Ryan Getz, Ray Moore, and Sandeep Sehbi are three show-going nerds with a lot of opinions on Ohio musicians. What follows are sixty of their ideas of who could be “next” in the industry from their home state. Individual entries are initialed so you know who chose whom.

(photo credit – Anthony Mossburg Facebook page)

Anthony Mossburg – I first heard this guy live at a Columbus Songwriters Association showcase, and was struck by the richness of his vocals. He has toured the country, yet remained humble along the way. The new stuff has him applying some finger style guitar playing to his repertoire. This next album could push Mossburg into the spotlight. -RG

Astrogypsy – Three piece rock and roll, with an ambitious debut record, an amazing home studio, and a work ethic that rivals the best. -SS

Backtalk – This emo/indie band from Medina is another act I am newer to. I first heard them when they played the Tuned up Holiday party.  I remember talking to them early in the night and telling them I had never heard of them. So I asked what I should expect and what they sounded like. The bands they told me were all bands I listen to. Based on that conversation I was excited to hear them later that night. They did not disappoint. That was hands down on of the best sets I saw all year. -RM

Bear Your Cross – Bear Your Cross are newer and haven’t played that many shows but I can say the response to these guys have been really good. I expect once this powerful metal band from Mt. Vernon gets out and plays more their fan base will increase. -RM

Benny Peek – Folk punk favorite, picking up steam with touring, releasing a steady fare of quality well written tunes. Amazing live. -SS

Betsy Clark – Queer poet, musician, organizer, force of nature. They’ve been behind a number of compelling initiatives in our communitythe past few years in row and I’m looking forward to their work in 2016. -SS

Betsy Ross – Bluesy rock and roll with lots of attitude. Watching these guys and gal at Live at the Garden fest last year was like being in the middle of one continuous grooving organism – audience and band on the same plane. -RG

Blacklight Tribe – This band is a neon dance factory. They sound great. The lights turn out, the glow paint shines, the micro-korg squeels, riding the foundational bass work of Shao, ambient guitar soundscapes. -SS

Booty and the Kidd – Ohio State University hip hop duo with chill beats and high energy and real lyrics. Fun hip hop, new to the area, I’m excited to see what their future brings. -SS

By Light We Loom – When Marco Castro recommends a band to me, I pay attention. The married couple have strayed from their folk roots and find themselves embracing an earnest, down to earth brand of indie pop. -RG

(Photo credit – The Candescents Facebook page)

The Candescents – Garage rock all stars, YOUNG, skillfully played high energy stuff that would make The Strokes blush. -SS

Captain Kidd – Alternative pop is all the rage right now, and Walk the Moon are the kings of that hierarchy. Could it be time to the boys from Cincinnati to share the spotlight a bit with some dudes from the other two “C” cities in Ohio? -RG

Carev Dvor – This melodic hardcore band from Columbus very well could be the next band to break out of Columbus, not just from their scene but from any scene. They are that good. They just keep getting better and better, I should know, I saw them 10 times this year. So there is a good possibility that I’m a bit biased. Just saying. However all that aside, this band has what it takes. Their secret weapon lies in the lyrics. These are some of the most honest lyrics you will hear. -RM

CityCop – This emo/post hardcore unit from Ashtabula is a band that has been on my radar for a few years. I listen to them here and there.  I’ve wanted to see them for a few years but have never gotten the chance. That changes this year. If their live show is as good as their recorded stuff I am in for a great night. -RM

Compass – Whoa dude, this band’s vocals sound a lot like Jeremy Spring from Abandon Kansas. I recently caught them on their CD release show and they are only getting tighter, and more comfortable on stage. With the future of bands like Abandon Kansas uncertain, and other bands in the indie progressive genre slowing down (My Epic, As Cities Burn) could the road be paved for a Compass takeover? -RG

Convictions – Someone from this band once told me that their live show puts Beartooth’s to shame. A bold statement indeed. But I’ve been wanting to see this band live again for awhile so… I suppose that statement worked? I have no clue why they aren’t signed to Solid State Records yet. Very Christian and very marketable. Expect a full length from them this year. -RG

Cool Dads – Cool Dads is an awesome 3-piece garage rock band from Akron. They play with reckless abandon, are contagiously fun, and are really Cool Dads. -SS

The Cordial Sins – What do you get when you combine the dreaminess of Real Estate with band members that love the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Deerhunter? Something like this. Sunny indie rock that’s probably not something you’ve heard before, yet ready for the masses. -RG

Damn the Witch Siren – Two piece witch house dance party machine with projections, hats, makeup and a rabid Columbus fanbase. Look for a rad 2016 for these guys. -SS

Daymare – Do you miss good old fashioned hard rock that doesn’t feel like it has to be “butt rock” or appeal to scene kids? Daymare is here to satisfy that longing. -RG

(Photo credit – Dead Leaves Facebook page)

Dead Leaves – This punk/emo from Cleveland have been around for a few years. They are just now starting to pick up speed and let me tell you these guys are the real deal. If you have not listened to the split they put out with Pine this past year, you are seriously missing out. This is a band that in a few years people are going to be saying I knew them when.  Don’t miss out, join the party. -RM

Dead Set Ready – This is a throwback to old school punk. I love that the drummer does most of the vocals. This Columbus punk band is slowly making a name for themselves. They have been on a few high profile shows here recently and that has been awesome to see. -RM

Digisaurus – Funk meets synth pop. One dude touring with a lot – and I mean A LOT – of synthesizers. Pretty much all you need to know. His full band shows are pretty cool too and have a neat light show. -RG

Discount Tents – The basement legends of the Old North, members of this band have been behind perhaps a decade of some of the cities best and most compelling DIY communities. -SS

Divebomb – This Mansfield hardcore group arose from the ashes of Creations, a band who just had their farewell tour. They recently toured the nation on the aforementioned tour alongside Church Tongue and some more heavy hitters. Expect destruction coming your way pronto. -RG

Everyone Leaves – If I had to pick an alpha emo band in Columbus, its’s this guys and gals. The thing that really sticks out about this band is the growth between releases. I am looking forward to when they release a full-length. I believe part of their rise is due to the fact they toured their butts off in 2015. This is a band that I will go to bat for, if you are a fan of good emo, then this is your band. And if they are playing near you, GO!!!!!!! -RM

Field Sleeper – CHILL solo ambient songwriting, with micro-korg swells and epic moments of a kind you just don’t see elsewhere. One of a kind in Columbus, did a split with Hello Emerson, consistently does compelling work live. -SS

Fine Animal – The duo who performs “music for ice skating” took their lush sound before their largest audience ever last year, opening for Ratatat at the 2000+ capacity LC Pavilion. The pair have been hitting the regional circuit hard and have crafted a dark horse of a LP as well. I’m stoked to see what 2016 has in store. -RG

Get in the Ark – The little folk band that could is basically a family band, but they have songwriting chops that are way bigger than their unassuming, down to earth persona. They are releasing a full length this year, and I suspect a tour will follow. -RG

Graceful Closure – The pop rock band is able to write tunes for both the teeny bopper and the die hard rock fan. The trio opened for Family Force 5, MisterWives, and other industry-shakers last year, and I suspect we’ll see more the same this year as word of their Rev EP continues to spread. -RG

GR&-The way they describe themselves on Facebook is perfect. Where it says genre, these guys have put we sound like us.  There indeed is not a band in Columbus that sounds like them. They stand alone. However that is not why you should know them, you should know them because of what they stand for, LOVE. The compassion that comes forth from this band is uncanny and I love that, I could watch them over and over. And In 2016 I probably will. -RM

Hate Mimes – Three piece garage, with tunes that hit like bricks, and energy that whips like the wind. Always a breath of fresh air. -SS

Hello Emerson – Any project that gets me to pay attention to quiet, poignant vocals in a smelly DIY punk house is worthy of my attention.

Heroes like Villains – These guys are new to the Columbus pop-punk scene and they are intent on making it better.  If they were a company their mission statement would be about how they are here to make the scene better by any means necessary. In their short time as a band they have opened up for bands such as Crunkasauras Rex, Broadside, Handguns and Foreveratlast. That list is only going to get longer in the New Year. They also have an Ep coming out in February. -RM

Hidden Places – Another awesome 3-piece, this one based here in Columbus. Really high energy, great vibes, cool sound. -SS

Jae Esquire – My favorite emcee in the city. Infectious skill, knocks it out so often you know its not a fluke, its talent, and that level of talent is scary. -SS

jeanie – Sometimes solo, sometimes grouped. Dark, chill wave, industrial electronic hip hop. Came out of nowhere and planning to go everywhere, get excited for Jeanie’s 2016. -SS

Keyoung – This music isn’t hardcore, but you can tell this dude hangs around a lot of hardcore bands. The spoken word poet meets hip hop artist has a way with words that is heavy hitting and unrelenting. Poignant, too. With the pending release of Illogical Rest, Keyoung could have a breakout year. -RG

Micah Schnabel – To some this name should be familiar. He is the guitar player/vocalist for Two Cow Garage. Micah has been playing solo for a few years now but this past year he released one of the best EPs you probably didn’t hear. Shame on you. He is one of the best songwriters in all of music today, good honest heartfelt lyrics about real life. -RM

Motives – This is yet another band that I recently discovered and it was kind of by accident. I was at a festival and no one was playing when they were, so it was either walk around and chat with people or go listen to a new band. I of course chose the latter. I am glad I did as this Cleveland melodic hardcore band blew me away. Their live show is outstanding. The sad part about this is I have had a few chances to see them in the past but never did.  Don’t make the same mistake I did. Go listen to them now. And if they are coming near you on tour, definitely go see them. You will not be let down. -RM

Overgrow – This is the solo project of Jake Ciccotelli, guitarist from Everyone Leaves. If you are into My Heart My Anchor, Watermedown, or early Dashboard Confessional, then this is for you. The passion that Jake emits is out of this world.  He recently just released his first song. Trust me go listen to that. You’ll need a tissue afterwards. -RM

(Photo credit – Pace of Glaciers Facebook page)

Pace of Glaciers – I’m not sure why these guys have mainly played with punk and heavy bands when they have so much mainstream indie sensibility. Kids seem to be latching onto this ambient pop band though, which is a good sign. Electropop band PVRIS made the leap from Warped tour to Jimmy Kimmel Live (and seemingly into mainstream music consciousness) so Pace ought to be able to accomplish the same.  -RG

Post Modern – This band might be one of the newer bands on this list. But at the same time they might be one of the most talented. The scary thing about them is they are young, very young, so they are only going to get better at their craft. In the past year they have destroyed Columbus with their alternative/ambient sound. I look forward to how they follow up in 2016. -RM

Pluto Revolts – I was supposed to see this band play with Playing to Vapors last winter but they got snowed in down south in Cincinnati. Their mathy alternative, driving rock is striking and fun. Also I ran into the vocalist of this band at a Nashville Mutemath show so they have that going for them. A formal, EP or LP is long due from this band and we’ll finally hear one this year. -RG

Run Rabbit Run – 2-3 piece folk punk from Cincinnati, kind hearted souls and wide eyed road warriors. Sincere and humble, undeniably powerful and good. -SS

Sally Lyons – Comedian, musician, activist, radical. Always fun to watch, with a voice that is criminally good, a keen awareness of the power of their work. -SS 48

Second Story Anthem – This Columbus pop punk unit is another band that I am newer to. Hence why I’m telling you about them. These guys are part of this group of newer pop punk bands that are about to change the pop punk scene in Columbus. And I for one am ready for it. They also have a killer live show. -RM

Settle Your Scores – This pop-punk/easycore band based out of Cincinnati, OH has slowly been building their fan base in the Midwest. They have a very infectious sound that you will fall in love with. They have one stellar EP to their name and are releasing their first full-length early 2016. I expect big things from them in the New Year. -RM

Shane Sweeney – You didn’t think I would leave him off this did you. Shane is the bassist/vocalist of Two Cow Garage. Much like his buddy above, he is an excellent songwriter, whom also released an EP you probably didn’t hear last hear. If you like a gavel, soulful voice, then Shane is your man. He also is a very good artist. Check him out. -RM

Skurt – Two piece riot grrl out of Dayton Ohio, consistently pushing themselves to new heights. Always exciting, looking forward to their 2016. -SS

(photo credit – Snow Day Facebook page)

Snow Day – Not to take anything away from anyone else but this is a band I am truly excited about. As one that is an emo boy at heart, this Columbus band makes me so happy.  Their blend of emo and 90s alternative is a breath of fresh air to the scene in Columbus and I for one am so excited about this band. You should be as well. -RM

Spirit and the Bride – When I think of Spirit-filled hardcore the first thing that comes to mind besides some killer bands like Call to Preserve, Advent, Take It Back and Jawbone is what this genre stands for to me, and that is an underlying message of hope and truth. That is exactly what you get with this stellar band from Cincinnati. These guys have such a heart for the Kingdom that it truly is inspiring.  I leave with this; One faith, one God, one baptism! -RM

Stoop Dog – Three piece folk punk, home-grown and organic. Skills built by busking and basement shows. Soon they’ll grow up and tour the nation. -SS

Trouper – Ambient worship collective turned alternative rock group for fans of Future of Forestry, The Ember Days, and the like. The other band besides Narrow/Arrow that rose from the ashes of The La De Les. They recently rebranded and I can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for the trio (sometimes quartet). -RG

TTUM – Solo queer dream pop. TTUM’s voice is the stuff of legend, the arrangements belong on a Diplo mixtape. Expect big things. -SS

Tymework – YOUNG rapper who also doubles as a metal solo-ist (in his sister project). Great flow, lyricism, professionalism, paired with humility and drive for success. -SS

Until Yesterday – This the third band on this list that is part of the Delayed Gratification family here in Columbus.  This melodic hardcore 5 piece has been building a fanbase while playing some high profile shows. They also went on their first tour this past year. So you can expect them to build on that success. As of this writing they already have a big show announced for 2016 and it’s one not to be missed. -RM

We Were Kids – This Cleveland pop punk band is newer to me. From what I have heard I really like. They also just underwent a change in their front man. I recently saw them live and I must say he looked and sounded like he has been with them from the start.  This could be a fresh start for them. -RM

The Wind and the Sea – One of the first local bands I ever saw live is finally releasing their debut EP No Evil this year – and what I’ve heard so far sounds absolutely massive. The band recently bought a van, so I see a big tour in their future. The band blends shoegaze with ambient alternative in a way that frankly I haven’t heard a whole lot. Phil Reed gives me grief for calling his voice an acquired taste to this day, and I’m currently of the position that this idea may hold true for a narrower segment of the public than I first suggested. -RG

The Worn Flints – I’ve contended that Kenny Stiegele is an excellent enough frontman that it’s unfair that only Columbus gets to experience him. Also, the band opened for Alabama Shakes in the rain – and still got an unbelievable response. With the addition of Emma Swysgood on vocal harmonies, the Flints are more poised for takeover than ever. -RG