We scour the South Atlantic U.S. to find the 10 bands you need to know right now.
Saying that we have a lot of new albums strewn about the Gen Art office is kind of an understatement. Most days if you go near our Director of Music Programming’s desk, you’ll find tiny Carrie Schupper busy at work behind enormous stacks of CDs, press releases and random industry-related swag. While this constant flood of material is a great way to discover emerging talent, it also makes it hard to give everyone who deserves a shout out a fair chance.
Thus, 50 Bands from 50 States, the second installment of our five-part playlist. Enjoy ten tracks from this spotlighted area of the U.S.—the South Atlantic—and drop me a line if you know of great bands we should feature in the upcoming months!
1. Kentucky: VHS OR BETA, “Burn It All Down”
Channeling Duran Duran, this Bluegrass State indie rock quartet plays beat-driven music that makes pretty young things shake it.
2. West Virginia: The Matches Own, “Sunburn Vs The Rhinovirus”
If you grew up rocking out to the sounds of 311 or Blink 182, then give these exuberant pop punkers a listen and drum up some feelings of nostalgia.
3. Maryland: Celebration, “Evergreen”
Thanks to Katrina Ford’s ethereal voice, this retro-inspired psych rock act creates dreamy sounds that make you feel lost in the music moment.
4. Virginia: Virginia Coalition, “Sing Along”
Over the years this foursome of junior high friends have built a solid fan base of music lovers across genres who can’t get enough of their soulful songwriting.
5. Washington, D.C.: These United States, “Kings and Aces”
Led by Jesse Elliot, these indie rockers play with heartfelt enthusiasm that makes you feel so alive that you simply have to clap along.
6. Tennessee: Jay Reatard, “Don’t Let Him Comeback”
Recent buzz surrounding this Memphis-based punk rocker first caught our attention; songs like this made us realize what all the fuss is about!
7. North Carolina: Annuals, “Sore”
This talented ensemble knows how to take a soft, sad song all the way to a swelling, symphonic roar. And we mean that in the best way possible.
8. South Carolina: Slow Runner, “Mermaids”
If my life was a romantic comedy, a song from this band would definitely make the soundtrack for a scene involving a rain-soaked kiss.
9. Georgia: dropsonic, “Low Life”
Sometimes head banging is not only acceptable, but really the only way to go. Like when you’re listening to this Atlanta-based trio let ‘er rip.
10. Florida: Black Kids, “Hurricane Jane”
They came out of nowhere to become one of the most buzzed-about bands of 2008, and this more laid back track proves that they’re not just a one-hit wonder.
50 Bands from 50 States: Part 1
By Caroline Stanley
Photo courtesy of Gen Art Pulse
