Temple has seen an impressive list of musicians pass through over the years, from Diplo to John Oates to Dan "Soupy" Campbell, but its current class of musicians is nothing to scoff at either.
To qualify as a "Temple musician," the band or artist must have at least one member that attends Temple and have played at or near Temple at least once.
1. A Body
A Body is a Nate Cabigting and an acoustic guitar. The lo-fi recordings make up in musicianship what they lack in audio quality. Cabigting's voice overflows with emotion that complements A Body's lyrics, which beautifully reveal Cabigting's emotions and thoughts about life.
2. Above the Mendoza
Above the Mendoza is a five-piece pop punk band that has it all. Easy, energetic grooves seamlessly become smooth, catchy choruses that set Above the Mendoza ahead of the pack.
3. Crockett
Crockett is a rapper whose strength lies in his realness. The 19-year-old emcee recently released "Ugly Beautiful," his newest effort detailing topics like reaching one's fullest potential and the pressure to fit in.
4. Eric & Robbie
Eric & Robbie is a bluegrass duo, a rare occurrence at Temple, to say the least. Using a combination of acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin and harmonica in their songs, Eric & Robbie certainly stick out in a predominantly DIY punk scene. The duo doesn't get by on eccentricity alone, though -- tight songwriting and a great sense of humor really make Eric & Robbie a must-see performance.
5. Folk by Default
Folk by Default seems to have a hard time fitting into any classification. Performing as a one-person act, at times Folk by Default can be heard covering popular songs on the ukulele and at others performing upbeat, original pop punk songs. Folk by Default's only released single, "Useless Melody," is a pop punk jam led by front person K.C. Raniero's floating voice.
6. Furthermore
Groovy alternative rock with a hint of funk is the easiest way to classify Furthermore. The bass grooves and impressive drum fills are a perfect pairing to the impressive guitar work that never seems to stay the same genre for more than a minute.
7. Marcus & Rome
Ben Marcus and Jahn Rome are the duo known as Marcus & Rome, tongue-in-cheek rap partners who never take themselves too seriously. Their latest release is a tribute to video games, an EP titled "Rated 'D' for Dope." Not only is "Rated 'D'" comprised of legitimately good rap songs, it's hard not to smile at witty game references in Marcus & Rome's lyrics, like the third track on the EP, a Pokemon tribute called "HM02 As Fuck" (That's "Fly as Fuck" for those not versed in Pokemon.)
8. Skinny Dip
Skinny Dip plays grunge that would make the 90's proud. The Rolling Green Records band has come up fast, frequently playing in Philadelphia and New Jersey and gaining a fast fanbase. Their self-titled EP feels fresh and honest despite its influences of decades past.
9. Tiny Rainbows
It's next to impossible to classify Tiny Rainbows. The music, created entirely by Theo Dennis, shifts from calm, ambient guitar playing to raging noise accompanied by unintelligible shrieking. Random soundbites and silly song titles top off the madness that will confuse and fascinate listeners.
10. Water Polo
Water Polo should receive the Rookie of the Year award for the 2014-2015 school year. While they already had music under their belt upon arriving at Temple, the band has since released two split EPs, one with Zoo Books and one with You're Making a Scene, Housecat and frequented Philadelphia and New Jersey's basement scene. Water Polo plays alternative rock that just feels good.
