We’re coming to the close of 2013, with the new year just hours away. Here are my top 13 artists that you may or may not have heard of in 2013. If they aren’t in your 2013 playlists, be sure to add them to 2014; all of these guys are on the rise.
Josh Garrels: He rides the line of christian and secular in a beautiful way, singing incredibly spiritual songs without the often-taunting genre label. He’s got a Derek Webb-esque presence and a strong skill for songwriting to accommodate his voice swells and raw emotion.. Love & War & the Sea in Between is one of my favorite albums at the moment.
The Oh, Hellos: Probably the most popular band listed here, this duo has proven that music can be done independently, releasing albums on their own and watching more and more people find out about their sibling wonder.
Hello my old heart
It’s been so long since I’ve given you away
And every day I add another stone to the walls I’ve built
around you to keep you safe
Nothing lasts forever
Some things aren’t meant to be
But you’ll never find the answers till you set your old heart free
Till you set your old heart free
Horse Feathers: Fiddles and violins rooted in an acoustic groove. I get lost in “Last Waltz” nearly every week. If you’re on a train ride across the country or in a foreign land, they below in your ears.
The Family Crest: let’s face it: orchestras belong in great indie bands. These guys breed creativity, with the swell of trombones and brass instruments accommodating the vocals of Liam McCormick. While the band officially is composed of 7 musicians, they credit thousands of people who join them in their recordings as part of the Family Crest. They are a Kickstarter success story and someone to keep your eye on in 2014.
Chris Thile: one of the Nickelcreek trio, Thile is known as one of hte best mandolinists to walk this earth. He’s got Grammy’s for folk music and classical crossover, which is seen in his newest album- a tribute to Bach Sonatas and Partitas. It’s one of the most phenomenal musical performances- the man memorized hours of Bach!
The Last Bison: they’ve been around since 2011 with beautiful harmonies and indie-folk vibe. Found them while searching for new music for my backpacking trip to Switzerland. Ironically,the song “Switzerland” struck my fancy.
An oh, oh Switzerland, you take away my breath now once again
You left me with the sense of compassion, for the ones
Who can’t pick themselves up off the ground
Matthew Perryman Jones: I randomly checked out MPJ after reading about him on author Donald Miller’s Twitter account. Days later, he was playing at my neighborhood bar stage, so it only made sense to introduce myself and thank him for his music.
The Wild Feathers: A Nashville band with southern roots, including four lead singers with a mad love for American rock n roll. Recommended by a fellow music lover, Steve Bryan, I was able to see them in a Nashville bar after a successful tour of the country.
Brooke Waggoner: this NOLA native showed up in the comments bar of a recent NPR article on Josh Garrels- she’s probably the most random find of my year, but I can get on board with her. She’s collaborated with Chad Howat (remember Paper Route?) and created some phenomenal music using vintage recording equipment and a background in classical music.
Rosi Golan: You may have heard her tunes in one of your favorite TV shows, as she’s appeared in The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and several other shows. My favorite work of hers is in collaboration with William Fitzsimmons. Her voice in “I’ll Lay Low” swoons me into an imaginative slow dance with happiness. (I know, that sounded a bit dramatic, didn’t it?)
Sbtrkt: Pronounced “subtract”, I actually heard them a few times while freqenting my favorite spot in Columbus, Mission Coffee Co. Someone added them into a playlist and I’d find myself tapping my foot and getting all sorts of weird everytime they came on. Their performances seem creepy to say the least, thanks to ceremonial masks, but they’ve driven some of my most creative work of the year.
Wild Child: they were named the best indie and folk bands at SXSW by the Austin Chronicle, serving as a hometown favorite. Recently recognized on NPR’s Top Ten song’s of 2013 with “Living Tree”. Kelsey Wilson’s vocals belong in the respects of Amy Winehouse, with a lot more charm of course.
The Apache Relay: any band that is named in honor of Heavyweights (1995, Ben Stiller) is okay with me. They carry strong energy in the folk world and were fortunate to hop on the road with friends Mumford & Sons this past year.
Hear all of the above artists in my Spotify playlist. What was your favorite artist of the year?