My Top 5 Underrated Artists
By Natalie McCarty
I won’t be one of those people who boast, “Oh, you wouldn’t even know my favorite artists; they’re soooo underground” or claim, “My favorite band is so indie that you can’t even buy their merch anywhere.” However, I do admittedly have a knack for discovering upcoming artists long before they earn Grammy nominations.
Case in point, I remember when Olivia Rodrigo used to follow me on Instagram before she even started making music, and I was following Billie Eilish during her days of performing free shows at Urban Outfitters.
My love for music is undeniable, and I take pride in my diverse taste, spanning punk to classical, rock to opera, and indie to pop — I’ve got all the bases covered. While my usual playlist features the sounds of Alice in Chains or Pearl Jam, I often go to the realm of Phoebe Bridgers and Mazzy Star during the midnight switch.
Though I am going beyond my favorite mainstream artists for this article, I do want to remind people of a stance that our head writer, Stella, took in her article “In’s and Out’s List: 2024.” Aptly put, “I am all for broadening my musical horizons, but just because I do not like a particular song or artist does not mean I dismiss those who do.” I am a Swiftie just like the next girl, but I think it’s time we give a little love to the artists who deserve some hype too! So, here are my top five favorite–and, in my opinion–most underrated artists.
Greta Van Fleet
1. Undoubtedly, Greta Van Fleet holds a distinct position as the most prominent name on my list, yet its recognition may be deemed insufficient. My familiarity with the band dates back to the days of their polarizing performance on Saturday Night Live, long before they assumed the role of openers for sold-out Metallica tours. Ironically, as I crafted this article, a serendipitous encounter transpired with Sam Kiszka, the band’s youngest brother and bassist, during the early hours at a Starbucks/gas station parking lot on my way to work.
From the outset, Greta Van Fleet captured my heart as one of the first bands I truly embraced. The perpetual discourse surrounding them as a Led Zeppelin cover band on steroids holds some merit, but I contend that their sound possesses a distinct originality.
In the current music landscape, I find it challenging to identify any other band carving a path similar to theirs. The lead vocalist, Josh Kiszka, wields his voice as a unique instrument, delivering some of the freshest and most talented vocals in the industry.
Jake, Josh’s twin, garnered recognition in 2021, earning a spot on the list of best guitarists. Their close friend and honorary brother, Danny, received similar acclaim for his exceptional drumming skills.
Having witnessed their electrifying performance at the Greek Theatre, my favorite venue for live music, I can attest that Greta Van Fleet is among the rare bands that translate their studio excellence seamlessly into the realm of live performances.
Embarking on a continuous journey of musical evolution, Greta Van Fleet’s discography unfolds with each release. Their debut album, From the Fires, seamlessly fused blues, rock, and folk influences, laying the foundation for their distinctive sound. However, the transformative nature of their artistry became evident in their sophomore album, The Battle at Garden’s Gate, which is where I became a true fan.
This album witnessed a departure from their earlier work, embracing a more expansive and experimental approach. Delving into intricate narratives, it courageously tackled themes of societal and environmental challenges. Notable tracks such as “Age of Machine” and “My Way, Soon” showcased the band’s newfound maturity in both songwriting and musical arrangement. “Heat Above” was one of my all time favorite songs for the longest time, and the whole era of The Battle at Garden’s Gate brings back such vivid and fond memories for me.
Anyway, as they ventured into their junior album, the recently unveiled Starcatcher underwent a mesmerizing psychedelic shift, presenting itself as a celestial journey that boldly pushes the boundaries of their sound even further. “The Archer” is one of the most creative things to leave the studio in the past few years, and “Meeting the Master” one of the most beautiful of all time.
I truly anticipate a time in the very near future where Greta Van Fleet will become a household name.
Marcus King
2. While country music isn’t typically my go-to, the Dixie Chicks have always been an exception, and I can confidently add Marcus King to that list when it comes to country-adjacent blues and R&B artists. The serendipity of discovering him as the opening act for Greta Van Fleet at the Greek Theatre in 2021 led to an unforgettable experience. I was so impressed by Marcus King’s performance that upon deciding to move to New York, securing a ticket to see him headline at the Beacon Theatre became my first order of business.
In my eyes, Marcus King stands among the greatest performers of our time, and I dare say, there’s no living guitarist who surpasses him. His stage presence and commanding tenacity are mesmerizing, making the concerts I attended, featuring soul-stirring renditions of “Rescue Me,” “One Day She’s Here,” “Rita is Gone,” “Wildflowers & Wine,” and “Homesick,” truly unforgettable.
The mere mention of Marcus King always transports me back to my first week in New York. Visiting the home of my first friend in the city, I was greeted by an intriguing sight outside his Brooklyn apartment — a spray-painted Marcus King logo on the concrete. The curious phenomenon didn’t stop there; another logo adorned a nearby street. What struck me as particularly odd was that Marcus King was performing in Manhattan, seemingly disconnected from this random Brooklyn street.
During those initial days, these logos became my landmarks, helping me recall the street where my friend lived. Persisting through fall, winter, and spring, the logos maintained their presence until their disappearance at the onset of summer. I can’t help but believe that Marcus King’s name will soon transcend the realm of random New York sidewalks, finding its place on massive billboards in LA.
Cryogeyser
3. Back in Los Angeles, I eagerly purchased tickets for the triple headlining show featuring Superheaven, Narrow Head, and Modern Color. Convinced that the lineup couldn’t possibly get any more electrifying, I anticipated one of the best concerts. To my delightful surprise, the opening act not only met but exceeded my expectations, becoming a newfound favorite — perhaps even more so than the three bands I initially came to see.
Influenced by my old bandmate’s penchant for photographing pedal boards at concerts, I found myself scrutinizing them from the barricade. Despite my limited technical musical knowledge, it was evident that Cryogeyser was skillfully and creatively utilizing a variety of pedals. The live incorporation of looping vocals showcased a remarkable talent, a feat that, as a performer of nearly two decades, I recognized as challenging. Cryogeyser’s live performance, complete with impressive crowd interaction, captivated an audience I initially thought might not resonate with their sound, but they absolutely owned the stage.
Their album, Glitch, remains an underrated gem, with the track “Angry” standing out as a personal favorite discovered in 2023 (“Marie” and “Leach” are absolute favorites too). I’ve made it a tradition to share this musical find with friends every time I control the AUX. Expressing my admiration for Cryogeyser doesn’t stop at their music; they are genuinely good and kind people. Having the opportunity to chat with them at the merch table after the show, I proudly sport my Cryogeyser ribbon, and they are a band I would wholeheartedly love to collaborate with in the future.
Kai Warrior
4. My introduction to Kai Warrior occurred months before the release of her first tracks, including “More Than Friends,” “October,” and “I Don’t Know,” part of the collaborative Wild Hunt Sessions. However, what truly grabbed my attention was the preview they shared of their single, “For The Both of Us.”
This snippet not only caught my eye but also captured my heart. “For The Both of Us” is undeniably a beautiful song that exudes nostalgia, showcasing Kai’s exceptional talent in both songwriting and composition. Kai Warrior is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, emerging as an artist worth keeping a keen eye on. I’m eagerly anticipating the trajectory of their career and the musical journey that lies ahead.
Wince
5. Saving the best for last, let’s take a moment to circle back to my favorite of all New York bands — Wince. Known as @wincebandnyc on Instagram, affectionately dubbed the “Hardest Working Band From South Brooklyn That’s Also Italian” in the New York music scene, Wince stands out as one of the strongest up-and-coming artists.
They truly dominate the Brooklyn band scene, with spinoffs, crossovers, and collaborations with talents like Powerviolets, Weathergirl, and Passive Aggressive. Somehow, they’re connected or at least friends with virtually every band in the scene. Beyond their wild humor and incredible talent, they are genuinely good people, the kind you’d trust your sick animal with (shoutout to my dear friend, Dr. Greg Stewart, the bassist and veterinarian-in-training) and the ones worth every penny for a show.
Wince isn’t just a band; they’re a powerhouse of collaboration. With a founder, lead singer, and guitarist like Dave, who seemingly does everything and excels at it, they’ve mastered the art of teamwork. From the drumming talents of Ryan Palmer to the multifaceted Wil Ren, who owns a studio in NYC, Wince’s success is built on collaboration. They’ve fostered connections with some of the best in the industry, from photographers like Luke Ivanovich and Owen to venue owners and everyone remotely linked to music.
As a fan-turned-friend, I vividly remember stumbling into Trans Pecos for the Stevie Dinner/Powerviolets/Wince show, sparking the inspiration for my own NYC band, Chiara’s Halo. Over countless Wince shows, I witnessed their sound evolve into something more professional, their shows growing in scale, and their venues becoming cooler, all while maintaining Trans Pecos as their home.
I cherish Wince for the friends, connections, and music they’ve given me. Their long-awaited album, To Be A Fly In The Rain, dropped last December, becoming a daily anthem in my home. No one does it quite like Wince — live, laugh, Wince.
Here’s my advice for you, beyond diving into the music of the artists I just recommended: attend that $20 Friday night show. Take the opportunity to shake hands with the individuals manning the merch tables, introduce yourself to the band after they leave the stage, and make a point to arrive on time for the opener. You never know — they might just evolve into your absolute favorite artist or become some of your most cherished friends.
