My music taste is much like my taste in food. Some days I like to stick to my go-to or favorite "meal" and listen to my favorite artists on a constant repeat until after the millionth time I've just started to get sick of playing that same song over and over, but I always go back for more because it's sort of my comfort. Then there are days when my taste is brand new and I want to try that new "flavor" or "cuisine" and I'll get a little out of my comfort zone and experiment with different genres. For me, I tend to gravitate towards different bands. Whether they be popular, brand new to me but I've heard a lot about them and just have to try to get into them because if I don't then I'll be the only person who doesn't, or-- my personal favorite-- underground and not widely popular to a huge audience of listeners, but they're so good that I have to keep listening but never tell a soul about them because they're just that awesome.
Luckily, I'm not going to do that because I believe everyone should get a chance to listen to these bands and hopefully discover new music. Because let's be real, nothing is better than broadening your playlist. But before I show you these ahh-mazing bands I'd like to personally thank my friends for getting me hooked and introducing me to some, if not all, of these bands. If it weren't for you then I wouldn't have great taste in music. Don't believe me? See for yourself.
1. Hey Violet
Who Are They?
A Los Angeles-based pop-punk with more emphasis on the "pop" band. Originally known as Cherri Bomb, they decided to part ways and change their musical style in 2013, got signed to 5 Seconds of Summer's label Hi or Hey Records and soon toured with them in that summer.
Why Listen to Them?
After recently announcing their first North American headlining tour, these guys are out and ready to prove that they're the real deal and aren't going away anytime soon.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
2. Chvrches
Who Are They?
Spelling their name with a "v" instead of a "u" to differentiate themselves in internet searches, they are a Glasgow based band with a frosty electro-pop vibe. Writing songs inspired by Prince, Depeche Mode and Kate Bush, after two of their songs earned online buzz and ultimately led the band to score an opening slot on Passion Pit's 2012 U.K. tour.
Why Listen to Them?
Honestly, I saw them this past September for the first time and I never had a better time at a concert before. In fact, the picture I use for the article itself was from that very concert. It pretty much explains for itself how much of a good show they can put on.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
3. The Naked And Famous
Who Are They?
A New Zealand indie electronic ensemble make driving, melodic pop with an 80's pop-punk influence. Since forming in 2008, they've released three albums, went on a world tour with over 200 dates in support of their debut album and relocated to Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles.
Why Listen to Them?
With the recent release of their third album "Simple Forms" this past October, these guys have never been better and still remain to evolve but never change their sound or style.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
4. Modern Baseball
Who Are They?
Formed in 2012 at Drexel University in Philadelphia, with pop-punk- influenced indie rock. Their debut record gained local traction and eventually, in 2013, online buzz started to pick up for their lo-fi songs, which perfectly captured the awkwardness of teenagers surrounded by social media.
Why Listen to Them?
Their sound is honestly like nothing I've ever heard before and their lyrics are relatable af. It might take some time to get used to their sound and style like it did for me but trust me, it's worth it.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
5. HAIM
Who Are They?
American sister act, formed in 2006 after spending their childhood as part of a family cover band Rockinhaim. It wasn't until 2012, after a successful show at Texas music festival South by Southwest, where they landed a record deal with Polydor in the U.K. Their polished mixture of Fleetwood Mac-inspired rock, 80's synth pop, and 90's R&B influences such as Destiny's Child garnered attention from blogs and music critics alike that built them a feverish hype.
Why Listen to Them?
After seeing them as an opening act on Taylor Swift's 1989 tour, I've never seen such a badass trio of women be so into their music and playing their instruments with such power. And they're very humble and down-to-Earth, since my friend and I got to actually meet the youngest sister Alana (right) after the show.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
6. State Champs
Who Are They?
Albany, New York-based pop-punk band that began in 2010, basing their quick-paced and emotive sound on the influences of the masters of the genre like Fall Out Boy, The Story So Far, and New Found Glory.
Why Listen to Them
I"m not usually one for bands like this because their sound is so different to what I'm used to listening to. Nevertheless, after giving it some time, I fully want to experience a concert of theirs whether it be their own or at Warped Tour.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
7. Purity Ring
Who Are They?
A chilly electro-pop band that began when the two of them were in Canadian indie rock act Gobble Gobble. While the band was on tour, both of them grew increasingly inspired by the sounds of contemporary R&B and wanted to make music reflecting that.
Why Listen to Them?
Their music will take you on the biggest trip and you won't even need to go to the club, because they bring it to you.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
8. The Front Bottoms
Who Are They?
An indie rock band from New Jersey whose music is a wildly eclectic blend of pop, rock and pop influences, accompanied by witty lyrics that offer a rapid-fire, slightly surreal perspective of the world around them.
Why Listen to Them?
When my friend burned me a CD of their's freshman year of college I knew that these guys were special; they were nothing I'd ever heard of and a band I need to have in my life. They're perfect for those types of long drives with no destination in the late summer night with the windows rolled down.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
9. Twenty-One Pilots
Who Are They?
Not that they really need an introduction anyway, but for those who don't know this recent Grammy-winning duo, they formed in 2009 with high school friends Tyler Joseph, Nick Thomas and Chris Salih. The pop trio built an enormous regional following across Ohio and the Midwest, spurred on by constant energetic touring, shrewd use of interactive social media and connecting with fans on a grassroots level. Thomas and Salih soon left the band in 2011 to which Joseph continued the band with new member Josh Dun. Their sound can be described as rap-infused high-tech pop.
Why Listen to Them?
Do I really need to tell you a reason? Okay, well their music and sound are incredible and they give a hundred and ten percent with their performances. Their music also helps me with my anxiety and depression and they show me that I'm okay even when I don't think I am.
Still Need Convincing (Seriously!?!) Check Them Out Here:
10. The Lumineers
Who Are They?
A folk-rock trio out of Denver, Colorado, delivering an acoustic-based American sound that touches a lot of stylistic bases, from folk to gospel to heartland rock and the narrative end of country, all with interesting rhythmic twist and turns.
Why Listen to Them?
Their sound and voices are infectious and make you forget about all your worries and troubles and makes you just want to go to an open field and dance your heart out. Their long-awaited follow-up album "Cleopatra," which was released in April, debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
11. The 1975
Who Are They?
Hailing from Manchester, U.K., they managed to combine the dark and youthful themes of sex, love, and fear with ethereal alt-rock music. They met at school in 2002 and began playing, covering punk songs at gigs arranged for underage youths. Influenced by a range of style from the likes of Michael Jackson, Motown and The Rolling Stone, they soon began to apply their pop-influence hooks and guitar melodies to the lush ambient backdrops they created.
Why Listen to Them?
Their music is perfect for dancing and is angsty and moody but freakin' awesome at the same time. Their sophomore album "I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It," which made the band go in a new direction with their sound-- 80's adult contemporary pop and R&B-influenced sound-- debuted at number one on both the U.K. and U.S. charts. Pretty impressive if you ask me.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
12. Grouplove
Who Are They?
Standing firmly on the middle ground between the quirky staccato attack of Modest Mouse and the spirited arena roar of Arcade Fire, this Los Angeles-based indie rock band came together in the late 2000's while attending an art residency in Greece on the islands of Crete.
Why Listen to Them?
Their feel-good music is perfect for a house party or random bursts of dance parties. Their music has also been featured in some great movie soundtracks such as "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Paper Towns."
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
13. Bleachers
Who Are They?
New York City-based indie rock band is the solo project of former member of fun., guitarist Jack Antonoff. Formed while still touring with his old band on their tour, the band's slick and emotional pop music is heavily influenced by the 80's and the high school-based films of John Hughes, while still using modern production techniques.
Why Listen to Them?
If you're a fan of 80's music and movies by the brilliant John Hughes, do I really need to say more? Plus their music helps tackle the stigmas surrounding mental illness.
Still Need Convincing? Check Them Out Here:
So what are you waiting for? Give them a listen and add them to your playlist. You won't regret it.