Maggie Rogers

Maggie Rogers is undoubtedly the most well-known artist on this list. She also happens to be one of my favorite—if not my favorite—modern artists. Still, I remain unconvinced that she has received the acclaim she deserves. Rogers rose to fame in 2016 after showing her song “Alaska” to Pharrell Williams in a viral video. However, 2018 and 2019 were truly the breakout years for the young artist, as she performed on shows like SNL and at festivals like Coachella and the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island. Rogers’ style and poignant lyrics effortlessly recall the intimacy of ‘60s and ‘70s folk music while still managing to embrace colorful and energetic melodies that propel her music into the 21st century. These qualities, coupled with her effervescent stage presence, make her an incredible musician and performer.

Songs to start with: “Fallingwater”, “Give a Little”, “Burning”

Lake Street Dive

I discovered this band randomly through a friend’s a cappella group and I haven’t turned back since. Rachael Price (lead vocals), Mike Olson (trumpet, guitar), Bridget Kearney (upright bass), Mike Calabrese (drums) and Akie Bermiss (keyboard) all come together to form this multi-genre band. It’s hard to choose one word to describe their sound, considering its wide range of influences, but at its core, I would say Lake Street Dive is indie pop. The band does, however, tend to allude to country and jazz in its songs. As I’ve become more familiar with their music, I’ve discovered Lake Street Dive’s strength lies in its powerful and rhythmic melodies rather than its lyrics. This characteristic—from my personal experience—makes Lake Street Dive the perfect band to blast while you’re racing (or driving at a safe and legal speed) down the highway without a care in the world.

Songs to Start With: “Good Kisser”, “Call Off Your Dogs”

Sister Sparrow

Sister Sparrow’s music is an explosion of sound that makes you want to dance around like nobody’s watching, and isn’t that the best kind of music? Arleigh Kincheloe heads this Brooklyn-based band as its vocal powerhouse. From the fiery first note of “Gold” to the forceful and upbeat chorus of “Sugar,” Kincheloe refuses to hold anything back. Her gritty vocals perfectly compliment the band’s dynamic, rock-infused sound.

Songs to Start With: “Sugar”, “Mama Knows”, “Gold”, “Can’t Get You Off My Mind”

First Aid Kit

This sister duo presents a much gentler sound than the other musicians included here. Their updated version of folk music offers up moving lyrics, stunning harmonies and unique instrumentals. Contrary to Lake Street Dive, this is not the music you belt out on the I-95. Instead, it’s music you mull over and dissect. Each time I listen to First Aid Kit, I discover a new meaningful lyric or impressive riff. Initially, their lyrics and rhythms appear fragmented and jaunty. Yet, after careful consideration, their songs begin to resonate.

Songs to Start With: “It’s a Shame”, “Fireworks”, “The Lion’s Roar”

Sammy Rae

Singer-songwriter and fellow Connecticuter (I looked this up, so please don’t try to tell me this isn’t what you call someone from Connecticut), Sammy Rae gets the final spot on my list. Despite her love of classic rock, her style remains relatively difficult to pin down. Rae samples elements of folk, blues, classic rock, pop and jazz. Her fun and unconventional beats are sure to spark your interest, but it’s her spunky and defiant attitude that will have you coming back for more.

Songs to Start With: “This Feeling”, “Talk it Up”