I thought I’d take a break from promoting songs and promote some artists I’ve previously neglected that consistently put out great songs. They’re the special ones, afterall; I just write about them. Here’s seven musicians to start listening to if you aren’t already.
1. Declan McKenna
What makes this 19-year-old Brit so special is the range of his talent. McKenna is an incredible songwriter; he combines thought-provoking lyrics and new-age production for a catchy, yet carefully polished result. Try “The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home,” in which McKenna condemns pro-gun culture or “Humongous” in which McKenna calls out a lover, “I swear, you spend too much time on your phone and on your hair.”
2. The Walters
These Chicago boys have mastered their quirky, indie sound. Start with “I Love You So,” a track about struggling to let go of someone who’s only bad for you, or “Fancy Shoes,” a cynical party anthem.
3. SWMRS
This edgy, punk-rock band was formed in Oakland by Joey Armstrong, Billy Joe Armstrong’s son. The band has tongue-in-cheek lyrics like Green Day, but it has managed to create a more contemporary sound, that is less reliant on perfect instrumentals and more about putting together something fun. Try “Miss Yer Kiss,” which tells the tale of longing for a hookup to become something more.
4. Jamie T
“Sheila,” my favorite of Jamie T’s catalogue, hit No. 15 on the UK charts over a decade ago, but never made it to the US radio. The Brit has a knack for storytelling with a dark twist. His formula involves a stripped down lyrical focal point and a fast-talking, dramatic pickup.
5. Smallpools
The New England and Oregon group, now based in Los Angeles, prove that dance music doesn’t have to suck. “Passenger Side” is the perfect high-energy addition to any road trip playlist, while “Mother" shows off Smallpools’ softer side. “So tell me why / If I’m as bad as all those things you call me every night / You’d want me in your life just to drag around / I’m never living up to what you thought you found.”
6. The Fratellis
This Scottish rock band found its only mainstream hit in 2006’s “Chelsea Dagger,” but the band has continued to put out great content ever since. It is more rock n’ roll than most alternative bands dare to go these days. I cannot stop listening to this year’s album In Your Own Sweet Time. The upbeat “Starcrossed Losers” and old-school “Sugartown” are the highlights of The Fratellis’ latest full-length record.
7. INHEAVEN
INHEAVEN reminds me why I fell in love with rock n’ roll in the first place. The male and female co-led London four-piece focuses on loud instrumentals and angsty social commentary. “How do you fight a man you cannot stand? / When he's got the world right in his hands / I don't want to bring you down / But this old world don't feel good now/He'll build a wall and kill them all / Until he's the last man standing tall.”
Halle Weber is a sophomore studying journalism with a focus in news and information at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Have you heard of these groups? Let Halle know by tweeting at her @HalleWeber13.
