Disclaimer: “New artist finds” does not mean that I heard of them for the first time this year. However, this is the first year I feel I spent meaningful, extended periods of time with each of these. I also left out larger artists that broke through to the mainstream in a big way (looking at you, Wet Leg). Anyway, in no particular order, here we go!

Tiny Blue Ghost

One of our writers reviewed the EP this dreamy emo band dropped earlier this year, and there was a bit of a Twitter controversy over that review. While that was a bit of an editorial lesson for yours truly, this also motivated me to really dive into what this group was up to. So, when their full length dropped, I was pretty intrigued. This band has a sound with almost limitless potential for evolution as they grow. It’s not something that can be digested easily – you have to spend time with it. But the payoff is compelling. The product is cerebral and abstract at once.

Khamsin

This emo-influenced atmospheric rock band has shown up in the submissions for our own Steadfast Festival multiple years and shown up on DIY bills around the Nashville region for the past few years. But the release of their debut full length What’s Left of Life? picqued my curiosity and I ended up booking them at my church for AmplifyCBUS, my take on a loosely faith based multigenre event. I think the folks that attended didn’t really know what to do with Jacob Curry’s emotive, at times abrasive vocals over the intricate soundscapes – a shame, as the record they put out I personally found to be pretty pensive in a very satisfactory way. When I think of Khamsin I think of discussing philosophy while sipping an Old Fashioned, and then going to a house show.

Pool Kids

My lovely girlfriend Katie told me it was basically guaranteed that I would love this band. Math rock? Check. Warm, friendly riffs? Emotive, nostalgic vibes? Check, check, check.

Hatchie

I was tempted to write up this act as another indie darling being propped up by the powers that be. When I listened to Hatchie’s new record at work one day, I half-expected to be greeted by pleasant background music. However, there were a few surprising moments along the way that demanded my attention in a soul-lifting way. Hatchie makes good travel music, too.

Eugenius

Our writer Nat Fitzgerald isn’t particularly a hip hop guy but I’ve heard him shout out this guy on multiple occassions. Once, I can recall him exclaiming that he can’t believe this guy “has all this stuff in his head!” I’m paraphrasing, but basically this experimental hip hop artist is brilliant. Plus, he has the endorsement of Columbus rapper Happy Tooth which is always a solid sign (I don’t make the rules).

Davis Evanoff

The development of Davis Evanoff as an indie artist has been a satisfying slow burn and most of this town STILL doesn’t know who this guy is. His approach to releasing and recording music is about as methodical as it gets. On paper, his sound is indie/electronic alt pop. On paper. The combined product of his influences is a conglomeration of sounds and feelings that feels worthy of a dissertation – but in a good way. Over time, his In Dreams, I Rise EP has REALLY grown on me.

racecar

Holy cow. What a surprise this band was. I wish I could remember how I heard of them. They’re a UK act with less than 100 monthly listeners on Spotify (as of this writing – hopefully this changes yesterday). What the heck do you get when you combine funk, pop, jazz and electronica? Something in the realm of this. Listen to “Salt” and tell me what you make of that. If you don’t – well, you haven’t understood the assignment.

Ali Sperry

Americana isn’t really my default genre but I had to listen to Ali after she generously took time out of her day to participate in our Merch Minute series. Her indie-folk-Americana fusion mixes thoughtful melodies, lush instrumentation, and more perfect for a rainy day or evening in with a hot toddy. I would love to experience Ali in a live setting in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio.

Husbands

This powerpop duo made their Ohio debut at Steadfast Festival this year. Their sound resonated with the room, mostly folks who were waiting to see Yoke Lore at that point. Next summer they’ll be touring the US with Goth Babe. Their sound toes the line between thoughtful indie pop and straight-up pop ready for the mainstream. There’s a definite down to earth vibe that comes with these guys too.

El Camino Acid

An early discovery of 2022 that had staying power was this band. Listening to El Camino Acid takes me back to the early days of Tuned Up when I was discovering acts like Bummers and Ex Cops for the first time. Time to zone out on a snowy day and dream of being in the sun. It’s a very specific feeling but just trust me.

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Stream a selection of songs from the artists above here: