Music is something that keeps most of us sane. It helps us in times of need. It creates a safe place for us to go when we need an escape. Over the years my taste in music has changed from genre to genre but the one thing that stayed constant was the fact that music, no matter what genre, was always there for me. These past few years I have gotten the chance to meet and get to know many local bands who are changing the music scene for the better. Everyone should know about these bands. Here's a list of five bands that you should be listening to this year.

1. The Millenium

The Millenium are a five piece band based out of Eau Claire, WI. They formed in 2014 and have opened for bands such as Now, Now and The Summer Set. Their debut EP, "It's So Much Friendlier With Two," helped them to achieve two headlining tours and five supporting tours. This band has shaken up the music world with their non-traditional style that incorporates indie, acoustic and electronic sounds. In 2016, the band released their newest single, "Interstates", and spent a month on the road headlining "The Sleepless Summer Tour" with fellow musicians Walkney, Time Atlas and Royal Street.

2. Walkney

Walkney (previously known as The Big Time) are Altoona, PA. natives who are shaking up the music world. In 2015, front-man Derek Mrdjenovich announced the name change in an inspirational video called "Change". In less than a year, this band has taken a step in a different direction — they released two singles, headlined a show at the Jaffa Shrine in their hometown, and wrapped up a one month tour. This band is taking the music scene by storm.

3. Grayscale

Grayscale is comprised of five guys from Philadelphia, PA. who share a passion for making music. The band got their start in 2011. They built their fan base and pushed to write music that their fans would love. In April 2015, the band released their first EP off Anchor Eighty Four Records called "Change." Shortly after that, they went to work to create their debut full length album, which was released in February 2016 titled "What We're Missing". They have opened for bands such as Knuckle Puck, Neck Deep and Transit. This band brings the idea of pop punk to a new level; you won't be disappointed in them.

4. Take A Breath

Take A Breath is made up of a four guys from Pittsburgh, PA. who share a passion for making music. In 2015, the band released their most recent EP "The Anatomy of A Rose". On June 26, 2015, the band celebrated their release by headlining a show at the Altar Bar in Pittsburgh, PA. They kicked off 2016 by jumping on the Emo Is Back Tour with fellow musicians Best Kept Secret, Beneath The Spin Light and many others.

5. Time Atlas

Time Atlas is a pop rock band out of Minneapolis made up of five members. They formed in 2015 and released their debut music video for their song "Falling" in June 2015. Later that month the band released their first EP "Clarity." In July, they headlined their EP release show which landed them a spot on the "It's So Much Friendlier With Two" tour with The Millenium, An Honest Year and Marina City. Since that tour, the band has opened for the Plain White T's and landed a spot on "The Sleepless Summer Tour."