Artists You Probably Haven’t Heard of

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There’s so much music out there, sometimes I feel like artists can go amiss. They stand out but aren’t getting buzz because maybe they don’t have a label, or radio stations aren’t giving them a chance, or whatever else may be the reason. But my ultimate focus is that I love to hype up those artists that you may not have on your radar. Artists that deserve some recognition.

Cal (from Timeflies)

You may know this fella if you were a follower of his band, Timeflies. But Cal recently has been dropping some solo music that is absolute FIYAH. He recently released his solo project called “The Identity Crisis,” a song titled “Dressed Up in White” that he wrote & sang to his now wife at their wedding. His latest release is called “Catch” and my goodness, you have to check it out. He made it really hard to search for him on music platforms (love you Cal!) so try looking him up by his song titles, lol. Definitely worth the listen.

Christian Burghardt

So I discovered Christian when I went and saw Phillip Phillips on tour years ago. He was absolutely amazing, & his songs were so catchy. Except, I never think he got the recognition that he deserved. I’m pretty sure he had issues with his label & seemed to go quiet the past couple of years, but he recently put out a few new songs, “Pineapple Rum” & “Throwback,” which are absolutely perfect for the summertime. They also have a more sultry vibe than his old songs (“Safe Place to Land” got some good traction) that I am absolutely here for. You HAVE TO add these songs to your summer playlist.

Misterwives

You may already know them, as they have a good following & are really hip in the festival scene, but I always like to shoutout Misterwives, because they just are feel good vibes. I’ve been keen on them since they released their first project “Reflections” which featured my favorite song of theirs, “Kings & Queens.” They’ve released some more recent music, an EP titled “Minibloom” with their next album releasing in July, titled “Superbloom.” Two of the members of the band had gotten married a couple years ago & recently decided to split, so I anticipate a lot of break up songs / songs relating to this break up. Hopefully some strong, independent hype up songs that encourage us that we can in fact, get over it! I’m excited for it, to say the least.

Coin

I’d say Coin got some major radio play for their single “Talk Too Much,” which is how I found out about them on a local Nashville radio station. But but but, their album, “How Will You Know If You Never Try” really got me hooked. They’ve got the quirky, alternative, hipster ish vibes. I’ve seen them a good amount live & they kill it every time. I even got to meet Ryan (on the right) the last time I saw them at Red Rocks (which was so dope, btw). They just released an album, “Dreamland,” which I still need to dive into but YOU SHOULD TOO!

Loote

Wowza. These two are something else. I saw them open for Camila Cabello when she was on tour in 2018. Little did I know, they seem to write songs for some big artists, Demi Lovato being in there. They have a song called “High Without Your Love” that I am sooo obsessed with it’s insane. They just released an EP titled, “heart eyes,” so give that a listen, I INSIST.

Spencer Sutherland

Guys. If you don’t know Spencer, I’m not sure we can be friends. He has the most amazing voice – his high notes KILL ME. He has appeared on UK’s X-Factor (THAT’S CRAY) & gone on tour with In Real Life. He has accomplished so much, but still think he deserves a lot more love than he gets credit for. It seems he recently-ish opened up about trying to fit a mold when it comes to this industry, trying to make his music sound like others, dress like others, etc. His latest music has really given us a different sound & he’s been upping his style game, giving me a mad 70’s vibe (photo does not reflect, just check out his instagram). But ultimately, listen to his music, PUH LEASE.

Shy Martin

Originally from Sweden, she came onto my radar by collabing on a song with Timeflies, titled “Raincoat.” Her voice gave such a magic to that song that it’s one of my favorites. Someone else did an acoustic cover of it, & it just didn’t sound the same because it wasn’t her voice on the track. She’s got loads of streams on Spotify, so I ain’t lying when I say, you gotta listen. Her latest release is a single titled “Nobody Likes Moving On.”

Public

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Public provides a fun-loving music vibe, also perfect for summertime. Ironic, as their latest single, “Honey in the Summer,” just dropped & is already on my playlist. Perfect for a day by the pool (or on the beach, if you wish). I came across them at a college show I went to years ago, and fell instantly in love. I’m almost guaranteed that you will too. They definitely are talented & you should love on them, will ya?

So there you have it, folks. I hope you have some new artists you can (& will) be listening to from here on out. If you’re not satisfied or need more, feel free to caruse my Spotify playlists to find more: here.

Can’t Miss Venues

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AYOOO HELLLOOOO.

I’m having so much FOMO missing some of the greatest venues there are out there. And since we can’t actually go to a concert, let’s just go ahead and reminisce and experience them virtually together, okay?! I am here to tell you that these may be some of the first places you may want to check out a concert after quarantine is over….but that’s just my opinion.

I would have to say this is *hopefully* on everyone’s bucket list, but the first has got to be:

Red Rocks Amphitheater

Morrison, CO

If this venue isn’t on your bucket list, let me please be the first to tell you that IT SHOULD BE. I can’t even begin to explain to you how spectacular it is. A stage that sits at the bottom of rows and rows and rows of people there to see a fantastic show. The venue sits in between two giant red rocks (oh, SHOCKING) just 30 minutes outside of Denver, Colorado. If you go to visit during non-concert season, you can have the opportunity to stand on the stage yourself to see what the view of the crowd would look like if you were an artist playing that stage. I mean, just looking out & imaging the crowd those people get to play to, it’s pretty surreal.

The Pageant

St Louis, MO

This one makes my list because if you’ve ever waited at a venue for front row – it can be MADNESS once the doors open. There’s no order, just people crowding the doors & anyone and everyone scanning tickets. People telling you not to run to the front when that’s all you want to do so you can secure your spot. I have only been to this venue once and that was probably 5 years ago & I still think about it. This venue has a rule/policy where the first 100 people that are in line at the venue get wristbands with a number from 1-100 depending when you got the venue. Then shortly before the doors open you can leave for an hour & come back to the exact same spot you were in when you arrived earlier that day/night. Once the doors open, they only let four people go through the doors at the time so that there is not that “rush” you feel at any other venue. There’s so much order to it that I was like “YAAAAAAAS.” I’ve heard horror stories of people getting tramped at other venues (The Rave in Milwaukee, cough, cough) which is so scary & dangerous, it’s insane! Safety first, kids.

Ascend Amphitheater

Nashville, TN

I just want to say: I am a sucker for a good skyline. This venue gives you all that and more. It’s right along the river in downtown Nashville with the beautiful skyline behind the stage. You really can’t get a bad view in this venue, whether in the lawn or in an assigned seat. I would highly recommend a show here in you’re visiting or live in Nashville.

Well Rounded Artists

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I’m a big fan of artists who “have it all” – they write their own songs, play their own instruments, produce their own songs & can SAAAANG. There’s something that goes to show someone who has all of these. I think it makes an artists more well rounded & can contribute more to their music than those who have to rely on others (but hey, I can’t sing so being able to contribute at all to these is still amazing). Those who can songwrite but don’t have the voice for it (although it seems most songwriters do have that talent), it would make sense they can only contribute in that way. Hell, I’d be a songwriter if I could (anything is possible, right?).

I wanted to highlight a few artists who I think possess all (or most) of the well rounded qualities I have described above.

Andy Grammer

So, I have always thought Andy was underrated when it came to his music. He keeps it real, raw, but still provides upbeat tunes that you can dance along with. Tbh, I am not sure if he writes his own songs but boy, can he do everything else. I saw him perform at a radio show years ago, & zomg I was blown away. HE was his band. He used a loop pedal (I believe, I assume), & played each and every instrument himself. It was one of THE most impressive live performances I have seen to date.

AJR

First, I just want to say I am SO happy that AJR has been so successful in recent years. They deserve it & so much more. Starting out as street performers in NYC, they provide so much pure, genuine talent that I’m glad they didn’t go unnoticed. They play a collection of their own instruments, write & produce their own songs, and can provide a collection of voices when performing their songs live. Now, I am all down for a perfect voice, but I love that Jack’s sometimes cracks during live shows (if you’ve seen them, you know what I’m talking about). It provides a sort of edge that works for them.

MisterWives

I feel like I write about them a lot on this blog, but hey, they are so talented that I can’t stop praising this band. MisterWives always provides us with their pure talent – Mandy’s voice RADIATES & could probably break glass with how amazing it is. I believe she also is the one who writes all (or most) of their songs, with the guys providing the rest of the sound with their respective instruments (shoutout to Jesse Blum for ALWAYS crushing the trumpet). This band has GOT IT, I’m telling you.

I’m sure there are so many more others I could tell you about (like Jon Bellion, Taylor Swift, & more) but the above are for sure on the top of my list. If you have any suggestions or artists you’re digging with all dem qualities, drop em in the comments below!