Haley Jane

This rock ‘n’ roll three-piece (they are currently sans a drummer) might have formed in 2001, but its popularity has exploded over the past year. A busy touring schedule this summer is a nice segue for their EP Lightbulbs which is to be released in September. Drawing influences from The Beatles, Ryan Adams and Ben Folds 5, the band’s sound is hard to pigeonhole. Catch their album release party on September 1 at Plush, 340 E. Sixth St.

Luca

Singer-songwriter Nick Luca fronts his band by the same name. The band was originally formed in 2001 under The Nick Luca Trio, but Luca shortened it to his namesake. Luca’s latest album Coming in for a Landing was recorded live at Club Congress and Nick Luca is currently on tour with punk pioneer John Doe, a testament to his talent as a guitar player. The band will be back in Tucson to perform at Reid Park on November 3 with Chris Giambelluca and Tucson’s biggest music success story, Calexico.

Naim Amor

Parisian Naim Amor enlisted Joey Burns of Calexico to produce his lastest album Sanguine, with a French jazzy pop sound. Amor is married to Marianne Dissard, another French transplant in Tucson. Although he has been a musician for years, his sound has changed from the punk bands he used to play for in France. A musician for many years, his change in sound can only mean that Tucson has had an influence on his artistry and will continue to as he grows musically and popularly.

Ryanhood

Here’s a band that can play shows all over the U.S. and still find time to do weddings in their hometown. The duo, Cameron Hood and Ryan Green, use vocals and guitars to get their songs across to the audience, creating a truly acoustic experience. From attending University High School to opening for Jason Mraz and playing at the NACA Central Showcase, the band has come a long way. See if they can take home an award and beat out Tucson legend Al Perry at the Tammie’s, Tucson’s own music award show, on August 15 at the Rialto Theatre.

– compiled by Jamie Ross