Musicians in Charleston are making history every day with their incredibly diverse and compelling music. It seems as though every week, new jams flood our streets to add to the burgeoning cultural scene that is the Holy City. Charleston is actively facilitating a musical renaissance, and the future of music in our city is beyond bright. Here are some notable bands that are actively contributing to this productively positive future of music in Charleston.
Johnny Delaware
You can find him in a crowd donning a fly, thrifted jacket or at D’Allesandro’s slinging pizza dough. Johnny Delaware is truly a musical institution in Charleston. His music spans the folk, Americana and alternative genres. With inspirations spanning the geography of the United States, Johnny creates tunes that both embody the spirit of our age and the vibe of our community.
SUSTO“Progressive Americana” -- that’s how this Hearts & Plugs-signed group brands themselves. As the constantly developing project of frontman Justin Osborne, this band’s sound truly resonates in the heart of the Holy City. While the band’s lineup may have changed, their sound has remained solidly unique and powerful. If you can, catch them on their current national tour and follow their always-entertaining Instagram (@sustoisreal).
Grace Joyner
Whenever Grace Joyner performs, you can hear her voice echoing in the streets. The prominence of her vocals in any given performance is beyond powerful. Also signed to the Charleston-based label Heart’s & Plugs, Joyner represents an element of the Charleston sound that is both ambient and whimsical. The addition of organ and airy drums brings a level of retro depth to all Grace Joyner songs.
Brave Baby
Are you even a Charlestonian if you don’t love Brave Baby? After releasing their latest full-length album "Electric Friends" in August, Brave Baby has been setting Charleston on fire with their beach-rock, classically rock ‘n’ roll sound.
Whitehall
Fresh out of CofC, Whitehall literally just dropped a full-length EP (on Friday, Oct.16), and has performed all over the city in the past year. These college boys have come a long way from performing on the basketball court of College Lodge. The depth and quality of their sound is indicative of their talent as musicians rather than their relatively young age. Definitely keep an eye on Whitehall, because they are kicking ass and taking names.
Beach Tiger
Owning a funky, synth-heavy sound, indie rock band Beach Tiger are also finding their footing in our musically thriving city. This band is perfect to jam to on the way to the beach, or while stuck inside during a thunderstorm.
Listen to Beach Tiger here.
Diaspora
Also hailing from CofC, Diaspora is the socially-charged, injustice-fueled musical soundings of Anjali Naik. During her recent performance at Spirit Day, she detailed her sound as profoundly ambient and inspired by her experiences of prejudice. This is definitely music to learn from and organize a movement to.
Listen to Diaspora here.
Hermit's Victory
While a self-proclaimed hermit, Tyler Bertges and his band Hermit’s Victory make music to live your life while jamming to. As a prominent member of the Hearts & Plugs fleet, this band’s catchy, categorically indie vibe is appealing to all ears.
The High Divers
Contributing the influx of quality new music being released in Charleston, The High Divers just released a new, full-length album last week. This folk-inspired, indie band creates music that encompasses the sights and feelings of living in South Carolina. Their style of blending vocal melodies and softer guitar sounds is the perfect soundtrack to your walks through the streets of the city.
