Judith Hill
If you’re not familiar with Judith Hill’s name, you’ll certainly recognize her voice. Before she became a standout favorite on “The Voice” in 2013, she had already solidified her reputation as one of the most iconic backing vocalists of our time, collaborating with legends like Michael Jackson, Prince, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. She was also prominently featured in the acclaimed documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” which delved into the lives and careers of backup singers in the music industry. In the film, Judith talks about her aspirations for a solo career, aiming to use her vocals to convey her personal narrative. Her upcoming album accomplishes just that, crafting a biography that addresses the media scrutiny she has faced and her resilience in the face of it, while also celebrating moments of joy amidst the challenges.
Finish Ticket
Finish Ticket was formed around 15 years ago when twin brothers Brendan (vocals) and Michael Hoye (guitar) joined forces with Alex DiDonato (guitar) through a shared love of iconic indie bands such as The Killers and The Strokes. The band was quickly completed with the addition of Gabe Stein (drums) and Nick Stein (Keyboards). The Bay Area band’s sound has evolved over time, taking inspiration from their various influences and blending it into a distinctive sound that’s reminiscent of Young the Giant and other classic indie-pop bands.
The Front Bottoms
Almost 10 years ago, The Front Bottoms released their sophomore album Talon of the Hawk, a collection of 12 tracks chronicling the limbo between adolescence and adulthood, the tumultuous ride of young love, the sobering weight of maturing, and the profound revelations that arise when revisiting childhood through a newfound lens of understanding.
Saint Motel
As summer approaches, it’s hard to think of a more fitting band than Saint Motel to lead the groovement into the season.
The captivating quartet has crafted a unique sound that effortlessly blends their sun-drenched pop with a vibrant ska influence, characterized by intricate horn arrangements, synthesizers, and electronic elements that make for a mesmerizing sonic experience.
Will Joseph Cook
Will Joseph Cook has a unique ability to connect with an American audience, despite growing up across the pond in Kent, England. His latest tour, opening for 23 of Tessa Violet’s North American shows, had Will playing at some of the most notable venues across the states
Nothing More
Nothing More’s musical style is characterized by their heavy use of rhythmic instrumentation, unconventional song structures, and lead singer Jonny Hawkins’ powerful vocals, which often incorporate spoken word and screams.
Rory D’Lasnow
Rory D’Lasnow is an up and coming musician whose work is undeniably informed by his knowledge of the mental health industry. His introspective and evocative songwriting is driven by a desire to create music that resonates with listeners who may be facing similar challenges, hoping to offer them a sense of connection and support.
alt-J
When Alt-J put out their album, An Awesome Wave, 10 years ago, they were unsure how American audiences would react to their experimental psychedelic rock sound. But, fast forward a decade, and they are doing a tour celebrating the anniversary of the same album, commencing with two sold out nights at the legendary Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.
Oliver Hazard
Stand out was Northern Lights, released last year on an EP of the same name. During an emotional performance, lights projected onto the back of the Bowery Ballroom stage, replicating the aurora borealis.
Fans sang along to Ballerina, which hit streaming platforms only a few weeks earlier, but went crazy listening to Dandelion and Grenadine, two of the band’s most popular tracks.
Arlie
Part of the magic of Arlie’s music is their ability to pair incredibly vulnerable songwriting with catchy melodies, creating songs that reveal themselves in layers. This follows into their live performances, where the crowd gets lost in lyrics from some of their most popular tracks, like “Big Fat Mouth.”
