Artists Coming Up!

Clare Burgess '16, Staff Writer

As the summer rolls around, artists come out of their grungy designed shells, decorated with bright white lights and mason jars, and perhaps flannel. They emerge from deep dark crevices of the earth, including Poughkeepsie, New York; Columbus, Ohio; Lititz, Pennsylvania, and even, Glasgow, Scotland.

The summer will be the time for indie music, and these artists will lead the way.

1. Misterwives

Anyone who has watched Finding Carter on MTV probably already knows Misterwives; however, their new album is slowly being released, song by song, to leave the world wanting more. They are the band for misfits, loners, or just simple hipsters. Their sound is the perfect mixture of Walk the Moon and Betty Who. If you’re still not convinced, listen to “Vagabond”, or their more famous song “Reflections.”

2. Rae Morris

With almost 22,000 Vevo subscribers, she is quickly on the rise, and is sure to be a star by the summer. Her songs captivate the listener, “slowly then all at once.” But in all seriousness, if you’re obsessed with Ellie Goulding, but need your Florence + the Machine fix, Rae Morris is your girl. Her song, “Under the Shadows,” and “Love Again” has me needing more.

3. The Districts

Because none of the band members are even old enough to drink, The Districts’ music can certainly relate to the daily struggles of being an angsty teenager. With less than 1,000 Vevo subscribers, they convey a genuine grunge look, which is hard to find in our world of fake hipsters and wannabes. They have combined indie Americana and blues-inspired rock, to form a beautiful sound, which mimics that of the Drowners—need I say more?

4. Family of the Year

After their debut in the movie Boyhood, Family of the Year has become a regular on my playlist. Their amazing lyrics hide behind their beautifully crafted music. All of their songs differ, so if you’re looking for another “Hero” their song “Find it” is similar, but slower. But, personally, their song “The Stairs” is my favorite. Their mix of indie rock and unparalleled harmony is the perfect genre for contemplative silence.

5. 21 Pilots

21 Pilots is a band with an abundance of genre categories: rap + ukulele + rock + electronic + alternative indie + pop. If you ever get to experience them in concert, I suggest you take advantage of this opportunity; their energy and interaction with their audience makes it an unforgettable experience. With their new album, Blurryface, coming out on May 19th, they are sure to be a need-to-know summer artist.

6. Twin Atlantic

With the nostalgic sound of All Time Low and Boys Like Girls (whose “The Great Escape” was featured in House Bunny), and with powerful lyrics, Twin Atlantic reemerges our generation into the modern rock emo phase. Their song “You’re turning into John Wayne” brings attention to the inauthenticity of bands from all over the world, which insist on singing with American accents. Their lyrics convey genuine emotion without being cheesy: perfect angst music.

7. BØRNS

BØRNS brings the listener to a true state of euphoria. Many have heard their song “Electric Love” on that Hulu advertisement, or “10,000 Emerald Pools” on The Originals, or iZombie. Garrett Borns almost transports you back to the 70’s because of his Beach Boys/Earth, Wind, & Fire inspired sound.

8. We Are the In Crowd

It has been 2 years and 29 days since Paramore’s release of Paramore, which was their latest album. However, there is no need to fear because We Are the In Crowd is here. Since their formation in 2009, they have brought jean jackets back in fashion, they have been to the Vans Warped Tour three times, and even supported All Time Low on several occasions. Taylor Jardin’s voice, a mixture of early Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams, is the closest thing you will get to heaven on earth.

9. Raury

It is impossible to talk about upcoming artists without mentioning Raury. Before even graduating high school, he captured the attention of Lorde and Andre 3000.  You wouldn’t imagine that an 18 year old, right out of high school could write these transcendent songs. He somehow is able to dynamically couple folk, rap, and electronic music to create a true experience. Any fan of Kid Cudi, Michael Jackson, or even Bon Iver will love everything about him.

10. Ryn Weaver

Lastly, Ryn Weaver’s popularity is rising quickly, and why shouldn’t it? Although her music is very mainstream for me, my love for her will never waver. Her music is a unique mix between Betty Who and Passion Pit. I can’t say enough about her songs “Octahate” and “Promises,” and they are the most repeated songs on my feminist playlists. She is definitely going to produce must listen to songs for the summer!