Love the Mike-Bryan-Josh team. LOVE it. The podcast is normally good, but the additional voices really add something special.

You guys work well together, and you're all really knowledgeable about local music.

Your picks are pretty good, too. I think Fashawn is really talented, and - although I don't listen to country - the country singer (forgot her name) sounds pretty good. She definitely sounds comparable to what I've heard coming out Nashville.

Great #10, Mike Oz.

Thank GOD a music critic/knowledgable person has chimed in (ie, about friggin' time, MikeOz!)

I'd never heard of Flight 409...and a simple search tells me you're completely correct with the pick. Talent, unique sound, good look, following, experience (including the crucial 'on the road' experience) and marketability.

Kristy Warner is GORGEOUS and a diamond in the rough...very mature voice. She could have a career, I think.

Fat Shawn (sp) is new to me also, and is the perfect age ("labels are after young artists" - you're so correct). You were correct in your comments...either the Fresno group has already dealt with major labels, or they just sound like every other rapper in the world. Unfortunately, I don't find the 'unique-ness' from Fat Shawn that's necessary to stand out, even tho 'Strange Love' is a nice pick by you...very listenable.

Mezcal might be 'past their time' for signing, but they have a huge following and a niche, so I can definitely see them getting some albums put out.

Your other comments were fantastic and right on, about Rademacher, Eva Scow (great session player), Armen Nalbandian, etc etc. Faves all, but not really signable!

Patrick Contreras is the guy. Clearly.

Can't wait to hear your next five.

WELL DONE! Thank you SO much for cutting through the 'my favorite band is!' crap.

you may have hit the most signable band first. crazy. i've never heard of flight 409, but they certainly hit the sound that can get signed. i was listening to the podcast and my wife thought it was either taking back sunday or my chemical romance. i told her it was a local band.

kristy warner, well, she is nu-country. this is exactly the same the carrie underwood. there is no reason why this woman shouldn't have a contract based on what's happening in nu-country. dollars and cents are in her future.

i certainly think people like rademacher, eva skow and patrick contreras should be signed, but labels tend to avoid "different" sounds. they tend to eat up recognizable sounds, stuff that they know they will immediately recoup their investment. that's not a slap at the groups those two groups that are marketable. i really think either of those could instantly be signed and marketed. neither may be the best or most original, but they're good and worthy of making it.

i'm going to have to look into more fashawn. especially if he normally brings an old-school, rakim feel.

good start. can't wait to see where it all ends up.