Beartrap is a DIY promotion and publicity company that’s focused on establishing a strong community with the people who are dedicated to making (or supporting) music for the sake of music. Beartrap strives to be a forum where people can question conventional ideas. Fostering a tight-knit community of friends and colleagues who continue to challenge the status quo and excite us with their music is my number one priority. We contend that everyone has something special to contribute to this underground, DIY culture; here’s your opportunity to share it.

They also have a not-so-fancy motto:

They recently contacted me to tell me about some ace new bands who I’ve been spinning ever since. What’s better is that these artists have released these records for free / on a donation based deal. Just check out what’s on offer. These aren’t your myspazz rejects, who are all promo shots with no substance. If you’re a fan of independent music, who work hard, play hard and rock hard then you’ll like the following acts.

Merit

There’s something to be said for an incredibly well-rounded indie rock record – the type of jam that doesn’t necessarily beg for any careful, concentrated attention but nevertheless draws you closer and closer with repeated spins. Bands who craft winning albums like that – Syracuse, New York’s Merit, for example – might not get the credit they rightly deserve, but they’re happy to plug away with solid, enjoyable tunes that have undeniable staying power.

For fans of: Bayside / Tsunami Bomb / Paramore

Merit on myspace | Download Arson is for Lovers

Friends of Friends

If you enjoy punchy gritty vocals and strong steady beats, you’ll like Friends of Friends. They sound pretty damn good on record and I can imagine they get the crowd going when the play live with their dual vocals and light uptempo riffs. What’s better is that they have sampled a Flight of conchords quote on one of their tracks. Can’t beat that really can you?

For fans of: Against Me, Living with Lions,

Friends of Friends on myspace | Download Deep Search

Lipona

Hailing from the college town of Tallahassee, Florida, Lipona is a four-piece rock band that derives it’s sound from punk-rock and experiments with elements of ambient and post-hardcore music to create a unique “fast tempo” blend of powerful choruses, gang vocals and sing alongs.

For fans of: Belvedere, Slick Shoes

Lipona on myspace | Download Pigeonholed

Tweet This Post