2019 was a pretty golden year for music, with tons of artists emerging and quickly becoming new favorites. Here are some up and coming artists you should watch out for in 2020, that either have new releases on the way or are just straight up kicking ass.
Model/Actriz
Slowly but surely, Model/Actriz is winning over the underground NYC scene with their industrial noise punk sound. Their live shows are certainly unforgettable and filled with thrashing rage from the moment Cole Haden walks on stage in his stilettos to their song “Matador”. While they have yet to release a full length album, there have been very short EP releases. However, both released nearly 3 years ago. Although it’s unsure when their next release will be, they continue to put on shows with incredibly dramatic performances that draw in a crowd, and there’s no doubt they’ll be keeping that same energy this year.
Gnarcissists
Gnarcissists have been teasing the NYC punk scene with scattered singles and EPs since 2018 before they put out their debut album Caught In the Webb in 2019. Their singles “Suffocate” and “Celebrity” are reminiscent of classic punk music from the 80s, emulating growling vocals from Minor Threat and heavy guitars from Black Flag. Perhaps their most memorable appearance recently was their performance at the Trash Bag’s record release show at the Union Square subway station, which was filled with paranoia that the cops might be shutting it down any second. While they just had a release in 2019, we’re hoping for more kick ass performances and possibly some new tunes in the near future.
Black Country, New Road
For only having two singles officially released, avant-garde-esque post punk band Black Country, New Road has been making serious waves in the post punk scene. The two songs in their discography, (released by UK’s indie label Speedy Wunderground) “Athens, France”, and “Sunglasses”, were seen on many end of the year lists. “Sunglasses”, perhaps BCNR’s most memorable and popular song, is a nine minute wild ride of post punk music that transitions into noisy free jazz, including both saxophone and violin. There’s no doubt that fans are anxiously awaiting an album release from the seven-piece band, or at least another single in the meantime.
Sorry
Sorry is yet another UK band on everyone’s radar recently. Having only released a handful of singles since 2017, their highly anticipated debut album 925 is set to drop in March 2020. The duo is known to not adhere to any particular genre, bouncing around from indie rock to post punk, grunge, and alternative. Something about the pairing of Asha Lorenz’s monotone, airy voice and Louis O’Bryen’s contrasting deep vocals is what makes songs like “Right ‘Round the Clock” and “Starstruck” so memorable.
Knife Wife
Hailing all the way from DC, Knife Wife makes stripped down post punk music with lyrics that make them sound like something out of Scott Pilgrim (in the best way possible, of course). From dreamy guitar ballads in their song Dreamland, to haunting monotone vocals and screams in Lobe, to what seems like an electronic interlude with “Fruity Void”, Knife Wife’s album Family Party is demented and playful. Hopefully we see them playing more shows this year with some bands we’re familiar with in the scene, since they fit right in and would make themselves at home.
Deeper
The Chicago quartet’s debut self titled record via Fire Talk was put out in 2018 and became known for their blend of indie rock, post punk guitar riffs, and dreamy jangle pop. With the announce of their new album Auto-Pain, set to be released in March of 2020, the band followed up that announcement by releasing the banger “This Heat”, which will resonate with fans of Wire, Television, and Gang of Four. Featuring fast paced, post punk-esque sounds and lyrics referring to mental and physical exhaustion, it’s clear that this track defines the overall tone of the new album being released, which we’re super stoked for.
