Music festival season is here! As I sit here anxiously twiddling my thumbs while thinking of hopping into my car on Wednesday to drive to Dover, Delaware for Firefly Music Festival, I can't help but think of all of the cool, super underrated bands that will be showing off their talents. Some of my favorite artists are ones that perform because of their deep love for music, not for fame, fortune, or other similar priorities that a lot of bigger performers have. Not all of these artists and bands are necessarily performing at music festivals this year, but either way, they deserve some listens and some love!
1. Bad Suns (Members: Christo Bowman (vocals), Gavin Bennett (bass), Miles Morris (drums), Ray Libby (guitar))
Bad Suns is an indie alternative band that formed in 2012 in Woodland Hills, California. Even though the band members' ages ranged from 19-22 when they first formed, their young ages didn't mean they were inexperienced in any way. Their unique, feel-good-vibe, will keep you wanting more and more. Check out their hit "Cardiac Arrest" and my personal favorite (which was very hard to pick), "Matthew James."
2. Jeremy Loops
Jeremy Loops is a modern folk artist that can basically stick any instrument in his songs to give them a fun and amusing twist. He was born in KommetjieCape Town in South Africa, and that is where his first album took number one on the charts on ITunes. Jeremy Loops also co-founded Greenpop, which is a movement to make urban areas greener. Thought it couldn't get better? He also has a man bun. All around, he is a pretty cool guy. Check out his hit "Down South" and my personal favorite, "Trip Fox."
3. Zella Day
Arizona born Zella Day has actually been on the rise, and it's no wonder because her Bohemian, pop sound keeps everybody wanting more. Her first album, "Kicker", released in 2015, has gained her the love she has today. Her gorgeous, hippie vibe reminds many of similar artist Lana Del Ray. Check out Zella Day's most popular song, "Hypnotic" and two of my favorites, "Sweet Ophelia" (also her first ever single) and "Mustang Kids."
Vacationer is a beachy, electro-pop band from Philadelphia, PA and Brooklyn, NY. Lead singer Vasoli was inspired by different bands at Bonnaroo in 2010, especially LCD Soundsystem, which lead him to search for a band of his own. They emerged in 2012 with their album, "Gone" and moved up on the charts with their 2014 album, "Relief." Take a listen to their number one hits, "The Wild Life" and "Good as New" and my personal favorite, "Paradise Waiting."
5. HOLYCHILD (Members: Liz Nistico (songwriter, singer), Louie Diller (instrumentalist, producer))
HOLYCHILD is an indiepop duo that was formed at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Their style is fierce and fresh and their first single "Happy with Me" is known as "mind-blowingly addictive" (Nylon.com). Last year was a huge year for the duo, because they released their first full length album "The Shape of Brat Pop to Come" and their song "Running Behind" was used in a global Apple watch commercial. Listen to their hits "Happy with Me" and "Running Behind" and my favorite off of their new album, "Barbie Nation."
