It’s never a bad time to discover a new band or artist. Somewhere out there, in either a basement, garage, or make-shift studio, a group of people are sitting around writing songs and deciding to start a new band. You never know which one of those artists might just be the next biggest thing in the world. It is our job, here at idobi Radio, to find these acts and expose them to you. Of course, you’ll always see us covering the mainstay acts like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, or Paramore. However, all of those bands were once local bands, grinding to rise to the top. We want to give you an entirely new batch of artists to check out going into the new year.
It is important to us to give a platform to all artists on the come-up in our community. Diversity and inclusion is extremely important to us. Therefore, you will see artists of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, sexes, races, and genres across this list. We aim to find and present a band or artist for everyone. 100 artists are a LOT to highlight, so we will be breaking this list down into 10 artists at a time. Today, we have our first batch for you to dive into. Cheers on finding your new favorite musical obsession!
20K Rio
Born out of the ashes of their previous band, Lip Candy, the new and improved project from singer and guitarist Tommy Lloyd and drummer Luke Caro is infectious. The Los Angeles-based duo is now performing and releasing music under the alias 20K Rio. They have embarked on an entirely new genre of sound, leaving their bubblegum pop-punk roots behind.
20K Rio has the attitude of an arena-rock outfit, bathed in 80’s synth beats and unhinged guitar solos. Their debut EP, Are You All In? boasts an array of sounds from “rocketgirl” to “TNT” to “High.” The group has played a few shows in LA and appears to be gearing up for more next year. Check out their newest release, “Money in your Mouth,” and be sure to catch them live. —Tate Logan
Die Spitz
Hailing from Austin, TX, Die Spitz is undeniably going to get in your face and take over the world one perfect punk song at a time. Their debut album Teeth is an unapologetic summation of a perfectly special combination of 4 musicians born to create together. It is feral and relentless.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show-inspired style choices, absolutely abrasive approach to expressing their feelings, and unforgiving soundscape of aggression and force in their music make them impossible to ignore. Tracks such as “Hair Of Dog” and “Chug” exemplify modern punk in ways we haven’t seen in decades. Their live performances are beautifully hostile, demanding attention from everyone in the room. Die Spitz is an audacious outfit bound for greatness. —Tate Logan
dreamfone
dreamfone are the rising alt-pop duo you need in your life. Glittery guitars and glossy vocals have catapulted the independent act to impressive heights. With millions of plays across their tracks such as “talking to myself” and “body like gossip”, the group makes nods to the likes of The 1975, The Band CAMINO, and Nightly. Their unique approach to online content, music visuals, and overall internet delivery is equally as notable as their captivating live performances. dreamfone has the whole package.
Comprised of vocalist Richie Arthur (States & Capitals) and guitarist Reece Alan (Oh, Weatherly), the act is essentially a supergroup of talented musicians who both come from previous successful projects. Their debut EP, postMANIC, is only the beginning, but offers a grand foundation for the band. —Tate Logan
Dream Nails
Dream Nails, a formidable all-queer revolutionary force, boldly solidifies their stance with the release of their punk-soaked sophomore album, Doom Loop, under the banner of Marshall Records. The quartet, consisting of Ishmael Kirby, Anya Pearson, Lucy Katz, and Mimi Jasson, unapologetically brandishes a ten-track manifesto against the problematic political system. Armed with a potent combination of wit, musical diversity, and unwavering beliefs, Dream Nails crafts an album that not only sparks sonic rebellion but also serves as a rallying cry for change and empowerment.
Doom Loop stands as a testament to the group’s integrated prowess. It also underscores their unwavering commitment to leave a lasting impact in both the musical and socio-political spheres. As we approach a pivotal election year in the U.S., the album’s politically charged messages against misogyny, police brutality, and the system, as well as the acceptance of trans individuals and the spectrum of trans and LGBTQIA+ authenticity, couldn’t be more timely. Beyond the powerful commentary, the prospect of catching them live adds an extra layer of anticipation. While the four-piece gears up to support Dream Wife on a brief UK run in February 2024, fans on this side of the pond can only hope they make their way to the States next year. —Paige Owens
House Parties
On the brink of their Equal Vision Records debut EP, Side Effects, slated for release on January 19, 2024, House Parties emerge as torchbearers of anger-fueled, female-fronted pop-punk. Following in the footsteps of genre trailblazers such as Paramore, Tonight Alive, and We Are The In Crowd, the band crafts an intense soundscape.
Characterized by a fusion of heavy riffs, impactful breakdowns, the compelling vocal prowess of frontwoman Chaney Elaine, and dynamic drum fills, House Parties infuse their most recent releases, “Braindead” and “Mid-Life Crisis,” with an unparalleled energy. Both tracks will be featured on their forthcoming four-track EP alongside the soon-to-be-released “Waterworks” and “Get A Grip,” promising a powerful introduction to their musical ethos. —Paige Owens
In The Mourning
Singer-songwriter Amanda Tran’s musical project, In The Mourning, captures the nostalgia of early 2000’s pop rock/alternative artists such as Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato, and Paramore (the project shares its namesake with Paramore’s 2011 track). In The Mourning has released the At What Cost EP, multiple singles, and has embarked on a U.S. and Canadian headlining tour. Tran has collaborated with artists such as Martin Novales, RickyJab, nightlife, and more on her music. Tran’s voice is incredibly soulful, and she writes genuine lyrics that many people can relate to. In The Mourning is definitely an artist to look out for in 2024! —Yising Kao
penny bored
The captivating and vulnerable solo venture, penny bored, emerges as a striking fusion masterminded by Dallas-based Faith Alesia. Their artistry seamlessly blends pop prowess with a guitar-laden backdrop, placing vocals at the forefront of each track. Earlier this year, Alesia unveiled their debut five-track EP, What If? As If!, a sonic expedition released via JoJo Centineo Studios. Of the September release, Alesia shares, “I started this project 3 years ago with the thought in the back of my mind that I would give up quickly, just like everything else in my life. Somehow, I’m still doing this thing, and honestly, I never want it to end. I was told at a very young age that singing wasn’t my thing, and I should find something else. Turns out they were wrong. If you’re passionate about something, I encourage you to go for it and never look back!”
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Maggie Lindemann and Avril Lavigne, and bathed in the nostalgia of early 2000s alt-pop, the collection serves as a poignant reflection of Alesia’s personal journey—trials, tribulations, obstacles, and victories. penny bored will be drawing the curtain on 2023 with a handful of shows alongside Skatune Network and VIAL ahead of the new year. Here’s to hoping Alesia will take their alt-pop attitude worldwide in 2024! —Paige Owens
RAEGAN
Harnessing the viral power of her TikTok-hit debut single “TIM BURTON,” a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of pop fixtures set against an eerie instrumental backdrop, New York rising star RAEGAN has meticulously crafted a unique space for her theatrical and haunting pop sound. The trailblazing alt-pop queer artist draws from her musical theatre background, translating it into a real-world performance that’s both authentic and empowering. As RAEGAN puts it, “For a while, everything in my life felt so controlled and watched over. Music was my only escape to truly be me—to do whatever I want and say what I really want to say.”
This week, RAEGAN unveiled her third single of 2023, “COINS,” which joins the ranks of her previous 2023 releases “WALTZ,” a queer retelling of Romeo And Juliet, and “MEAN.” Beyond the captivating beats and distinctive coin drop across the track, this new single is inspired by her “unshakable self-belief and confidence in the success” she was destined to achieve. Brace yourselves, as RAEGAN is expected to release her debut EP titled FUCK RAEGAN in early 2024. —Paige Owens
SLOE JACK
Sometimes, music artists appear to explode on TikTok overnight with a single viral video. While others win a slow and steady race toward relevancy. SLOE JACK has been cranking out carefully curated content highlighting his individuality in music for almost a year now. This has successfully drawn in fans and supporters at an honest and loyal pace. His debut album, BACKSTAB (Deluxe), is a cohesive wall of sound, with each track having a unique place in the collection.
Tracks like “SLOW DOWN” and “BEAST MODE” showcase his knack for putting a modern spin on the likes of the Beastie Boys. SLOE JACK is bringing something fresh, aggressive, and exciting to the rock world. The Australian-based artist recently announced his signing to Interscope Records with the promise of new music coming soon. There is absolutely no doubt he is going to explode in 2024. —Tate Logan
The 95’s
The 95’s is a group of California-raised friends who met in college in 2017. The band consists of lead singer and songwriter Matt Zoeter, guitarist Juan Andrade, drummer Cesar Luevano, and Josh Mendoza on keys. The group nestles into a space of chill-pop with ambient and dream-like soundscapes, similar to bands such as Nightly and The Band Camino. Coming out with multiple singles since their debut in 2020, The 95’s recently released their heartfelt new song, “Walk Away” in September. The band is planning to tour in 2024, so make sure to stay updated on them and when they visit your city! —Yising Kao
