LA Collection Exclusives: Imaad Wasif & IO Echo

KCRW has partnered with local indie label IAMSOUND on their LA Collection to spotlight local artists you should know. The label is releasing a series of limited edition split 7″ singles and we are debuting the tracks exclusively online!

This month’s artists are locals who have impressive touring resumes, in addition to their recorded work, and it’s the most rocking set yet from the LA Collection. It’s also the first new recordings released this year from Imaad Wasif and IO Echo.

On Today’s Top Tune – a free daily download from KCRW – you can find “Ecstasy” from Coachella Valley-raised musician Imaad Wasif. His intense live shows have earned him opening slots for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Neko Case and The Raconteurs. His bio suggests his goal is to communicate one simple but profound message: We are not alone. A message he communicates with urgency through both delicate guitar ballads and fervent rock songs.

Music blog Beat Crave was floored by a recent IO Echo show at the Troubadour, calling it “chilling, suspenseful, and action packed” and praising their effectiveness is taking advantage of crescendos and diminuendo while “rocking our faces off.” The mesmerizing musicians have graced stages with KCRW faves Hot Chip, Florence and The Machine, The Duke Spirit and even opened for Nine Inch Nails on their final show! Enjoy their new track, “While You Are Sleeping” streaming below.

While You Are Sleeping

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