Heyrocco
heyrocco.bandcamp.com
As a band that has a section of their website titled ‘twerk,” one would expect this Charleston-based trio to be a wildcard. Their Twitter (@weareheyrocco) offers the description “pop tunes for adolescent lovers,” and it’s true that Heyrocco is known for their compelling and nostalgic sound. Underneath their dark Indie pop/rock genre, though, is an undeniable energy that comes through in their live performances. Having toured with acts such as Surfer Blood, Mutemath, and Miniature Tigers, Heyrocco knows how to work a stage. They just released a demo called “Greatest Hits of the 90s,” and will be playing at New Brookland Tavern on Sept. 26.
Pan
www.YOUARETHEPAN.com
Pan is an instrumental, post-rock band from Columbia who draws much of their inspiration from their namesake, Peter Pan. They boast an uplifting and soulful sound that slices into the listeners’ hearts, especially when violinist Kayla Breitwieser starts to play. The band just released a new EP “Meta Major” last week, and will be performing at New Brookland Tavern on Nov. 4. If you’re interested in hearing more from Pan, check out their interview from WUSC’s Jamboree last fall:
Brave Baby
bravebabymusic.bandcamp.com
If there ever were a stereotypical “Charleston sound,” it would belong to Brave Baby. Their debut album “Forty Bells” was released in Jan. 2013 and captures some of the best indie rock anthems of the state. “Forty Bells” is an album littered with intimate memories of childhood and young love, and peppered with songs about life in the Carolinas. Brave Baby has an urgent energy worth experiencing live, so be sure to see them at Charleston Music Hall on Sept. 27.
The Restoration
www.therestoration.net
At first glance, this Lexington-based band does an exceptional job of representing South Carolina in the Indie rock and bluegrass music scene. However, The Restoration accurately represents not only South Carolina’s music, but its history as well. Their debut album, “Constance” explores racial identity and mob violence in Lexington during the 20th century; their follow-up, “Honor the Father,” is a portrait of the abusive religious fanaticism of 1950s-era Lexington. By combining regional history with music, The Restoration presents a haunting tale of the state’s past. It is only fitting, then, that they will be performing at the South Carolina State Fair on Oct. 13.
Toro Y Moi
toroymoi.com
Hootie and the Blowfish who? Chaz Bundick, better known by his stage name Toro Y Moi, is swiftly rising in the ranks to become Columbia’s newest hometown hero. Born and raised in the capital, he graduated from USC in 2009 and has since released three studio albums. The newest one, “Anything in Return,” was released in January to widespread acclaim. Its electronic, synth-pop and Indie influences combine to create a sound reminiscent of 90s mix tapes, the kind of music you listen to on a fall afternoon with the windows rolled down. The music video for “Never Matter,” the third single off his new album was shot at the South Carolina Flea Market and features current USC students. Check out Toro Y Moi at the Columbia Museum of Art on Oct. 18
The Sea Wolf Mutiny
theseawolfmutiny.com
The Sea Wolf Mutiny is an indie pop and folk rock quartet based out of Columbia. Their debut album “The Last Season” is contagious and catchy, infused with a belligerent exuberance that draws in fans at house shows and concerts alike. Their sound has been compared to bands like Fleet Foxes and Coldplay, and they have an enthusiasm that is best captured live. The Sea Wolf Mutiny will be playing at New Brookland Tavern on Oct. 4, opening up for Crystal Fighters.
Steven Fiore
www.stevenfioremusic.com
Steven Fiore is the most adorable singer-songwriter you’ve never heard. His debut album “Youth and Magic” was released in April, and is a cute and thoughtful tribute to love. Fiore isn’t just your standard indie crooner, though; his songs have an incredible depth, and this passion is probably why this Charleston native was signed to Universal Music Publishing in 2009. If you want to hear this gifted writer for yourself, be sure to go to The Circular Church in Charleston on Oct. 12.