Discover New Music by Genre
By Colin Udall
Building a knowledge base in music can sometimes be intimidating, especially since the amount of small artists and subgenres has spiked in recent years. In order to reduce the difficulty of finding new music artists, this list has been compiled into four short sections categorized by popular genres.
Alternative/Indie: Greer
Greer, to many listeners, will be a callback to the early stages of modern indie music. The band uses acoustics and vocal melody to create atmospheres that are simple and relaxing. The lyrics in Greer’s music are a classic, popular composition that doesn’t offer anything new. That said, the lyrics effectively reinforce the calming vibe of the music. Greer should be a band anyone in the alternative music scene should try, and the only downside is their unfortunate lack of content. A great track to begin with is “Bittersweet.”
Hip Hop: redveil
redveil is a 17 year old rapper riding the style of Earl Sweatshirt and contemporaries. redveil makes use of the same soulful, looped beats that dominate the alternative rap scene now, yet his flow leaves a unique mark on his music. Mellow samples are turned into upbeat tracks with some movement in them. A redveil track that deserves a listen is “Weight.”
Rock: Green Lung
Doom metal with an aesthetic, Green Lung is a British rock band who reminisce of acts like Black Sabbath. Green Lung inarguably handles doom metal with ease. What makes the band so unique is their repeated imagery throughout their artwork, lyrics and instrumentation. Listening through a Green Lung album is like opening up into a brand new atmosphere. It is a huge shame this band is under-appreciated. A strong first track to hear from the band is “Woodland Rites.”
R&B: Black Pumas
An ingenious modern soul duo whose one studio release is sure to blow listeners away. Black Puma’s 2019 self-titled was transformative upon first listen. Full to the brim with classic tempo, social-commentary and a fantastic voice from the groups vocalist, Eric Burton. Black Pumas falls under a contemporary soul category but listeners of any genre should hear their music. Their most popular track “Colors” is impossible not to recommend.
In descending order: Lullaby for You - Greer, Niagara - redveil, Black Harvest - Green Lung, Black Pumas - Black Pumas.