21.) Digital Pigeon
If you’re looking for some new electronic music, look no further than Digital Pigeon. Two college kids who have worked extremely hard to make a name for themselves have definitely succeeded with over 500 listeners on SoundCloud. Check out their track “New Aviary” below and be on the lookout for some more news from the nest of Digital Pigeon in 2017!
2.) DJ Delivery and Pranay Fury
I’m not usually one for rap, but when my friends dropped their EP a couple months back I couldn’t help but add it to this list. Make sure to hit up their SoundCloud below to hear more of the “Bars Boys” EP.
3.) With Confidence- Better Weather
Anyone who knows me knows that the second I heard WithCon’s EP “Distance” two years ago I was telling anybody who would listen that these boys would take over the world one day. A record deal, one Warped Tour in the books, and a first full length album announced all in a couple of months, and I was right. “Better Weather” is the “drove two hours on a whim just to hear the band play 3 songs from it live” type of good. The amount of musical and lyrical progression that With Confidence showed in this album is just another prime example that they are a band that will never be put in a box. I can’t wait to hear even more bangers in May on their run with State Champs and Against The Current.
4.) Waterparks- Double Dare
No band has ever reminded me of every single one of my beloved childhood bands until I (literally) stumbled upon Waterparks backstage at Warped Tour. “Double Dare” really helped Waterparks make a name for themselves and show everyone that they will not take no for an answer no matter how many times they may have heard it (peep the “reviews” tab for full thoughts on the album).
5.) Sleep On It- Lost Along The Way
Everyone needs some good old Chicago Pop Punk to get them through the day, and Sleep On It seemed to be mine this year. The high energy soaking through all five songs on this EP made early morning classes and late night library sessions a tad more bearable this semester.
6.) The Summer Set- Stories For Monday
I can’t say that “Stories For Monday” is my favorite album that The Summer Set has released (shout out to “Everything’s Fine”, you’ll always have my whole heart) however, I do feel that lyrically this was the most honest and musically the most challenging. Coming out with an album that strips the emotions of the band down to this extent could be a tad risky, especially since the band almost broke up before making it; yet in my opinion it could not portray the trials, tribulations, and growth that The Summer Set has been through during their year long hiatus.
7.) The Holiday- The Good Life
Hailing from England, I had never heard of The Holiday before checking out this EP. If you’re looking for the next You Me At Six, I believe that we have found it. Despite the comparison, I truly hope that The Holiday are able to make a name for themselves in 2017 because this EP shows that they have something special that the world needs to hear.
8.) DNCE- DNCE
Every track on this album is a true bop and has instantly improved my mood by 95% every time I have listened to it. If we’re being honest this band could release a CD of them banging on pots and pans and I would probably still listen to it.
9.) ROAM- Backbone
A nice Summer ’16 soundtrack to add to the list. What always stood out to me about ROAM was their use of dual vocalists in their songs. The blend of Alex Costello’s and Alex Adams’ voices in each song gives the band a unique twist that not many pop punk bands have these days.
10.) Against The Current- In Our Bones
The pop vibes on this album were unbelievable and at least one song from this album has been a must on all of my playlists since the release. Summer ’16 truly was a time for great music.
11.) Set It Off
The amount of diversity and creativity on this album is just one of the reasons that Set It Off has become a band very near and dear to my heart. Positivity oozes out of every upbeat baseline and even the edge that the darker toned songs have couldn’t take away from the feel good vibes of the entire album. Plus, my mom enjoyed them whenever I played Set It Off on the radio so there’s a nice added bonus.
12.) Shawn Mendes- Illuminate
I 100% did not expect Shawn Mendes to come out with such a genuine and amazing album. 10/10 quality compilation of music.
I could not be more excited for what’s to come in the music world and for My Life Backstage in 2017. Happy New Year everyone!