A NEW BATCH OF LOCAL BUZZWORTHY BANDS

By Patrick I. Buntichai

IN OUR LAST ISSUE, WE FEATURED 10 LOCAL BUZZWORTHY BANDS. TO CONTINUE OUR TRADITION OF COVERING LOCAL MUSIC, HERE ARE SOME ARTISTS AND BANDS YOU OUGHT TO CHECK OUT.

Brittany Bosco

This neo soul diva successfully blends R&B, jazz, and hip-hop, with a hint of electronic beats to create a permeating force in the local R&B scene. Hailing from Savannah, this classically trained songstress is like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott on crack...good crack that is. Her funky fresh Spectrum EP is only a taste of what’s to come.

Essential Download: “8-Trak” gives us a throwback funk vibe that brings us back to the days when 8 tracks ruled the world. On this record, her vocal training is apparent as the vocal layering takes precedence. One can hear the influence of soul singers of yesteryear.

Holly Weerd

Have you ever a thing called ‘ghettotech’? Neither have I. Luckily I got my first taste of ghettotech when I came across Atlanta rap quartet, Holly Weerd. Their tracks combine jazz, rap, and techno, garnering much attention from the online community. Drawing inspiration from Atlanta’s social scene, the group brings a spacy, ethereal element that is a breath of fresh air. Look for them to continue defying the norms of hip-hop with their eclectic melodies. Essential Download: “Weerdo” lives up to its title. Weird but oh so good, the track bounces you around like you’re floating in space as they hilariously ask you “have you ever made love to a weerdo?” No, but there’s always a first!

The Selmanaires

The Judies

The Judies started out about three years ago, with lead singer Warren Ullom and base guitarist Michael Sprinkel. With the addition of guitarist Ryan Pitchford and drummer Dave Miksch, the Judies have become must-see live. Warren’s rockstar stage presence is captivating with him often working the crowds shirtless. What is also refreshing is their catchy punk, experimental sound, which easily sets them apart from their contemporaries. See them live at the Earl on December 18.

Essential Download: “Extra Elektra” starts off poppy, then gives you a taste of punk, breaks it down in a piano mid-section accompanied by a slew of “uh-huhs,” and builds it back up to punk. This upbeat track is catchy from start to finish.

The Selmanaires began with twin brothers Herb and Jason Harris who later met Tommy Chung, They derived their name from the place where they started practicing: 73 Selman Street in Reynoldstown, a neighborhood of Atlanta. Their greatest strength: vocal harmonies. I guess you would expect that from twin vocalists. Combine that with psychedelic beats and you get a true gem. It also doesn’t hurt that Diego Luna is one of your biggest fans.

Essential Download: “Nite Beat” is an ass-shaking track off their latest album, The Air Salesman The song is a punk-funk fusion that is absolutely delightful to your ears.