Atlas Genius – This alternative band from abroad has the potential to become 2013’s Foster the People. Their song “Trojans” is really starting to gain some big time traction on the big alternative radio stations in the US. Radio DJs are calling it now – the band will be a household name soon.
Beartooth – At barely over 20, ex-Attack Attack! vocalist and self-made musician Caleb Shomo has made quite a name for himself. With the recent news that he would be departing the Rise Records band Attack Attack! (which has millions of followers) making huge waves in the scenecore music culture, all eyes are on what he’ll do next. Columbus-based Beartooth, a hardcore band, is one such project. Exactly how active they’ll be remains to be seen but the band’s pedigree alone will result in lots of fans really quickly.
Capital Cities – Having released one of the catchiest singles of 2012, the San Diego group is poised to take on the world in 2013. The carefree “Safe and Sound” in recent weeks has gained lots of momentum on the radio, and the band recently toured in Europe for the first time. Just listen to that trumpet carried hook following the refrain and tell me this band doesn’t have talent.
Corpus Christi – The Victory Records metalcore band has been relatively silent in recent years, compared to their label counterparts. With a new lineup solidified and a strong work ethic, the band is poised to take on their scene in the coming year – starting with a long headlining tour. The band releases their 3rd LP this year too.
Dan Deacon – The iPhone app-loving DJ recently showed off his trademark technological masterpiece with a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. While the music itself isn’t exactly mainstream, it is definitely user-friendly. Deacon’s app meant to turn one’s iPhone into part of a concert light show does what every artist should be striving for – making the listener feel intimately involved with the music. And Deacon does so in a way that’s fun!
Dangerkids – Ex-members of Dayton power pop/rock group This Love have joined forces with some friends to form this band, which sounds like Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) decided to start songwriting for a metalcore band. The band wowed me at their first EVER live show this past July, and a quick glance at their Facebook profile will show that fans are in love with their sound. Having landed slots performing at a number of high profile festivals and events, the band undoubtedly has big things coming.
Fever Fever – The Columbus ambient/alternative group have lately been embracing their softer side, and plan on releasing two EPs in early 2013. One of them will be “acoustic,” and one will be their fully plugged in, trademark ambient/alternative sound. Expect a tour to coincide with these releases. Nike picked up a song of theirs for use in the UK during the Olympics, so who knows where they’re headed next!
Guards – I regrettably arrived late during their set as openers for UK alternative mega-stars Two Door Cinema Club – they were excellently epic, yet indie. They only have a couple thousand followers online at the moment, but they have earned the respect of critics everywhere already, including the elite Pitchfork blog. They will embark on a tour with Menomena this coming winter.
Love and Death – The faith-inspired spin-off from Korn, lead by Brian “Head” Welch releases its first LP next year. Strong singles like “Chemicals” and “Paralyzed” have already seen radio success, and the band will undoubtedly try hard to build on this momentum. One such method will involve supporting Thousand Foot Krutch on their upcoming War of Change Tour.
Spoken – This heavy-hitting faith based group is legendary in underground rock circles, but has been relatively quiet for sometime. Now, with a new record deal inked with eOne, and a new LP being released in February, they are poised to explode back on to the scene. One way they are doing this is by supporting Denmark’s Volbeat on a full US tour. Suffice to say this is the biggest tour I’ve heard of them being on – ever.
Yeah I’m stoked about Spoken. I’ve been a fan for years. Can’t wait to see them on the Volbeat tour.
i totally agree with you about Spoken. They have been a favorite for years. really stoked about their future.