A while ago, I made a list of movies you might not have heard of but should definitely see. This time, I'm suggesting some tunes you should check out.
I often find it overwhelming at how much good music is out there that I haven't listened to. There are so many talented bands and artists that are deserving of more recognition. I am constantly looking to expand my music taste into the realm of the less heard of. If you're like me, you've come to the right place. I have compiled a list of some lesser known, but deeply talented, artists and bands that are worth giving a listen to.
1. The Wrecks
These guys claim they are "5 kids who snuck into a recording studio to self-produce their debut EP". Their EP boasts classic garage band vibes. Funnily enough, my dad was the one who introduced me to this band by sending me a text to check them out after hearing them on Alt Nation. Thanks, Dad.
Song To Listen To: "Favorite Liar"
Check out if you like: Five Seconds of Summer, blink-182
Website: wearethewrecks.com
2. TV Girl
This band from LA is undoubtedly unique and produces a sound that is remnant of old school synth pop. They achieve this unique vibe by mixing sound bites and catchy beats with raspy vocals.
Song to listen to: "Birds Don't Sing"
Check out if you like: Mac Demarco, Phantogram
Website: tvgirl.bandcamp.com
3. Clubhouse
Local artists represent! It's pretty cool that these talented guys are from my area. The first time I got to see them was at the CD 102.5 Holiday Show when Clubhouse won a contest to preform on the same stage as Circa Waves, Foals, Wolf Alice, and Silversun Pickups. A few months later, I took my friends to see them in a tiny crowded bar for my 18th birthday since I couldn't seem to get their electric beachy pop jams out of my head. No doubt that Clubhouse will go far. Never underestimate local artists; twenty one pilots started out playing in the same venues that they are now, after all.
Song to listen to: "Blame the Weather"
Check out if you like: Circa Waves, The Beach Boys
Website: clubhouseband.com
4. Frankie Cosmos
Frankie Cosmos is headed by singer-songwriter Greta Kline and creates melancholy tunes perfect for listening to on a Sunday afternoon. Her soft and smooth voice is complemented well by the electric undertones that many of her songs possess.
Song to listen to: "Floated In"
Check out if you like: Regina Spektor, Melanie Martinez
Website: frankiecosmosband.com
5. Hinds
These badass ladies are originally from Madrid. Their retro sound and swoon-worthy voices make for some pretty great music. They're so cool that it's slightly intimidating (in good way of course). Do you think they would accept an application from me to be their personal hype girl/best friend?
Song to listen to: "Garden"
Check out if you like: The Smiths, Florence + The Machine
Website: hindsband.com
6. Alvvays
The group from Toronto delivers sweet indie pop melodies. Their songs offer a familiar and warm sound. Whenever I listen to them, I feel like it should be the '60s and I should be sitting on the sand of a beach off the coast of California. If only, right? Their song "Archie, Marry Me" makes me want to find a nice guy name Archie to fall in love with, just to sing it to him.
Song to listen to: "Adult Diversion"
Check out if you like: The Beatles, Angel Olson
Website: alvvays.com
7. Little Comets
Described as playing "kitchen sink indie" music, you can find a little bit of every kind of sound in this English trio's tunes. Some songs contain poppy beats that are perfect for dancing, while others offer a much more mellow vibe. With each song, you're hit with something new, which is why these guys are definitely worth checking out.
Song to listen to: "Dancing Song"
Check out if you like: Bombay Bicycle Club, The Maccabees
Website: littlecomets.com
8. We Are Trees
While the band from Virginia Beach has only released two EPs, one in 2010 and one in 2011, their dreamy acoustic songs make them noteworthy.
Song to listen to: "Sunrise Sunset"
Check out if you like: Atlas Genius, Vance Joy
Website: wearetrees.bandcamp.com
9. The Elwins
This band from Canada creates songs that just make you happywhen listening to them. Their bubblegum pop and indie rock fusion will surely put a smile on your face. They're super nice dudes too; I've had several conversations with the band on Twitter, and they even sent me a holiday postcard last year, how sweet!
Song to listen to: "Paper in Your Pocket"
Check out if you like: Neon Trees, Vampire Weekend
Website: theelwins.com
10. CRUISR
Hailing from Philly, CRUISR's music is sweet indie pop. Their songs get stuck in your head for days and make you want to clap along.
Song to listen to: "All Over"
Check out if you like: Walk The Moon, Smallpools
Website: cruisrtheband.com
11. WATERS
WATERS gives us a taste of soulful rock that really sticks with you after you listen. I first heard them a few years ago, but with their new releases, they've come back on my radar.
Song to listen to: "Got to My Head"
Check out if you like: Young The Giant, Magic Man
Website: thisiswaters.com
12. Autoheart
This London-based indie pop quartet makes upbeat rhythms that are addicting to listen to. Their sound is unique and welcoming at the same time. I can't help but discretely dance when I'm listening to them while I'm studying in the library.
Song to listen to: "Moscow"
Check out if you like: Fitz and the Tantrums, Saint Motel
Website: autoheart.bandcamp.com
13. Maritime
A little punk, a little rock, and a whole lot of catchy tunes come from this group out of Milwaukee. Their sound has definitely shifted over the years, so anyone can find a song of theirs to enjoy.
Song to listen to: "Parade of Punk Rock T-Shirts"
Check out if you like: Two Door Cinema Club, Panic! At The Disco
Website: maritimesongs.com
14. Dresses
This duo from Portland makes sugary sweet indie pop songs that gives us an electric feel. Their strong vocals puts them on this list. Their acoustic renditions are also worth the listen.
Song to listen to: "Sun Shy" (listen to the acoustic version of this as well)
Check out if you like: Fiona Apple, Matt and Kim
Website: dressestheband.tumblr.com
15. Life in Film
If you like an upbeat poppy alternative sound, Life in Film is the band for you. They also have some mellower jams too. Their English charm can definitely be heard through their music.
Song to listen to: "Get Closer"
Check out if you like: Foals, Cage The Elephant
Website: facebook.com/lifeinfilm
16. Cathedrals
With a sound that is a touch of indie and a touch of grundy metal, Cathedral's gives us music that feeds our grown up teenaged angst. Their music is haunting in the best way possible.
Song to listen to: "Harlem"
Check out if you like: Paramore, Tove Lo
Website:wearecathedrals.com
17. Skylar Spence
Much like TV Girl, Spence cleverly uses soundbites to enhance his unique sound, which is electronic with some classic disco flare. His music is just fun, especially his song "Fiona Coyne", which is an ode to the iconic Degrassi character of the same name.
Song to listen to: "Fall Harder"
Check out if you like: Bee Gees, Calvin Harris
Website: syklarspence.com
18. Elliot Root
It makes sense that this group is from Nashville, the music capital of the world. Their music has grit and depth while still delivering the beloved alternative and indie vibe. Some of their guitar riffs are so good that it feels like the music physically hits you.
Song to listen to: "Punks and Poets"
Check out if you like: The Kooks, The Lumineers
Website:elliotroot.com
19. From Indian Lakes
This indie/folk rock group produces music that is so beautiful and that is perfect for listening to on a rainy day. Their songs set a wonderfully melancholy mood.
Song to listen to: "Am I Alive"
Check out if you like: Local Natives, The 1975
Website: fromindianlakes.com
20. Vinyl Theater
Vinyl Theater's music is fantastically electric and upbeat indie rock. I started listening to them a few years ago and their songs haven't made me stop wanting to dance since.
Song to listen to: "Breaking Up My Bones"
Check out if you like: twenty one pilots, Bleachers
Website: vinyltheater.com
21. Lost Triibe
When I first listened to this group I physically said out loud, "Oh, this is good." I've actually contemplated taking a late night drive just so I could blast their music in my car. Their electro-pop sound makes their music that good.
Song to listen to: "Open"
Check out if you like: Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun
Website: losttriibe.bandcamp.com
