Listen to St. Lucia and M83? Try Young Empires
The same high-energy indie and electronic trademarks heard in these two better established artists is showcased in the work of up-and-coming Young Empires, combining to produce a unique sound. The band”s 2015 album, “The Gates,” is a masterpiece (and that”s not even being generous). The title track is bound to be big in the mainstream soon – it is melodically deep, provoking more than dance vibes from the listener. With fewer than 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, this band is still undoubtedly low-key, but bound to blow up. I called it here first.
Lyndsie Kiebert
Rawr
Listen to G-Eazy and Mac Miller? Try Mike Stud
Duke baseball star pitcher turned established rapper, Mike Stud, is the real deal. With beats like G-Eazy but with hints of humor like Mac Miller, Stud spits addicting rhymes laid on beats both original and playing off pop hits. Some of his most notable remixes (which include his own lyrics) are “Show Me/Paranoid” and “Safe and Sound,” while noteworthy originals include “Brightside,” “Perfect For Me,” “Jack Daniels,” and “Bottle It Up.” But choosing just a few songs to list is painful and actually listening is the only thing that does Stud any justice.
Listen to Twin Forks and The Head and the Heart? Try Family and Friends
This homegrown band composed of seven friends from Athens, Georgia, has a sound reminiscent of Twin Forks” thumping folk tunes combined with The Head and the Heart”s sweeping melodies. With two EP”s released and a reputation for exhilarant live shows, Family and Friends has the loyal fan base of any folk band, but has songs that merit a larger audience. These include “Amadeus”, “Rust and Bone” and “My Life, My Love.”
Listen to Flume and ODESZA? Try Hermitude
This Australian duo has been collaborating with artists all over the world for the better part of the 2000s, but just recently released a full-length album worth listening all the way through. While every album has its high and low points, the high points on Hermitude”s “Dark Night Sweet Light” get gold stars. The song “The Buzz” is everything an electronic hip-hop fan could want – killer base and even better use of voice and melody. The electronic indie and hip-hop scenes are better for having Hermitude make a place among them.
Listen to Halestorm and Motionless In White? Try In This Moment
How can metalcore be so killer with a female lead singer and music that entails more than just ripping on guitars and deafening double bass? LA-based band In This Moment delivers just that, and has been for 10 years. More hardcore than Halestorm but with less screaming than MIW, In This Moment consistently delivers music with the lyrics and intensity to hook any rocker. Song gems include “Sex Metal Barbie,” “Whore” and “Adrenalize.”
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lyndsie_kiebert