WHOA: 15 Artists to Lookout For (June 2022)
- Channel 213
- Jun 22, 2022
- 10 min read
Hello again, you magnificent mother fuckers!
As June comes to a close, wanted to introduce yet another separate series called “WHOA!” This will 100% be a Top 15 of various artists, places, people, and things that have WOW’d us, either with recent work or announcements or other notable merits! Today’s list features lots of artists in the RVA or surrounding areas, and mostly East Coast, but you will likely find them coming from other regions as well!
CHECK IT OUT AND READ BELOW!
1: Lobby Boy
Lobby Boy, arguably Harrisonburg, VA’s number one export in the last decade or more, are an act I’m not only really excited for as they grow in success by the day, but also still super hype about hopefully seeing live in the near-future. Having just recently released their debut record, Pretty Songs / Pursuits of Personhood, via Citrus City Records, there’s an undeniably bright future ahead for them. They‘ve already been noted as a big highlight of this year’s Mac Rock Festival, as well as having completed an East Cost tour last month, throughout the middle of May. Their mix of dreamy synthpop with some upbeat, almost hyperpop-like tracks (such as the closer “Birdhouse” and “Lonely Magic”) create an atmosphere of hype and emotion as they bellow out sonic spells to all ears present and listening in. Fans of artists such as Hot Chip, Of Montreal, and Porter Robinson will find nothing short of pure bliss here.
Author’s key track pick: “Yours Forever”
2: Melk
Melk are a three-piece instrumental outfit that formed from the ashes of EDB (R.I.P.) and have graced the RVA scene since with their intricate rhythms, prog-like song-structure, and CHON-esque style. Having released their EP, Pretzels and Weed, back in March, the band has quickly been picking up more and more live events in and around RVA, finding a fit with bands of all different sounds and styles. Melk have just enough present in their mix to work with just about any other band they can be billed with, and with many more songs being performed, they’re bound to have a full-length in the works. Proficient musicians flaunting a fairly accessible, yet technical prowess of a sound, you won’t want to miss the kind of show Melk puts on. Author’s key track pick: “Limbed”
3: Crucial Rip
Crucial Rip are unarguably one of the heaviest, most fight-riffin’ bands on the East Coast, and probably even further. Even with some time having passed since the release of 2018’s The Object of Infection, their relevance has not faltered whatsoever. Having just recently incorporated the likes of Luke Zigrossi (of such names as Bananaslama, Pergola, and Klepto Club) to the drum throne of their line-up, the Rippers have announced plans to release a new album in the near-future, as well as planning for many more shows to follow. There is no doubt whatsoever that the new material is going to get a surplus of crowd response with each show the band performs. If you like brutal slam death metal with a hardcore influence and flair to it, or even just really good riffs, vocalist Russel Pompa’s titanic vocal work demands your attendance to both follow their socials, stay tuned in for the new album, and catch them (as well as possibly a fist if you’re the moshing type) at a show nearest you!
Author’s key track pick: “Progeny of Leeches”
4: Followship
Followship honestly belonged on the “game changers” list published awhile back. As much of their influences that they wear, there’s a uniqueness to their sound that I believe absolutely helps listeners, such as myself, come back to them again and again. All members being virtuosos of their craft to one degree or another, it’s no surprise that they’d end up on a list of “bands to watch out for.” Having just completed their first-ever tour up and down the Northern parts of the East Coast earlier in the year alongside basically the mathcore version of Creed, Asylum 213, the band continues to see large amounts of traction and praise even from just their Spaceuntrave-submitted music video for “The Revolution Might Be Televised After All.” There’s definitely many eyes on Followship, and now that recent news announced via their Instagram points to the follow-up to 2021’s Violet Teenage Violence being recorded as we speak…it’s only a matter of time before they ascend to even higher levels of spotlight. Keep your eyes open and your ears cleaned!
Author’s key track pick: “Swan Song”
5: Baby Bugs
Baby Bugs have a lot going for them. On-top of their Spotify numbers going off the charts from songs like “Hey Bunny,” “Little Jars of Blood,” and “Bandaids,” they’ve recently completed a 6-date East Coast tour with Monsoon and Death Plumes, released two new singles, Autotheist and Pretend You Love Me, and don’t appear to have any plans of stopping or slowing down any time soon. That all happened within just the past couple of months alone, which just goes to show this is one of the hardest working bands to come out of RVA as of recent. Punky, riffy, catchy, and consistent - Keep up with this band. If you blink, you’ll likely miss their next move.
Author’s key track pick: “Autotheist”
6: Big Gorgeous
Big Gorgeous have flaunted huge amounts of exposure to many people in many places lately. Having just completed a massive tour virtually all across the U.S., as well as releasing their newest single, Too Much Love, the perv-pop trio are letting it all hang out in the most inviting ways possible. A group that I could best describe as like a perverted Andrew WK crossed over with catchy electronics, industrial embellishments, punk-like attitude, and Broadway-worthy theatrics, it’s hard to not enjoy this explosion of erotic entertainment and humor. This energetic group of characters, Young Potatoe, Shirley Sugarfoot, and the Big Gorgeous, honestly deserve their own television series, a more demented mix of Flight of the Concords and Wilfred come to mind. But even if Netflix never picks them up for a series, rest assured Big Gorgeous will always show you a good time, and likely leave you sweating and wanting more, too.
Author’s key track pick: “Too Much Love”
7: Clean Cut
Clean Cut deserve a spotlight on this list. While currently no studio-recorded music exists anywhere for the mathrock/mathcore quartet, they have made waves playing shows all over the 518 regions and much of Upstate NY for any crowd that comes through to see them. Flaunting a sound reminiscent of CHON, with a more progressive and heavy metal focus, this is a band that makes you want to learn how to breakdance and mosh all at the same time. They are currently in the midst of recording and soon releasing their debut EP, so be sure to follow their Instagram profile and keep up to date on all the cleanest cuts of Clean Cut!
Author’s key track pick: The entire aforementioned EP once it‘s released!
8: R.O.T.W.L.C.F.T.S.C.B.M.H
R.O.T.W.L.C.F.T.S.C.B.M.H. (Rise Of The Weird Little Creature From The Small Creek Behind My House) are one of the coolest metal bands in RVA right now. Not only are their monthly listeners at a fairly consistent, large number, but their work ethic seems to also aid in their recognition along with plenty of opportunities being opened for them. The mix of grindcore, noise, drone, doom, and hints of black metal heading the instrumentation, as well as vocalist and main-brain Eve Dyer’s shrill, high-pitched screams paired with gut-wrenching lows, all culminate into virtually any metalhead’s best (or worst) dream (or nightmare) come true. With an upcoming 8-date East Coast tour slated for the beginning of July, you’ll want to catch ROTWL live at any given room they clear upon performance nearest you.
Author’s key track pick: “The Altar”
9: Halfcast
Halfcast are undoubtedly one of the best bands to come out of RVA, possibly even the East Cost, and especially so in the ‘rock’ vein. They feature a mix of prog rock, psychedelic, metal, pop, alternative, and even some tidbits that might pass as funk jams in spots. A true shining example of how much power a 3-piece act can have, Halfcast are virtually flawless in their live act. One of their most recent releases from 2020, Live at Lakeside, features 3 completely live-recorded songs of theirs all performed and captured in one take. Impressive stuff! But beyond them earning perhaps a throne as a ‘musician’s band’, Halfcast are masters of catchiness and keeping their crowd engaged. Even as many times as I’ve personally seen them live, it never gets old to watch the trio do their thing. This Friday, June 24th, will mark the release of their second full-length album, Return, which will be followed by a June 25th album release show at the Lucy Lane (a personal favorite in the way of DIY venues or venues in general), and right now you can hear their single from it, ”Blue & Gold”, on their Spotify as you wait restlessly in anticipation!
Author’s key track pick: “Blue & Gold”
10: The Maxines
The Maxines are not only masters of covers, but pack quite the punch on their original material, as well. Still figuring out their desired direction of sound, the band showcases a primarily grungy, metallic, experimental rock sound that envelopes nicely with their covers of acts such as Rage Against The Machine, Alice In Chains, and other beloved 90’s names. Powerful performance, energetic stage presence, and quality sound - The Maxines have something great going on, and their potential points to plenty of bigger things on the way. One thing I recognize about this band that will definitely assist them in standing the test of time is their chemistry as a band, too. At this time, we only have an Instagram profile to share that may have some live footage of their past live performances, but they are to be followed nonetheless, and are likely to have original music up sooner rather than later. That said, click the link highlighted in their name at the start of this banter about them, and be sure to give them a follow! You won’t want to miss out on The Maxines.
Author’s key track pick: Just wait’ll they release an EP and save music as we know it!
11: Infinity Crush
Infinity Crush had a busy 2019, like many, prior to the pandemic lockdown. But even as live performances weren’t happening, she remained as productive as possible in writing music and figuring out her next moves. Such is evident as we see her returning to select live performances as of this year, as well as an announcement of a new album being recorded and nearly ready for release. Infinity Crush’s music will lull you into the calmest mental state imaginable, all while possibly haunting you with her emotional, sometimes heartbreaking lyrical themes that tell a story of a complicated love life, managing daily life with both good and bad memories spinning through your mind at once, and tales of innocent carelessness reminisced on as the narrator grows and reflects. Simply put - Virtual Heaven is a cup of lavender tea on a cool, spring morning where the sun is rising and everything feels both calm yet unsettling at the same time. An album (and general sound) that somehow sonically represents the first, awkward kiss you ever got - Caroline White knows how to pull at the heart strings. If you like music that makes you just feel good and need a serotonin boost? You’ll fall in love with Infinity Crush. As of yet, there’s no specific date set for new material, but we’ll all be listening in and watching closely for whenever it is announced!
Author’s key track pick: “Pink Moon”
12: Sunshine Hysteria
Sunshine Hysteria are making alternative rock cool again. Upbeat, complex instrumentation with super cool vocal work to boot, this is a band that commands your attention with each note they strike. They just did a small run with friends Calling Down Fire, recently welcomed Sean Fletcher on guitar and Denton Oden on bass to round out their personnel, and are slated to play a show in Woodbridge, VA next month at Joe’s Place. Currently, their 2017 album Violent Silence and 2020‘s Initial Mutation are all we see available on Bandcamp, but with this new line-up, we are bound to see some amazing new material, on-top of what’s already been released, in the near future.
13: PO9T
po9t is exactly what the pseudonym implies - a poet. Already having played a handful of filled-floor shows and garnered a surplus of attention for perhaps his vivid vocals overtop hypnotic instrumentals, po9t is likely to be Virginia’s very own Joji, or perhaps even Alex G, but definitely something somewhere in-between. A true one-person talent, his most recent release, One Sided <3 from May of this year, as well as his debut full-length, Yellow Wood, from March of this year, all point to much potential of a secured throne at the table of ‘the next best things’ in music. po9t highlights so many things about what it truly means to be an ‘artist’. If you can’t make the aforementioned Halfcast show this weekend, you best find your way to Another Round Bar & Grill on June 25th to catch po9t live as apart of the new, two-day Cosmic Harmonies festival started and run by fellow RVA musical mind and creative soul, known by most as Silky Piper. Don’t miss out! Whatever way you cut it, you have something to do this weekend!
Author’s key track pick: “The Boulevard”
14: Earthworm von Doom
Earthworm Von Doom are an experimental grindcore / noise / shoegazey / doomy / blackened / metal act comprised of bassist/vocalist Sam Friaa and drummer / added noisist Trip Cahouet. Equally as entertaining as they are unpredictable, there’s a lot to absorb with this band. Seeing them live is probably one of the best experiences you can get in metal as well as is likely the best representation of who they are. Albeit, their recorded material is, in no way, lacking anything to impress all ears listening in. But with live shows, for the most part, seeming to be safe to take place once again, we are seeing a swift return to the stage by Earthworm Von Doom, as well as plans to release a new album! For now, follow their socials and familiarize yourself with the audible abominations they’ve already released via their Spotify, Bandcamp, or other streaming platforms, and get ready to have more meat slipped your way in the near future.
Author’s key track pick: “Cock Mustard”
15: Bliss Fields
Toronto, Canada’s Bliss Fields have really been making moves lately. Releasing Slowly, Forever in January of this year, gearing up for a tour throughout much of the U.S. beginning next week on June 29th, and just putting their best, shoegazey foot forward (pun intended?) all the way - this is an act you won’t want to miss out on. Bringing a grittier flair to a familiar, feathery sound that gives me hints of Cocteau Twins or Slowdive crossed over with the distorted haze and brood of acts like Nothing and My Bloody Valentine, Bliss Fields are a big mood sure to catch the eyes and ears of fans of any of the above mentioned acts and more. Canada seems to have a real trend of producing quality artists with distinct and interesting ideas, in my experience, and Bliss Fields are no exception to this. Follow their socials, catch them on tour, and try to cry as quietly to yourself as you’re graced with some emotionally compelling lyricism and dreamy instrumental! Don’t worry, everyone there will be crying too. It’s all good. It’s happy tears. We promise.
Author’s key track pick: “Away”
And there you have it…
That‘s 15 Artists To Lookout For!
Follow ‘em all!
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