop
Los Hooligans
Mofo partyband
poplord
Gypsy Cab
And as long as we are all self-promoting - the NEPTUNES

Delirium!!! there farelly new but rising fast. they do a few shows here and there here in fresno. But they have stuff lined up in L.A. and a few tours pending!!!!

DELIRIUM!!!!
DELIRIUM!!!!
DELIRIUM!!!!
DELIRIUM!!!!

Argyle Pimps!!

For sake of obvious, gotta give #1 to MoFo Party Band. No one in this town (or Valley for that matter) has the package, talent, or stage presence that MoFo does, regardless of genre. Ready for heavy support nationally and are even touring internationally. All done indie-style

The rest, not quite a Top 10, but here's a few, in no order:

No Halo
Hobo Erotic (called something else now)
Haven (weird as it's hard rock, with no lyrics, but solid music)
Speakers of the Dead (back at it again)
L.R.A.
CattieNess & The Revenge (Local Rockabilly royalty)

Ok, so I realized I didn't give props to some others who I follow that have been pounding away for a while.

40 Watt Hype
Six Ounce Gloves
Grooveyard (didn't they were back)

DUHH!! How the hell did I forget these guys!

I'm still quite new to the Fresno music scene, and after having so many bands listed repeatedly, I'm going to have to check out some of the ones I haven't heard of, let alone heard. But a top 5 for me:

Head Rush
Jay Rossette Project
Super Lucky Catz
40 Watt Hype
Los Hooligans

super lucky catz, patrick contreras, the argyle pimps, and maybe the jay rosette project.

That's a really tough one! The Fresno area is remarkably LOADED with talent. I can't resist giving it a shot, though. Here's my list, but I can't place them in order. That's TOO tough!

MoFo Party Band

Nate Butler (of the Double Doors, the Beetles, and his wildly manic lounge lizard act)

Trey Tosh

A.C. Myles

Cole Fonseca (send good thoughts his way for this young protege's complete recovery following his tragic car accident)

Patrick Contreras, gypsy violinist extroardinaire

Corby Yates (Fresno spawned him, even if he's moved on)

Ron Thompson and the Resisters (this guy is the epitome of tenacity and resilience)

Bobbysox (Fun, beautiful and loaded with georgous tattoos, she kicks Gwen Stefani in the teeth!)

Wicked Dreams (I know John McLaughlin has his share of enemies, but the guy ROCKS!)

Too bad you're limit is ten!

Favorite Bands that play in Fresno (in no particular order)

Bungalowdowns
Patrick Contreras
Super Lucky Catz
The Jay Rossette Project
40 Watt Hype
The Same Shape

I know it's not 10 but....whatareyougonnado? lol

Inmy opinion, in no particular order:
Head Rush
Jay Rossette Project
Super Lucky Catz
40 Watt Hype
Los Hooligans
Plan B
Argyle Pimps
Clouded Vision

Shady Dillon
Silverburst
6 oz Gloves
More Than Without
Euphoria
No Halo
Nino Moschella
The Same Shape
Sleepover Disaster
Circus Bogus

These are in no particular order:

Lacey Oken(great guitar player/singer/song writer)
Clouded Vision
Jay Rossette Project (everytime I hear their music i just wanna dance!)
Six Ounce Gloves
Los Hooligans

Band that gets MY vote? "Hate FX"! I'm not normally into Metal- but these guys have a sound that's so distinctive I'm willing to make an exception. I always try to make it out when they play!

Here goes, no paticular order just the best bands in town!

MYNIS
Let's Go Bowling
More Than Without
Fusion Porn
Speakers For The Dead
Mofo Party Band
Los Hooligans
Trey Tosh
Sparklejet

HeadRush will rock your face today. they get my vote for the best unsigned band of Fresno.

1. Capitol Punishment
2. Nazi Bitch and the Jews
3. Harsh Reality
4. Nucular Assault
5. Wawona Boys Choir
6. Burning Bob & The Big Boys
7. Catholic Prostitutes
8. SAD Boys
9. I Madman
10. Vincent Van Go-Go

SEXX SINN
KIDD GYPSY
DITCH BANK OKIES

PATRICK CONTRERAS AND BAND
EVA SCOW
SUPERLUCKY CATZ

I'll start with these three...all excellent

Ok... first of all... to Justin's posting about Tower Idol and the like... um... last I checked Tower had more venues open to local up-coming bands than any other area in Fresno... not to hate on Crossroads or other venues that are supporting the local scene... but there's nothing like Tower in availability for performance spaces.

My bands....
Of course...
the man with the magical fingers: Patrick Contreras
Super Lucky Catz
MoFo Party Band
40 Watt Hype
The Same Shape
6oz. Gloves
Trey Tosh

Geez there's so many... and so many on these lists that I haven't seen yet... like The Nancies...

Ok.. there's ya go Mike... and thank you for posting this... it really gets the word out on bands that are up and coming that people might not have known about. :-)

Head RUSH

Without a doubt one of the most MUSICALLY TALENTED groups in Fresno. Great group of guys too! You can tell they totally enjoy performing on stage. Not only do they produce great music, but they also put on awesome shows!

http://www.myspace.com/myheadrush

1) MOFO Party Band!!!!!!
2) 40 Watt hype
3) Mynis
4) Trey Tosh
5) Argyle Pimps
6) Clouded Vision
7) Uncle Scam
8) Known Associates
9) Sexx Sinn
10)Kid Gypsy

for me is not about how much time is about quality

in no particular order

something from the planet hell
hatefx
impest

6oz
HateFX

I go to shows a couple times a month and one band/group that needs to be mention are THE ARGYLE PIMPS. There sound and lyrics are easily the most orginal ive heard in a while. Take a chance and listen.

I'm not really into the local scene, but I do know a good band when I see one. Great sound, awesome stage presence, and fun!
Head Rush.
They're amazing.

So lately I've been into the seen pretty deep. These are the people looking good right now, no order........

1) The Abbott Experience

2) Super Lucky cats

3) Head Rush

4) 40 Watt Hype

5) StoneShiver

6) The Martyrs

7) Eminent (Brand
new awesome Metal Band)

8) Argyle Pimps

9) Mynis

1o) R.I.T.L.

All on Myspace. Especially check out The Abbott Experience live. You'll be amazed.

I don't know too many local artist but this one her havs talent coming out of the wazoo

1.abigail nolte
2.abigail nolte
3.abigail nolte
4.abigail nolte
5.abigail nolte
6.abigail nolte
7.abigail nolte
8.abigail nolte
9.abigail nolte
10.abigail nolte

I gotta say from what i have seen...like signable

planet hell
impest
hatefx
locrawl

mmm probably more but these are hard working bands and their quality is superb

Hello to all, you have that lisen the new material of hatefx, they are Powerful, sound very well, it is an aggressive and direct metal.

1)MOFO Party Band
2)Sparklejet
3)Gypsy Cab
4)The Sleepover Disaster
5)The Same Shape
6)Rademacher
7)Known Associates
8)Clowded Vision
9)MYCOW
10) Whatever hapen to the Migrains?

i think pinkeye is still the best band to ever play in fresno

1. Patrick Contreras
2. The Jay Rosette Project
3. Serus Victoria
4. Corby Yates
5. 40 Watt Hype
6. Mynis
7. The Trey Tosh Band

Needy Eevy - those girls rock...

Head Rush is an amazing band from Fresno. All of the members are amazing musicians who obviously love their craft. Every show I have been to of theirs has been so much fun. They draw a big crowd where ever they go and by the end of the night the whole crowd is cheering for Head Rush. They have great stage presence and know how to put on a show. They have done gigs in Fresno as well as out of town. I think they are defiantly one of the top ten in Fresno.

MOFO PARTY BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. Patrick Conteras
2. The Green Machine (hanford)
3. Indosurf (visalia)
4. 49 watt hype
5. Needy Evy

Having a talent is absolutely wonderful and sharing your talent with the world is even better. I know being a musician and trying to build your way up to the top could be difficult, sometimes running into closed doors. But the ones who want it the most NEVER give up on their dream. I could only choose one person, when I have gone to his performances he would literally give me chills. He could play anything, from Classical to Country, Rock, Salsa and Arabic you name it and he could play it. I choose Patrick Contreras, I could guarantee nobody would be disappointed, he has what everybody needs.

OHHM I THINK UH, SHOULD BE THIS BAND THAT OPENED FOR STATIC X, FROM FRESNO, HATEFX AND WELL LAST SATURDAY AT CROSSROADS ALSO IMPEST GREAT BAND TOO, I THINK MOST PEOPLE ARE POSTING HERE ABOUT THEIR BANDS OR FRIENDS OFR WHATNOT BUT IN THE END IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO THE BANDS MYSPACE AND LIVE SHOW, YEP I THINK THOSE 2 ARE IMPORTANT THESE DAYS

OPUS THIS DAY

1) Patrick Contreras
2) Head Rush (Adam)
3) Super Lucky Cats

1. Patrick Contreras
2. Mynis
3. Trey Tosh
4. Jay Rossetti
5. 40 Watt Hype
6. Super Lucky Cats
7. The Same Shape
8. The Fusion Porn
9. Soul Profit
10. Chuck Dimes
11. Corby Yates [ He is not really in Fresno anymore btu Damnit he is a Valley Boy]

thats my 10 + 1 haha

Peace,

Eric

Patrick Contreras & the American Gypsy Experience
They are soooooo awesome....Violins with a flare and something new...

We get to listen to a lot of different bands and sounds over at 90.7 KFSR, and by a lot, I mean a lot.
My personal favorites in the area (and in no particular order)...

The Same Shape
Argyle Pimps
Rademacher
Aspen Hollow
More Than Without
Super Lucky Catz
Sleepover Disaster
El Olio Wolof
Clouded Vision
Patrick Contreras

UNLEASH THE REVIVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unleash The Revival is the newest band in town and is stepping up and giving it all to GOD! Members from the band are from all over such as Fresno, Parlier, Fowler, Selma, and Visalia and come together in unity.

Unleash The Revival is a highly God-driven band that focuses on giving their talents and everything that they have for the Glory of God!

This band is opening up for Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary Sept 30th at the Save Mart Center and also performing at Cornerstone church sept 12th at 7pm.

Check them out and see if you change your mind about the bands!

1. The Jay Rossette Project

2. The Same Shape

Human Body Plan
Human Body Plan
Human Body Plan
Human Body Plan
Human Body Plan

Needy Eevy
Needy Eevy
Needy Eevy
Needy Eevy
Needy Eevy

NEEDY EEVY

RADAMACHER

THE NANCIES

THE INSECTS

EL OLIO WOLOF

Without a doubt, no questions asked:

1) the Jay Rossette Project

Serus Victoria might have been a good band if their bass player wasn't a legitimately psychotic lunatic in need of medication and/or a court-ordered bitchslap.

Same with Argyle Pimps. Being a douche isn't the same as being creative.

Therefore I choose:

Super Lucky Catz
Chuck Dimes
Patrick Contreras
The Comfortadores
Coloured Pictures
Blake Jones and the Trike Shop
40 Watt Hype
Your mom

HEAD RUSH.
HEAD RUSH.
HEAD RUSH.
HEAD RUSH.
HEAD RUSH.

I'm surprised so many people have mentioned them, but very pleased. It just shows that they have a pretty hardcore fanbase.

Also:
Super Lucky Catz -- after a while, a lot of their stuff lacks variety. Then again, it's great as it is. Do they really need variety? Nah.
The Same Shape -- need I say more?

I don't know about the other nine contenders, but Patrick Contreras should be at the top of the list!

Hate effects for their live show I guess and Planet Hell for their intricate songs

TOP BAND IN FRESNO BY FAR IS THE JAY ROSSETTE PROJECT!!!!!

Head Rush is awesome!

WOW. You sure touched a nerve, MikeOz, and wonderful to see SO many comments.

And you thought the Beehive wasn't this well read (or maybe I thought that), but WOW. Great to see this much support and interaction.

However, for true marketability (record labels are out to make money, NOT to promote true, hidden talent), along with the potential to thrive with a label for some time, I only see a couple of minor options:

Patrick Contreras, because of his particular niche.

Trey Tosh. He's young, talented, and has a unique quality and sound which is very marketable.

Aspen Hollow. Not so much for the music, but Kevin's face on an album cover will sell at least one album's worth world-wide. Very marketable.

DL Frequency. They're sound is solid, but they would be sold as an exciting live touring band, playing the heck out of 1,000 seat small venues, as Linkin Park did for a coupla years when they were starting out. They cross over genres.

Anything niche-like will do pretty well. MoFo is one of my fave bands in town, but they do covers (and do them WELL), but this isn't a marketable tool, no matter how wonderful they are live.

I don't know the Christian bands, but there's almost always a market there.

Here comes the heresy: Great local faves like Super Lucky Katz, Same Shape, El Olio, Rademacher, and so many of the other mentioned bands are good for small, indie labels only. No matter how good Tommy D is, there's no market for him world-wide because frankly? There are about a million bands like his. Rademacher's sound is unique to Fresno, but in Seattle? Austin? Notsomuch.

Abigail Nolte and Julia Dawn are wonderful talents and gorgeous (Oh MY) women, but are also too similar to thousands of other talented women and men. Kat Jones woulda signed ages ago if there weren't sooo many other great, similar acts to her. Seriously, folks...you have to look hard at these things. Kat Jones! Really beautiful, original music, can clearly sing, and can fit into a niche genre like Christian music, and STILL isn't signed. There's a reason for that.

My final mention fits the whole concept: Marketable due to his age, unique-ness, looks, and a niche genre. Music is original and written by him. Put a professional package on him, put a band behind him, and That Guy Kevin is my pick for the label signage.

Right behind him is Kevin from Aspen Hollow...properly packaged and with a new band behind him.

Then Trey Tosh, same thing.

As far as full-on Fresno bands? While I love so many of them, except for previously mentioned DL Frequency, were I an A&R rep, I wouldn't find anything that fits the full criteria.

Keep the thread a-goin! Poor MikeOz is wearing his fingers out hitting the 'approve comment' button!

But can't I be a douche AND creative, Heather?

1) Straight Up Sinners

The rest are in no particular order
2) The Neptunes
3) Deep Cover
4) The Shroud
5) Suicide Lounge
6) Special Reserve
7) Mofo Party Band
8) Pipe On The Hob
9) Highlands & Lowlands
10) Acoustic Highway

1. sigh of seraphim 2. patrick contreras, both excellent musicians!!!

Thank you for calling me beautiful, Stephen.
You seem to know a lot about the industry, but as a friend i am disappointed that you would downplay my talent, especially since you're yet to actually attend a show. That explains why you would pigeon-hole me into a "girl and guitar" category with Kat Jones and Julia Dawn.
The music industry is not about finding an undiscovered talent..it's about money. Any musician brave enough to dream big has to figure that out eventually. Perhaps that's why I'm not surprised I didn't top these charts.
But for me, music is who I am.
Unsigned`or Not.
I am a lover of creating music as well as listening to others'.
So, Mike here is my list, from a local musician herself:

The Same Shape
Wil Bolman
Aspen Hollow
Armen Nalbandian
El Olio Wolof
That Guy Kevin
3 Bags Full
Cosmic Hayride
Jay Rosette Project
Nino Mochella

HEAD RUSH is easily in the top ten best unsigned bands in Fresno. They are my number one.

1. Head Rush
2. Super Lucky Catz
3. Los Hooligans
4. Plan B
5. The Notones
6. Heroes Choice (Valley, Modesto area)

Boney, I didn't mean you specifically, but in answer to your question: yes, one certainly can be creative and a douche. It just means you aren't going to make it into some people's top ten local band picks.

But what do you care, right? You're not even in Fresno anymore.

Well, as far as overall songwriting, stage presence, and memorability of shows, I'd have to say:

Six Ounce Gloves (although they are signed, but deserve recognition)
Toxic Sunset
GATJA (chick singer, totally rocks!)
Section 8
Grooveyard
MoFo Party Band (absolutely amazing stage presence)
40 Watt Hype

and depending on how far your definition of 'local' goes:
Save and Continue
RAGG (another great female-fronted rock group)

Okay, okay, to narrow it down:

1. No Halo
2. GATJA
3. Serus Victoria
4. Speakers for the Dead
5. MoFo Party Band
6. Patrick Contreras
7. 6 Ounce Gloves
8. Section 8
9. Toxic Sunset
10. Stone Shiver

That's in no particular order, as they are all great bands.

"RESILLIANT BUTTERFLY" by GATJA
When I first heard this it gave me goosebumps.

Okay Mike, here are mine:

Patrick Contreras

Gatja

Patrick Contreras (amazing)

Gatja (they rock)

Mezcal

40 Watt Hype

Jay Rosette Project

Super Lucky Catz

MoFo Party Band

Six Ounce Gloves

The only band i ever come out to see is

Needy eevy

they have had offers to labels but they dont wanna change the way they play and i respect that. now some of the other peeps out there stop frontin and be real. this is a band of all girls who get the club jumpin so they are my number 1 - 10

For consistent originality, energy, and amazing musical talent there are only 3 bands I would vote for.

1. GATJA

2. Pink Eye

3. Gutterfish

Rock on \m/--(-_-)--\m/

I don't have ten favorites, but here are the three I would vote for:

Gatja
Mezcal
Jay Rosette Project

Ok, this is a toughie..here's my abriged top 10 list:
1.Patrick Contreras(probably the most musically talented and original band, and the one thats getting the tour dates)
2.40 watt hype(they are still one of the fresno bands to beat
3 Aspen Hollow (saw these guys at Starline a few weeks ago, great!)
4.The Same Shape (Fresno's mainstay rock band)
5.6 oz gloves (I'm still waiting for these guys to get some lable attention, its about time already)
6. Jay Rossette Project (great groovin band, and jay's an excellent guitarist)

To be honest, I don't really care for many bands in the area, but there is definitly one that I can never get enough of.

Headrush is an awesome local bnd that knows how to out on a great show and they're amazing musicians! If you haven't heard them, you're missing out!

Well, I would have to say my top 10 band to listen to in Fresno is:

NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
NEEDY EEVY
AND OH YEAH,
NEEDY EEVY!!!!!!

Awesome girls! Awesome sound. If you haven't been out to hear 'em you really need to. These girls rock!!!!!

Head Rush!!!!!
Those boys can rock your face off!!!!!!!!!

Without a doubt, THE JAY ROSSETTE PROJECT ROCKS!!!

the best musical talent in town is these musical youngsters that are pushing the edge of their instrument and all already demanding soloists..patrick contreras(violinist)...javon davis(keyboard)...trey tosh(guitar)..eva scow(mandolin)...sean ritchey(guitar)

Haven't been exposed yet to most of the bands mentioned already. Of the few shows I've been to, would have to say my favs (those I love to see over & over) are:
1. The Jay Rosette Project
2. Tommy Delgado - on any instrument!
3. Head Rush
4. The Super Lucky Catz
5. Same Shape
6. Abigail Nolte
7. Trey Tosh
8. Patrick Contreras
9. Flight 409
10. The Martyrs

1. PATTON'S LEGION
2. The Suppressors (used to be Hobo Erotic)
3. Los Hooligans
4. King Sugar
5. Let's Go Bowling (where have you guys been???)

1. Super Lucky Catz (with frontman & amazing violinist Patrick Contreas)
2. Six Ounce Gloves
3. MoFo Party Band
4. Grooveyard

ARGYLE PIMPS and thats it.

I had to give up reading everyones post after a while...I'm afraid I can't keep my mouth shut though, Same Shape is probably THE MOST overly hyped band in town, dull dull dull. No seriously....DULL!!!!!!!! As well as mind-numbing.

As for bands I would recommend, hands down ARGYLE PIMPS!!! Fresh, witty, and oh so groovy!!!!!!!! I've never had a person yet, regret being dragged to one of their shows. They are universally appealing!

1. Argyle Pimps.
2. Jay Rossette
3. Mofo Party Band
4. Journey
5. Led Zepplin
6. The Beatles
7. Cream
8. The Police
9. Rolling Stones
10. The Who

Patrick Contreras FTW

This makes me really miss pinkeye and American Sloth.

The Super Lucky Catz
Patrick Contreras
Jason Williams- on any percussion
"Rob the voice"

1 same shape
2 armen nalbandian
3 julia dawn
4 kat jones
5 aesop

Wow, what a tough question, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

You know what I'd really like to know is if you asked all the MUSICIANS in town who the best was or who they like the most who they would say.

MY list

TOP 3

1 Jason Chavez
2 Diego Redd
3 Armen Nalbandian-I can't afford his shows at the Fresno Art Museum, but i have seen him at Venis and the show is always good!

Argyle pimps. thats it.

And I quote: "When answering, remember to weigh the factors a record label would: Talent, marketability, image and following -- both locally and on the road. I'll reveal my list when I'm done with it. For now, chime in with yours."

meanwhile, as of this writing, 148 comments (which is awesome), of which 145 or so are just 'here's my top ten favorite bands!! Wheeee!!!!'

Talent. Marketability. Image and Following.

Same Shape? Marketable how?
Argyle Pimps? What following? They fill Zapp's Park.
All those metal bands? All those emo bands? I'd argue there are 10 similar bands in each and every mid-to-major size city in Fresno.

Did anyone go to that Starline show where the San Diego band was brought up as a surprise band, after Aspen Hollow? WOW. Those guys ROCKED. They were solid and tight and talented and marketable and did the best live performance I've maybe seen ever.

And they aren't signed. Heck, they couldn't even score enough shows to continue their road trip...Sacramento show cancelled on them, which is how we got lucky enough to see them in Fresno.

I keep hearing 'world class musicians' perform in Fresno. I AGREE! But there's a log more to being great when it comes to getting signed, marketed, and selling.

Now I agree there are a ton of bands currently signed by big labels that suck or are ordinary or don't equal up to what's being done in Fresno, but that's only cuz the record labels have to sign SOMEbody.

Which is why they asked an inside-guy like MikeOz to figure out and give them his top ten. And when Mike does, I'll bet they sign one or two of his picks...because they have to try and fail to find the diamond in the rough.

Just cuz you like them (and your best friends do, too) doesn't mean they should be marketed globally. Some of the verybest talents in town can tell you stories of their 'careers' as they play still in some dive bar at Yosemite Lakes.

Ask Maynard Williams about his global tours and Vegas showrooms playing for Sinatra next time you see him playing piano for pennies. Ask Reiber Hovde about his albums when he plays for pennies. Ask Debi Ruud how hard it is to try and re-create herself at her age, after a couple of albums went bust. Ask Vince Warnor. Tom and Stan. Nate Butler.

These are the greats who have actually done something with their careers in the past, but NEVER GOT SIGNED.

And folks? Those people are ALL better than you are. More talent. More marketability. Better image. Huge (former) followings.

NEVER GOT SIGNED.

So please keep posting your friends' names so they can see them, but also, please keep your noses in reality a little bit. It's a tough picky business. I wish Patrick Contreras and Abigail Nolte and Kat Jones and Kevin and Kevin and Kevin well, but our most famous musical celebrity right now?

Kevin Federline.

I vote for GATJA - they play good old fashioned hard driving rock. no punk, no grunge, no silly stuff - just ROCK!!!!

Stephen,
I really enjoy reading your posts. Not because I agree with you, but because its interesting to read someone with a actual opinion on the question that mike is presenting, rather than ...(this band ROCKS!!!...which is fine, but irrelevant to the question.
I have to take a stance against you, Stephen. I don't believe what your saying. I can't, believe what your saying from a musicians standpoint. If I did believe you, I'd probably be home on the weekends sharpening my skills and Video Games. From what I gather, your basically limiting myself and others into a category of "won't have have a chance with a major label". Which, as a audience listener, and as a blogger you have every right to be entitled to your opinion. In some cases I even agree with you. But I do think your vision of what major labels sign is wrong and narrow. Granted, I know major labels are narrow, but there is room for a picture much different than you are painting. Now, I can't speak for other musicians on this subject, so I will explain my situation and represent myself. I'm young and naive..that is CORRECT, but I have spent COUNTLESS hours in meetings with agents, marketing specialists, and music industry reps. talking about exactly what your explaining. Marketing, regional marketing, advertising, unit sales and effects, music trends and shifts. I feel Stephen, what you are saying, is that a major label is only going to sign a four piece rock band or hip hop artist with a "look" "sound" that most radio stations would be comfortable with. While, yes, you are correct in some ways about your statements. 80% of the time record labels are looking for this because it means money. HOWEVER, they do take chances sometimes.Major Labels sign plenty of artists that do not fit your criteria Stephen. So here, I will name a few artists that clearly do NOT match up to what you are describing. A few cases in point...
-Andrea Bocelli, signed to "Universal" a Major label, not a mid major. We're talking an operatic singer that is one of the biggest draws in the world NOT performing rock/pop/or hip hop. He also sells worldwide a Sh*tload of units(albums)
-Yanni, a classical/new age pianist who is also (like him or not) is one of the largest draws in the world and is signed to Virgin records, a major label.
-If you wanna talk about a new act that is up and coming, completely different and getting "rotation" on MTV, VH1 and mainstream media look at "rodrigo y gabriela" two acoustic guitarists. They are on a mid-major label, but getting mainstream success, and they are NOT typical by any means.
-One last example...google "highest paid musicians in Europe under 30 list"..this was a list that was put up by a gathering of Major newspapers, soundscan, and radio in europe. Who tops the list...james blunt?..nope..joss stone? not even close..Vanessa Mae at 32 million..and who is she? a pop/rock violinist who plays and sounds like no one else, and was able to create her own market, until she was picked up by "SONY" records and she hit worldwide, and performs and arenas, stadiums and concert venues everywhere and sells out.
- and there has been a few others to break the majors, buena vista social club...sarah brightman, yo yo ma, Joshua Bell, Lang Lang (pianist), Andre Rieu.
I know these artists are different, and I chose these names because these are the artists that my management compares me to (whether i like it or not)when developing a strategic marketing plan. These are the arists I NEED to keep watching to see why they are selling so many CD and whats working for them..because they are "similar" to me. These artists Stephen, do not fit the mold of what your describing. Yet they are some of the most marketable, money making powerhouses in the world and the music industry. And if there's one thing I have learned in my short musical career..at the end of the day people like "good" music. and from record industry proof according to soundscan..."good" music presented and packaged in a marketable way will work. And I have to believe that.

- Patrick Contreras

Here's the list of the highest paid entertainers in Europe under 30. As you can see Vanessa Mae, the violinist, is at the top of the list. Her value is at 32 million Lbs. whic is american dollars is 60 million...someday I will have a piece of this..hahaha.

1. Vanessa-Mae (violinist)- £32m
2. Kiera (Knightley)Chaplin - £30m
3. Guy Berryman - £25m
4. Jon Buckland - £25m
5. Will Champion - £25m
6. Chris Martin - £25m
7. Karen Elson & Jack White - £20m
8. Orlando Bloom - £14m
9. Daniel Radcliffe - £14m
10. Kate Winslet - £12m

Patrick--

Don't forget to read my first post on the subject.

Niche acts are always and often signed. Violinists. Opera Singers. Stars (Kiera, Orlando, Daniel R., Kate Winslet). Christian bands. KT Tunstall.

Those niche acts are EXACTLY what record labels are looking for...

And in my first post, you'll notice I picked you to be signed first among the rest. You have talent, marketability, a following, and fit into a niche market.

I'm glad to hear you're also educating yourself about the biz...

And NONE of these musicians should quit singing and start playing video games. Abigail Nolte ripped me on this also.

"Getting signed" is NOT why you people are playing music. Not at all.

Because you love music is...because you are serving a higher power...because you're good at it....because you want to meet girls....or because you HAVE to.

Getting signed is just the candle on the cake. The cake is the music. The frosting is getting to play for people (who adore your music, as 150+ posts agree).

"Getting Signed" just means you get paid for what you love to do...

But thanks for your opinion also. I enjoy your music very much, and your posts as well.

MIKE LETS GO A STEP FURTHER, IF YOUR SERIOUS I WILL BOOK THE TOWER THEATRE OR SAROYAN AND PUT THIS ON 20 RADIO STATIONS AND MAKE THIS A HUGE EVENT IN THE VALLEY AND WE CAN TAKE THIS TO ANOTHER LEVAL AND HAVE THESE 10 PERFORM ALL ON ONE NIGHT! YOU PUT TOGATHER THE JUDGES AND I WILL DO ALL THE REST. IM SERIOUS ALSO...

1. Patrick Contreras and the American Gypsy Experience
2. Five Dollar Ransom
3. [CO] Pilot

1. El Olio Wolof

2. Rademacher

3. Aspen Hallow

4. A Pageants End

5. ... In the Tower Never Rescued

6. Bean Dip

7. It's an Icicle

8. Circles and Circles

9. Jonah and the Whale

10. Human Body Plan

I can't wait to hear all these bands!! I haven't heard of many of them, but that's what I like about this post, I can't wait to discover them. But then again I've lived in Fresno for less than a year, and I'm always working.

There are my obvious favs
The Same Shape & Armen Nalbandian, but I think they're both signed, aren't they?

But I think this question is hard because there are certain acts they would appeal highly to their specific genre, but not really mainstream.

Both of the artists that I mentioned have been and are marketable to their own specific audiences, but as good as they might be, they probably won't appeal to the mainstream.

A singer like Abigail Nolte though seems both talented and marketable enough to appeal to the masses.

Some of the groups that were mentioned above (the ones I have heard) are pretty good but longevity in music is important for a career and its difficult to find muscians that don't always put on same show. You know who you guys are!

I like to be suprised when going to show, and especially the second time not to know what I'm going to hear.

What would be cool would be to get create like an all-star Fresno group.

Honestly, do these bands ever work together or collborate?

I don't know who that posted are actually musicians or just fans, but for the one musician I recognized, Patrick Contreras, I would be curious to know whether the musicians (especially the well known ones that are band leaders) do they ever collborate with each other or is the music scene in Fresno too competitive?

What do think Patrick? Are there other Fresno music greats that you have enjoyed working with?

This question is not limited to just Patrick but to all the musicians on the board, he's just the only one I recognize.

1.Needy Eevy
2.Needy Eevy
3.Needy Eevy
4.Needy Eevy
5.Needy Eevy

the loveseats,
jay rossette project.

My top:

1. The Jay Rossette Project
2. The Abbott Experience
3. Fusion Porn
4. Super Lucky Cats
5. Flight 409

HEADRUSH is the only band for me!!!!!!!!

Does everyone know Headrush is from Sacramento? And yes, they do kick some @$$...
P.S. Thanks to Heather for mentioning Save and Continue, nice to know we made an impression on someone.

Ever heard of a band called PAZ? Features a whole cast of Fresno's very top musicians including, Johnny Lopez on guitar & vox, Danny Cervantes of Malo on keys, Marisa Orduno on drums, Richard Juarez percussion, Pat Olvera or Kevin Hill on bass, Pete Ortega on sax, and myself Reagan Holmes(formerly of Checkmate!)on trumpet, flugelhorn and valve trombone. I'd venture to say we're as good and as popular as any other group list here. We'll be opening for comedian Paul Rodriguez this Saturday night if anyone is lookin for a good show.

FLIGHT 409
Argyle Pimps
Vaudeville
......In the tower never rescued
Some Kind of Wonderful
The Blue Northern
JAF (even though joseph is crazy)
The Martyrs