Discussion Question

[Rohan Kohli]

Who do you think is the best unsigned band out there right now? It'd be swell if you could be a little objective (i.e. don't pimp your band or your friend's band unless you really do think they're the best unsigned band). Also, maybe try to talk a little bit about the band if you have any background information; reading a hundred band names is no fun.

[fromwithin]

cassino, obviously, but that wont last for long.

[Rohan Kohli]

I've been pretty into Brighten (http://www.myspace.com/wearebrighten) and Brightwood (http://www.myspace.com/brightwood) lately. Both are just pretty solid emo/melodic rock bands, nothing mindblowing, just good tunes.

[BrandFuckingNew]

The Drive Back (http://www.purevolume.com/thedriveback) should be on a major label.

[Who Is This Guy]

zella mayzell

[RockVocalPower]

Farewell (http://www.myspace.com/farewell) - They're a six-piece pop-rock band from Greensboro, NC. You've never heard hooks this catchy, complete with macabre lyrics for fans of Alkaline Trio and Taking Back Sunday. They've played with bands like Copeland, Glasseater, the Lawrence Arms, Limbeck and Tsunami Bomb, and will be supporting Bayside and The Smoking Popes in Greensboro in March.

[turbonium]

Pistolita.... they say their signed... but its a smalltown shit ass label.

[Adeniz19]

Heavy Heavy Low Low comes to mind first. They sound alot like Fear Before

[Merkin]

cassino...also
Chinesehappy (http://www.chinesehappy.com)...

[forshadows]

A Love Like Pi

[Nate_RAWKS]

At this moment:

The Format

No need for explanations....

[phaedrus]

Gruvis Malt is my pick. (www.gruvismalt.com, myspace.com/gruvismalt). They are a legitimately independent band who have put out 3 amazing releases and (one pretty good one) with no promotion. The last two were self produced and self released. They are from Providence RI and have played and sometimes recorded with bands like Locale AM, Incubus, Sage Francis. Amazing music, amazing guys, they are very underrated in my opinion.

[KarolaBloch]

i'll agree with heavy heavy low low
winslow

[KarolaBloch]

i'll agree with heavy heavy low low they
winslow

[uh oh smmoreo]

Would I be unoriginal if I said Anathallo?

[AFSjulian]

I like Cassino and Brighten as well. I think Brighten could really take off with the Coldplay set if they're matched with the right label. If Time & Distance isn't signed yet, I'd say them too... new stuff they did with Squire is amazing.

I know we're not supposed to pimp our own bands, but mine is very unsigned. We're all seniors in high school, but we've done well enough so far (over 1500 records sold, lots of plays at pureVOLUME and MySpace, shows with The Ataris, Waking Ashland, Gym Class Heroes, and many more) and we're not going to college in the hopes of becoming really successful, so any feedback would be rad. We just posted a new song to celebrate winning the biggest high school rock off in Ohio, but yeah. I'm shutting myself off now. Link's in the signature, if you're interested.

[dropkickromance]

clover hill...
they are from new jersey, they're pretty new, but they have a cd coming out soon. they have two songs posted on myspace from their demo.
www.myspace.com/cloverhill (http://www.myspace.com/cloverhill)

tell me what you guys think. they kind of sounds like story of the year minus the screaming.

[monicaaaa!]

zella mayzell

i completely agree. not to mention i was actually listening to them as soon as i read this.

i've also gotten into this local band as seasons fall alot. they are pretty catchy.

[TheNumberOneFan]

The Robins (formally known as Number One Fan) definitely rock hard. I don't know if they are the best unsigned band out there, but they are good. They don't have any CD's or links to clips of music, but i'll have to say that it's everything NOF wasn't, plus more... plus a bit of Number One Fan.

[Hobby]

http://www.purevolume.com/theinoutinout

Local Jersey band.

[TheNumberOneFan]

Would I be unoriginal if I said Anathallo?

definitely not

they rule

[Pat Marquez]

Did you just say "swell" .. were you born in the 50's?

[COG]

This is a local band that I think is really good. They just started playing shows recently, and are recording a demo now. I think they show a lot of promise, and are very talented. They put on a good live show, and are real cool guys.

They only have one song up on there myspace right now, but whatever.
www.myspace.com/theinfamy

[DroppedUrPocket]

Senses Fail, duh.

[buttonsforeyes]

im pretty into a skyline fracture
www.purevolume.com/askylinefracture

[Ruggiero2oo8]

Th Format..and The Higher
no need to explain

[pace_yourself]

well the two bands i was going to say are brighten and heavy heavy low low but then i remeber that the higher are unsigned right now and they are by far the best unsigned band out there

[Greg Thimmes]

Foster: (http://www.purevolume.com/foster)
Big City Dreams: (http://www.purevolume.com/bigcitydreams)
Amory: (http://www.purevolume.com/amory)
A Heartwell Ending: (http://www.purevolume.com/aheartwellending)
A Hero From A Thousand Paces (http://www.purevolume.com/aherofromathousandpaces)

[TyroneShoolaces]

radiohead

[olioxygenfree]

scenes from a movie!8-)
http://www.purevolume.com/scenesfromamoviewv

[Brandn3w]

moraine... even though im friends with the band, i really think they have some serious talent
http://www.myspace.com/moraine

[xllirikx]

Dutchland Diesel.

They are from the Lancaster area and have playing music for about ten years now. The lead singer has THE most melodic voice I've ever heard, and the music, while generic at time, is incredibly soothing.

Absolutely marvelous, and I don't know how they have managed to escape the attention of big labels. Maybe because they never play shows.

[danieltaylor]

Cabrini Green. (http://www.myspace.com/cabrinigreen)

[snowtires]

cowalker (http://www.myspace.com/cowalker)

for fans of denali / engine down

[fedhed7]

Holy shit, the format is unsigned? If so, definately them.

[snowtires]

Dutchland Diesel.

They are from the Lancaster area and have playing music for about ten years now. The lead singer has THE most melodic voice I've ever heard, and the music, while generic at time, is incredibly soothing.

Absolutely marvelous, and I don't know how they have managed to escape the attention of big labels. Maybe because they never play shows.

those dudes are still around? damn

[DroppedUrPocket]

D'oh, that said unsigned.

In that case. I love the Format. I think Murder by Death is also unsigned.

[pace_yourself]

omg dainel taylor is so right how could i forget cabrini green

[xcliffy3x]

Not trying to be like egotistical or anything (I'm their roadie), but State Unfair (http://www.myspace.com/stateunfair) is definetly amazing and totally unsigned. Recently they've been getting ALOT more attention though. Opened for Hanson, Action Action, HIPV, Houston Calls, Catch 22 and many more, and shows coming up with A Day At The Fair and Race the Sun, not to mention countless headlining shows in the NJ/NY area. It's like pop punky but with a rock edge on it with intelligent lyrics. I really can't find a band that it sounds like. They've been around for the past 4 years or so and it's finally taking off. You should definetly check them out if you have a few minutes.

[Grybo]

Heavy Heavy Low Low comes to mind first. i agree they drop a hott beat

but i would have to say the The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza.
http://www.purevolume.com/thetonydanzatapdanceextravaganza

they are one of my favorite bands to listen to when im in the shower. idk why but they're damn fucking good. a couple of their songs have really funny intros but the real meet to each song follows. they're under the hardcore playlist on my comp with the number 12 and the chariot.


also if you trust me check out The Great Redneck Hope
http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfi le&friendID=3952931&Mytoken=20050203121715

fuckin good grindcore if you ask me. and the song "you're fired, you're fired, you're fired. goddamnit, i'm spike lee." fucking gets me off

[X__inhope]

adrastos
www.myspace.com/adrastos

[Ruggiero2oo8]

adrastos
www.myspace.com/adrastos


that is also a good one

[ulhg182]

Faulter out of Orange County...
http://www.myspace.com/faulter

[tharealck]

Shining Through (http://www.myspace.com/shiningthrough) is an awesome band from California...they used to live in San Diego, and now live in San Francisco. They're on Absolute Unsigned, and just put up an awesome new track on MySpace last week that everyone should check out.

Also, Jubala (http://www.myspace.com/jubalamusic) is a really solid LA-band that just put out an EP. Really talented musicians with an Incubus sound and overall really chill music.

[COG]

radiohead

Goood Point

[OveriseFan]

The Morning Of - After losing their original drummer, and a few months later their keyboardist/2nd vocalist, the band completely rebooted. Armed with a new drummer(a great one at that) and a new keyboardist with a beautiful voice, along with writing solid hooks, the band has been attracting big label attention. Catchy Rock music, that draws from all influences(their newest one[unreleased, sorry] even has a slight country jangle to it). After years of being best friends, and making great music, expect The Morning Of to blow up soon.

[you might of known them as Don't Pass Go? They changed their name 6-ish months ago...]

[OveriseFan]

All you morons saying Radiohead, and Cassino, that's not what Rohan meant at all.

Find a good band, talk to them, help them out!, watch them grow, then tell us they're the best unsigned band.

[watchmyheadspin]

Holy shit, the format is unsigned? If so, definately them.

Atlantic dropped them

[never look back]

um? the higher.

[watchmyheadspin]

MY FAVORITE HIGHWAY.


enough said.

[radxbandit]

i think my band is pretty cool

[weezer283]

Andrea doria from SW chicago pretty damn good showing for there first show and did a cover of radio perfectly!...www.myspace.com/andreadoria

also four letter lie there just to perfect to be unsigned

[bobbybo]

the higher. for surrrre.

[Mickey]

The Weakend... duh.

[Johnny Drama]

I like Cassino and Brighten as well. I think Brighten could really take off with the Coldplay set if they're matched with the right label. If Time & Distance isn't signed yet, I'd say them too... new stuff they did with Squire is amazing.

I know we're not supposed to pimp our own bands, but mine is very unsigned. We're all seniors in high school, but we've done well enough so far (over 1500 records sold, lots of plays at pureVOLUME and MySpace, shows with The Ataris, Waking Ashland, Gym Class Heroes, and many more) and we're not going to college in the hopes of becoming really successful, so any feedback would be rad. We just posted a new song to celebrate winning the biggest high school rock off in Ohio, but yeah. I'm shutting myself off now. Link's in the signature, if you're interested.

There are a lot of worse bands than you making a lot of more money than you. I could see ap.net land pimping a band such as yours. you guys sound pretty good, especially for being so young.

[kshtoinks12]

the higher is unsigned right?

[FallOutBoyPunch]

The Higher. Their new demo on purevolume is SICKerrrr than sick. :D

[Ryan Imhof]

Adrastos (http://www.purevolume.com/adrastos). I could totally see this band on Fueled By Ramen or a major label. They also worked with Howard Benson, I think that is the guy that did My Chemical Romance/Brand New.

Fiore (http://purevolume.com/fiore) as well, reminds me of Circa Survive on speed.

[HiddenInNJ]

I would say the Format b/c they are currently unsigned but I won't count them because they have been on labels... The Higher gets my vote and this year will be huge for them w/ a label deal and new record

[Mscales67]

Farewell (http://www.myspace.com/farewell) - They're a six-piece pop-rock band from Greensboro, NC. You've never heard hooks this catchy, complete with macabre lyrics for fans of Alkaline Trio and Taking Back Sunday. They've played with bands like Copeland, Glasseater, the Lawrence Arms, Limbeck and Tsunami Bomb, and will be supporting Bayside and The Smoking Popes in Greensboro in March.

i agree with this 100%

[Fallinlove]

This probably won't make any waves...
But I think Yellow Wood is the best unsigned band.

Their live show is amazing!

www.yellowwoodmusic.com

[nick_abb]

Stop The Revolution (http://www.purevolume.com/stoptherevolution) from Auburn, AL. They get no love. Because they're from Alabama. lol. They're almost in Georgia, doesn't that count for something? Actually, I just checked and one of the members does live in Georgia. Take that!

I found them on the Class Action Records unsigned compilation. Catchy, smart, rock'ing pop'ing synth'ing three-piece plus a robot. How can you go wrong? I love these guys and girl.

[Adeniz19]

Yes The Higher are unsigned, but I think what he was going for here are truely UNSIGNED bands. Bands that never had a record deal.

[shane hennessey]

Adrastos (http://www.purevolume.com/adrastos). I could totally see this band on Fueled By Ramen or a major label. They also worked with Howard Benson, I think that is the guy that did My Chemical Romance/Brand New.

John Naclerio, not Howard Benson. and yes adrastos is my pick. they formed in october, recorded at the very end of november and are getting some great exposure

[TyroneShoolaces]

All you morons saying Radiohead, and Cassino, that's not what Rohan meant at all.

Find a good band, talk to them, help them out!, watch them grow, then tell us they're the best unsigned band.

How am I a moron? How do you know what Rohan meant? All he asked was what our opinions on the best unsigned band. In my opinion, Radiohead is #1 on my list of unsigned bands. Stop being a fucking cock.

[Ryan Imhof]

i also say

Forever In Motion (http://www.purevolume.com/foreverinmotion) - never get enough of it
Feeling Left Out (http://www.purevolume.com/feelingleftout) - Come on, how big can this guy get and still be unsigned? He even did a cover of Blink 182's "Going Away To College" and it got put on the blink 182 tribute album.

[Ryan Imhof]

riggggt i knew that was it.

ment to quote shane

[Josh Lansing]

THE HONOUR RECITAL

www.purevolume.com/thehonourrecital (http://www.purevolume.com/thehonourrecital)

[Drew Beringer]

Cassino.

[hopefieldrock]

THE STILETTO FORMAL!!!!

it's only a matter of time until those dudes and dudettes rule the world.

[uhhimetgreenday]

I like Cassino and Brighten as well. I think Brighten could really take off with the Coldplay set if they're matched with the right label. If Time & Distance isn't signed yet, I'd say them too... new stuff they did with Squire is amazing.

I know we're not supposed to pimp our own bands, but mine is very unsigned. We're all seniors in high school, but we've done well enough so far (over 1500 records sold, lots of plays at pureVOLUME and MySpace, shows with The Ataris, Waking Ashland, Gym Class Heroes, and many more) and we're not going to college in the hopes of becoming really successful, so any feedback would be rad. We just posted a new song to celebrate winning the biggest high school rock off in Ohio, but yeah. I'm shutting myself off now. Link's in the signature, if you're interested. Good stuff you guys, I remember talking to you all about a year ago about opening for The Starting Line, sorry we couldn't give you that show, but I remember listening to you guys and liking it. Keep it up!

[shagelific]

collective soul, but they've sold 250,000 records without a label so thats not really fair.

i would say Tres Bien. they are from florida if i remember correctly. They seem like young kids but the songwriting is wonderful. they are a lot of fun. www.myspace.com/tresbien (http://www.myspace.com/tresbien) ? that would make sense.

[Throwback]

This band Cowalker (www.myspace.com/cowalker) from round where I live. They just recorded an ep (and then posted all six songs, but then took them down). Anyway, they are incredible. I love his vocals and its a mix of rock with keys, mostly longer songs (like 5-6 minutes) and bizarre lyrics that use a lot of mythology in them. Anyway, if you check them out listen to Lexington & Concord or Kali. Both are incredible songs and if you want mp3s, just talk to me.

[AndrewC12]

The Arrival - The best Ep i bought last year, check it out at www.purevolume.com/thearrival

[marbury1414]

Hopefully this has been said at least once but: Nurses.

www.myspace.com/nurses

[TommyGunn]

I also vote for Farwell from North Carolina. The shit, as they say.

[onxpoint]

The Heavycoats ( http://www.myspace.com/theheavycoats )

brit/shoegaze influenced rock from Baltimore. kindof like a more upbeat Longview, with some instrumental parts that are almost along the lines of Engineers/Coldplay

[looram12]

www.myspace.com/thegunstays (http://www.myspace.com/thegunstays) The Gun Stays, 4 piece from Long Island, great progression from where they started, they are f-in awesome

[Chriz2z]

I'm loving Oceans Firing (http://www.myspace.com/oceansfiring), sweet dudes, with some awesome music. Sound a lot like Terminal, but even better. Still waiting for the EP in the mail, but the myspace songs are great.

[Reiver]

MONTY! What's wrong with you people? Haha, yeah, they should definitely be signed.
http://www.myspace.com/montyrock

AND

Farewell To Arms from Storrs, CT.
http://www.myspace.com/farewelltoarms

One band I know from the area that should've never been signed is Vanna, I didn't know a band could suck that bad, they just signed to Epitaph.

[earlynovemberX]

I would say the Format b/c they are currently unsigned but I won't count them because they have been on labels... The Higher gets my vote and this year will be huge for them w/ a label deal and new record

for everyone saying the higher.... come on. their ep was great. i loved it actually. but the full length was such a dissappointment. it sounded like they just jammed for 40 minutes in different keys and recorded what came up. it lacked structure and dynamics. just my two cents. but there are much better unsigned bands out there right now.

as far as bands that are going to be big....boys like girls. without question, will be the biggest band on this site in a year or two.

andy

[RiCCioLi]

For Felix!

[TyroneShoolaces]

Andrea doria from SW chicago pretty damn good showing for there first show and did a cover of radio perfectly!...www.myspace.com/andreadoria (http://www.myspace.com/andreadoria)

also four letter lie there just to perfect to be unsigned
saw them this weekend. I like the guys in the band personally, but can't stand the singer's voice. They played with the band i manage, Eleanors Fault ( www.myspace.com/eleanorsfault )

[Spud Crowley]

I agree with whoever said The Morning Of. Very beautiful lyrics and good music all around. The Showcase is also good....VERY catchy and enjoyable. and of course.....Hollywood Ave. www.myspace.com/hollywoodave (http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodave)

[TheNumberOneFan]

I know we're not supposed to pimp our own bands, but mine is very unsigned. We're all seniors in high school, but we've done well enough so far (over 1500 records sold, lots of plays at pureVOLUME and MySpace, shows with The Ataris, Waking Ashland, Gym Class Heroes, and many more) and we're not going to college in the hopes of becoming really successful, so any feedback would be rad. We just posted a new song to celebrate winning the biggest high school rock off in Ohio, but yeah. I'm shutting myself off now. Link's in the signature, if you're interested.

i like it a lot

[Tommyg117]

Definitely Autonym. www.myspace.com/autonymla (http://www.myspace.com/autonym)

The lyrics are awesome, totally hardcore in the vain of the locust. The guitars are sick. The songs feature a drum machine but it sounds cool, apparently they are gonna record with a full band. I can't wait to see what these guys are going to do.

[sensesfail4]

im not sure if theyre signed or not, but race the sun

[Tommyg117]

it's www.myspace.com/autonymla

[TheNumberOneFan]

check out SILENT POINT... just some band from Wisconsin somewhere, definitely talented though

http://www.purevolume.com/silentpoint

[GreenJellyBean]

A Hero From A Thousand Paces (http://www.purevolume.com/aherofromathousandpaces)

yes.

[siimpx]

ASLAN. (http://www.purevolume.com/aslansc)
these kids are still in high school & are amazinggg live.
they have soo much potential.
they have a few shows coming up with He Is Legend.

and ditto on farewell.

[bluecrunchy]

Whoever said The Drive Back (http://myspace.com/thedriveback), I definitely agree. Everyone should also listen to Ivory (http://purevolume.com/ivory).

[newfoundglory22]

I think that the band 5606 from San Jose, CA is the best unsigned band out there right now. This band is a three member pop punk band who are getting pretty big throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They have recently toured with All American Rejects. Check them out! www.5606live.com or www.myspace.com/5606

[newfoundglory22]

I think that the band 5606 from San Jose, CA is the best unsigned band out there right now. This band is a three member pop punk band who are getting pretty big throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They have recently toured with All American Rejects. Check them out! www.5606live.com (http://www.5606live.com) or www.myspace.com/5606 (http://www.myspace.com/5606)

[TheNumberOneFan]

Whoever said The Drive Back (http://myspace.com/thedriveback), I definitely agree. Everyone should also listen to Ivory (http://purevolume.com/ivory).

yes, ivory is good, were you at the show friday night?????

[ThatGirl]

Farewell (http://www.myspace.com/farewell) - They're a six-piece pop-rock band from Greensboro, NC. You've never heard hooks this catchy, complete with macabre lyrics for fans of Alkaline Trio and Taking Back Sunday. They've played with bands like Copeland, Glasseater, the Lawrence Arms, Limbeck and Tsunami Bomb, and will be supporting Bayside and The Smoking Popes in Greensboro in March.
Beat me to the punch. Definately Farewell. As soon as people start discovering them truely, they're going to blow up and these guys deserve it. They have amazing stage presence, even people who have never seen them get into their shows, the lyrics are increadibly witty, with "dark" undertones, yet are easy to pick up on and sing along to. Marshalls voice, with Chris's backing vocals sound great no matter the venue, quality of sound equpment, live or recorded. And they play with the same energy whether the crowd is 50 or sold out. Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/farewell or http://www.purevolume.com/farewellnc I cant wait until these demos are put to disc for their upcoming LP. They also play with The Mile After and Sullivan on a regular basis.

[marbury1414]

I think that the band 5606 from San Jose, CA is the best unsigned band out there right now. This band is a three member pop punk band who are getting pretty big throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. They have recently toured with All American Rejects. Check them out! www.5606live.com (http://www.5606live.com) or www.myspace.com/5606 (http://www.myspace.com/5606)

Haha, they went to my high school...or at least one of them. I don't remember.

[Dob]

I'm going to pimp my band The GetAway Drive. we've been playing for about 2 years now, but finally started working hard in 2005. I can't write to much right here , but checkout the bio on our myspace or website, it has a lot of different contests we've won and such. We are also releasing our first full length and looking at a label to put it out on...oh yeah and expect a nice tour this entire spring/summer.

www.thegetawaydrive.com (http://www.thegetawaydrive.com)

www.myspace.com/thegetawaydrive (http://www.myspace.com/thegetawaydrive)

just give it a listen, let us know what you think?

[Ryan Imhof]

OH my rap group, won ton wrapz (http://www.myspace.com/wontonwrapz). its awesome, i suggest you all listen and send me sexy messages. sign this band!

[p.s. damn right is the hit singe off of the album]

[Shatter_Glass]

Non-critics: Radiohead. Critics: Farewell.

[SwingingMics]

cassino

[abusedcat]

Theirs an AMAZING like, flat out AMAZING rock band from my towm called Mouth To Mouth. I'm amazed that they aren't signed yet. So catchy, and it's all around amazing rock in the vein of Guns and Roses. http://myspace.com/mouthtomouth

This band called Once Over are pretty good and could go somewhere. A poppy rock sound that is akin to The Explosion, New Found Glory, and The Matches. http://www.myspace.com/onceoverrock

[bluecrunchy]

yes, ivory is good, were you at the show friday night?????

yeah, i actually got to interview them for my site. it was awesome.

[XKing'sX]

Brighten (http://www.myspace.com/wearebrighten) and Lenny (http://www.myspace.com/lenny)

[foreverwinter]

Brighten is good

[TheNumberOneFan]

yeah, i actually got to interview them for my site. it was awesome.

thats sweet.. they're really nice

they're "atmospheric" idea is very unique; I've never seen a band do that

[NoseOverTail]

Audio Recording Club (http://www.purevolume.com/audiorecordingclub). Extremely honest and emotional music. In the vein of Brand New.

[BeerNSluts]

I just put up my monthly streaming mix. It features many unsigned acts and many indie acts. Check it out HERE (http://www.breakingcustom.com/php/content_article.php?id=1138672084).

Looks plain right not, but give me 10 minutes and I'll have more info on all the bands on it up.

[abusedcat]

another band you'd all like is Overview. if you like circa survive and just most alternative rock, you'd dig them. http://www.myspace.com/overview

[drivingthru]

Elite Strange from Seattle, WA

[resUrectMe617]

farewell flight
brighten
the maple state
interference
treaty of paris


that was way too many.. sorry. but check them all out, they are pretty solid bands.

[resUrectMe617]

Audio Recording Club (http://www.purevolume.com/audiorecordingclub). Extremely honest and emotional music. In the vein of Brand New.

i love that band. how are they doing these days? weren't they on a label called tinted amber records back in the day? i'd like to see them get more exposure.

[jsteil]

Big City Dreams (FL)
Foster (NJ)
Bel Air Academy (Tracy, CA)
The Stiletto Formal ( Pheonix, Az)
Ad Astra per aspra (lawrence, ks)
stark raving (ex - gametime)

[Vint]

There may be better bands that are unsigned but have been signed before but, the best unsigned band: Cause to Confess

http://myspace.com/causetoconfess

[RedAffairJesse]

saves the day

[bluecrunchy]

thats sweet.. they're really nice

they're "atmospheric" idea is very unique; I've never seen a band do that

yeah, their merch setup was absolutely ridiculous

[Tony Pascarella]

saves the day

No longer. They have resigned to Vagrant for the new album.

[njkid54]

cause to confess
for felix
treaty of paris
interference
adrastos

[likeafight]

Seeing Daylight. (http://myspace.com/seeingdaylight)
Band from Minneapolis, MN - they don't have very much recorded yet, but their acoustic demo stuff and live show is awesome.
They have a lot of potential I think. Listen to a few songs if you have the time.

[yutsmcgee]

the Higher (http://www.myspace.com/thehigher)
Shiny Toy Guns (http://www.myspace.com/shinytoyguns)
Lenny (http://www.myspace.com/lenny)
Someday New (http://www.purevolume.com/somedaynew)

[invincibleXL]

HEADRUSH (http://www.myspace.com/headrush)

Former Splender frontman, Waymon Boone, is such a remarkable songwriter. His newest 3-piece band has heavier riffs, insightful lyrics, and catchy-as-fuck melodies (not to mention a hot female bassist). For fans of alt-pop/powerpop (i.e. Butch Walker, Firescape, American Hi-Fi, Stroke 9, Lit, Midtown)

http://www.myspace.com/headrush

http://myspace-668.vo.llnwd.net/00320/86/60/320400668_l.jpg

[joeshmoe909]

Blacktop Mourning from Chicago. Has anyone heard them? There basicly amazing.

http://myspace.com/blacktopmourning

[Carrot]

I would say The Emblem are my current favorite unsigned band. They are from here (Cedar Falls, IA) and I suggest you guys check them out if you are fans of either Bear Vs. Shark, mewithoutYou, or The Fall of Troy. Also, if anyone likes what they hear I would be willing to send you their ep if you message me on AIM. My screen name is Garrettt Rieks.

http://www.purevolume.com/theemblem

[DroppedUrPocket]

saw them this weekend. I like the guys in the band personally, but can't stand the singer's voice. They played with the band i manage, Eleanors Fault ( www.myspace.com/eleanorsfault )

lol eleanor's fault lol

They just sent me a friend request on MySpace.

Or you did.

[nateisawesome]

Anathallo. one of the best live shows I have ever witnessed, truly amazing, and they are some of the nicest most down to earth guys ive ever talked to

[Panda]

Pistolita.... they say their signed... but its a smalltown shit ass label.


They do rule but there label is thru Warner Brothers so I would harldy say thats smalltown

[mynameisgeneric]

Heirs - www.heirstheband.com (http://www.heirstheband.com) (Port Huron, Michigan)

One of Alternative Press's Top 10 Unsigned bands in this months issue, for fans of Copeland. Great singer and their songs are really creative and not run-of-the-mill marketed stuff that's so easy to do these days, its also easy to say that about every single band, but I absolutely mean it with this one.

Every Avenue - www.everyavenuemusic.com (http://www.everyavenuemusic.com) (Marysville, Michigan)

A good pop-punk/emo band from around the same area as Heirs. Their live show is really energetic and entertaining, but sadly their van and trailer recently got stolen at a show in Detroit and they're now having to sell their cars in order to get a new van so they can tour in support of their new album coming out next month.

Both good bands that need more attention then they get, especially Heirs.

[MumblingMiles]

Ettison Clio - No other band has been working as hard for as long as they have. They deserve massive success. They are female-fronted indie from East Lansing, MI. Check out their split with The Beautiful Mistake next month!

[albatrossxivy]

the band of annuals
http://myspace-028.vo.llnwd.net/00458/82/06/458116028_l.jpg (http://myspace.com/thebandofannuals)

(http://www.mygen.co.uk/)
Hard to describe and even harder to dislike, The Band of Annuals have already earned more acclaim from their musical peers in their first few months of existence than most bands ever hope to earn. With songs that are both joyous and bittersweet, uplifting and heartbreaking, The Band of Annuals find a way to make you dance, reflect and comfortable at the same time. Few bands have a dynamic and a musical bond like The Band of Annuals. The six members combine and blur boundries to create music that is as original and diverse as any band today. And even with their combined talents, The Band of Annuals are still improving with each well-crafted song, each headturning show and each reflective lyric.


(myspace.com/thebandofannuals (http://myspace.com/thebandofannuals))

[ztr]

My Epic. They are from Lynchburg, Va and don't really play anywhere outside of Va but they amaze me. These guys play great music and have a great message. Some of there influences are Beloved, Further Seems Forever, and Forever Changed. Check em out!

www.myspace.com/myepic

[so typical]

The Robins (formally known as Number One Fan) definitely rock hard. I don't know if they are the best unsigned band out there, but they are good. They don't have any CD's or links to clips of music, but i'll have to say that it's everything NOF wasn't, plus more... plus a bit of Number One Fan.


when did this happen?

[ActorInThisPlay]

The Higher
Street to Nowhere

[mrzippo3]

Fallen From the Sky, these guys are from South Florida, and I am 100% they are gonna blow up big soon. They tour their asses off and have amazing energy in their live show, they're on tour right now, check them out if you don't believe me.. www.myspace.com/fallenfromthesky (http://www.myspace.com/fallenfromthesky)

[CaptainMusic]

Farewell was lots of fun.

Means (www.myspace.com/means (http://www.myspace.com/means)) - Unreal post hardcore
The Februarys (www.myspace.com/thefebruarys (http://www.myspace.com/thefebruarys)) - Super catchy songwriting

[tothelastparade]

The Higher
Street to Nowhere

I agree with both of those. Also, a local band called the Hoodies, they put on a good show and are just really talented. They just put out an ep, you can listen to two songs at www.myspace.com/thehoodies.

[wayaway]

FIAD
richmond va

[braaaaaaaapp]

For Felix!
Good pick. Other than them, I would say The Higher. They were recently let out of their deal with Fiddler.

[You Got Owned]

www.myspace.com/ambellinamusic (http://www.myspace.com/ambellinamusic)

'nuff said
so catchy, so bouncy
pretty much made for mtv
lol, damn mexicans

[Jim Morgan]

Well who could have seen my pick coming from a mile away?

http://myspace-996.vo.llnwd.net/00241/69/95/241605996_l.jpg

For Felix (http://www.myspace.com/forfelix)

Formed in 2002, and recorded a demo under "Still In Pieces". They recorded and put out a full length called "Everyone's Got A Girlfriend" in April of 2003, and played the 2003 Skate and Surf Festival and headed out on their own tour with The Eastside Heroes that summer, across the midwest, and another midwest tour on their own in the winter. To date, the full length is out of print, after selling over 2000 copies of it.

In May 2004, they recorded with John Naclario(Brand New, Matchbook Romance) to record the EP, “Rise Above.” they kept playing more shows, including the Flipside Festival, the Indianapolis Music Fest, and a tour with the legendary ska band, MU330 (I joined them on this tour to sell merch). When “Rise Above,” was released in November 2004, They got on the "Punk The Clock" tour with My American Heart, Greeley Estates, Gym Class Heroes, and The Q. After the tour, two members quit, leaving the band drummerless and down a guitarist. In January 2005, Patrick from Phoenix, AZ left all he had a home and moved to NJ, for an unsigned band! Then in July 2005, Jeff, former front man of Albany, NY band Third To None, did the same.

This past year was huge for the guys, playing two sets at the 2005 Bamboozle Festival, and having their songs on comps like “Punk The Clock” and Pure Volume/Drive Thru Records "Bands You Love, Have Heard Of, And Should Know". They've sold their ep all across America and overseas in Japan, Australia, France, England, and Canada. After touring with bands like Somerset and Rory in the summertime, they hopped on the second "Punk The Clock" tour, with Thin Dark Line, Sherwood, Downtown Singapore, and It's Like Love. after they got back from the tour, they played two shows with The Ataris!

Currently the band is writing new material, before heading out on the road again. They've sold over 1600 copies of their EP, and completely sold out of their full length (2000 copies were pressed). thats over 3600 cds, and they are still unsigned. I believe so much in this band, regardless that they are my friends. I discovered the band from word of mouth at my high school, and was a fan before I met them. Definitely, in my opinion, the best, hardest working, unsigned band around. Definitely check them out, if you haven't.

www.myspace.com/forfelix
www.purevolume.com/forfelix
www.forfelixrock.com



I know we're not supposed to pimp our own bands, but mine is very unsigned. We're all seniors in high school, but we've done well enough so far (over 1500 records sold, lots of plays at pureVOLUME and MySpace, shows with The Ataris, Waking Ashland, Gym Class Heroes, and many more) and we're not going to college in the hopes of becoming really successful, so any feedback would be rad. We just posted a new song to celebrate winning the biggest high school rock off in Ohio, but yeah. I'm shutting myself off now. Link's in the signature, if you're interested.

I like you guys, and totally respect the choice of skippin off college. lemme know if you'd like to come to nj, I'll try to help you out as much as i can.

MY FAVORITE HIGHWAY.


enough said.

i got to see them on tour with for felix, definitely real good.

[soreloser]

zella mayzell

i'll second that

[OveratedMag]

Race The Sun (http://www.myspace.com/racethesun) - Richmond, VA

Speakerfire (http://www.myspace.com/speakerfire)- Buffalo, NY


And if everyone's counting them.... The Format, of course.

[DainDown]

Last Days Of Empire are changing the post hardcore scene, they have intricately made songs that are just amazing to listen too and the live show is something to be seen, over and over and over again...

[shwagtm]

PlayRadioPlay (http://www.purevolume.com/playradioplay)


one sixteen year old kid. tons of talent.

[CurtyB]

i live in a town right next to where the drive back live....they're good...but lately their live show has left something to be desired

[HungJury]

The Format is definitely the band that should be signed but, if they were smart, they would just do it themselves. They already have a solid fan base.

[HungJury]

Yes, I must say For Felix is definitely a band that should be signed too!

[IHeartTSL]

The Suicide Pact, from Philly...dont let the name fool you, these guys are awesome.

http://www.myspace.com/thesuicidepact

[cherrystarr]

The Opera - http://myspace.com/theopera

They are from Las Vegas. I have fallen in love with their music. You can def. tell they are influenced by Queen in some of their songs. I think they are talented.

[ForeverInADay]

Heavy Heavy Low Low comes to mind first. They sound alot like Fear Before
I'd say a grindcore Fear Before.

HHLL are amazing though

Other unsigned/small label bands that are amazing:

You Are Switzerland, Lions, The Dance Club Massacre, Mirror|Mirror, Robinson, Your Heart Engraved, Tower Of Rome, See You Next Tuesday, Stick To Your Guns, Guns Up!, Courtesy Blush (Needing a new vocalist), The Abattoir Murders, Job For A Cowboy, Ghost Stories (Recently broke up), Pink Handgranade, Destroyer Destroyer, Super Ninja Robot Fighter, Birds Are Explosives, Anapparatus, Kasumoto, etc.

[ForeverInADay]

saw them this weekend. I like the guys in the band personally, but can't stand the singer's voice. They played with the band i manage, Eleanors Fault ( www.myspace.com/eleanorsfault )
I like eleanors fault, you guys are pretty rad

[leftstranded]

I'm from the cleveland/kent area and there are a few from this area that i think everyone would enjoy that arn't unsigned

Jullian from Another Found Self (http://www.purevolume.com/anotherfoundself) are def a good band, they have been at it for a few years and i've had the pleasure of playing with them. Mellow rock/emo music with great vocals.

Another good one is Widdlesworth (http://www.myspace.com/widdlesworth). They have started opening for bands such as Farless and Relient K. They are more of a screamo band but great guys, great attitude, and huge determination.

There is a resergence of bands starting to come from northeast ohio and it's a scene everyone should watch out for in the next few years.

[ForeverInADay]

Farewell was lots of fun.

Means (www.myspace.com/means (http://www.myspace.com/means)) - Unreal post hardcore
The Februarys (www.myspace.com/thefebruarys (http://www.myspace.com/thefebruarys)) - Super catchy songwriting
haha oh man, I remember when I first heard Means. The guitarist of that band is super nice, I haven't talked to him in almost a year, I wonder how hes doing

[bachelorchow]

Bagster www.myspace.com/bagster
A band from Sydney Australia. If these guys were from california they'd be huge. sadly there just aren't enough fun people over here to appreciate them. but check em out, have a listen to "Skeletons" and "Human Error".

[X Out The Eyes]

i like my buddies band a lot
http://www.myspace.com/inmemoryofnj

[MalevolentHoff]

Show Me Action http://www.myspace.com/showmeaction

and

Envy On The Coast http://www.myspace.com/envyonthecoastny

[SonEric84]

I don't know if they were mentioned or not already...but Finding Westerly would be my choice.


http://www.purevolume.com/findingwesterly

www.findingwesterlyrock.com

Finding Westerly is a 5 piece rock outfit hailing from Southern New Jersey. With influences ranging from The Goo Goo Dolls to the Alkaline Trio, the band brings the basics back to rock music. With Catchy hooks, Infectious guitar solo’s,and choruses that will have you singing along for days, the bands catalogue of songs promises to keep the listener on their feet. Coming from a state so saturated with bands, Finding Westerly strives to bring originality to their music. Dedication and friendship is what this band is all about and its that dedication that has garnered them attention throughout the country. FW has toured and shared the stage with bands such as Copeland, Matchbook Romance, The Early November, Hidden in Plain View, Dont Look Down among others. Without ever having an offically released album, the band is excited to have had released a brand new 5 song EP.

[satanisanerd]

I would have to say that my favorite two unsigned bands are the following:
Kings to You www.myspace.com/k2y (http://www.myspace.com/k2y)
Quick and the Dead www.purevolume.com/quickandthedead (http://www.purevolume.com/quickandthedead)

[knux]

Archie Star. Side project from October Fall. Seriously check it out its awesome..

[Doug]

ericson

[LastPlaceRocks]

i live in a town right next to where the drive back live....they're good...but lately their live show has left something to be desired

Did you see them on Friday? Because I agree with you that their live show has something left to be desired. They were just shitty.

[ForeverInADay]

ericson
yes. Or Cavil At Rest

[nicolerork]

Silent Hero (http://www.myspace.com/silenthero) because not only is their CD amazing for an unsigned band, but their show performance is simple amazing. They're full of energy and you can just see (http://www.broadjam.com/artists/artist_video_info.asp?artistID=2425 5&video_id=1673) their passion for music.

From a review, "If I had to recommend one band to see live in a lifetime, Silent Hero would be it. Their commanding stage presence, from lead singer Steve's energetic hold of the entire stage to drummer Todd's stoic beats from the back, lend Silent Hero a vibe that few bands have."

[sc0ttm]

homegrown are practically unsigned, drive-thru has been ignoring them for months

[thisdecemberhop]

ANATHALLO IS THE BEST UNSIGNED BAND IN AMERICA.

that simple
if you dont agree....

well too bad

its them and fire when ready. but i think fire when ready might have a label.

[wid3 eyed]

Wax On Radio for shure.

[jnkbondtrader]

cassino

[bruisexblackeye]

Stark Raving (Kansas City, MO) - 1/2 of the now defunct pop-punk band Gametime (Takeover). I wouldn't be surprised if they get picked up soon, their melodies are infectious.
Deas Vail (Arkansas) - saw these guys at a band tournament in OK last year & they blew me away. Very Copeland-esque with gorgeous female vocals as well. Last I heard they were unsigned, but the judge from Tooth & Nail was going nuts over them.
While I Breathe (Joplin, MO) - Local hardcore band. The put on a GREAT live show. Along the lines of Comeback Kid, if every Comeback Kid song didn't sound the same.
A Perfect Kiss (Maryland) - Saw these guys last April when they toured with The Evan Anthem & The Wedding & they absolutely blew me away live. Their album, The Olympians is breath-taking to say the least. AMAZING guys, amazing band.

[bruisexblackeye]

Stark Raving (KC, MO) - 1/2 of the now defunct pop-punk band Gametime (Takeover). I wouldn't be surprised if they get picked up soon, their melodies are infectious.
Deas Vail (Arkansas) - saw these guys at a band tournament in OK last year & they blew me away. Very Copeland-esque with gorgeous female vocals as well. Last I heard they were unsigned, but the judge from Tooth & Nail was going nuts over them.
While I Breathe (Joplin, MO) - Local hardcore band. The put on a GREAT live show. Along the lines of Comeback Kid, if every Comeback Kid song didn't sound the same.
A Perfect Kiss (Maryland) - Saw these guys last April when they toured with The Evan Anthem & they absolutely blew me away live. Their album, The Olympians is breath-taking to say the least. AMAZING guys, amazing band.

All these are on myspace, of course.

[TheNameIsJohnny]

cassino

[pillpillow]

Bear Hug Jersey and Harvey.

[plain white t's]

im not sure if they are signed they werent last time i heard but DEAR WHOEVER, they remind me of JUST SURRENDER for some reason, very good band

[wristsNeyes]

I'll put in a vote for a few locals:

Birdmonster (http://www.myspace.com/birdmonster)
minipop (http://www.myspace.com/minipop)
onceover (http://www.myspace.com/onceover)
street to nowhere (http://www.myspace.com/streettonowhere)
The Ex-Boyfriends (http://www.myspace.com/exboyfriends)
Royalty (http://www.myspace.com/royalty)
Scissors For Lefty (http://www.myspace.com/scissorsforlefty)

[PassedOut]

Gatsby Gets The Green Light
They are a four piece from Westminster Maryland and I think that they are going to impress a lot of people really soon.

http://www.myspace.com/gatsbyrock

[shwagtm]

oh man.... wax on radio.

[CaptainMusic]

haha oh man, I remember when I first heard Means. The guitarist of that band is super nice, I haven't talked to him in almost a year, I wonder how hes doing

Yeah man. My band had the pleasure of playing with them two nights in a row. They absolutely own the stage.

And yeah, Matt is one of the nicest guys i've met. I guess they're going to be on the front page of Purevolume this month. Crazy.

[Brandon Herbel]

the stiletto formal

[padme213]

2 great bands from San Diego, CA: Hot Like A Robot and First Wave Hello

www.myspace.com/hotlikearobot (http://www.myspace.com/hotlikearobot)

www.myspace.com/firstwavehello (http://www.myspace.com/firstwavehello)

[CLoach]

hands down Quick and the Dead www.purevolume.com/quickandthedead
one of the best live shows i have seen and their cd was self produced in their apartment and sounds freaking great...

[TENJwab]

Finding Westerly (http://www.findingwesterlyrock.com) - awesome band! often seem unstable with members, but they've yet to write a bad song! Check out the player on their website and listen to 'Sounds Of A Broken Heart' and/or 'The Timing And The Season'

[(+)DemiaN(+)]

Foster: (http://www.purevolume.com/foster)
Big City Dreams: (http://www.purevolume.com/bigcitydreams)
Amory: (http://www.purevolume.com/amory)
A Heartwell Ending: (http://www.purevolume.com/aheartwellending)
A Hero From A Thousand Paces (http://www.purevolume.com/aherofromathousandpaces)

Agreed with A Hero From A Thousand Paces and A Heartwell Ending.

I add:
Jettared (http://www.purevolume.com/jettared), a totally awesome band from MI
Olympia (http://www.purevolume.com/olympia), ex Fairweather and Brand New Disaster
Piano (http://www.purevolume.com/piano), a british Jazzy hardcore/post hardcore band. They have a small labe in the UK and in Japan though.
As They Fall (http://www.purevolume.com/astheyfall), know nothing about them apart from the fact that the songs they posted rule.

And above all: THE UPWELLING (http://www.purevolume.com/theupwelling), a totally fantastic band.

[joenicorata]

cassino, or love me electric

it sucks, almost every band is signed by some small label. leaving nothing else for me to post here

[(+)DemiaN(+)]

You people posted about so many great bands I didn't know yet, I am really grateful!!!! :D

[rmenteer14]

As much as I'd love to say my own band, Blane (http://www.purevolume.com/blane) I'd just like people to take a listen and let me know what you think.

But honestly I really would say that my homies in Danger: Radio (http://www.purevolume.com/dangerradio) are one of the best unsigned bands out there.

[indie_ira]

definently 100% for felix.....
they are fucking awesome......

[ArmaniMassacre]

Well...I would have to agree with alot of you guys on here. There are way too many great unsigned bands and too many shitty signed bands.

Some of the best unsigned are....

For Felix (obviously that's the general consensus...)
Anathallo (ditto)
Ettison Clio (chicks that can rock are a great thing)
The Felix Culpa (no one has mentioned them yet...great band from Illinois that's get a lot of press)

and I just like everyone else in a band will pimp, just because I can. Flying Just Below Radar from the burbs of Chicago. We work damn hard to get where we are and tour our asses off. The older music is up on the site and it's not the best representation of who we are. We used to have a sound similar to The Beautiful Mistake and Armor For Sleep, however, it's taken a turn to the heavier lately. The new tunes sound like a weird blend of Silverstein, Funeral for a Friend, and Refused. It's fun stuff and we're definitely just out there to have a blast. Check us out if you're bored....www.myspace.com/belowradar (http://www.myspace.com/belowradar) or www.purevolume.com/belowradar (http://www.purevolume.com/belowradar)


Thanx to those of you who give us a listen...if you dig it, add us on gayspace, I mean myspace. Take care....


Oh and I forgot to mention...we have a five foot nothing hot female bassist who does gunslingers. Match that!

[splutton]

are saves the day still unsigned?

[ThatGirl]

are saves the day still unsigned?
they just re signed with vagrant this week. so no.

[bankrom]

a perfect kiss
www.myspace.com/aperfectkiss
(http://www.myspace.com/aperfectkiss)
it's kind of like fear before, indie-style.

also, holliday is pretty good.
www.myspace.com/holliday (http://www.myspace.com/holliday)

[baton]

i can't find time to check some more smaller bands lastly so i won't be original with cassino, for felix, pistolita and anathallo... ;-)

[sneakysmith87]

cassino, obviously, but that wont last for long.


Exactly right.

[blinkredstar]

Haven 21 (myspace.com/haven21), Go Crash Audio (myspace.com/gocrashaudio), and The Semester (myspace.com/thesemester).

[socalchica]

i'll second that


ill fourth that!!

Zella Mayzell and The Higher

The Higher is well obviously labeless now, and Zella Mayzell was in Alternative Press Magazines Top 10 unsigned bands this month.

[NoseOverTail]

i love that band. how are they doing these days? weren't they on a label called tinted amber records back in the day? i'd like to see them get more exposure.

they finally finished recording the full length not too long ago, and its being mastered right now. not sure what the label situation is presently, but honestly... they could be huge. so talented.

[akkie]

Saving Verona of Denver rocks my world.