When people think of Nashville, Tennessee the first thing that usually comes to their minds is country music. I’m not a big country music fan at all which is ironic considering I live in the city of country music. The only country artists I have ever really become fans of are Rascal Flatts and Dan and Shay. However throughout the years I have always looked for new music to listen to and by doing that I have came across alternative rock bands from the home of country music. What most people don’t know is Nashville is home to more than just country and these five bands I have listed below bring out a different side of Nashville most people are not used to seeing.
1. "Moon Taxi"
It is very rare I become such a huge fan of a band that I buy all of their CDs and see them multiple times in concert. These guys are part of that rarity. They formed in 2006 and released their first album Melodica in 2007. Since then the alternative rock band have released three more albums along with an acoustic album and a concert album. These guys have climbed their way to the top to performing around the country from concerts to festivals. Their most recent album Daybreaker released last year and they are currently on tour. Check their tour dates and if they are coming to a town near you. I highly recommend seeing them. I’ve seen Moon Taxi four times (I know…that’s a tad bit excessive) and they never seem to disappoint. They put on one amazing show! There are so many songs of theirs I love, but to get you started I went with their most recent music video "All Day and All Night". This song is currently on their Daybreaker album so go check this out!
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2. "Wild Cub"
There are a few bands I have become a fan of before they got really popular and Wild Cub was one of them. These guys came out of know where with their single "Thunder Clatter" in 2013. One year later they released their first album Youth. Their sound is unique with an 80s rock feel and every song has you moving. I saw them live in Nashville and they put on one great show. They are currently not on tour but are in the process of recording their new album! Check out their hit "Thunder Clatter" to get a taste of the Wild Cub sound.
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3. "Leagues"
This Nashville rock band formed in 2013 and has been creating irresistible music ever since. When I first heard their song "Walking Backwards", I played it non-stop. Their first album You Belong Here debuted in 2013 and that is one of the few albums I can play over and over again without getting tired of it. I haven’t seen them in concert yet but they are on my list. They currently are not on tour but are in the studio working on their second album! Check out the video for "Walking Backwards" to get hooked on Leagues.
4. "The Apache Ray"
A friend of mine played their song "Katie Queen of Tennessee" in her car last summer and I was hooked! Sadly though in the early fall the band broke up, but that still doesn’t mean you can’t listen to this indie Nashville band. They formed in 2009 in Nashville’s own Belmont University and released their first album in 2011 called American Nomad. Then in 2014 they released their second and last self-titled album. Check out "Katie Queen of Tennessee" and get hooked their killer sound!
5. "Promised Land Sound"
I discovered this Nashville-based indie band a few months ago and have found my new music obsession. They have this unique rock/country/psychedelic sound going on that draws me to every song. They formed in 2013 and released their self-titled album that same year. The released their second album for Use and Delight then an EP titled Stoned Eagle this year. I have not seen these guys on tour but they are on my list. Speaking of tours, they are currently on tour so check their schedule. To get you familiar with their music check out one of my favorite songs "She Takes Me There".
