spotify bands, standout spotify bands

15 standout artists on Spotify making music you need to check out

We’ve all had those moments where our Spotify feels like it’s been in a rut lately, and that Discover Weekly playlist just isn’t cutting it. It’s then that we find ourselves digging a little deeper in search of those bands that we like to call the “hidden gems.” The ones that deserve way more attention and leave you wondering how the hell they haven’t blown up yet. 

If you’re ready to take your playlists to the next level, then check out these 15 bands below!

Read more: 18 emerging pop-punk artists backed by Pinkshift’s Ashrita Kumar

UMBRA

If you spend your days hating your hometown and having heated debates over whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn’t), then you’ll want to add dynamic duo UMBRA to your pop-punk playlist. From “Can I Get That in Black?” to their recent single “Rebecca, Who Slammed Doors For Fun And Perished Miserably,” this up-and-coming band are that perfect hidden pepperoni on the pop-punk pizza of perfection.

Noise Control

With only a few singles under their belt so far, it’s clear that Noise Control are hitting the ground running. The band’s first single, “Girly Boy,” debuted in March. They quickly followed up with “I Fell In Love (Don’t Tell My Girlfriend)” and “Modern Frankenstein.” NC’s Kenton Scott and Ivan Rollit have been making music since middle school, but it’s easy to see that this project is going to take them far. If you’re looking to add some rowdy dance jams to your playlist, then look no further. 

Pray For Sleep

Hailing from the same state as Beartooth, twenty one pilots and Telle Smith from the Word Alive, Pray For Sleep are proving they have what it takes to hang with the heavy-hitters. Not only are Grant DeCrane, Hayden Kissler and Reno Houston making catchy rock/metal, but they’re strong advocates on the topic of mental health. You can check out the band’s Scream Back program here while adding their debut LP, Behind Our Eyes, to your favorite streaming platform. 

Loose Ends

With their forthcoming EP, Tell God You Were Framed, slated to be released later this year, pop punk intertwines with punk rock to produce a project dedicated to pushing the envelope of DIY bands. Featuring members of Kid Liberty, Loose Ends have proved they’re taking things to the next level with their debut single, “Love In Heartache.” If you’re into Yellowcard and the Story So Far, then this is the hidden gem for you.

Silent Rival

Silent Rival’s Sara Coda and Joz Ramirez have a dynamic that’s unparalleled to most. Their exuberant pop-rock sound is both equally carefree and confident, emphasized by catchy hooks and lyrics that radiate honesty. This is one band we can’t wait to see perform live again. Until then, we’ll have to make due with putting their stellar tracks on repeat. 

To Kill A Monster

COVID-19 seemed to put the music industry on hold over the past year, but central Ohio’s To Kill A Monster emerged from quarantine ready to take things to the next level. From working on brand-new music to adding two new members, TKAM rose to the challenge like true rock stars. Joey Lawson’s dynamic vocal range pairs perfectly with group harmonies while simultaneously blurring the lines across a handful of genres in the very best way. 

Dreamwalker

If you find that your mosh pits are lacking some luster lately, then consider kicking things up a notch with metalcore monsters Dreamwalker. Taking influences from ERRA, Northlane and Periphery, Dreamwalker are taking the genre and layering it with their own creativity to create a sound that’s both unique and diverse. 

Suzie True

Referring to themselves as “crybaby pop punk,” L.A.-based band Suzie True have gone from the bedroom project of vocalist Lexi Mccoy to a full-band phenomenon with guitarist G Leonardo and drummer Sarah Pineapple. Their 2020 debut album, Saddest Girl At The Party, gives us all the 2000s garage-punk vibes we could ever want. With a Spotify bio that describes themselves as “if the Powerpuff Girls started a blink-182 cover band,” how could you not give them a listen?

Turn Zero

If you love to ride the roller coaster of emotions set to the soundtrack of alternative-rock music, then you’ll want to give Turn Zero a go. With the ability to create everything from honest and moving ballads to energized and passionate hits, these Arizona natives are everything you could want wrapped up in one solid and extremely talented package. 

New Saviors

Are you searching for that perfect emo-rock anthem? Look no further than the hard-rock hit “ALIVE” by New Saviors. It’s just one of many incredible and replayable tracks in the band’s library. With influences such as Anberlin and Sleeping With Sirens, New Saviors are the perfect blend of catchy tunes and poignant lyrics.

Elbow Room

Fans of Knuckle Puck, Trophy Eyes and Boston Manor are in for a treat with Northeast Ohio’s Elbow Room. Mixing alternative and pop punk, Elbow Room prove they have both the music and the grind to stand out in Cleveland’s music scene. Give their latest EP, Now That You’re Away, a spin and be ready to experience something new with each track.

Finding September

From thrash and funk to heavy metal and pop punk, Finding September’s influences are just as diverse as their sound. Their innovative take on pop punk makes them the tried-and-true definition of genre-bending, and they’re damn good at it, too.

DramaScream

With the ability to go from catchy and upbeat to dark and scary, DramaScream are truly living up to their name. The perfect mashup of hard rock and metal, these small-town musicians are full of explosive energy, in-your-face screams and good old determination. If you’re looking for a fantastic band to rock out to, you just found them.

foreveratlast

After having been silent since the release of 2015’s, Ghosts Again, foreveratlast burst back onto the scene ready to tackle their inner demons in “Holy Ghost.” It’s evident the band used their time off as anything but, showcasing their growth and evolution and erasing all doubts that this band are here to stay. 

Takers Leavers

Drawing inspiration from personal trials, Takers Leavers are bringing the topic of mental health out of the shadows and into the light. Influenced by bands such as Circa Survive, Every Time I Die and Thrice, this California quartet are creating a fusion of rock, punk and post-hardcore that radiates throughout their powerful lyrics and emotional storylines.