10 Essential Bands Keeping the Spirit of Discovery Alive SbS 04.17.26 Newsletter 74? Next week 1045

Music Question: The NEXT Frontier: 10 Bands from the Last Decade You Need to Hear. And new music on Next: My weekly new music radio show. Week 1045

10 “New” Bands You Need in Your Rotation Right Now

I’ve always been a sucker for a musical deep dive. There’s a certain thrill in pulling on a historical thread and seeing which legendary artist or forgotten scene unravels. It’s quite fun to see where my music loving mind goes…

This week? Well. I did get a request. Which is kinda cool. Stating: I follow you because of NEXT and NEXT is new music. I want to know what’s happening right now.

I hear you. After more than 1,040 weeks on the air—nearly 20 years of living and breathing the “new music” grind—I’ve learned that while the past provides the foundation, the future is where the energy is. I’m stepping away from the history books to give you a few of the current “NEXT” essentials.

I am leaning entirely into the curation engine that drives NEXT. I’ve put together a list of 10 bands from the last decade that I absolutely love, the artists who are keeping the spirit of discovery alive.

These are 10 artists that remind me why I started this show in the first place. And because a true music fan can never stop at a round number, I’ve added an 11th “must-hear” bonus.

Most of these might be on your radar or already on your playlists and if not - these are the bands you need to go search out immediately.

1. Brigette Calls Me Baby

There is a striking, cinematic romance to this Chicago five-piece. Frontman Wes Leavins possesses a sweeping, velvety baritone that feels entirely unstuck in time, channeling mid-century crooners and dramatic post-punk poetry. They pair that vocal gravitas with pristine, shimmering indie-pop instrumentation that feels massive and heartbreaking all at once. It’s music meant for late-night drives and grand emotions.

• RIYL: The Smiths, Roy Orbison, The Killers, Morrissey

• Monthly Listeners: ~210,000

2. Stephen Wilson Jr.

Hailing from rural southern Indiana, Stephen Wilson Jr. calls his music “Indie Country,” but that label barely scratches the surface. This is heavy, percussive, deeply narrative songwriting that owes as much to 90s grunge and indie rock as it does to traditional country storytelling. His music is visceral, haunting, and masterfully constructed, utilizing brilliant metaphors to unpack grief, heritage, and the complexities of the American heartland.

• RIYL: Chris Stapleton, Nirvana, Jason Isbell, Johnny Cash

• Monthly Listeners: ~1.2 million

3. Florence Road

A phenomenal hidden gem that deserves a massive spotlight. Florence Road excels at building lush, atmospheric indie rock that balances raw emotional honesty with hypnotic melodies. They capture that specific, bittersweet magic of late youth—gorgeous guitar tones, driving rhythms, and vocals that feel like a late-night confession shared between close friends.

• RIYL: Pinegrove, The Backseat Lovers, Flipturn

• Monthly Listeners: ~1.1 million

4. Rainbow Kitten Surprise

A massive shoutout to Pam for making sure this one stays front and center. RKS is genre-fluid brilliance. They seamlessly weave together indie rock, hip-hop phrasing, folk storytelling, and psych-pop textures into something wholly unique. Led by Ela Melo’s deeply expressive, urgent vocals, their songs are packed with intricate rhythm changes and harmonies that get under your skin and refuse to leave.

• RIYL: Mt. Joy, Alt-J, Glass Animals, Houndmouth

• Monthly Listeners: ~4.9 million

5. The Beths

Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, The Beths are arguably one of the best guitar-pop bands on the planet right now. Elizabeth Stokes writes some of the smartest, most fiercely relatable lyrics about anxiety and relationships, wrapping them in razor-sharp power-pop hooks. Their secret weapon is their live vocal harmony stack—impeccable four-part harmonies delivered over explosive, energetic, and perfectly distorted guitars.

• RIYL: Alvvays, Weezer, Charly Bliss, That Dog.

• Monthly Listeners: ~365,000

6. Momma

Led by the dual-guitar and vocal attack of Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten, Momma is a dream come true for anyone who misses the golden era of 90s alternative rock. Chris Bro happy boy. They craft slacker-rock anthems filled with heavy, crunchy guitar riffs, deadpan vocal delivery, and massive, melodic choruses. It feels nostalgic but completely vital, capturing the precise energy of garage rock greatness.

• RIYL: Wet Leg, Liz Phair, Veruca Salt, Smashing Pumpkins

• Monthly Listeners: ~430,000

7. Ratboys

Led by Julia Steiner and Dave Sagan, this Chicago outfit has spent the last decade evolving into a formidable indie-rock powerhouse. Their sound—affectionately dubbed “post-country”—blends the driving energy of Midwestern indie rock with the warm, storytelling sensibilities of folk and Americana. Steiner’s vocals carry an open-hearted sincerity, soaring effortlessly over intricate guitar solos that can jam out for minutes without ever losing the plot.

• RIYL: Wednesday, Hop Along, Wilco, Big Thief

• Monthly Listeners: ~180,000

8. The Lemon Twigs

Brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario are pure musical prodigies. Listening to them is like taking a masterclass in late-60s and 70s baroque pop and power pop. They craft dizzying, complex arrangements filled with lush vocal harmonies, jangling guitars, and unexpected chord progressions that recall the absolute peak of songwriting craftsmanship. It’s sunny, theatrical, and jaw-droppingly talented.

• RIYL: The Beach Boys, Big Star, Todd Rundgren, The Beatles

• Monthly Listeners: ~230,000

9. GUV

If you want something raw, punchy, and utterly infectious, GUV is where you look. They trade in a brand of scrappy, high-energy garage rock that feels incredibly immediate. It’s all about the propulsive rhythm section, biting guitar hooks, and a confident, charismatic vocal delivery that makes you want to find the nearest basement show and dive right into the middle of it.

• RIYL: Parquet Courts, Car Seat Headrest, The Strokes

• Monthly Listeners: ~12,000

10. Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers

Don’t let the fun name fool you—this Australian four-piece packs an absolute wallop. They deliver fierce, unapologetic, riot-grrrl-infused punk rock with a brilliant sense of humor and modern perspective. Their tracks are tight, explosive, and loaded with massive hooks that tackle everything from industry sexism to bad relationships with biting wit and relentless energy.

• RIYL: Amyl and the Sniffers, Sleater-Kinney, Hole, The Chats

• Monthly Listeners: ~160,000

And of course... I can’t keep it at 10:

11. The Thing

Rounding things out is Brooklyn’s own The Thing. This is blistering, blues-soaked garage rock revival at its absolute finest. They bring an erratic, high-octane energy to their records and live shows, defined by howling vocals, feedback-drenched guitar duels, and a relentless driving beat. They sound dangerous, loud, and exactly like what rock and roll is supposed to feel like.

• RIYL: The White Stripes, The Jim Jones Revue, Black Pistol Fire, early Kings of Leon

• Monthly Listeners: ~46,000

---

Which of these has made it into your heavy rotation? Let me know what you’re spinning, and as always, keep your ears open for what’s NEXT.

OK. A gentle nudge. Last one. I will always remind you to listen to Sturgill Simpson. Now recording as Johnny Blue Skies. He’s a must see live as he bridges his outlaw country roots with psychedelic rock. His catalog is packed with cool ass covers that he completely reinvents. From a haunting take on When In Rome’s “The Promise” to an electrifying, soulful rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain”.

OK I’m stopping. Hey look at that more new music. It’s this week’s NEXT.

Oh and of course The Beaches. I hope you listen to them too.

Welcome into week 1044 of NEXT. We have a simple goal: Find you a NEXT, new favorite songl. Today, we’re digging deep with everything from a legendary live moment from The Tragically Hip to a high-voltage collaboration between De’Wayne and Lenny Kravitz.

We’re stripping away the filler to uncover those rare, essential melodies that leave a lasting mark on your soul. Let’s start the discovery.

Hovvdy – “Try Try Try”

This track is like a warm afternoon breeze captured in a bottle. Hovvdy delivers a gentle, rhythmic reminder that sometimes the best things in life come from just showing up and giving it another go.

The Lemon Twigs – “Nothin’ But You”

If you’ve ever wanted to travel back to the golden age of power-pop without leaving your living room, the D’Addario brothers have the ticket. This is shimmering, melodic perfection that feels both timeless and brand new.

King Tuff – “Unglued”

Prepare to get a little messy. King Tuff is bringing that cosmic garage-rock energy that makes you want to shake off the week and just let loose—it’s fuzzy, frantic, and a whole lot of fun. And he’s back in Vermont.

Sloan – “The Best Part Of Your Life”

Canada’s finest are back to remind us why they are the kings of the three-minute masterpiece. It’s got the harmonies, the hooks, and that classic Sloan swagger that makes life feel just a little bit more cinematic. Off their 3rd collection of B Sides. I’ll be playing more. Any excuse.

Low Cut Connie – “Can’t Be Wrong”

Adam Weiner and the crew are here to save your soul with some high-octane rock and roll. This track hits with a piano-pounding grit that proves doing what feels right is never a mistake.

De’Wayne and Lenny Kravitz – “Highway Robbery”

This is a cross-generational explosion of cool. When you pair De’Wayne’s raw energy with Lenny’s legendary guitar soul, you get a track that’s so sleek it should probably be illegal.

The Tragically Hip – “50 Mission Cap (Live 2016)”

Prepare for goosebumps. This is a powerful, live snapshot from the Hip’s final, historic tour. A piece of a legacy that still burns bright across the airwaves. Or at least in my car. The full album isn’t out yet. I’ll probably end up playing all 29 tracks. Live Music Is Good For Your Soul.

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs – “No Regrets”

The man who helped craft the Tom Petty sound is still out here showing us how it’s done. This is straightforward, honest rock and roll that wears its heart and its callouses with pride.

Don’t Believe in Ghosts – “Paper Tiger”

Don’t let the title fool you—this track has some serious teeth. It’s a modern rock anthem built on massive production and a hook that’s designed to stay in your head for the rest of the day.

Evan Honer and Winyah – “Lose A Friend”

This is a beautiful, stripped-back reflection on the complexities of growing up and growing apart. It’s raw, honest, and features the kind of vocal chemistry that stops you in your tracks.

The Critics – “Hit The Floor”

If your day needs a jumpstart, this is the jumper cables. The Critics deliver a high-energy blast of indie rock that practically demands you turn it up until the floor actually starts shaking.

Clothesline From Hell – “Whoever You Are”

Quirky, mysterious, and entirely captivating. This track pulls you into a unique sonic world that feels like a secret being shared just with you—it’s the perfect discovery for the curious ear.

Linda Perry – “Feathers In A Storm”

The legendary songwriter and producer steps back behind the mic to show us exactly where that power comes from. This is a soulful, soaring anthem about finding your footing when the world gets loud.

The Last Dinner Party – “Big Dog”

The breakout stars of the year are back with another theatrical, baroque-pop rocker. It’s grand, it’s bold. Following the pack? Why - when you can lead it.

Trainwreck Boyfriend – “Don’t Go There”

We’re closing out the set with a track that perfectly captures that “edge-of-your-seat” indie energy. It’s catchy, slightly chaotic, and a reminder that the best music often lives right on the fringe.

And that’s a wrap on week 1044. Did we manage to make your ears smile today? Whether it was the timeless pop of The Lemon Twigs or the raw power of Linda Perry, I hope you found something that shifted your perspective just a little bit. Remember: music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. If a song hit you right today, don’t be silent—go support those artists.

And remember if you love someone hug them right now.