Funktasy believes in lists, thats why when we were asked, is rock dead, we decided to make a list of the top 10 emerging rock artists of 2024.
Every few decades people begin to worry rock is dead, that the latest musicians do not have the spirit of rock and roll burning within them, and that rock’s time as gone and that the torch has been passed onto other genres of music. They fear there will never be a new rock anthem again.
Funktasy believes otherwise. We do not have to search hard to find the latest rock and roll-ers wailing on their guitars and snapping their sticks, creating the next rock sound. The beauty of rock is that it is so simple that it can be jumping point from which musicians can experiment with all sorts of sounds. Here are ten groups driving rock forward today.
Dirty Honey Courtesy/Facebook
Dirty Honey
An Los Angeles based American rock group that formed in 2017, Dirty Honey consists of Marc LaBelle as vocals, guitarist John Notto, Justin Smolian on bass, and drummer Corey Coverstone. Their music blends classic rock, blues, and soul, with a modern edge. Dirty Honey’s sound is characterized by LaBelle’s powerful vocals, Notto’s virtuosic guitar playing, and a tight, driving rhythm section. Their self-titled debut EP (2019) and follow-up single “Rolling 7s” (2020) have garnered attention from rock fans and critics alike, earning comparisons to iconic bands like Led Zeppelin and The Black Crowes.
The Black Tones/Facebook
The Black Tones
A vibrant duo from Seattle, The Black Tones ignite the stage with their unique blend of garage rock, punk, and blues. Fronted by the charismatic Eva Walker on vocals and guitar, and backed by drummer twin brother Cedric Walker, their energetic performances leave audiences electrified. Drawing inspiration from their Northwest roots, their music embodies grit, soul, and unapologetic attitude. With infectious hooks and powerful lyrics, The Black Tones tackle themes of identity, social justice, and personal empowerment.
July Talk/Facebook
July Talk
July Talk is an alternative rock band that formed in 2012 from Toronto, Canada. They are known for their duo singers, Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay Goldstein. The band is rounded out by guitarist Ian Docherty, bassist Josh Warburton, drummer Danny Miles and reserve musician Dani Nash. The band is known for their call and response style where Dreimanis or Goldstein will sing a line and then the other will respond. This style highlights their differing voices, Dreimanis’ deeper gravel tones and Goldstein’s softer voice. July Talk’s vibrant music hides the deeper conversations about themes like consent, anxiety and false idolatry.
The Beaches/X
The Beaches
The Beaches are another Canadian indie rock band from Toronto, formed in 2013, the group consists of sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller, along with Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman-McDaniel. Their music is a fusion of garage rock, punk, and pop, with lyrics that explore themes of youth, love, and rebellion. After winning Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year at the 2024 Junos, the Beaches have exploded into the mainstream consciousness with their latest album, Blame it on Brett, and have earned comparisons to iconic bands like The Strokes and The Runaways.
The Interrupters/Facebook
The Interrupters
The Interrupters burst onto the scene in 2011 with an infectious energy that’s impossible to ignore. Hailing from Los Angeles, this quartet delivers high-octane performances led by frontwoman Aimee Interrupter’s vocals. Backed by brothers Kevin, Justin, and Jesse Bivona. Their sound is a relentless fusion of ska, punk, and rock. With lyrics that resonate with themes of unity, resilience, and standing up against adversity, The Interrupters’ music serves as a rallying cry for the disenfranchised.
Flickr/GIGsoup
Broken Witt Rebels
Birmingham’s Broken Witt Rebels deliver a raw and soulful brand of rock ‘n’ roll that cuts straight to the core. Led by frontman Danny Core’s gritty vocals and backed by, James Tranter, Luke Davis, and James Dudley, their music pulses with unbridled energy. Drawing from blues, rock, and Americana influences, their sound is both timeless and contemporary. The Rebels’ electrifying live performances have earned them a reputation as one of the UK’s most exhilarating live acts, captivating audiences with their infectious spirit and undeniable talent.
Greta van Fleet/Facebook
Greta Van Fleet
If you are looking for a band that is reimagining the sounds that made Led Zeppelin so explosive, look no further than Greta van Fleet. Greta Van Fleet hails from Michigan and channels the spirit of classic rock with a fresh, modern edge. Fronted by Josh Kiszka and supported by his twin brother Jake’s guitar work, younger brother and bassist Sam and Danny Wagner on drums. Their music is a revival of the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll, infused with bluesy riffs, thunderous rhythms, and soulful melodies.
The Jerry Cans/Facebook
The Jerry Cans
Hailing from the Arctic reaches of Canada, The Jerry Cans infuse their music with the rich cultural tapestry of their Inuit heritage. Led by Avery Keenainak on vocals and throat singing, and supported by Andrew Morrison, Brendan Doherty, and Steve Rigby. The band’s sound is a fusion of traditional Inuit throat singing, roots-rock, and folk. Their music allows them to celebrate and preserve their indigenous culture while also addressing contemporary issues faced by northern communities. With lyrics sung in Inuktitut and English, The Jerry Cans’ music speaks to themes of resilience, identity, and the beauty of their northern homeland.
Fred Hamelin Live Concerts & Street Portraits
Laura Cox
French Guitarist and singer Laura Cox‘s music is a vibrant fusion of classic rock’s grit and modern energy. With her fiery guitar riffs and soulful vocals, Cox (no relation to Dr. Perry Ulysses Cox – Obviously) draws inspiration from iconic rock legends like AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd to infuse her own signature style, breathing new life into the genre. Her songs celebrate freedom, rebellion, and the raw power of music to transcend boundaries. Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping solos or the infectious hooks, Laura Cox’s music is a testament to the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
Flickr/jus10h
Beabadoobee
Beabadoobee is a Filipino-British singer-songwriter and musician. Born Beatrice Kristi Laus in 2000, she rose to fame with her lo-fi bedroom pop sound and introspective lyrics. Her music often explores themes of love, relationships, and mental health. With a distinctive vocal style and genre-bending sound, She has released several EPs and albums, including “Fake It Flowers” and “Beatopia”, and has toured with notable artists like The 1975 and Taylor Swift. Beabadoobee’s music is a refreshing blend of grunge, indie rock, and pop, with a unique voice and perspective. Beabadoobee reminds us that rock comes in all sorts of packages.
The Notion That “Rock Is Dead” Is A Misconception.
The genre is thriving, with diverse bands emerging and making waves in the music scene. Bands like The Beaches, Dirty Honey, The Black Tones, The Interrupters, Broken Witt Rebels, Greta Van Fleet, The Jerry Cans, Laura Cox, and Beabadoobee are keeping rock music alive and well.
These bands pay homage to classic rock sounds while infusing their music with fresh perspectives, styles, and energy. They push the boundaries of rock music, experimenting with new sounds and attracting new audiences. Rock music’s ability to encompass various sub-genres and styles, from indie rock to hard rock, blues to punk, demonstrates its enduring vitality.
The success of these bands shows that rock music still has a massive following and inspires new generations of music fans. Rock music is alive and kicking in the creativity, passion, and dedication of these up and coming bands. Long live rock and roll!
Those Are The Top 10 Emerging Rock Artists of 2024. There’s So Much More To Explore, Discover, And Be Amazed By…
Thank you to all the music lovers and talented artists worldwide who may not have made it onto the list this year – your passion and love for the art inspires us all.
If you’re an aspiring artist and would like to join Funktasy Records’ roster of talented global artists, feel free to submit your Demo.
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