Stranger Inside
Baltimore, MD

Stranger Inside is no stranger to great music. This artist is a purveyor of such music, cranking out hard rock tunes that sizzle the brain and speed up the heart and bring on the zest of life, like any great hard rock band should do. Stranger Inside is totally at ease with its music, dropping gallons of talent into each and every song. Stranger Inside is driven. There's no other way to put it. Only undying passion could account for the fierce sense of life that permeates this artist's music. "Music is our passion. It is the one thing that makes us feel like nothing else in our lives; not the stress of work, school or personal issues really matter." For Stranger Inside, music is Shangri-La; it is the ultimate drug. "Music is the only thing that makes us happy, no matter what." It's important to this artist to reach its fans and share its dream. Music is always out there, available for listeners, both through live shows and CDs. Their unstoppable work ethic will lead to the success these musicians crave. "Music is our passion, our dream and everything we do is geared toward accomplishing our goals in becoming professional musicians. After years and over a hundred auditions we have found our brothers in Stranger Inside. We are the best of friends and love making music together."

Kingsfoil
Harrisburg, PA

A Pennsylvania based rock quartet with a focus on songwriting, arrangements, and energetic live performances. Kingsfoil was originally formed as an acoustic duo. Songwriting by Jordan Davis and Tristan Martin has matured over the years through their three independent releases (Thoughts on the Floor '02, Blueprints '04, and The Almond Tree EP '05). Following the strong release of the Almond Tree EP, Joe Cipollini was added on drums, and in 2007 Tim Warren finalized the group on bass. With this solid line-up, Kingfoil recorded the five song Bear in the Attic release in 2007. As a four piece, Kingsfoil has seen extensive growth in the south central and eastern PA markets. Drawing on influences like Coldplay, Ben Folds, Love Drug, and Radiohead, their songwriting continues to develop along with their base of fans and friends.

Dana Alexandra
York, PA

At just 23, this rural Pennsylvania native has figured out how to capture an audience. With a distinctly delicate voice that could relax even the most uneasy mind, Alexandra shows she is not only a beautiful voice but an accomplished songwriter as well. From the newly released debut, "Fashionably Late", tracks like "Swallow" and "Show and Tell" prove that Alexandra has pulled a lifetime of charm and wit out of just 23 years time. Alexandra has appeared nation-wide on Fox television and has lent her voice to nationally broadcasted commercials. At a time in which the music industry is looking for someone to lead the way, Alexandra might do just that while you stop to enjoy her all-American sound. One listen to Dana Alexandra will offer a voice and cleverly catchy songs that will draw you into her warm little world that you just won't want to leave anytime soon.

Carpe Diem
Baltimore, MD

Out of the woodwork in early 2007, the Hard Rock/ Alt. Metal Band Carpe Diem has been hitting the Baltimore/ DC Metropolitan area with vengence. With their newly recorded "mini" EP with singles such as "Suffering Me" and "Choke", and the live performance put on by the band, Carpe Diem is a band you'll surely talk about and will see more in the future. Currently working on extending our fanbase, Carpe Diem is playing anywhere and everywhere in the Tri-State area, and beyond. Carpe Diem is proud to participate in the 2008 International Music Festival and look forward to the rest of the journey.

Everyone but Pete
Falls Church, VA

With only 3 years under their belt, Washington, DC-based Everyone But Pete (EBP) has accomplished more than most bands could hope for in such a short period of time. With the help of a concrete fan base, EBP has sold over 2,000 copies of their debut self-titled EP, headlined shows outside of the United States, been featured on two of the area's biggest rock radio stations for both in-studio interviews and acoustic performances, and played nationally accredited venues including the 9:30 Club and Nissan Pavilion. Since their formation in mid 2004, EBP has quickly become a staple in DC's local music community. A nomination for WUSA 9's A-List top local band and winning DC-101's LBS competition just one year after their conception affirmed both their talent and success. LBS earned them the coveted prize, sought by 200 other local DC area bands; an opening slot to play for over 15,000 people, while sharing the stage with national acts including Hoobastank and Better than Ezra. Their second release, entitled Carry On, represents the keenness EBP has for their future. Making stops in New York, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, EBP regularly tours up and down the east coast. With evergrowing support and devotion from fans, and certain dynamism in their live shows, EBP is well on their way to a permanent impact on the rock music genre.

Standing Ground
College Park, MD

In 2007, Standing Ground formed in the Tidewater area of Virginia, after vocalist/guitarist Brian Elder of Gloucester, Virginia and guitarist Kevin Epstein of Hampton, Virginia heard of each other through a mutual friend. Searching for a bass player, they met Chance Ferguson, a bassist from Kill Devil Hills, NC. During the audition, it became apparent that this was the bass player Brian and Kevin were looking for. Following the audition, Chance relocated to Gloucester, Virginia to join the band full time. Brian had been playing with Brandon Clarke , a drummer from Mathews, Virginia on and off for 5 years. They decided to give him a call, which led to a practice session and, by 2007, the band was complete. Since then, Standing Ground has achieved a multitude of accomplishments in the small amount of time they have been together. They've been covered by local press, had radio play on 99.1 FM in Gloucester, 98.7 FM Homegrown in Chesapeake and 100.5 FM Locals Lounge in Virginia Beach. They are now being played on K94 Rocks and Cygnus Worldwide Internet Radio Stations. The band has been featured by web sites such as Sapere Productions, K94 Rocks Promotions Page, and Anthem Entertainment. They have also been the featured band of the month on K94rocks.com Internet Radio. On OurStage.com, a site where the fans decide the best music in head on competitions, Standing Ground's music has consistently placed high in the ratings for Overall, United States, and Southeastern Regions, often being the number one for Virginia and the Southeast.

Tactylics
New York City, NY

Tactylics is a funk-rock band from New York dedicated to making music people can feel; combining the rich lyrics, melodic hooks, and power of modern rock with the hard-hitting grooves of funk and R&B. The name Tactylics is a portmanteau of the words "tactile" and "dactylic"' simultaneously tangible, emotional, and rhythmic. The group is quickly garnering attention on the local scene and has been named winner of the International Music Festival for the New York market, from which they now advance to the semi-finals in competition for a world tour. They also had the recent honor of performing on "From the Penthouse", hosted by Tainted Blue Studios and held in the penthouse of the former Quad Studios in Times Square; an exclusive event that highlights the very best of up-and-coming New York City acts. Tactylics is currently finishing production of their demo EP, "The Guilty Pleasures Prototype", due for release in Spring 2009. They are booking tour dates for the rest of 2009 and are eager to play for any fans who request their presence.

Poetic Republic
Cleveland, OH

Poetic Republic exhibits unpredictable flows and rhyme schemes that have shaken the foundation of the lyrical arena. Pulsating acoustics, lyrical precision, and raw vocal delivery declare to the world; they will not be ignored. Classification Never. PR pushes the bounds of true school hip-hop through a quality of sound that pulls at the core of all audiences. Off the stage and away from the bright lights, each member of PR is a true musician and multi-instrumentalist. Rem, Ahp Qwes, Asante, Angelo Vagas, Frank Soul, and DJ Ceven all understand the science of music, and apply it effectively to their thriving sound. Fans are impressed with the authentic and innovative way that PR has diverged from the monotonous "bling" marring the hip-hop world. A group of skilled emcees and muscians, PR attacks real world issues with an approach that has left an imprint in the minds of eager listeners. Poetic Republic is the answer to monotonous hip-hop. PR released their first official studio album "Indigenous Philosophy Of The Gentiles" in May 2007. The album was received with an enthusiastic welcome from a rapidly growing fan base. Edgy and sensational performances have garnered a heightened anticipation for the artists recently released album, "The Natural Progression Of Things". The new album The Natural Progression Of Things has sold exceptionally well and garnered PR an Ohio Hip-Hop Award nomination for "best group". It has been hailed by the media and fans alike as an "instant classic".

Turning Pages
Athens, OH

Influenced by the music of Led Zeppelin, Incubus, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, and Third Eye Blind, Turning Pages offers a contemporary take on classical rock. They are not afraid to reach out beyond the boundaries of each genre and it shows in every song they perform. Whether you're into mood music or something to rock out to, Turning Pages will not disappoint. Encompassing their easygoing moods, their lyrics and captivating rhythms make any listener want an encore. Turning Pages is happy to be a part of the International Music Festival to represent Athens.

funkharp
Philadelphia, PA

funkharp's first concert was me on a boardwalk bench, all the instruments I could carry and an open guitar case with a sign saying 'Change'" says Joseph Randle. Founding member and songwriter for funkharp, Randle is a classic band nerd with a surprising tongue. Drifting between childlike vulgarity and ultra-literate eloquence, that "Change" sign on his guitar case was probably meant as a general statement, not a request for spare coin. A few months back, Randle began plucking talent from the Philadelphia scene. He found the Thundercat, a grinning and excitable bass phenom whose slap n' pop style interlocks with funkharp's off-rhythm guitar licks the way a zebra's stripes fit together. Next came Mofa, a relentless drummer whose tasteful interpretations of funkharp's nuanced songs reflect his past career as a singer/songwriter. The final addition is Gene Orlando, the MacGyver. This tonehead mixes and masters all of the band's recordings in the studio, and onstage, he tackles whatever part is thrown his way, even when it means learning to play (and sometimes having to invent) yet another instrument. Though nearly strangers at the time, the members of funkharp moved into a house together after a handful of rehearsals and only one gig together. They built their own recording studio matching the band's exact specifications (and budget) in the house, and the squeaky old conversion van they tour around in usually pulls back into the driveway in the wee small hours of the morning carrying the boys of funkharp, dazed by the rising sun and another stint on the road.