Don’t take this list too seriously. Yes, I know it’s biased. This is an opinion piece. Yes I know it leans Columbus – that’s where Tuned Up HQ is. I (Ryan) personally took the approach of choosing bands we haven’t written about before over bands we’ve covered that have material releasing this year. We had fun putting this together and we hope you find some new stuff to check out and/or artists to network with. 62 artists this year! Nice round numbers are overrated amirite?

Absolute Hero: In just over a year’s time Absolute Hero has become a favorite in the Columbus Pop-punk scene. Their legion of fans grows with every show. If you like your music full of truths then this band is for you. They released their first full-length in November and have plans to release two EPs in 2017. This is a band you should not sleep on. Oh, one more thing, their live show is phenomenal. -Ray Cobra

All Over the Place: One of the hardest working musicians in Ohio is probably Wes Meadows, who has a number of projects as well as an indie label (Flowerpot Records) that he operates with pride in a grassroots fashion. His most prolific band is the ska influenced punk collective aptly titled All Over the Place. They are high energy and also plan to tour a bunch this year. Keep your eyes and ears open. -Ryan Getz

Antioch: I saw this band for the first time a few nights ago at Spacebar in Columbus. These guys exuded class and humility from the stage, and a cohesiveness remarkable for how new a band they are. A friend compared them to Young the Giant, and I would agree – adding that they have a distinct Americana influence. Toward the middle of the set I definitely noticed a more vibey feel though. Look for these guys to impress regionally. -Ryan Getz

Archer Archer: The vocalist of Fake Islands, an early local band Tuned Up wrote about, has stepped out on his own with an accessible and danceable electronic project. Archer Archer is a fun live project and has the endorsement of Jonathan Hape, a producer and musician I respect a lot. -Ryan Getz

Armond Wakeup: This hip hop artist based in Columbus recently pledged that he would not cut his hair until his record was finished! Now that’s dedication. I have to give this dude props because he played our first festival and was able to people of multiple faiths swaying to some fun Jesus music. -Ryan Getz

Beyond Pluto: This group has undergone quite a few metamorphoses over the years I’ve followed them, but their undying ethic, prolific musicians, and solid full length release Adaption put them on this list this year. Plus, you never know what article of clothing of TJ’s will light itself up next! The spacey alternative sound is catching on and I already have an idea for a bill to stick this band on this year on one of our Tuned Up shows. -Ryan Getz

Bliss Nova: Yes! This is the fresh sound in synthpop I was waiting for. It is so trendy to release this stuff now and I’m often underwhelmed. Thanks to Toledo based Bliss Nova for not being one of those bands. Look for new material this year. -Ryan Getz

Brideshore: I had no idea this band existed until about two hours before I saw them live. One might call Brideshore the indie rock  alter-ego of Deathsong member Shiloh Krebs. Warm and fuzzy and a little melancholy. And they know how to cover “Cath…” by Death Cab For Cutie live. I’ll be on the lookout for this band from New Philly. -Ryan Getz

Canadian Waves: We’ve premiered a video from these folks, booked them on our anniversary show, and now we’re gonna tell you that we tagged them as a band to watch this year. The surf garage collective has quite an ambitious touring schedule and has plans to hit SXSW this spring. -Ryan Getz

Conscious Pilot: I went into checking out this band’s music expecting some deep bass grooves and big guitar riffs but it was some piano meandering that really caught my attention. I met member Jake Gust not too long ago and it seems like they’ve amassed some decent momentum in a short amount of time. I fully expect to see this band on the Comfest lineup this summer. -Ryan Getz

Cosmosis – I recently came across this band. I went to see Future Modern and these guys were the opening band and I may have danced throughout their set. They are that good. I not long ago was telling a buddy that a lot of people have no clue that I love jam bands. The Grateful Dead are one of my top 5 bands. So to my surprise when I see a jam band from here in Columbus, I’m going to get excited. This is a scene I wish to become familiar with and I think Cosmosis is a good start to that. -Ray Cobra

Current Events: If Taking Back Sunday and Better Off had a baby, it would be Current Events. The band’s enthralling guitar work is the first thing you’ll notice about their music, and the smooth layered vocals will pull you in. Current Events has a unique musicality to its early-2000s Emo-Rock sound that make its music interesting without overcomplicating things. The band’s new EP “Phases” provides a great look at what the band is capable of, while also indicating that Current Events is just scratching the surface with its music. Look out for Current Events to make waves in the Alt scene, and check out “Phases” on Spotify! -Corey Mouch

Cvltist: Amazing dark wave / goth industrial DJ that’s kinda doing what some of the most badass European producers are doing but right here in Columbus OH. Humble and talented to the gills. -Sandeep Sehbi

Daniel in Stereo: Daniel Chimusoro, frontman and brainchild of Daniel in Stereo, is as genuine in person as he is in his music. His latest single “Yours” brings warm shades of The 1975 and gives way to a more driving, alt-rock chorus that gets stuck in your head. When listening closely, it’s hard not to even hear a little bit of The Starting Line-esque vocals in the song. Daniel’s infectious energy, passionate lyrics, and genuine nature as an artist make Daniel in Stereo an artist that Cincinnati locals should certainly keep an eye on in the coming months. Check out “Yours” on Spotify! -Corey Mouch

Deathsong: This is the latest project from Columbus scene staples, The Sipes brothers, Ethan and Jack. They previously were in the much loved Dry Bones and then Snow Day. This is their latest project which they describe as Columbus Chaos. They released their first EP in November of last year but to truly appreciate this band you have to see the chaos in action. It is an art form not to be missed. -Ray Cobra

Devin Xo: What Devin Xo offers a hip hop is a bit of a classic vibe. If you aren’t looking for something cutting edge but still want something thoughtful and catchy to listen to, Devin Xo is your guy. “On” is good place to start. -Ryan Getz

Duderus: Like most bands I find, I came across this band at a show in their hometown of Dayton. I feel it’s rare these days that I see/hear that many punk bands with a throwback sound to bands like The Ramones, Screeching Weasel, and NOFX. Well, that’s what this band is. And they make it fun as they have songs about monsters and wrestling. If you like your punk fun and silly, then this is the band for you. -Ray Cobra

Edward + Jane: I tend to use the phrase “down to earth” when describing folk groups a lot, and the same would apply to this pair who recently relocated to Cincinnati from Nashville. Plus, they have the endorsement of our friends in The Giant in the Tailor. When a genre-defying rock band endorses folk, you listen up. -Ryan Getz

Egypt Speaks: When a spoken word artist is winning national awards and getting to play onstage with Toby Mac you know she’s got something worth paying attention to. I’m not sure what 2017 holds, but if her travels and experience networking in the industry in 2016 is any indication, big things are in store for the young poet. -Ryan Getz

Ex-Nihilo: The biggest hustler is not the frontman, but is in fact the bass player Matt Brooks. This group of four (sometimes five) friends aims to have fun with an airy yet serious alternative pop rock sound, remiscent of bands like The 1975, Fickle Friends, and others. In spite of their pop sound, the band’s members have diverse tastes and this will undoubtedly come forth in their music as they continue to progress. -Ryan Getz

Feverwar: The heavy music scene is in need of a band with pure insanity in their stage presence and Feverwar might be the band to pull that off. I mean, their most recent single is a song about being pissed off called “Bullshit!” This band seems to simultaneously following in the footsteps of Beartooth and the Chariot. -Ryan Getz

Fluffer: If you ever want to throw and otherwordly dance party, you might want to consider hiring these two. Columbus is becoming a home away from home for the Cincinnati duo, who absolutely killed it at Independent’s Day by the way. Psych pop fans love these guys. -Ryan Getz

Forest Wars: This is a band I will admit I almost missed the boat on. If not for a good friend I may have. After seeing them live I was hooked. This Chillicothe hardcore unit is becoming a fixture on the hXc scene in Columbus. Which is a good thing, the more bands the better. And this is one that I’m glad is part of that scene. I look forward to what this year has in store for them. -Ray Cobra

Future Modern: Future Modern is band that deserves to be known to so many people. If you are ready to take an adventure to worlds you have not yet been to, then you need to listen to this duo. Future Modern is the Brainchild of Bob Dawson, who before this was known as Teen Fiction, the best one man band you will ever see.  Future Modern expands on that and he has added his brother Ron on guitar and he is on drums. Fans of bands like Dopapod, Papadosio, and Perpetual Groove will love this band. And Bobby D very well could be the best drummer in Columbus. -Ray Cobra

Gabe Maas and the Bruins: The music of Gabe Maas isn’t really what I expected to be honest. Given that all of my experiences with him prior to checking out the tunes were at heavier shows I expected at least some emo/punk sensibilities. Instead, we have an almost sultry alternative R&B sound along the lines of Lo-Fang. Maybe Gabe will tour with Lorde someday. -Ryan Getz

Galen: Really awesome underground electronic artist. Queer and experimental. Tied to national scene and friends with many compelling producers online. Pulls off feats with ableton that have to be seen to believed. -Sandeep Sehbi

Harbour: Harbour has built an impressive, loyal, and animated fan base in Cincinnati since busting onto the scene in 2013 with its unique vocals, bouncing guitars, and catchy choruses found in popular songs like “Runaway Kids,” “Splendidly,” and “Sanibel.” The band is best known for its energy on stage, though, with lead singer Ryan Green known to crowd surf, climb on sound systems, and get the crowd riled up. Look out for a new album this spring, but in the meantime, immerse yourself in new single “Runaway Kids” as well as the rest of the band’s discography, available on Spotify and Bandcamp. -Corey Mouch

Headrush: Chris Lane has a lot of passion and drive. He isn’t afraid to share what’s on his mind from the stage, and he along with the rest of the melodic hardcore band seeks to change the world for the better via hard hitting music, the pit, and brutal honesty. -Ryan Getz

Heavy Things: This is the new project of Will Deely. If that name sounds familiar it should. He was in City Lights at one point and at one point he toured with Spencer Sutherland. This originally started out as a solo project but he added other members and thus Heavy Things was born. If you are expecting a City Lights sound, this is not that. This more of a pop rock sound. If you are a fan of pop rock sound. They also recently just signed to InVogue Records. -Ray Cobra

Hello Luna: If you like yourself some angsty garage rock with polished production with clear vocals (like a more aggressive Eisley) you’ve arrived at the right place if you’re listening to Hello Luna. Pay attention. They have a full length dropping soon. -Ryan Getz

I, Apollo: This metalcore group from Marysville isn’t afraid to stick their neck out there in unlikely places. I actually got to experience a little bit of their live show at Live at the Garden, a defunct DIY multigenre music fest in Columbus that featured folk punk and alternative as well. If you like big riffs and metalcore is your bread and butter you’ll love I, Apollo. -Ryan Getz

Jane Decker: I’ve seen this singer perform as the frontwoman for Belle Histoire in an indie rock setting, and I’ve heard an EP that is down to earth pop. Word on the street is there’s something else new on the horizon for Jane. I can’t wait to hear it.-Ryan Getz

Jetty Bones: Sometimes acoustic, most of the time a duo, the indie/emo/pop punk/something project is endearing and a force of nature at the same time. Having opened for the likes of Sorority Noise, Tiny Moving Parts, and more, I can only imagine what the future has in store for Jetty Bones. -Ryan Getz

Joesph: I had to put this band on here because, having seen Pomegranates (may they rest in peace) live on multiple occasions, their team of vocalists in Joey and Isaac were always impressive and animated. Joey has started a new project called Joesph (not to be confused with the sister folk rock trio Joseph) and I can’t wait to see where this goes. -Ryan Getz

Lackluster: This band has actually been around for quite awhile, but they are getting ready to release new material with new members and a brand new live show. And there are lasers involved. Lots of em. If you like your alternative pop on the more mature rock side you’ll like these guys. -Ryan Getz

LEAV/E/ARTH: This electronic influenced hard rock band I was going to write about anyway, but since announced their signing to InVogue Records. The Cleveland band have an accessible sound that many ought to gravitate toward. Look for these guys and gal to be a staple on Warped Tour within a year or two. -Ryan Getz

Move Home: I first came to know Move Home when they played a Tuned Up show. I was instantly a fan. As there aren’t that many emo bands in Columbus. I’m talking true emo, not this stuff you kids call emo. I’m talking Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, Mineral, Texas is the Reason, and all those bands of yesteryear. This is something that should play into their advantage. They ended 2016 with two awesome shows, they opened for Anthony Raneri of Bayside and they also played with Face To Face, so if that’s any indication, 2017 should be good to them. -Ray Cobra

Mystic Mamba: The warm demeanor of these guys carries over into their engaging stage show and driving rock and roll. Frontman Michael Valles displays a reserved confidence I noticed right away when they played a Tuned Up event last year. -Ryan Getz

No Dice: One of the cool things about a local scene is watching a band grow. I first heard of these guys when I saw them with Gates back in January of 2013 at Kobo. I remember I wasn’t that into them. However over the next few years I became a fan. The growth this band has shown is amazing and they are only going to get better. Along with A few other bands they are one of the bands putting Columbus pop-punk on the map. This is a band that you should not sleep on. -Ray Cobra

Ohio On Hi: This is a band I will always have a spot for. I was living in Pennsylvania when I first came to know of this band. I had just started writing for Tuned Up or I Am Tuned Up as it was called then in 2013. Ryan, the founder of the blog knew I was a pop punk fan so he told me about a local band in Columbus that was about to release an album. I got hold of it, reviewed it and the rest is history. Much like TKAM when I moved back to Columbus they broke up a few months later. So I did not see them live until last year. After a few member changes they have found a sound that works for them. For a band not from Columbus they have quite the fan base here. This Waverly, OH 3 piece are looking to make some noise in 2017. -Ray Cobra

Orion and the Constellations: What I initially thought was a casual project by a friend I met through a songwriter’s collective has morphed into something way more serious than I thought. The blues trio is very, very tight live – that honor is owed to the Rau brothers, who on drums and bass can instinctively pick up on the direction of a song very quickly. Orion also has the ability to make his guitar “sing” and is coming into his own as a frontman. -Ryan Getz

Ottawa: This driving garage rock and roll group from Cleveland opened a show at Skully’s Music Diner with a bang as the only out of town band on the bill. Their unique way of blending new wave into a gritty sound stood out to me that night. Despite being the least “vibey” band on the four band bill, their inclusion still made sense. They will be playing the growing Brite music festival in Cleveland very soon. -Ryan Getz

Personal Public: This alternative pop group just released their debut full length and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. I remember being struck right away by the guitar melody of a song of theirs I heard when they opened for Artifex Pereo at Double Happiness nearly two years ago. I’m confident their songwriting ability and popularity will continue to grow. -Ryan Getz

Physco: If it was ever evident that we shouldn’t take our lives too seriously, PHYSCO’s music certainly embodies that notion. The 5-piece Pop Rock band hails from the suburbs of Cincinnati, bringing a genuine sense of fun to both its music and public image, sporting shark costumes and ‘80s wigs on stage. The band’s lead single “Honey” will be stuck in your head for days and immediately make you think of artists like Walk The Moon and The Mowgli’s. PHYSCO certainly has fun with its music, and the band wants you to have fun listening. Check out “Honey” and other tracks on Spotify now! – Corey Mouch

Queer Kevin: Amazing riffage and tight drums over which Felix’s vocals sit. Young blood doing it very well, high level of performance and writing. They’re touring for their first time in 2017. – Sandeep Sehbi

Ruinr: The debut project of Tasha Beninghof just passed its one-year anniversary and though they are yet flying under the radar, they are taking themselves very seriously. Powerful vocals mixed with lo-fi garage meets indie progressive sound ought to be appealing to a wide range of indie music fans. I’d like to see them share a bill with All Dogs. -Ryan Getz

So Long, Stargazer: This four piece alt-rock band from Columbus had their biggest year in 2016. And this year should be bigger. Their secret weapon is the dual vocals of Chase McCants and Kristin Green.  Also any band that covers “The Kill” by Jimmy Eat World is amazing in my book. -Ray Cobra

SoGrande: I still have yet to see this husband and wife alternative hip hop duo live, but what I’ve encountered from them so far just exudes positivity. I understand they’re looking to play out more this year and release music, and I’ve heard their live shows are super fun and high energy. They seem to be flying under the radar in spite of being invited to play the occasional conference and event – hopefully that changes this year. -Ryan Getz

Souther: I just saw this band live for the first time the other night and holy moly – can Carly shred on that guitar. I honestly wasn’t prepared for that. It’s Americana, it’s blues, is rock and roll. Plus Carly has an all-star backing cast that features members of Chinese School and Wolfman and the Airship Captain, for example. Get emotional and groovy at the same time. -Ryan Getz

The Grievance Club: There aren’t that many bands that I will compare to Thursday but upon first listen to this 4 piece from Kent, OH that was one of my first thoughts. My second was they would have fit in well on Victory Records back in the day with Thursday, Taking Back Sunday, Bayside, and Hawthorne Heights. These guys have the ability to break out of their scene and I believe they will. I would remember this name if I were you. Oh and if you guys are reading this please come to Columbus. -Ray Cobra

Photo by Nick Fancher Photography

The Raquels: This is effectively the ressurected version of Sam and the Barbers, a now defunct indie pop duo. They have a very DIY sensibility about them which goes to show that DIY doesn’t need to be all about lo-fi, under produced basement rock. Of all the new bands in the Columbus scene with unreleased music, I might be the most curious about these guys. -Ryan Getz

The World I Knew: This Cincinnati 5-piece metal band are new to me. I saw them a few months ago when they opened for Project 86, while they were the odd band out they night, they played one of the best sets that night. Vocalist Wesley Merritt goes back and forth between rapping, singing, and screaming with the best of them. They have branded their sound “Trap Metal” and man they do it well. So if you are a fan of Emmure, Attila, and Trap music then this band is for you. -Ray Cobra

That Ship’s Sailed: One of the things I love about local bands is watching them grow. This is a band the first few times I saw them I was not a fan. Then something just clicked, they started sounding better, their live show improved. It’s like they woke up one day and was what they are now. I know they have it live but I’m looking forward to hearing their debut release, which comes out next month. This post-hardcore 5 piece is on a mission to make their scene better and that is something I can and will support. -Ray Cobra

Topher James and Biscuit Brigade: As I’m starting to attend more local shows that are not pop-punk, emo or hardcore I am finding that Columbus is full of talent. I already knew that but I always stuck to my scene. That started to change at the end of 2016. And because of that, I discovered this group. One of the things I loved about my childhood was going to my grandmother’s house and listening to records with her. Her drugs of choice was soul and the blues. Topher James and his merry bunch fall under soul music. The first time I saw them I was instantaneously drawn to what was happening on stage. I felt like I had been transported back to the 60s. This band is that good. Be on the look at for a release sometime this spring. -Ray Cobra

Trigno: I first got wind of this fellow last year through a certain Lucas Schultz when I was booking the first Steadfast Festival. The hip hop artist made an appearance on Columbus’ Independents’ Day Festival and when you hear him it’s easy to see why. If you like good flow and excellent production check this guy out. -Ryan Getz

Troy Petty: I’ve written about this guy before, but he’s on the list because the Chicago turned Columbus resident is releasing his debut full length later this year. He crafts a mature form of dream pop that is both foreboding and alluring. And he has had quite the touring schedule. -Ryan Getz

The Turbos: If you like anthemic old time rock and roll you’ll love this band. The vocals of Jordan Sandidge are powerful and fun to listen to, and the chorus of “Circles” will have you rockin’ in no time. They just released a full length and I believe have the potential to break through regionally. -Ryan Getz

To Kill a Monster: This is a band I have been a fan of since I moved to Columbus in 2009 and they were a band I missed when I left for two years. Once I got back they took a hiatus and I was broken, much like a lot of people as they have gained a cult like following. So when I decided to book my first show, who do you think the first band was I had in mind? They had been talking about playing again and they just needed that chance. And man they did not disappoint, yes there were a few mess ups but that is expected first show back after a year with new members. So now they have had time to gel and such. I for one am stoked to see what they do in 2017. -Ray Cobra

We Are the Movies: If you are a fan of pop-punk and this is your first time hearing of this band, you have been living under a rock. They are one of the bands responsible for the resurgence of the pop-punk scene in Columbus. They have a sound that will take you back to the Drive-Thru Records era. “Fault Lines” is a song that will have you jumping up and down in your room or wherever you are listening to it. -Ray Cobra

Weathervein: This a band that is newer to me, however they may not be new to a few of you guys and gals as they were previously known as Absent Youth. This is a band I make it a point to see when they are in town. They have a sound that should appease any fan of Microwave, Have Mercy, and Citizen. They released an EP, Summer Daze late in 2016. So go check that out. -Ray Cobra

You Vs Yesterday: This is a band we probably should have included last year as 2016 was it was good year for them. They got to play with Hawthorne Heights, Artifex Pereo, Marina City, and The Spill Canvas just to name a few. I can only imagine what 2017 has in store for them. The Dayton 5 piece has come a long way as a band. Already in their time as a band they have had members come and go but this line-up appears to be the one. Fans of Fall Out Boy, Mayday Parade, and The Academy Is should eat this band up. -Ray Cobra

Zoo Trippin’: Even if I hadn’t heard a single minute of this band I think I might still put them on here because frontman Tony Casa is a hustler and one of the nicest, most memorable dudes in the Columbus music scene. But all of their shows are a party and they make sure you know it. They have plans to put out a full length this year and do some touring. They’ve played just about everywhere in Ohio, but as I type that I can picture Tony sitting in the corner, giving me the side eye, and asking me “wanna bet?” -Ryan Getz