Colorado is known for many things: the beautiful Rocky Mountains, its many micro-breweries, its legal recreational marijuana, its citizens' fitness levels. But those are not the only things Colorado is known for. Colorado has a pretty vibrant music scene as well. Colorado is home to numerous music venues, like the 1STBANK Center, the Fillmore Auditorium, the Ogden Theatre, the Pepsi Center, the Fidler's Green Amphitheater, among others. The most famous is Red Rocks Amphitheater, an outdoor rock structure that seats over 9,000 for events like concerts, movies, Yoga on the Rocks, and the like. I haven't been there myself, but it is definitely on my bucket list. It's one of those places that you have to visit while in Colorado, or so I've heard. Colorado is also home to various music festivals, including the Underground Music Showcase, the Westword Music Showcase, and Riot Fest.

With those beautiful venues and festivals come incredible artists. Though Colorado artists appear to be virtually unknown, you may be surprised to learn that several notable music artists got their start in the Centennial State. Here are 10 notable bands and music artists that got their start in Colorado.

1. The Lumineers

The Lumineers are a folk rock band based in the capital city of Denver. They're probably best known for their hit, "Ho Hey," but have been recently showing up on the Billboard charts with their song "Ophelia."

2. OneRepublic

OneRepublic is a pop rock band from Colorado Springs. Some of their hits include "Counting Stars," "Good Life," "Stop and Stare," "Love Runs Out," and "All the Right Moves." Their 2013 album, "Native," made it into the top 10 on the Billboard 200.

3. The Fray

The Fray is a rock band also hailing from the capital of Denver. Some of their hits include "How to Save a Life," "You Found Me," "Over My Head (Cable Car)," "Never Say Never," and "Heartbeat." Their 2009 self-title album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts and was nominated for a Grammy in 2010 for Best Pop Vocal Album.

4. 3OH!3

3OH!3, an electronic music duo, hails from the city of Boulder. The duo is best known for their hit "Don't Trust Me" from their album Want. "Don't Trust Me" reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Other hits include "Starstrukk," and "My First Kiss."

5. Flobots

The Flobots are a rock and hip hop band that got their start in Denver as well. They are best known for their hit "Handlebars."

6. Breathe Carolina

Breathe Carolina is an electronic band that also emerged from Denver. They are best known for their hit, "Blackout."

7. Meese

Meese was a rock band started in Denver. They had one major hit, "Next In Line," from their album "Broadcast," and toured with several major bands. They disbanded a year after "Broadcast's" release.

8. Tickle Me Pink

Tickle Me Pink was a rock band hailing from the town of Fort Collins in Northern Colorado. They were best known for their album, "Madeline." They played their last show in 2011.

9. Pretty Lights

Pretty Lights is the stage name for electronic music artist, Derek Vincent Smith. Pretty Lights also hails from Fort Collins, and is best known for his album "A Color Map of the Sun," which debuted at number two on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Charts.

10. Big Gigantic

Big Gigantic, an instrumental electronic/hip hop/jazz group from Boulder, has recently burst onto the music scene within the last couple of years, playing at various big-name festivals. Big Gigantic is best known for their song "The Little Things."