I want to use this as a platform to help people discover music across different genres.
It's easy to get stuck on the artists we love, but there's always so many more to find.
Below are a few I found over the past couple years that have grown to be favorites of mine.
Devon Gilfillian
This soul singer wasted no time in 2020 releasing two albums. One of his own material and the other, a front to back cover of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On and my god, does he do right by Marvin. His original material is great too. The track below was also featured in my Morning Coffee playlist.
Also check out: Unchained and Mercy Mercy Me (Marvin Gaye cover).
The Marcus King Band
The Marcus King Band is one of the best in blues right now. With an insanely soulful voice that seems wise beyond his years, it's hard to believe their lead singer is only 25. Now, this is not a new band by any means as they have been cranking out music consistently since 2015 (Marcus also dropped a solo album last year and it's fire), but they are new to me as of the past year and a half or so and I don't feel they get the credit they deserve. The song below was also included in my previous post about modern love songs.
Also check out: Goodbye Carolina and Jealous Man
Goose
If you have followed me on any social media in the past year, you know I am absolutely obsessed with this jam band. The Connecticut group isn't necessarily new either, putting out music since 2016 and playing together long before then; but a pandemic find for me and they have become one of my absolute favorites. Even if you aren't into jam bands, you will probably still be captivated by Rick Matarotonda's insanely polished voice. This was my favorite find of 2020, no question. They, also, just dropped their second studio album, Shenanigans Night Club, and it did not disappoint.
Also check out: All We Need and Jive I
Big Something
Yeah, another jam band. I don't know how this switch got flipped with me (sike, yeah I do, it was Goose), but now I'm all in. I discovered this one through festival lineups. They have an alternative edge to them similar to Umphrey's Mcgee, but they have an electric sax. I mean, COME ON!!
Also check out: Wildfire and Song for Us
Andy Frasco & the U.N.
Andy Frasco and the U.N. is another festival lineup find and these guys seem like they are a lot of fun. A lot of their music's got a cool, blues feel to it, but some of the lyrics are also funny as hell. Check the link below for one of the more uplifting songs, but I also highly recommend songs like "Stop Fucking Around."
Also check out: Stop Fucking Around and None of Those Things
Part 2 coming soon!