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12 Artists You Should be Listening to RN

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Wyoming chapter.

Summer always brings more free-time to explore new bands and artists and create new playlists to jam to with the windows down. This summer was full of these opportunities and I’ve compiled a list of artists you should be listening to right now if you haven’t already. Some I’ve loved for a long time now and others just came into my life, but they are all too good not to share, so here they are:

  1. LANY: I’m gonna start with my one true love right now, LANY. The trio are a dream pop band from LA, California and are simply amazing. I’ve held them close to my heart for a while now, but since the release of their debut album this past June, they aren’t much a secret anymore. If you want to be whisked away to the sunny beaches of California, I highly recommend listening to these guys. I recommend their song “Made in Hollywood.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81dpLlZ0fnA

  1. Hippo Campus: I found myself at a Hippo Campus concert this summer and realized I’ve put this band on the back burner for far too long. Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hippo Campus is notorious for lyrical genius and catchy instrumentals that you’ll have stuck in your head for days. They also released a new album this year back in February and it’s almost all I’ve listened to this summer. I recommend their song “Violet.”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfFjEkSs8Ps

 

  1. Broadside: To stray away from the more indie side of the music world, Broadside is a pop-punk band that is slowly on the rise, but they are definitely worth your time. With heavy instrumentals, unique vocals and beautiful lyrics, I found myself shuffling their album “Paradise” a lot these past few months. I can only hope this band gets bigger, as they deserve the recognition. I recommend their song “Hidden Colors.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBXcYLVpC5g

  1. Speak Low if you Speak Love: With a chill sound and plenty of acoustic guitar, Speak Low is a side project for Ryan Scott Graham, the bassist for pop-punk band State Champs. He’s currently finishing up album number two, but his first album “Everything but What You Need” is perfect to turn on when studying, or even in the car on a rainy day (though I listen to it nearly all the time.) I highly recommend this band, as it’s still small and highly underrated. I recommend the song “Tiny Furnace.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hib7U_SXec

  1. BORNS: I’ve loved BORNS for quite some time as well, but he just released a new single and I’ve been talking about him like crazy again. You’ve probably heard his song “Electric Love” from his album “Dopamine,” but the album in its entirety is full of jams that you may be missing out on. If you want some high energy, catchy tunes, you should take a chance on BORNS; he will not disappoint you. I recommend his new single “Faded Heart,” but my favorite song is “Holy Ghost,” so check that one out too.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCeoI3S-by8

 

  1. With Confidence: Another pop-punk band from Australia, With Confidence, is one to watch as well, especially if you enjoy lyrics that you can belt at the top of your lungs. They only have one album at the moment called “Better Weather” that came out last year, but don’t worry, they’re working on another one. Their songs are filled with positive vibes and catchy choruses, so if you want to boost your mood, With Confidence is the way to go. I recommend their song “Keeper.”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEqwwzMfJe8

 

  1. COIN: I’ve been really into indie pop and indie rock these days and COIN are perfect for this vibe. I don’t know what it is about this genre, but they’re so easy to dance and sing to and the songs are all so fun. That’s just what COIN is all about and I know everyone loves an upbeat tune to dance along to. Though they have plenty of amazing songs to look through and become obsessed with, I highly recommend “Miranda Beach.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ5kgx36x-I

  1. Slow Caves: This band is close to home and are still pretty lowkey- but I doubt they’ll stay that way for long- so hop on the train now. From Fort Collins, the indie rock band have quite the resume, performing at SXSW and sharing a lineup with bands like COIN, Hippo Campus and Cake. Their songs are so much fun, the band is talented and they are also super nice. I feel like I’m promoting them constantly, but they deserve it, so check them out. I recommend their song, “2 HRS!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB918RyWVUI

  1. Colouring: I discovered this band when they opened for The 1975 and have been hooked ever since. This band is from London and they are pretty new, but I love how they have a unique way about their sound that I’ve never heard before. Though they only have a few songs, Colouring are worth the listen. I recommend their song “Symmetry.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JtaAAkVDmc

  1. The Growlers: This band is far from new, but I haven’t been a fan of theirs for too long, as I just discovered them last year. Their songs are super different from anything else I listen to, but they are super fun and talented. The Growlers have plenty of songs to look through and I honestly don’t think I have a favorite because they’re all so good. I recommend their song “Love Test,” but I’m sure anything you click first will be a great choice.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBm3iDpLTC0

 

  1. flor: Another small band with a Coachella feel named flor has captured my heart very quickly. I don’t think I’m the only one because they’re starting to grow since their new album “come out. you’re hiding” dropped earlier this year. I love songs with a summery vibe to them and flor has no shortage of these kinds of jams. I recommend “hold on” if you decide to give them a try.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi5wR–nuhA

 

  1. James Bay: One of my favorite artists, James Bay is the perfect artist to put on while studying and doing homework. I always turn on his music when I need some calming background noise because of his soothing voice and peaceful guitar. Though he’s mostly acoustic, his songs are beautiful. He has one album right now called “Chaos and the Calm” that you can enjoy until he releases another one, which I hope is coming very soon. I recommend his song “Move Together.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtl5LLUdCZU

 

 

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Abbey is a senior at the University of Wyoming and is currently majoring in Journalism. She couldn't imagine a world without Jesus, coffee, The 1975, Twitter or her family. You'll usually find her at a concert or cafe somewhere, which is where she spends majority of her free-time. Talking to band members after their shows is a hobby, along with thrifting & indulging in all aspects of pop culture. After college, she plans to spend more time at concerts, getting paid to write about music and bands.
Kaitlyn is a recent grad the University of Wyoming, where she got her degree in Marketing. She has been the Campus Correspondent for a Pink level chapter, a Chapter Advisor to some amazing chapters, and now has the pleasure of being a Region Leader. Born and raised on the Western Slope of Colorado, her love for nature and the outdoors comes naturally. Kaitlyn lives for football season, but finds way to stay preoccupied during the off-season. She enjoys long walks in the mountains, beer as cold as her heart, and bacon on her burgers. You can follow Kaitlyn’s adventures on Instagram, @kaysoup.