Atlanta breathes dexterity into the bones of its artists. It is the city’s innate understanding of true talent that facilitates the recognition its pursuers gain.
As residents of this fair city, we at Paste understand the inspiration this place conjures. It is fruitful, and it is delicious. Today we salute those aspiring talents as we give you 10 emerging bands, from the heart of Atlanta, that you need to know and need to listen to right now.
10. The N.E.C.
They’ve been local staples seemingly forever, but they still haven’t received the recognition they deserve. They have just about the best cover art there is—insert the plump backside of a white-haired woman wrapped in a red one-piece with a matching red pineapple in the center of her back and a bottle of booze on the bench beside her. Then take notice that all track titles (like “All Night Drug Kids,” “Creatures Flaming” and “Hate City Serenade”) carry a thematic train that chugs “hear us roar.” It’s not surprising that the N.E.C. (Natural Extension Concept) plays off intellect and delivers bare-chested lyrics.
9. Mermaids
This five-piece “tropsicle” punk band has an unapologetic aura of psychedelic precision and ‘60s-inspired doo-wop that shimmers like a desert mirage. The beach-pop group pairs an occasional Beach Boys melody with sharp hooks and mixes their sonic guitar riffs seamlessly into the unique aquatic voice they call Mermaids.
8. Royal Thunder
Their open-heart blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll is infectious. Frontlady Mlny Parsonz has always done it herself. As a self-taught instrumentalist who writes plot-driven metaphoric lyrics and works relentlessly to create dynamic on the stage, Parsonz’s music is explosive. We asked her last April what she thought of Atlanta’s Southern roots. She replied, “Atlanta is diverse. It’s modern. I mean, look at the bands coming out of here, man. It’s smart music. There’s no room for stereotypes or scenes.
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