Simone Hitchcock

Local Artists

With all of the mainstream artists making their way to the top of the charts, sometimes it can be difficult to recognize newer, smaller artists in your community. That said, here are a few bands we’re sure would be lucky to gain new listeners.

Pageant

Instagram: @offcial.pageant

Based in High Point, Pageant consists of members Roxxi Dirt (vocals and bass), Dylan Dynasty (drums), Dezzy Foxx (guitar), and occasionally Camron Duke (rhythm guitar). They play rock music similar to the stylings of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe and Van Halen, with topics similar to those of most glam rock bands of the ’80s. They perform in North Carolina very often, sporting their new single, “Sitting on Gold,” which is featured in their Stockton album, which they have recently released, along with a few new articles of merchandise. While they don’t have any shows nearby coming up, they have a plethora out of state.

Water Culture

Instagram: @watercultureband

The closest band on the list is Water Culture, an alternative band including their four-man band of Ryan Mitchell (vocals), Thomas Drake (drums), Austin Etchells (vocals and bass) and Jose Gonzalez (guitar). Similar to Pierce the Veil, Bring Me the Horizon and Sleeping With Sirens, the self-proclaimed emo artists bring a deeper style to their music, allowing their listeners to connect to the more personal meanings. Their most recent song is “Sitting Pretty,” with their final show in North Carolina being announced soon, so it’s best to get tickets before it’s too late.

Davie Circle

Instagram: @daviecircleband

If you’re looking for a more country, folk-y type of music, Davie Circle might be for you. Based out of Chapel Hill, the band’s music is akin to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Avett Brothers and The Chicks, with members Malcolm Douglass (vocals and acoustic guitar), John Wood (bass), Michael O’Laughlin (drums), Andy Zhao (electric guitar) and Levi Wexler (fiddle). If you’re interested, make sure you listen to their newest single, “In The End.” Although they aren’t as active in their local venues anymore, you should continue to be on the lookout for any new shows.

Girl Brutal

Instagram: @girl._.brutal

All the way from Charlotte, Girl Brutal is a hyperpop, electronic band that consists of members Grace Nelson (vocals), Jarret Mintz (guitar/electronics) and occasionally Knight (drums). If you’re at all into parties or raves, they would be perfect for you, as they’re similar to 6arelyhuman, Charlie XCX and 2hollis. Their most recent song is “Asteroids,” and if you’re hoping to hear it live in-person, you’re in luck. Girl Brutal performs a lot of shows nearby, including one on April 11 in Gastonia at doors open at 7 P.M., they start at 8 P.M. with ‘DIRTYBUTT,’ “Lady Dana’ and ‘ASHLEY.’

Motocrossed

Instagram: @motocrossednc

Another Charlotte based band is Motocrossed, a band that makes alternative-country, otherwise known as a “y’allternative” type of music, with members Blaire Fullahar (vocals/guitar), Carolyn Becht (drums), Colin Read (multi-instrumentalist), AJ George (guitar/vocals), Todd Jordan (bass), Austin Currie (keys) and Sofie Pedersen (vocals/clarinet). Similar to Kasey Musgraves, Jason Isbell and Drive-By Truckers, Motocrossed is spreading their music on a mini-tour in April, with a few dates in various states, including North Carolina. If you’d like to get a feel for their music, make sure to check out their most recent song, “Drown (Country Grl).”

The Mantras

Instagram: @themantras_offcial

The Mantras are a jam band from Greensboro. They make progressive rock, consisting of members Keith Allen (vocals/guitar), Brian Tyndall (vocals/bass), Justin Loew (drums/samples), Brent Vaughn (vocals/percussion) and Julian Sizemore (keyboard.) They make music similar to Grateful Dead, Thank You Scientist and Phish. Their most recent song is “Jungle In Space.”

While these bands are just a few examples, they can always help you get into the local music scene and help you discover some new artists. It’s always a good idea to help promote and to support local artists. Many more talented musicians are yet to be discovered, despite how widespread music is. All of these artists are available to stream on Spotify.