Modern music has shifted yet again. Choreographed dance moves have been traded in for guitar licks. The charts are showing rock bands at the top once again. As news of the cancellation of TRL began to circulate, Headbanger’s Ball ratings have gone up (making it possibly the last show that airs music videos on MTV.) Simply put, people want something new. People are now looking for new ways to find music. Whether it be the press, radio, or television; it’s important to realize what group of people have helped make stars: college students.
College radio has helped turn yesterday’s nobody’s into today’s legends and headliners (R.E.M., Pavement, Nirvana, and Radiohead are just a few.) In fact, college radio has helped launch even today’s mega stars. For example, one day M.I.A. is sharing her files on the internet (which college DJ’s played), the next day she’s recording with Timbaland, and now all she wants to do is take your money.
Today, it’s hard to find the “next big thing” with all of the bands coming out and the lack of coverage. Myspace and the internet showers us with bands from all over with varying degrees of talent. Also, the lack of music on MTV and Clear Channel taking over the radio has left every day music fans with a bland roster of current bands. Here are a few bands that are certainly working under the radar, but are making a buzz in the business. Who knows, they may be the “next big thing.” Here’s a look at a few bands to watch and the efforts that have brought them the attention.
Hercules And Love Affair “Hercules And Love Affair” – Forget The Postal Service (or any sort of musical comparison, for that matter.) This is the next depressed-singer-gone-dance band. Comprised of Antony Hegarty (of Antony and The Johnsons), DJ Andy Butler, Nomi Ruiz, and Kim Ann Foxman, the band has been causing a buzz over its diverse line up. Most importantly, Hercule’s first single “Blind” has been causing quite a commotion on the dance floor at the hippest clubs all over the country. Antony’s haunting vocals make for a throwback approach on the dance floor; reminiscent of Larry Levan, Yazoo, and Arthur Russell.
Vivian Girls “Vivian Girls” – For those of us who refuse to believe the RRRiot Girl movement will never die. As the ashes of Sleater-Kinney begin to settle, these girls carry on the torch of “hip punk.” This band sounds like the faster side of the Velvet Underground (a la “I’m Waiting For My Man”) fronted by the girls from the Manson family. While the tunes on this record may be hard to swallow on a first listen, they are sure to grow on one over time. The lo-fi recording quality make for a unique experience. Check this out if you are looking for a modern day approach to classic underground music.
F***ed Up “The Chemistry Of Common Life” – Have you ever heard of a punk album that runs 54 minutes? This band takes note from classic punk bands (Black Flag, Cro-Mags, Judge) when it comes to their sound yet take note from prominent “alternative” bands (Neutral Milk Hotel, Wilco) when it comes to their elaborate arrangements. Lead singer Pink Eyes brings the fury to the stage; resulting in numerous legendary shows and two controversial sets on MTV Canada. Be sure to check out their extensive discography of numerous 7″ records and whacky collaborations with the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Nelly Furtado, Davy Havok of AFI, Alexisonfire, Final Fantasy, and the cast of Degrassi.
Los Campesinos! “Hold On Now, Youngster!” – These Brits had a very busy 2008. While touring extensively throughout they year, they also managed to release two full albums (one in February and another in October.) While the first album had a few singles and music videos, this new album has had a limited release and the band has announced that they plan to not release any singles in support of it.
Their music tends to be upbeat and energetic compared to some of the other acts that have been becoming popular for the past year. It also doesn’t hurt that they add a bit of xylophone into the mix. For those who are looking for a happy approach to what is going on in the world.
Bon Iver “For Emma , Forever Ago” – Out of any artist on this list, Bon Iver has had the most success. Bon Iver ( the moniker for Justin Vernon) spent three months recording his last album (For Emma, Forever Ago) in a secluded cabin in Wisconsin. Over time, his music has been featured on numerous television shows and topped off the year with a performance on David Letterman. This year has also been quite good to Bon Iver so far. They released their new EP “Blood Bank” with great praise and reception. The EP entered the Billboard charts at number 16; selling over 23,000 copies. Not bad, considering they are still releasing their music independently.
No Age “Nouns”- It’s rare that a two piece band makes a buzz, but these L.A. kids are doing just that. Those in the music industry have been watching bands that play at L.A. venue The Smell (No Age, Miko Mika, HEALTH) like talent scouts watched Berkeley venue 924 Gilman St. in the early-90’s (with the likes of Operation Ivy, Green Day, NOFX, and Blatz.) No Age has had the privilege of being on the forefront of this local scene. While not exactly focusing on their music, the band made news when a member was forced to remove a Barack Obama shirt during their performance on the Late Late Show with Craig Furguson. The band will be performing at the 2009 Coachella Valley Music & Arts festival along with Morrissey, Leonard Cohen, Amy Winehouse, Franz Ferdinand, and Paul McCartney.
Wale “The Mixtape About Nothing” – Mixtapes have proven to have taken a mind of their own over the last few decades. While today’s hottest hip hop artists are cutting tracks that are all over the radio, there are still tracks by these artists that fall under the radar. We find these tapes in independent record stores and the internet (just to name a few places.) Wales has taken his buzz-worthy status and made a themed mixtape based on the unlikely: Seinfield. On his tape, “The Mixtape About Nothing”, Wale raps over redone Seinfield music along with his own beats. He even tackles the infamous Michael Richards “N-word” incident in the track “The Kramer.” Wale even invited big names; including the likes of the great, late J Dilla, Lil’ Wayne, Mark Ronson, ?uestlove, and even a recorded message from Julia Louis-Dreyfus (who played “Elaine” on the show.)
The Gaslight Anthem “The ’59 Sound” – While being a relatively “quiet” band compared to its punk rock brother bands, The Gaslight Anthem broke into 2008 like nobody’s business. Following a critically praised EP, the band released “The ’59 Sound” mid-2008. While still considered a punk band, the press that has followed has allowed the band to expand to a whole new fan base. With an interesting combination of Bruce Springsteen, Against Me!, and 50’s style rock, the Gaslight Anthem have been an unlikely contender for the top rock bands to watch in the coming year.
