Listen and Learn

The Hero Factor is a very popular band out of Tulsa, Oklahoma that has been making some noise for a while. Having its start over six years ago, the band has a following all over the United States. Extremely popular with the college scene, they have been performing at universities and clubs all over the south and some in the north.

The band would be categorized as indie rock. The lead singer, Ben Kilgore, has some soulful pipes on him that are not usually found in that scene. His voice alone can attract fans by the hundreds to venues that can hold them.

Their first recorded debut, Tulsa City Limits, a live set that shared the club’s name, was recorded in 2003. After long anticipation, in February 2005, they followed with their first studio album, Interactions. This was then followed by another live set, Live at Suede, which had a few tracks from the studio record as well as some new tracks. Since signed with the Indie label Nobility, they have come out with the EP, Battling Chimaera.

Some tracks that have become popular are She’s Out There, Breathe, Run and Come down. The latter two are found on their new EP and are also available to hear on their MySpace. But I recommend hearing them at a live show! They put on an amazing show that will keep you there until the last song…and keep you wanting more.

Check out The Hero Facor’s MySpace!: www.myspace.com/theherofactor

This artist should be taking the United States by storm very soon. Jose Gonzalez is an Argentinean Swede singer and songwriter who is critically acclaimed all over Europe. The UK absolutely loves him and there are good reasons why.

Though having a very distinct sound, it is very reminiscent of Elliot Smith, which is someone he is influenced by. His Argentinean father was very eclectic in his music choices enjoying American and UK pop classics as well as Latin American music. This soon rubbed off on his son, who has dabbled into everything from hardcore to indie rock.

Jose came back to his six-string and mellow voice. In 2004, Jose signed with London-based label Peacefrog, releasing his UK debut, the EP Crosses. When his album Veneer dropped that April, he had already started a buzz around town.

Veneer is one of those albums that you can listen to over and over again and never get sick. It’s mellow, enchanting and goes through a variety of emotions. The track, ‘Heartbeats’, was originally by a Swedish band The Knife and a Vaneer highlight. Critics alike have called Jose’s version something “timeless”. The tracks ‘Heartbeats’ and ‘Crosses’ have more than likely been adopted into listener’s all time favorite song lists.
Give him a listen and you are sure to become a fan!

Visit Jose Gonzalez on MySpace! : www.myspace.com/josegonzalez

This guy has one hell of a voice! David Cook is the former lead singer of the Kansas City based band Axium. Now he is focusing on his solo career and has put out his first album, Analog Heart. Not to be typically corny, but it is work from the heart. His sound would be considered alternative rock, but he strays away from the ordinary. The track “Silver” is the one to listen to. It includes deep vocals that compliment painful words, which is always a good mix.

I have personally seen him live, acoustic and full band, and he never misses a beat. David Cook is one to look out for! So…look out!

Listen to David Cook music on MySpace: www.myspace.com/drcook

Midwestkings (MWK) is a diverse alternative rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma that has been making waves in the Midwest for a few years. From albums to live shows, they are talented musicians through and through. They have a song for everyone and can relate to many generations.

I have personally been to many live shows and have been impressed time and time again by this talent that has been undiscovered. The lead guitarist, Neal Tiemman, writes the music and can play a mean guitar. Andy Skib, the lead singer, has an amazing deep voice that has a lot of range. The whole band just performs well together and you can tell they really enjoy the music they play.

They have two previous albums, self-titled Midwestkings and Judging a Bullet. The latter came out in September of 2004 and is an amazing mix of rock tracks. A long awaited EP album, Incoherent With Desire To Move On, will be coming out in fall of ‘06 sometime around November. Be prepared for these guys and go check out a live show. They won’t let you down!

Listen to MWK music on MySpace: www.myspace.com/mwkmusic