Indie, hip-hop, rock, bluegrass among new music on the rise
In this day and age, audiences are hit with new music releases at such a fast pace and high volume that it's easy for listeners to discover an artist several months after he or she has released an album. Whether you're looking for some diversion from the Top 40 or you want to fill your spring break road trip playlist with some new tunes, check out these five artists on the rise to enhance your musical horizons.
Delta Rae
Though Delta Rae hasn't released a full-length album, the Durham, N.C.-based band has received national recognition thanks to a gig opening for Hanson, some local NPR interviews and a series of cover songs that gave Southern flair and raw harmonies to popular favorites. The group has musical roots that span several genres, from gospel to bluegrass to rock. Last year, Delta Rae released a series of free songs, including rare acoustic cuts of their previously released material as well as covers ranging from Kanye West's "All of the Lights" to Alanis Morissette's "Your House." The group is set to release a new LP this spring and its self-titled debut EP is available for $5 on iTunes.
Freelance Whales
Though the band's name may not sound familiar, Freelance Whales' song "Generator First Floor" could be heard in homes across America as the soundtrack to a Starbucks television commercial. The band, which formed in 2008, features Chuck Criss (older brother of "Glee" star Darren Criss) and has a unique folk-rock sound that appeals to fans of groups like The Avett Brothers and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. All band members play multiple instruments and bring different flavors to each track. Freelance Whales is signed to Mom + Pop Records but has taken its music to the streets, performing in public places like subway stations, and on tour across the United States and Canada.
Karmin
Prior to an early February "Saturday Night Live" performance, Karmin was a relatively unknown act. The duo, consisting of soon-to-be-married Nick Noonan and Amy Heidemann, met while studying at Berklee College of Music and began recording together as part of a school project. The pair adopted the name Karmin, taken from Latin for "song" and spelled to hint at "karma," to give their sound an identity. Karmin's sound is a blend of hip-hop, jazz and pop with stripped-down instrumental arrangements and catchy, fun lyrics. The group's debut single, "Broken Hearted," is out now. Karmin's album "Hello" hits stores this spring.
Kopecky Family Band
If you had the chance to catch Kopecky Family Band's gig at 5 Points Pub earlier this month, you know the group puts on a lively show. Formed in 2007 in Nashville, Tenn., Kopecky Family Band has released three EPs together. The indie rock band has brought its eclectic mix of guitars, cello, xylophone, accordion and a slew of other instruments to several festivals, including Bonnaroo and South By Southwest. And it doesn't stop at the instruments — band members incorporate unusual but beautiful sounds with common objects like chains and trash cans into their shows. Kopecky Family Band is on tour and will make stops in North Carolina and Tennessee in April.
Grouplove
Formed after an improv jam session at an artist colony, Grouplove could easily be labeled a jam band. The band's debut album, "Never Trust a Happy Song," is a collection of high-energy songs with lush multi-part harmonies and rich instrumental texture. Grouplove's members channel their emotions into performances; their live performances are high energy physical tour de force. The band's song "Tongue Tied" was featured on an iPod Touch commercial and has become an alternative radio hit . Check out Grouplove's SPIN Sessions performance on spin.com to see the band's passionate playing in action.