A lot of people think rock music is dead, or at the very least on its way out. Just take a listen to any popular radio station and your ears will be bombarded with the sounds of Ke$ha, Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, and Pharrell Williams. Now there is nothing wrong with this music, it is clearly popular for a reason. The point is, rock music is seldom found except on the occasional college radio station or the dreaded classic rock radio station.
While the trend is away from rock music, at least as far as radio and television are concerned, the real world of music still has a place for the rock band. Self-produced and self-marketed bands are alive and well, and new groups are forming all over the country every day. Rockfest festivals draw huge crowds every year and true rock fans know that Rock was first meant to be countercultural and rebellious. It seems that current music trends have made this truer now than ever before. This is the new Rock Renaissance, one of indie groups making and selling their music, touring small venues and living the rock-and-roll dream. Here are a few such bands, locally loved in their home base and gaining larger followings through their own marketing efforts.
Playfight
A relatively new band hailing from San Diego, California, Playfight is the real deal. They have a hard rock edge with a melody. The best of both worlds. Their first EP Mutt was released late 2013. The five songs on this debut EP show off the group’s amazing talent. The strong lead vocals, the distinctly impressive lead guitar and the amazing depth of a group of such young musicians, Mutt showcases a group on the rise. According to their website, they are currently in the works to record a full length album. They have toured California, gaining a following through their tours and through internet marketing. You can listen to their music on Spotify, Pandora and can purchase the EP through iTunes. Take a listen to my personal favorite track, “Around a Woman” complete with rockin’ guitar riffs and clever lyrics.
Haim
Haim is an L.A.-based band that is reminiscent of the 80’s girl bands we all know and love. The Haim sisters (three of them) and a drummer rock it out with unique and catchy tunes. They have a sound all their own and the Haim sisters are women who do not rely on their pop marketability to sell their music. They play their own instruments, write their own songs, and they rock! While their sound leans towards the pop side of rock, this band is doing something fun and unique which is what rock music is all about. Check out fan favorite “Forever,” and enjoy the sounds of Haim.
Wolf Alice
Haunting is the only way to describe Wolf Alice lead singer Ellie Roswell’s vocals, particularly on Blush an amazing grunge rock ballad. A strange hybrid of pop, rock, and grunge, Wolf Alice will keep you listening and keep you guessing. Hailing from North London, this group showcases yet another style of rock music to the modern fold. Clearly influenced by the grunge and alternative movements of the 1990’s this group puts together some amazing songs that make you want to keep listening.
As is clear from the rise of these three exciting and talented groups, rock-and-roll is very much alive and well. These bands and many more continue to make unique and enjoyable music that reaches fans through various mediums, most particularly internet marketing. The New Rock Renaissance charges on and its gone digital. So for all you rock fans out there, check out these three bands and maybe build a Pandora station around them. You will discover all kinds of great new bands if you just take a look around!
