Berlin – These days, it is never certain where the next musical act to break through to massive stardom may emerge. With the advent of modern technology, less power for major record labels, and the increased creative leverage that artists now wield, a new commodity on the musical horizon is sometimes sitting right under one’s
Chicago – What is it about Iceland? With a total population of only 300,000+, the Nordic island cranks out über talented musicians left and right, from Björk to Sigur Rós and now Asgeir. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter, born Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson, effortlessly creates stunning, melodic folk. After releasing his premiere LP Dýrð í dauðaþögn in 2012,
Austin – Is there a blues revival underway? Probably not. More accurately, if you can’t hear the Muddy Waters influence in artists who claim blues as a source of inspiration, nobody should blame you. In the music of Angel Olsen (a Best New Bands 2013 Best New Female Artist nominee) or Max Frost, the twelve
London – On the back of a solid 32-date tour over November and December that took in the U.S., U.K. and Europe, Indianapolis siblings Lily And Madeleine took a well-earned break from the road. Their travels are set to resume again in February when the duo criss-cross the States with a total of 17 shows
Chicago – Damian Ardestani, better known as XOV, is an extremely talented visual artist, filmmaker, photographer and musician. The Iranian born, Swedish-bred rapper turned pop artist has seen his fair share of troubles and turmoil. Through it all – running with gangs, losing his teeth in a violent, bloody fight, and losing his business, home,
Chicago – One of the joys of music festivals is discovering new bands. This year Riot Fest introduced Best New Bands to dozens of new acts, including the rock ‘n’ roll five-piece The Unlikely Candidates. At the heart of this Texas band are long-time friends and Fort Worth natives Kyle Morris (lead vocals) and Cole
Los Angeles – The independent woman has been picking up a guitar to spill her emotions for decades and Lonna Marie is making her predecessors proud. Her ballads have a simplicity that could easily be imagined being plucked alongside a campfire. They are a simple and lovely homage to love and life’s teachings. The raven-haired
Austin and London – Indie folk has always been a slippery label for me. I understand the desire to connect with an older musical tradition; it’s the execution that’s been throwing me off. Good songwriting, passionate performance, crooning backup vocals, banjo shredding, etc., seems to sacrifice the hardship it wants to reproduce. Which is fine,
Nashville – Savannah Lynne and her family uprooted a year ago, leaving their home state of Hawaii for Nashville, TN. The teenaged country singer released her first EP in 2013, appropriately titled Aloha Nashville, and has been on a hot streak since. In addition to rising toward the top in an ever-growing and competitive field,
Seattle – We’ve had our eyes on rising local musician, Kate Lynne Logan. She captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest with her enchanting vocals and Americana style of guitar playing. She has the ability to produce alternative country music that appeals to listeners of folk, indie, and classic rock. Best New Bands had a