Power Pop is one of rock music’s most enduring subgenres. This musical milieu, drawing inspiration from 1960’s British and American pop and rock music, is also the inspirational bedrock anchoring the original compositions of Milwaukee’s Independent Idols.  Forming in the year 2005, Independent Idols’ ferocious and multi-dimensional hard rock brings to mind a number of prominent artists within the genre such as Audioslave, Foo Fighters, Theory of a Dead Man, and A Perfect Circle, to name a few.  

The band’s radio-friendly, versatile stylings feature strong melodies and hooks, crisp vocals, striking guitar riffs, forceful drums and melodic bass lines, woven into a familiar and crunchy power pop tapestry.  Theatric front man Ryan Charles’ vocals soar prominently over sizzling guitar provided by Bryan Arzaga, chewy bass from Dan Morrissey, and cannon shot drum beats from Tony Myers.

Independent Idols’ combustible live shows are where one best experiences their raucous, rock-and-roll theatrics, where scattered amongst the band’s power pop original gems are a variety of grunge-fueled covers, such as a rock version of Cee-lo Green’s “Crazy,” and a startling version of Lionel Richie’s “Hello” worthy of Marilyn Manson.  The Idols’ cover list is deep and varied, featuring reinterpreted versions of a variety of artists from Gary Wright’s “My Love is Alive,” to Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice.” 

Recently unleashing its third full length recording, Independent Idols and have performed regionally throughout the Midwest, including appearances at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Riversplash, and the Waukesha and Wisconsin State Fairs.  The Idols have also showcased at SXSW, and the Midwest Music Convention, and have opened for national acts Theory of a Dead Man, Blue Oyster Cult and Chicago. 

Professional Educator | Makeshift Musician
Jesus, C&M, #PeculiarPedagogy

Followers of JoHnRenz