As the perpetual heartbeat of rebellion and unfiltered expression, the independent rock and blues artists have forever thrived on the outskirts of mainstream conformity. Unfettered by the constraints of major labels and mainstream trends independent artists continue to forge their own paths.
In this age of streaming platforms and social media, these boundary-pushers have found unprecedented opportunities to share their craft with the world. Their music resonates with raw emotion, storytelling, and a rebellious spirit that refuses to be contained!
Join me as we uncover the sonic tapestry of 2024's most compelling independent rock and blues artists. Together, let us celebrate their defiance, their innovation, and their unwavering commitment to the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
The Best New Rock and Blues
Before we get into it, let me tell you about New Artist Spotlight. We are a supportive community of artists from around the globe who work together to promote each other’s music. We have a vast range of playlists for you to enjoy, including some of the best independent rock and blues artists.
If you’re an independent artist looking to make friends with like minded artists then submit your song here. You won’t regret it!
Forge Hounds
Forge Hounds, a thrilling Irish hard rock band, draws inspiration from Classic Rock legends like Thin Lizzy and ZZ Top, infused with punky vibes from The Undertones and Hanoi Rocks. Their mature, gut-punching sound resonates fiercely. Their debut single "Damned If You Don’t" topped Independent Music Charts globally, hitting Number 1 in the USA's Underground Music Charts. Follow-up tracks "Not The One" and "Redcoat" continued the chart-topping trend. "Sun Kissed Sky" currently holds the 7th spot in the USA's Underground Music Charts and previously reigned for 3 weeks atop Brazil's Geografia Rock Charts.
Forrest of Fanghorn
"Speak, friend and enter!" As we enter the musical world of Forrest of FangHorn. Join our musical leader, Dale Mangold and his fellow musical Ents and enjoy an eclectic mix of funk rock jazz hip hop and r b music. From Middle Earth to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to various regions of the world.
Guaranteed to get your groove on in the most funkiest of ways.
Velvet Blitz
Velvet Blitz
TASTE THE BLITZKRIEG!
Velvet Blitz is a Hard Rock band with punk flavours and a dash of funky and bluesy sensibilities. Their debut album, Blitzkrieg! was released on June 16, 2021. It has 10 original songs with their popular single, 'Do That Thing' - a funky rock song with bluesy touch to it.
Their boldest move was releasing a live album called, Velvet Blitz Live! It was recorded while performing at Raffy's Cafe, Winnipeg last December 3, 2023
Currently, they have 2 new singles like No Man and Hit the Floor and it will be included in their upcoming 2nd album.
bigbaldben
Lead singer for an American post-grunge rock band in the mid-1990s, Ben continued writing and recording demos until the early 2000s, when he and his wife started a family.
Now with two older teens and a life full of experience to draw from, bigbaldben is back making music he loves. A one man operation from central Pennsylvania, Ben plays guitars, bass, piano and programs drums, sometimes welcoming the help of friends and fellow artists.
Influenced by Alice In Chains, Galactic Cowboys and King's X, Ben's music is a hybrid of heavy rock, grunge and metal mixed with two- and three-part vocal harmonies that are strange but inviting.
Lyrically, Ben is emotional and personal, often allowing the listener room to interpret their own meaning, while sometimes opting for a very direct approach. After moderate success with his debut album "Resurrection" in 2023, Ben is currently writing and recording his second album for release in 2024.
Upwood Avenue
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, this dynamic ensemble brings a unique blend of Rock and Folk to the forefront, capturing the essence of their diverse influences. The band's magnetic energy is palpable, drawing listeners into a world where thought-provoking lyrics intertwine with captivating melodies.
With their roots firmly planted in the rich soil of musical innovation, Upwood Avenue has cultivated a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The intricacy of their arrangements and the depth of their lyrics reflect a commitment to artistic excellence, making each track a journey of discovery.
As you immerse yourself in the Upwood Avenue experience, be prepared to be moved, inspired, and challenged. Their music is not just a sound; it's a narrative that invites you to question, reflect, and embrace the power of sonic storytelling. Welcome to the world of Upwood Avenue, where every note is a chapter, and every song is an invitation to explore the uncharted realms of musical expression.
Teddy Head
Teddy Head is a rock artist from the UK. He makes energetic, powerful music with a mix of iconic riffs and funky bass lines. He is influenced by a range of artists, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Papa Roach and The Beatles. His debut album, Forget About Me, was released in 2023 and his upcoming album, Angels and Demons, is set to be released in the coming year.
The Midnight Wrens
The Midnight Wrens blend threads of Americana and Folk Rock into deep, soothing, original compositions. Laced with colorful, harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, their songwriting is adventurous and eclectic as it wanders down familiar roads, with passionate diversions that captivate their audiences.
Still Remain is an electrifying love anthem with high energy from start to finish.
Rock In Progress
Rock In Progress are a rock band from Chile. Started in December 2015, most of the band members are linked in one way or another to the Engineering School of the University of Chile. They started out playing covers from bands such as Rush, Police, Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath and KISS. During the pandemic they started writing their own music and have released 4 singles so far: 'Relativity', 'Soul Search', 'Rock in Progress' and 'Warnings of Another Fight', where the last song tells the story of a viking warrior having second thoughts about going to battle.
Terrestrial Animal
Terrestrial Animal hails from Wilmington, NC, and is a noteworthy instrumental post-rock ensemble. Their distinctive sound is rooted in the prominent bass lines, accompanied by the interplay of distorted ambient guitars and haunting keyboards. The result is a captivating, almost hypnotic auditory experience that can easily transport listeners into a surreal realm. If you find solace in immersing yourself in walls of fuzz accompanied by ethereal keyboard sounds, their music is a perfect fit for your musical journey.
Marcus Magnusson
Marcus Magnusson is a true musical maverick. He, and his music, is full of confidence injecting, positive rock ’n' roll attitude. To him, rock music ain't about skulls, tattoos and horror. It is all about energy and great vibes.
Marcus makes music for those that want an energy boosting, feel good, rock n roll soundtrack to their lives. For those that don't buy into mainstream mentality. For those that wants to forge their own path. For those about to rock 'n' roll, welcome to the party!
Bob Kitt
Bob Kitt is a multi-instrumentalist and seasoned musician based in Southern Missouri, USA. Writing music in the vibe of seventies classic progressive rock artists like Styx, Kansas & Pink Floyd, Bob’s songs reflect this artistic period but with an added sense of modernity. His first single “Take Me Back” was released in July 2024 on all major platforms. Bob has released two additional songs with future releases to come soon along with music videos, live performances and guitar tutorials of his original music.
Crossing Waves
Crossing Waves is a transatlantic indie rock band with a unique blend of folk, acoustic, and electric elements. Formed in 2021, the band consists of two members hailing from Maryland, US - Jay Elvove on guitars, bass, and keyboards, and Gordon Duff from the UK on guitar and vocals. Despite the geographical distance, the band has been able to create music through remote collaboration over Zoom.
About New Artist Spotlight
New Artist Spotlight is an international network of music artists devoted to helping new musical talent! We're a grassroots team of hundreds of independent artists from around the world who work together to promote each other through listening to fellow NAS member's music, social media shares, feature interviews, artists reviews, podcasts, a Top 20 list voted on by our artists and announced each month on multiple radio stations, and much, much more. We have playlists on all major platforms including Spotify, iTunes & YouTube - if you’re looking to get your music to a wider audience we’ve got you covered.
We're also 100% FREE.
We believe in power in numbers and working together to improve all our chances of greater exposure and success. If you are willing to work with others to help us all grow together, submit your song now to join the world's largest cooperative indie music community!
Many thanks to Eleanor Collides and New Artist Spotlight, for including Forge Hounds along with such a great selection of talented acts ... We greatly appreciate your brilliant support
What a great way to get to know so many excellent artists with ease. A quick and interesting read with the pics to make things even more interesting 😎
Whoohoo!!!! Thank you very much NAS!! Thanks Eleanor Collides for this article/review. Let's support Indie Artists/Bands on NAS!
Thank you very much, Merci Beaucoup, Maraming Salamat po! Mabuhay ang NAS!!
Thank you so much for this. It's incredibly hard to get any type of promotion so when you get a nice surprise like this about Upwood Avenue, it's especially sweet, we really do appreciate it.
Thank you so much for having Forrest Of FangHorn in this most recent article/review. We appreciate your support of us and all the fine indie artists out there.