Los Angeles-based band Monroe, formerly known as Wreckonomics, have been carving a name for themselves in music scenes across the nation. The four-man band first got together in the summer of 2009 after studying music at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Now, they spend their days playing live shows in Los Angeles and are currently working on their debut album. Their first EP Outer Space featured seven songs with strong vocals by lead vocalist and guitarist Lawrence IV. He’s got a soft-toned voice that resembles that one of Brandon Boyd and Sting.

Their song “Body Snatchers” is nothing like Radiohead‘s own, but you’ve got to commend Monroe for generating a melting pot of different sounds. They’re not entirely rock, but also not entirely funk or hip hop. Overall, Monroe has a relaxing sound that will even remind you of the king of reggae Bob Marley. Since their inception, Monroe has kept busy playing shows in Los Angeles at notable venues like The House of Blues, The Roxy, and The Whiskey. We support their efforts and are glad to make them our BeatCrave Fav. Check them out.

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The best way to describe the Boston-based trio Grey Valley Ghosts is as “evil pop.” Frontman and guitarist Madison Taylor doesn’t rock out to soft melodic pop, his band is more hardcore, like Nirvana or Tool. Their self-titled debut album will have you thinking you’re back in 1994 playing Sonic Adventure on your Sega.

This year the trio will play a handful of shows in the U.S. to support their sophomore album Bad Mallady. We’re excited to see where a band like Grey Valley Ghosts – who doesn’t sound like every other indie pop band coming out of Echo Park – fits in today’s music world, and we support their music. Check them out in our BeatCrave Fav series below.

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The Kickback joins the ranks of Great Bands We Admire (as well as today’s BeatCrave Fav) mainly for their live quality. We’re sure you’ve experienced the band that sounds great in studio, but not so much on stage – well, rest assured that that’s something not to be concerned with when it comes to the Chicago-based band. Originally from Vermillion, South Dakota, this five-piece indie rock group consists of brothers Billy and Danny Yost (on guitars and keyboards, etc., respectfully), whose move from South Dakota to the windy city in 2009 planted the roots of what we assume will continue to be a brilliant display of talent with their fleshed-out band.

Not only will they be kicking off the new year locally at the famed Lincoln Hall in Chicago, but following their most recent EP, Mea Culpa Mea Culpa, they’ll soon be releasing a full-length, hopefully coming much sooner than we expect. Until then, check them out in our BeatCrave Fav series below, and be sure to vote for them in our poll at the end of the month.

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Don’t confuse Wolves with Wolfmother. The two bands may hail from the land of Oz and share a somewhat similar name, but their musical sound couldn’t be more different. This indie band got their start in Western Australia, where they have opened for internationally renown bands like Metric, Gyroscope and The Mess Hall. Most recently, the band of five caught the attention of producer Sylvia Massy who’s worked with hot bands like System of a Down and also the legendary Johnny Cash. Now, Wolves are set to release their debut album in 2012.

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New Year’s Eve is always a great opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a chance to get get rid of negative vibes and tell yourself that this year will be your year. Or if you’ve had an awesome year, it’s a time to celebrate and party like it’s 1999. Whatever you’re mood may be, we want you to welcome 2012 with open arms. So we’ve compiled a list of songs that will set the mood just right this New Year’s Eve. Below are 10 songs for your New Year’s Eve Playlist – the list  runs the gamut from 60s pop to Indian (yes, Indian) rock n’ roll. Check it out!

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2011 has been a good year for music, but as we look ahead we can’t help but feel excited about the new talent that lies ahead. Week to week we’ve been sharing new artists with you through our BeatCrave Fav series, and now is our chance to predict their future. We’ve compiled a list of Top Bands To Look Out For in 2012. Some of them, we’ve been lucky enough to feature in our series; the others were just too hard to ignore. Take a look at the list of artists and bands who we believe are the bands to look out for in 2012 below!

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As 2011 wraps up, all the blogs are posting their end of the year lists. We’ll also be presenting a ton of lists including Top Bands of 2011, Top Albums of 2011, and plenty more! However–we are kicking off the best of the best with some of the artists YOU – the reader – have chosen as some of our favorite BeatCrave Favs. We not only began highlighting some of the best up-and-coming, talented indie acts in January but we also gave you a chance to crown some artists with a BeatCrave Fav of the Month title. Those who earned the title advanced into the running for 2011′s last Fav poll.

We now ask you to cast your votes in for BEATCRAVE FAV OF THE YEAR! See who you voted as some of your favorite artists during 2011 below and make your voice heard. Most importantly – support the band you especially cherish!

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You voted Rival Sons your BeatCrave Fav of the month of November! These four rockers from Long Beach, California just finished a Euopean Tour, and already have some more tour dates readied for early 2012. Their latest album Pressure and Time has a mixture of sounds that verge upon rock, funk, and a great feeling of freedom that exudes the album. They have garnered international attention for a reason: they seem to have fun doing what they do best! We caught up with lead vocalist Jay Buchanan to talk about touring, advice, and his favorite food. Check it out in our exclusive interview below!

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We selected five bands for the month of November, and now we need you to vote for your  BeatCrave Fav  of the month!

Your choices include: an L.A.-based band whose sound is as united, harmonious and seamless as it is layered with hints of alternative, country, and folk  A House for Lions (listen here), four crazy rockers from Long Beach with a great sense of style and some serious talent Rival Sons  (listen here), a couple whose puppy love-themed songs look and sound like 60s pop Neverever (listen here), the soulful and dramatic folk trio with a simple approach and heartwarming vocals If Birds Could Fly (listen here), and an alternative rock duo with old-school rock n’ roll, pop and folk influences Cassiopeia (listen here).

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