6 Artists You Should Be Listening To In 2015

I wish I had a constant soundtrack magically narrating my life. But alas, something like that doesn't just happen. So, instead, I spend countless hours seeking out new music and artists to create the perfect playlists. I like to think that I have a rather decent taste in music (I mean, I do I have a radio show - 410alt - with WJHU campus radio), so I'd like to share my musical insights with the masses - expose you lovely readers to music you might not hear otherwise. In return, be sure to comment below with the artists you are looking forward to hearing in 2015.

I am a lover of alternative and indie pop music and I think this is going to be a fantastic year for these genres. Not only do well-known bands (cough, Imagine Dragons) have upcoming release dates for long awaited albums, but new bands breaking into the scene are also quickly gaining popularity. I'm looking forward to seeing what exposure 2015 brings to many of these bands with mainly cult followings.

Can you tell that I'm really excited for the new album?

And now, for the artists:

• Imagine Dragons - Their 1st album was great, but Smoke + Mirrors will be even better. The band has spent the past two years evolving their sound and has produced something with great, raw emotion.
• Song to listen to: Gold - http://youtu.be/M2EIjONNjIU
• Bleachers - This band, started by Jack Antonoff from the band fun., unexpectedly appeared on the scene March of last year and now they have multiple hits. I've seen them live twice already and intend to see them again in March.
• Song to listen to: Rollercoaster - http://youtu.be/ldk2pLyVZ4c
• The Griswolds - This indie-rock band from Australia released their first album last August and I just love their vibe.
• Song to listen to: Beware the Dog- http://youtu.be/UlbU1VeqpqU
• Walk The Moon - They are touring with The Griswolds and I'm near devastated that I won't be in town for their tour dates. Their newest album, TALKING IS HARD, is packed with pop-rock anthems full of emotion.
• Song to listen to: Work This Body - http://youtu.be/45_cDPhv-AI?list=PLW9J35yUmMBIE1rZATZYAUDEZdGBkWyop
• Sheppard - It looks like the Aussies are big indie fans because here's another great Australian indie pop band. This band of siblings is influenced by Coldplay and was really formed by accident.
• Song to listen to: Geronimo - http://youtu.be/UL_EXAyGCkw
• Years & Years - This is a recent find of mine that is more along the lines of synthpop but the lead singer, Olly, has a beautiful voice that is definitely worth a listen.
• Song to listen to: Real - http://youtu.be/H3T2RnTBp_4

And a few other honorable mentions include Fall Out Boy, New Politics, George the Poet, James Bay, and Smallpools. Hope you're able to expand your musical horizons this year, and don't forget to leave your own suggestions below!

-Marisa