5 Artists You Should Know About
Sometimes you want to branch out musically and shake up your playlists, but it can be hard to know where to start.
Lately, I’ve been discovering lesser-known artists through social media, word of mouth, or from a show I attended. So, instead of gatekeeping, I’m going to talk about five artists you need to start adding to your music catalogue. You’re welcome in advance.
Nicotine Dolls
I came across a TikTok of someone singing Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi as Randy Newman, and then I saw a video of the same person auditioning for America’s Got Talent. That man’s name is Sam Cieri, he has a band called Nicotine Dolls. You’re wondering what a Nicotine Doll is, aren’t you? Not to worry, I will tell you. Have you ever been to a party, felt overwhelmed, so you decided to go outside and take a breath, maybe a smoke (if you do that sort of thing)? That is a Nicotine Doll in a nutshell, a person just trying to figure things out. Thankfully, the band’s alternative/rock sound and lyrics tell stories that will become your soundtrack.
Songs to Start With: SLIP, Anna, How Do You Love Me
Planet Booty
I cannot even put into words what Planet Booty means to me. Their music will make you want to get up, get down, and get funky! I first saw them during the summer of 2019, I was so blown away that I became a fan. Their music combines 90s dance and funk, with lyrics that are not afraid to get nasty. They bring joy, funk, love, and sweat to their performance and will let you know that you got it going on. We could all use a cheerleader to motivate us to keep going, and Planet Booty are up for the job!
Songs to Start With: Das Booty, Naughty, Connoisseur
Abbie Roper
Abbie Roper combines the indie rock sound with a pop vocal. Trust me, it is an excellent combination. Fearless, outspoken, and badass is a way to describe her sound, with lyrics that can cut deep. My first introduction to her was when she opened for Nicotine Dolls, so of course I had to check her out. I became a fan very quickly, for the way she demands the crowd and holds nothing back. With a band that knows how to rock and Abbie’s powerful voice, this in an act to see live.
Songs to Start With: DELETE MAE, Lilies, Drift
Tor Miller
Tor Miller caught my eye in 2016 when a music video of his popped up on my YouTube homepage. I decided to click, and I am glad I did. A decade later and I am still blown away by his music and lyrics. His songs are stories that feel like they were written for the millennial generation. Not only that, but Miller might be the coolest guy I have ever seen on stage, having seen him perform last year. He was confident, but not cocky, which is not easy to carry out. With an alternative/experimental vocal and sound, Tor Miller is a rare talent to keep an eye on.
Songs to Start With: Carter & Cash, Horse Girls, Big City
The Knee-Hi’s
When you combine the fun sounds of 50s/60s girl groups, 70s glam/punk rock, and post-2000s indie rock, you get The Knee-Hi’s. Described as the “sweethearts of punk rock” these gals will grab your attention right away. Alice Strider (guitar, vocals), Devyn Crimson (bass, vocals), and Jaime Kitt (keys, guitar, vocals) are the garage glam rock band you need to add to your musical catalogue. Their songs are a wild and fun ride, and will have you shake, rattle, roll, and jump into a dance pit!
Songs to Start With: Hot Mama, Darlin’ darlin’, Kissing Quiz
