If you’re anything like me, you always need to update your Spotify or Apple Music selection. With hundreds of thousands of artists trying to get to the top of the Top 40 on our local stations, it can be hard to find the diamond-in-the-rough-type artists that are essential to anyone’s music library.

Elliot Root

Recently on tour with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Elliot Root is a Nashville-based band that is on the come up. With a smooth alternative-rock sound with songs incorporating new and unique sounds, they are definitely a band to put on your Queue.

Some songs to pay attention to:

“Punks and Poets”

“Stay”

“10,000”

Judah and the Lion

If you want to listen to a band that makes you want to jump around and throw your hands in the air, this is the one for you. Judah and the Lion has been becoming more and more popular, and not only are the song rhythms dance-worthy, but once you hear the lyrics, you’ll want to scream them at the top of your lungs. One of their most popular songs, “Twenty-Somethings” can be relatable to almost anyone in their college years, with lyrics explaining how we twenty-somethings have so many dreams, but don’t know what to do with them, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but Judah just sang what I don’t know what to put in words in that song.

Songs to add to your “windows down” playlist:

“Take It All Back”

“Our Love”

“Stockholm”

Rex Orange County

Rex Orange County’s songs sound like a soundtrack you would hear in the background of a cheesy 1970’s film, with a couple dancing in poodle skirts, sipping on a vanilla Coke. His songs are retro, and heartfelt, and give off a groovy-vibe. He is truly a growing artist, being only 19-years-old and still having a couple million listens on his hit song “Best Friend”. If you are looking for a fresh and trendy sound to add to your car-ride tunes, this artist is a must-listen.

Some of his grooviest songs include:

“Loving is Easy”

“Sunflower”

“Best Friend”