11 Black Alternative Artists To Keep Your Eye On
If we look at rock music at its core, black artists have always played a monumental role in shaping the way this genre has progressed and moved forward. Disappointingly, many times, they are constantly looked over for white artists, despite the remarkable talent they possess.
Now more than ever, black artists are igniting a fire within the rock industry and the scene. Not just to be recognized for a brief moment in time, but to awaken them permanently to be seen as equals within this large genre arena they all play in. As an active contributor in the scene, it's important to talk about this divide, learn from its mistakes, brighten the future, engage, and change the narrative.
It's imperative to push forward a positive notion, moving forward towards a better future of acknowledgment. Not just in the rock music genre, but music journalism as well when we talk about black artists. It is our responsibility as journalists to do more as well. Music regardless of race can find its way into our hearts if you find the right message. Here is a top eleven list (in no exact order) of up-and-coming alternative black artists you should know in the scene.
1.Nova Twins
With a potent and hard-hitting style, these Georgiatown girls need no introduction into the scene. But when you look at their debut album title, Who Are The Girls,? It's something that jumps out literally and figuratively because it represents a question that has come up throughout their lives in the scene and throughout the years they have been making music together. Each time they have broken the sound barriers and torn through stereotypes, proving with their incandescent lyrical themes, uniquely transcending vocals, and explosive instrumental energy, it's no wonder Bring Me The Horizon brought these sonically engaging darlings to take part on their Post Human: Survival Horror EP. Just Who Are The Girls? You're about to get the wake-up call of your life after one listen.
2.Meet Me @ The Altar
Though all band members are from different states, their energy for the genre and their music beats as one. With only a slew of singles that have taken the pop-punk genre by storm, it comes as no surprise that these young up-and-coming starlets are on the fast track to success. With the nostalgic contagious energy that they bring to the forefront in their guitar riffs, trills, percussive fervor, and above all infectious vocal delivery by Edith Johnson, it's impossible to ignore these key players in the pop-punk scene.
3.Dropout Kings
Fronted by two vocalists Adam Ramey and Eddie Wells, Eddie Wells brings heat to the band like no other. With Wells’ on-point, breakneck lyricism, intermingling with their djent heavy riffs, it all makes an infectious recipe for replayability. Their meshing of multi-genres is an achievement that spans across all EP’s and multiple singles which is nothing short of impressive, as well as their collaborative list for the short amount of time they have held down the fort in the nu-metal scene. With an upcoming album and recently being signed this year, the future looks bright for this nu-metal/hip-hop outfit.
4.VRSTY
When it comes to R&Bcore bands that have made a splash into the current scene, we need not look any further vocalist Joey Varela and the band VRSTY. While R&Bcore is still new and in its infancy somewhat, for the most part, it has left bands like this one to be one of the leading centerfolds to show more can be done in metalcore within other genres. Just from listening to their latest Ep Cloudcity, It's not only a work of art that instrumentally stampedes in all directions, it confidently shows that other genres are capable of meshing into one another if musicians are open-minded enough to look beyond the formula.
5.KennyHoopla
An artist whose prismatic style is just as verbose as his charismatic vocal style, this is another musician that needs no introduction on this list. While he has only been able to put out one EP, every track feels massive and emotionally powerful. Taking us back with nostalgic indie energies, he can sometimes mix it up and bring a raw and stripped-down presence as well. There is just no telling what you will get when it comes to this unique artist.
6.Dreaming Awake
Another post-hardcore band that is currently coming up in the scene, for those that love Dance Gavin Dance and Saosin, this band will leave you stunned. Currently, with a few singles in their arsenal that are breaking through the scene, vocalist Vaughn Bell is proving with his brutal vocal presence coupled with their high-octane, melodic-frenzied cadence that this band is at the top of their genre game.
7.Danny Denial
An artist that flows between the realms of punk and dark-pop, he is someone that conceptualizes his feelings within the raw, unbridled, passion of his lyrics. Denial is brave enough to talk about uneasy spaces in his music regardless of its territory. With a smooth vocal flow that is infectious and an engaging thrashy-punk instrumental resonance, it's easy to see why this artist is on the radar of so many in the pop-punk scene.
8.Optimystical
Optimystical have always tried to remain centerstage in the multi-genre music game when it comes to delivering unique musical moments. So it comes as no surprise that this five-piece indie/hip-hop band brings a one-of-a-kind experience that blurs the genre lines of alternative, hip-hop, and indie rock into one led by energetic vocalist and rapper Keynan Willis aka "Nutter Tut." With dreamy soundscapes that intermingle with captivating lyricism, beautiful harmonies, and gorgeous rap melodies, it's such an uncommon, yet welcome listening experience that is sure to dazzle many listeners' auditory senses.
9.Mirror Lake
This Houston-based quartet is more than just powerful vocals and beautifully heavy melodic instrumentals wrapped into a heavy-hitting package. Formed in 2017, the hardcore/alternative band searched to create songs based on their real experiences and emotions. After just three singles, they hit the ground running, capturing the scene's interest and their hearts with their deep lyrical resonance and fresh, ambitious sound they bring to the table. The band shows no signs of slowing down and brings some much-needed honesty and unique instrumental qualities into their genre.
10.Widow 7
Based out of Des Moines, Iowa, this act has always had a defiant sound that keeps the listeners invested for the few tracks they have put out since last year. Widow 7 has always placed the need to have their uniqueness first, believing that they are not afraid to be themselves, and neither should the world. Vocalist Mark Leon has definitely set the tone for individuality when it comes to this band, and only time will where they will go within the next year.
11. Discrepancies
A rap-rock band from St.Louis, Missouri, this band is another treasure on the rise. Though many bands come and go, this one stands out, showing with their intense lyricism, heavy riffs, and breakdowns that you can make an iconic entrance in the scene just by being yourself. An undeniably powerful and inventive sound upon your first listen, Discrepancies takes things to another level with the talents of vocalist Antonio Metcalf, who forms a unique take on the band's vocal and lyrical presence. Nothing short of fantastic, their whole discography will keep you coming back for more.