Do you think you’re “born in the wrong generation?" Having trouble finding good music? Sick and tired of pop music? Well, fret no more because here is a list of five artists that are currently making sick beats that you’ve probably never heard of and might want to take a listen to.
If you don’t necessarily vibe with pop music today, sometimes it may be difficult to find other options. But with a little digging, a little spelunking, and a little discovering, before you know it, you’ll have come across a treasure trove of hidden gems. Here are just five I’ve been listening to for a little inspiration, although I must warn you that I have a slight proclivity towards all things rock:
1. Sevdaliza
Her full name is Sevda Alizadeh and she was born in Iran and raised in the Netherlands making her Iranian-Dutch. Need I mention that she was also a professional basketball player before making her debut as a singer? If you’re into psychedelic pop or experimental pop, then Sevdaliza is perfect for you. Her music videos are trippy, strange, and will leave you wondering what just happened. Her aesthetic is very sensual and sultry. Her debut album ISON was released in April 2017. Songs I would recommend from her are “Bluecid,” “Human,” and “That Other Girl."
2. Foster the People
Okay, besides "Pumped Up Kicks," have you really listened to Foster the People? I would argue that "Pumped Up Kicks," their most famous song, is not even close to their best song. Founded by lead vocalist Mark Foster, this band is for fans of alternative rock and indie pop with a dash of psychedelica. They have two albums out: "Torches," which came out in 2011, and "Supermodel," which came out in 2014. Songs I would recommend from them are “Call It What You Want," “Best Friend," and “Coming of Age."
3. Saint Motel
Initially brought together by A/J Jackson and Aaron Sharp, this band prides itself on visuals given their bright aesthetically-pleasing music videos for each of their songs. Like Foster the People, this band is for fans of indie rock and also funk rock. They have two albums out right now: "Voyeur," released in 2012 and "saintmoteltelevision," released in 2016. Songs I would recommend from them are “Puzzle Pieces," “Benny Goodman," and “Move."
4. Magic Man
Straight from Boston, Massachusetts, this band was formed by lead singer Alex Caplow and guitarist Sam Lee. On their adventures around the world, they met a French boy who thought himself a magician and called himself “Magic Man” and thus the name of the band was formed. This band is for fans of synthpop and electronic rock. They have two albums out as of now, "Real Life Color" released in 2010 and "Before the Waves" in 2014.
It was really hard for me to recommend just a couple of my favorite songs because truthfully I love all of them, but “Paris," “It All Starts Here,” and “Texas” takes the cake for my absolute favorites.
5. Observer Drift
Started in 2011 by Collin Ward in Minneapolis, Observer Drift is for fans of dream pop, chillgaze, and indie. Ward is a young college student who makes music in his basement, and it’s some pretty good music if I do say so myself. Observer Drift has three albums out, "Corridors" released in 2012, "Fjords" released in 2013, and "Echolocation" released in 2015. Songs I would recommend are “Echolocation," “Lingonberry," and “Azimuth."
Remember kids, good music is everywhere. Sometimes, you’ve just got to let YouTube take you down a neverending blackhole of hipster bands or allow Spotify to take you to unheard playlists. Good luck.
