You never forget your first. You know, that first time hearing an opening riff to a song that’s going to rule your speakers for the foreseeable future. Or when a chorus hits and it only needs to be heard once before you can scream along to it like you’ve known it your entire life. It’s what music is all about—now Radio Uprising is here to make that experience a regular occurrence. Showcasing the greatest bands and artists that tomorrow has to offer, you might hear their tunes on idobi today, and then maybe someday in an arena.
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Gergo
Best case of mistaken identity: “Around the World”
No, that’s not a secret Green Day side-project you’re hearing. It’s just Gergo. It’s easy to mix up the two, though. Gergo straight up sounds like Billie Joe Armstrong at times on his new EP, Still. Despite the obvious influences, you aren’t getting a rehash of the punk band’s greatest hits. Gergo does a lot to differentiate himself to carve out his own sound, delivering driving rock anthems followed by punk-centric thrillers that’ll get you up out of your chair and later have you humming the songs in your sleep.
FFO: idobi Radio
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Gold Steps
A late-summer favorite: “Front Row”
With compelling vocals, revealing lyrics, and hooks for days, Gold Steps is an essential pop-rock band that needs to be part of your rotation. Their excellent cover of Senses Fail’s classic “Rum Is for Drinking, Not for Burning” is only the start of what the Milwaukee quartet has to offer—not to mention their powerhouse of a track “Stay the Same” featuring Hit the Lights’ frontman Nick Thompson. Everything they do hits all the right notes and they’re only getting better with each tune they put out.
FFO: idobi Radio
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Big Smile
Best vocals in a pop-punk song this year: “Can’t Even Drown”
Big Smile does exactly what the name says. You can’t help but be in a good mood after listening to their electric vibes—whether spinning their latest single or their material from a few years back. There’s a level of consistency with this Ohio indie-pop-rock four-piece that’s hard to match. Their strength is undoubtedly in the way they balance their multi-genre skillset to keep the listener guessing but always satisfied by the end. Listen to Big Smile—your face will thank you.
FFO: idobi Radio
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Stand Still
Nostalgic with a brand new edge: “Loose Ends”
Stand Still relies more on crafting an addictive melody than punching you in the face with aggressive guitar riffs, but that doesn’t make them any less of a hardcore band. The quintet comes from an area known for its dominance of punk and hardcore: Long Island, NY. And you can definitely hear inklings of I Am the Avalanche, Brand New, and Crime in Stereo embedded in their sound. In a Moment’s Notice, their latest EP is only three songs (and three live renditions) but each one is impactful and memorable in a big way.
FFO: Howl
