The 58th Annual Grammy Award Ceremony is nearing with many great musicians all deserving of their nominations. 2015 gave us blockbuster sounds from powerhouse artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift, but it may be the not so well known individuals or groups who will be taking the crown this year in their respective categories. One of the groups on their rise to fame is the Brooklyn-based band, Highly Suspect. Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Highly Suspect has made a name for themselves in 2015. They caused enough noise in the rock world to capture a Grammy Nomination in what you could call their rookie season. Most have probably never heard of the rock group before, but by year end, they will be a household name country wide.
Highly Suspect recently signed under 300 Entertainment and has released their debut album under the label. Being one of the only two rock bands on the label, they have felt at home amongst their fellow label-mate rappers like Fetty Wap and Young Thug. It is surprising that a hip-hop dominant label landed a Grammy nomination in their rock group, but Highly Suspect’s talent alone shows this was no fluke. The band is up for Best Rock Album with their very own “Mister Asylum” and Best Rock Song titled, “Lydia.” It will be tough to compete with Muse and their new album “Drones” but Highly Suspect will take the crown, and here is why.
Highly Suspect’s sound is revitalizing the rock sound. In a heavy pop, hip-hop, and R&B society the band is bringing back what it means to rock out. They are compared to the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Kings of Leon, two very well-known bands in rock. These two very well-known bands are great to be compared to, but Highly Suspect has what you would call the X-Factor. They have the whole package. This three man band sure makes a lot of noise for such few members, not to mention the product they give to their audience is nothing short of pure gold. The incredible songwriting and talent in lead singer and guitar player Johnny Stevens, their drummer Ryan Meyer and bassist Rich Meyer, proves top notch behind the production of Joel Hamilton. The producer for Elvis Costello, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Black Keys clearly sees greatness in all of the musicians he works with and Highly Suspect was not chosen by chance. All music aside, their look and persona fill all empty gaps if you are looking for the true whole package. Highly Suspect is also bringing back that long lost “badass” vibe that modern rock has seemed to have lost. Highly Suspect has it all and found their niche in music and intends to stay. Come February 15, 2016 I guarantee that Highly Suspect will walk away with a Grammy, maybe two. Until then only time will tell.
