We list some of the best new rock bands to listen to right now. Rock music can generally be described as hard-edged music performed with electric guitars, bass, and drums and usually accompanied by lyrics sung by a vocalist.
That sounds simple enough, but a closer look at the evolution of rock suggests how different styles and influences have shaped its development over the years.
To claim that there’s nothing inspiring, satisfying, and even genuinely new going on within one of music’s biggest, longest-surviving umbrella genres, is just to reveal that you’re not really paying attention.
Some of these bands you’ve certainly heard of before, like Greta Van Fleet, PVRIS and Bad Wolves, who have gone on to become popular across the world.
These modern artists and rock bands are all at different stages in their musical journeys—some are just getting started with buzz-building early singles and others are multiple albums and tours deep, but be certain that they are trending right now with hot new releases.
1. Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons is an American rock band hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, known for their captivating blend of anthemic rock and electronic pop elements. Formed in 2008, the band consists of lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman.
Imagine Dragons achieved mainstream success with their breakout single “Radioactive” in 2012, which became a chart-topping hit and solidified their place in the music industry. Their music often explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and personal transformation, resonating with a broad audience.
Over the years, they’ve released multiple critically acclaimed albums, including “Night Visions,” “Smoke + Mirrors,” and “Evolve.” Their energetic live performances, marked by Dan Reynolds’ powerful vocals and the band’s electrifying stage presence, have earned them a dedicated global fan base.
- A Deep Dive Into Imagine Dragons’ Biggest Hit “Believer”
- Imagine Dragons and Their Mormon Connection
2. Måneskin
Måneskin is an Italian rock band that gained international recognition and popularity after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit song “Zitti e buoni” and their other hit song “Beggin”. The band was formed in Rome in 2016 and consists of four talented members: Damiano David (vocals), Victoria De Angelis (bass guitar), Thomas Raggi (guitar), and Ethan Torchio (drums). Måneskin’s music is characterized by a fusion of rock, punk, and glam influences, creating a unique and energetic sound. Their performances are known for their raw energy and captivating stage presence, making them a standout act in the contemporary rock music scene. With their Eurovision victory, Måneskin has solidified their place in the music industry and continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their powerful music and charismatic performances.
- 10 Best Måneskin Songs To Add To Your Playlist
- The Meaning Behind Måneskin’s ‘HONEY (ARE U COMING?)’ Lyrics
3. Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots shook the world with the release of their 2015 LP BLURRYFACE, an album that would go on to sell over 7 million copies worldwide and earn the band their first ever GRAMMY Award. They’ve shattered longstanding chart records, and captivated audiences worldwide on sold-out arena runs and at international festivals.
Listen to Twenty One Pilots on Spotify
4. Hozier
Irish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Hozier rose to global attention in 2013 when his moody and soulful rock single “Take Me to Church” became a viral success.
5. Foster the People
Formed in Los Angeles in 2009 by multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter Mark Foster, indie rock trio Foster the People make melodic, atmospheric, dance-oriented rock. 2018 also saw the release of the upbeat, one-off single “Worst Nites.”
Listen to Foster the People on Spotify
6. Tame Impala
Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) has released new music since his GRAMMY nominated, RIAA Gold-Certified 2015 release, Currents.
As a writer and producer Parker has collaborated with Travis Scott, SZA, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Kali Uchis, Theophilus London, Miguel, A$AP Rocky and more.
Listen to Tame Impala on Spotify
7. The Lumineers
Denver, Colorado’s The Lumineers released their eponymous debut album through Nashville’s Dualtone in 2012. The platinum album debuted No.1 on both Billboard’s Top 200 Albums Chart and the UK Albums Chart and featured the gold title track as well as the platinum single, “Ophelia”.
Listen to The Lumineers on Spotify
8. X Ambassadors
Ithaca, New York-based X Ambassadors make passionate, dark, electronic-based rock centered around the throaty, soulful vocals of Sam Harris. In 2018, they returned with their own single, “Joyful,” the title track from their 2019 sophomore effort. Joyful also included “Don’t Stay” and the beat-driven “Boom.”
Listen to X Ambassadors on Spotify
9. Muse
Boasting eight acclaimed albums, 20 million sales & the most dazzling shows on earth, Muse are a triumph of millennial rock innovation & ambition. An onstage spectacle, Muse’s pioneering gigs featuring sci-fi sets, floating acrobats, UFOs & bouncing moons has been captured in concert films. 2018’s Simulation Theory examines the brighter side of technology.
10. Cage The Elephant
Although chart success in England was an unlikely first step to fame for a band from Bowling Green, Kentucky, mainstream rock band Cage the Elephant achieved just that. Cage the Elephant returned in 2019 with Social Cues, which was heavily influenced by Matt Shultz’s divorce.
Listen to Cage The Elephant on Spotify
11. WALK THE MOON
Ohio’s WALK THE MOON have been captivating audiences with their energetic live shows for the better part of a decade. WALK THE MOON returned in 2019 with their single, “Timebomb,” a dancey, euphoric track featuring spanky guitars and an unforgettable sing-a-long chorus.
Listen to Walk The Moon on Spotify
12. Weezer
Formed in Los Angeles, California the band consists of Rivers Cuomo (lead vocals, lead guitar, keyboards), Patrick Wilson (drums), Brian Bell (guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), and Scott Shriner (bass, backing vocals).
13. Dermot Kennedy
Since the release of his stunning April 2017 EP, Doves and Ravens, and follow-up single ‘Moments Passed’, Kennedy has shot to over 300m plays on streaming platforms.
Listen to Dermot Kennedy on Spotify
14. Vampire Weekend
Early in 2019, Vampire Weekend released pairs of songs, including February’s “Harmony Hall” and “2021,” before the arrival of the double album Father of the Bride later that year on the Columbia Records imprint Spring Snow.
Listen to Vampire Weekend on Spotify
15. Beck
Their Colors album won the 2019 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, along with the trophy for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
16. Yungblud
Emerging from the gritty north of England, YUNGBLUD brings an explosion of raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics.
17. American Authors
A four piece rock band from Brooklyn, NYC ; are activists for a better world.
Listen to American Authors on Spotify
18. Five Finger Death Punch
Confidently leading heavy music in the 21st century, Five Finger Death Punch continue to make the impossible a reality at every turn.
Listen to Fiver Finger Death Punch on Spotify
19. The Head and the Heart
The group returned to the studio to record their fourth effort, Living Mirage (Warner Bros./Reprise), was issued in 2019.
Listen to The Head and the Heart on Spotify
20. Foals
Foals re-emerged in 2019 with their fifth and sixth studio LPs, Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost, Pt. 1, which arrived in March, and Pt. 2, which followed later in the year.
21. ARIZONA
A R I Z O N A transform guitars, keys and vocals into brushstrokes of alternative, indie and electronic dance pop on their 2017 full-length debut album GALLERY.
22. Catfish and the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen are practically of “no fixed abode” due to near constant touring and recording since 2014, when their platinum-certified debut album The Balcony surfaced.
Listen to Catfish and the Bottlemen on Spotify
23. Fitz and the Tantrums
Fitz and the Tantrums have unveiled their brand new single “123456”.” The track is accompanied by an electrifying music video.
Listen to Fitz and the Tantrums on Spotify
24. RÜFÜS DU SOL
RÜFÜS DU SOL have emerged as one of the world’s preeminent live electronic acts.
Listen to RÜFÜS DU SOL on Spotify
25. Lovelytheband
When the band was founded by lead singer Mitchy Collins, guitarist Jordan Greenwald and drummer Sam Price in 2017, the trio maintain a lasting connection to listeners by holding nothing back.
Listen to Lovelytheband on Spotify
26. Local Natives
Face-to-face songwriting and musical interplay put to tape: the classic studio setting is juxtaposed on Local Natives’ fourth full-length, Violet Street [Loma Vista Recordings] with modern production and visuals to form a timeless album.
Listen to Local Natives on Spotify
27. The Raconteurs
After a decade-plus hiatus, the Raconteurs returned in 2019 with Help Us Stranger, their third album.
Listen to Raconteurs on Spotify
28. Greta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet’s shared message with their music is to spread “peace, love and unity,” and their collective goal is to have people walk out of their live shows feeling invigorated, energized and exhilarated, and to take that feeling out into the world.
Listen to Greta Van Fleet on Spotify
29. Wallows
Wallows singers/guitarists Braeden Lemasters, Dylan Minnette, and drummer Cole Preston have been playing in groups together since they were 11, starting out at a San Fernando Valley music program, Join the Band.
30. Barns Courtney
Barns Courtney is heavy on stomp and swagger, bringing to mind the primal thump of The White Stripes, the punk rock energy of the Sex Pistols, and a good dose of indie-rock edge and gospel.
Listen to Barns Courtney on Spotify
31. I Prevail
For the many who claim that rock music is a dying breed, I Prevail is a living testament to the contrary.
Listen to I Prevail on Spotify
32. Gary Clark Jr.
His fifth studio album, This Land, released in March 2019, reflects the political landscape of the time through the perspective of a black American living in Texas.
Listen to Gary Clark Jr. on Spotify
33. BANNERS
BANNERS first connected with audiences on his debut single “Ghosts” which rose to No.2 at Hype Machine.
34. The Strumbellas
Over the past few years, the musician spent a great deal of time touring with the indie rock sextet, traversing the globe and delivering standout performances at festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
Listen to The Strumbellas on Spotify
35. Bad Wolves
Bad Wolves thrive on that sort of unpredictability, standing confidently at a crossroads between anthemic hard rock infectiousness and thought provoking technically charged heavy metal. T
Listen to Bad Wolves on Spotify
36. Sam Fender
Having already supported some of the biggest names of recent years, and smartly cultivated hundreds of thousands of listeners globally, Sam Fender seems destined for a bright future.
Listen to Sam Fender on Spotify
37. Bad Suns
The third full-length from L.A. band Bad Suns, Mystic Truth gets its title from a piece of art that vocalist Christo Bowman stumbled upon while vis- iting London’s Tate Modern on tour.
38. Judah & The Lion
Judah & the Lion has been a family unto itself since forming at Nashville’s Belmont University in 2011.
Listen to Judah & The Lion on Spotify
39. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Unknown Mortal Orchestra began as the modest bedroom recording project of Ruban Nielson in 2010.
Listen to Unknown Mortal Orchestra on Spotify
40. Sharon Van Etten
Although she was born and raised in suburban New Jersey, Sharon Van Etten’s folk music evokes the open landscapes of a more expansive America.
Listen to Sharon Van Etten on Spotify
Honorable mentions (Rising Rock Bands & Artists)
PONY
While PONY’s genesis can be traced back to 2015, its current incarnation took shape in 2018 when songwriter Sam Bielanski paired with guitarist and collaborator Matty Morand during the writing process for their 2021 Take This To Heart Records debut, TV Baby. In the strange and unprecedented isolation that surrounded the two or so years around that record’s creation and release, Bielanski and Morand made the best of their downtime by challenging themselves to write a new song each week. The end result of that effort was over 200 songs and finely honed songwriting chops that are plainly evident in the pitch perfect pop hooks and timeless indie rock swagger that make up Velveteen’s 10 tracks.
Flowers for hana
Flowers for hana is the altpop solo project of Austrian artist Hannah Albrecht and was shown to the world for the first time in 2023. The soundscapes aim to marry mainstream ideas from pop culture with classical methodology and deal with themes of safety, grief, anxiety and appreciation sonically as well as lyrically. By combining experimental studio techniques and recontextualizing old sounds with new ones, Hannah finds space to create an entirely new world alongside her work in the duo Tear Decline.
Her first EP, scheduled for late 2023 is dedicated to the stories of growing up “wrong” and promises a multi-layered and fascinating musical journey, introduced by the debut single ‘Aware’.
Quiet Mike
Chicago producer, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Quiet Mike creates a spacey but serene, funky yet intimate atmosphere drawing from influences like Frank Ocean, King Princess, John Mayer, and Tame Impala. Quiet Mike (Michael Green) began releasing music under Quiet Mike in 2022 in addition to producing records for many other artists, most notably, champagne pool’s debut full length album, ‘How I Act When You’re Around’.
TFNRSH
Instrumental trio TFNRSH (read: Tiefenrausch) from Tübingen, Germany was founded in late 2019 and finished its endless search for a drummer in March 2022 to rock their current line-up ever since! TFNRSH create their atmosphere and listeners’ feelings with grooves and soundscapes that are broad mixtures of Psychedelic and Progressive Rock with Stoner, Space Rock & Ambient elements. Definitely worth a listen for fans of Elder, Yawning Man, SLIFT, Stoned Jesus, My Sleeping Karma, King Buffalo, Colour Haze, Russian Circles
Mortimer Nyx
Mortimer Nyx is a creator of worlds. With enticing vocals, intriguing lyrics, and engaging instrumentals, she builds evocative experiences with her music. As a weaver of stories, she takes the listener on cinematically sonic journeys that transcend the expected and jolt them awake to the realm of infinite possibilities.
Listen to “Icarus and the Midgnight Sun” on Spotify
Blame Yourself
Blame Yourself are Midwest Emo from the North East of England. With a style born from the sounds of early 2000’s Scuzz, reignited by the emo revival by bands such as Spanish Love Songs, Tiny Moving Parts and Hot Mulligan. Expect emotionally charged lyrics, twinkly tippy-tappy guitar and raw energy. Join in, enjoy and get sad.
Listen to “Pillars” on Spotify
Doug Tuttle
Doug Tuttle is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter influenced by classic pop, psychedelia, and rock of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Doug Tuttle’s first band, Mmoss, was a deeply psychedelic project and when it split, Tuttle shifted musical gears. Recording in a home studio, Tuttle made records using various folk/rock, psych, and classic rock elements; his first two were lo-fi takes on melancholy psych pop that featured his buzzing guitar and mournful vocals. By the time of 2017’s Peace Potato though, he’d switched gears and began crafting mid-fi versions of mainstream ‘70s rock that wouldn’t sound out of place next to Tom Petty on a playlist
Listen “For Tomorrow” on Spotify
dog:cat
We are a band from Barcelona, friends from school and we have refounded the band we had when we were teens, but now with our own songs, Lluis on guitar, Xavi bass, Albert on keyboards, Miquel on drums and Marc, singer and composer.
We have been listening indie music during the whole life, following and admiring bands as Radiohead, Explosions in the sky, Sufjan Stevens, Real State… and also electronic music, of course.
Zoe Hines
Zoe Hines became obsessed with music at an early age, with the bass of her dad’s speakers vibrating every wall in the house growing up. Utilizing what she heard as a kid – along with influences from artists including Mac Miller, The Internet, SYD, Omar Apollo, Frank Ocean and Orion Sun – the Brooklyn-based, New Jersey-raised artist began to experiment with her own soundcraft, creating timeless stories for listeners searching for answers in the deepest part of their psyche.
Listen to Zoe Hines on Spotify
Young Guv
In the spring of 2020, Ben Cook — a.k.a. Young Governor, Young Guv, or just Guv — was holed up in the New Mexico high desert, his U.S. tour having been abruptly covid-cancelled during a southwest swing. He and his bandmates were living mo-ment to moment in something called an Earthship, a solar-rigged adobe structure sus-tainably constructed with, among other things, recycled bottles and tires. And out there in the serene vastness, as a short ride-it-out stint turned into a nine-month so-journ, Ben was writing music, slowly, little by little, mostly at night while the others slept. By the New Year, almost in spite of himself, he had created a new album, two new albums actually, and through the ordeal he was forever changed.
Neon BLK
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Neon BLK has always had an ear and affinity for music. First, picking up an instrument at 12 to now being a versatile singer with several experimental and alternative R&B tracks under his belt. Neon BLK has been in concert bands, jazz bands, opera workshops, international performances before finally sitting down and developing a solo project.
Listen to “FREEFALL” on Spotify
Charly Bliss
Bully was founded by vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Alicia Bognanno. A skilled producer and engineer as well as a musician, Bognanno’s elemental guitar work complements the deeply personal, confessional nature of her lyrics, an approach established on 2015’s Feels Like that carried through on their second full-length, Losing, in 2017. Bognanno reworked Bully into a solo project with 2020’s SUGAREGG, written as she came to terms with being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.
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