Salt Lake City, Utah, is a cultural hotspot that is teeming with local artists and culture.  Between The Sundance Film Festival, local art shows and a thriving music scene, the citizens of the Beehive state are practically spoiled when it comes to choice.  While the other two are notable, it never hurts to focus on the local musicians that might be going under the radar.

Music In All Shapes and Sizes

Starting off is the band Backhand.  It consists of four members Jake Owens (guitarist), his brother Ben Owens (vocalist), their cousin Mitch Owens (Bass) and Matt Timons (Drums). Backhand is an indie garage band with an emphasis on distorted guitars, thrumming bass and shouted vocals.  Their sound can be compared to early punk music such as the Sex Pistols and more modern sounds like The White Stripes.  Their most played song on Spotify, “Be Nice ‘Cause” blends together clever lyrics with a constant beat. 

Moving away from a more rock-oriented sound is The Plastic Cherries.  Starting as a home recording project by Shelby (Lead vocalist) and Joe Maddock (Guitarist), who were later joined by Nattile Hamilton (pianist), Stepehon Cox (Bass) and Wayne Burdick (Drums) their passion project quickly took off into something that must be heard. The Plastic Cherries blend experimental sounds with enchanting vocals to create a unique listening experience.  Every one of their songs focuses on a different instrument and feel making it so that you’ll be pulled down into a musical spiral before you even realize what’s going on.  A great place to start with them would be their first album “The Plastic Cherries On The Moon.”

Next up is Bad Luck Brigade. While musically they sound like most indie bands, it’s their vocals that set them apart. Performed by Kyler “Kilow” Low, they take a distinct Hip-Hop inspiration in both flow and lyrics while backed up by smooth percussion with complimentary guitars and keyboard. Bad Luck Brigade is a refreshing take on a musical genre that can often become stale.

The last artist Fireball Town consisted of only one member by the name of Cole. Fireball Town focuses on psychedelic rock, EDM and everything in between. Currently, only one album by them is out: “Absolved Form.”  From the grunge guitars of Armadillo to the club style of Three Million Euros, this debut album is sure not to disappoint.  Even if Fireball Town is the smallest artist on this list they are not lacking in talent whatsoever.

Where To Listen

All of the bands listed above can be found on anywhere music can be streamed.  If you want to see them live, Backhand will be performing at Julia Davis Park in Boise, Idaho at the Treefort Music Fest on March 26. The Plastic Cherries will be performing back in Utah on April 18 at The Urban Lounge so make sure to stop by.  Unfortunately, Bad Luck Brigade and Fireball Town don’t have any currently scheduled performances. However, keep an eye out for them at local venues!

l.utley@ustudentmedia.com