New Jersey has always been known as the Garden State (and for MTV's "Jersey Shore" — but we don't talk about that). Little do people know, we are also a hot spot for amazing bands. The following is a list 11 bands that you may not know are from New Jersey. You should definitely check them out — they show how talented the Jersey music scene truly is.

1. Man Overboard (Mount Laurel/ Williamstown)

If you’ve ever seen “Defend Pop Punk” plastered on a t-shirt, crew neck or banner, you have Man Overboard to thank for that. This group has been at the forefront of pop punk for years, until just recently when they decided to break up indefinitely. Hailing from South Jersey, they mention the state in their lyrics, and even name drop towns specifically. Some fan favorites include “Love Your Friends, Die Laughing,” “Montrose" and “Where I Left You."

2. Major League (Mantua Township)

Major League never fails to get stuck in my head, whether it’s their heavier songs like “Bruiser” and “Homewrecker" or a soft acoustic tune like “Need I Remind You." They’ve hit the road with Warped Tour multiple times, but have sadly also announced that they’re breaking up. Regardless, their music represents Jersey well in the music scene.

3. The Front Bottoms (Woodcliff Lake)

The Front Bottoms are a staple at NJ state schools. Their angsty and comedic lyrics paired with their distinct sound have proven to be ideal for college students. Their increasing popularity in the alternative music scene means appearances at Radio 104.5’s concerts and airtime on the station itself. They’re another band who are proud of their roots, mentioning Jersey in some of their songs, such as "Funny You Should Ask," "Mountain" and "More Than It Hurts."

4. Streetlight Manifesto (New Brunswick)

If you’re looking for a different feel from the last three groups, look no further than Streetlight Manifesto. A ska band from New Brunswick, they hit the scene in 2003 and went on to become one of the most well-known modern ska bands in the industry. They are definitely unique and require a love (or at least a slight appreciation) for brass instruments. Favorites include: “Point/Counterpoint," "Would You Be Impressed" and "Everything Went Numb."

5. Downer (Tabernacle)

Hailing from a small town in the Pine Barrens, Downer is described as ambient indie/punk/emo, which is entirely accurate. Right now, they aren't a prominent name in Jersey, but if they keep going how they are, they will be soon enough. Their lyrics are raw and emotional, not to mention well-written, and their songs are unforgettable. Check out "January 25th," "Please Stay" and "Existing" off their most recent album, "Apprehension," and “Reaching Out” and “Honesty” off of "Lanoitome."

6. The Early November (Hammonton)

If you want a complete roller coaster of emotions, I recommend The Early November. One song will lift you up and make you feel empowered (e.g., “I Want to Hear You Sad” or “I Don’t Care”), and then the next one comes on and punches you in the stomach with its cutting, and somehow always applicable, lyrics (e.g., "The Smell of This Place," "Ever So Sweet" and "Call Off the Bells"). They managed to break out of their NJ town in 2001, and have since become a sort of older brother to the alt-rock community, inspiring plenty of bands to do exactly what they did.

7. Dads (Piscataway Township)

This duo, ironically, are not actually fathers. They are, however, originally from New Jersey, even though they relocated to Michigan. They’ve played Skate and Surf Festival at Asbury Park, NJ, returning to their roots with energetic jams and amusing titles like "If Your Song Title Has The Word 'Beach' In It, I'm Not Listening To It" and "Can I Be Yr Deadbeat Boyfriend?" They definitely have a distinct sound, and are worth a listen (or ten).

8. I Call Fives (Washington Township)

Although they broke up in 2014, I Call Fives was a familiar face in the pop punk community for a long time. They played Vans Warped Tour 2014 and have toured around the world, representing NJ in many different time zones. They’re perfect for that angsty, angry mood we're all familiar with, providing songs like "Backup Plan" and "Someone That’s Not You." But they also present us with softer acoustics, like "Lakeview."

9. Action Item (Bergen County)

Action Item is one of those early 2000s pop rock bands that seemed to crop up everywhere, but they’re New Jersey's very own. With fun lyrics and an upbeat, catchy sound, their music is perfect for driving around in the summer with the windows down. Some popular feel-good jams include "Learn to Fly," "Marching Band" and "Last Day of Summer."

10. Bright and Early (South Jersey)

Only a few members from Bright and Early are originally from New Jersey, but that doesn't stop me from including them. They've played shows with Ace Enders (the lead singer of The Early November) and other New Jersey bands, but have been less active as a band lately. Their first album, "Louder Than Words," includes classics like "Something Personal" and "Good Things End."

11. Saves the Day (Princeton)

This band has been around for what seems like forever. They started in 1994 out of Princeton and are still going strong. Saves the Day has been a common feature of Warped Tour, as well as other festivals across the country. Being a late '90s, early 2000s band, their music is accurately described as “emo,” but can also be classified as melodic hardcore and even pop punk. They’re diverse and resilient, making Jersey proud for 10 plus years, and many more to come.