Alternative Music

The Northeast Ohio songwriter, Liam Brock, on community, the live setting, and his most personal work yet.

Analog Antics fill the screen in the new music video Photo: Max Christiansen Devon Again Introduces Herself to the World Devon Again, the stage name of the rising country-pop artist Devon Johanningmeier, has hit the world stage after a 2020 TikTok video in which she freestyled over a polka beat and went viral. From there, label meetings became routine, and she eventually met with Cameron Hale, who helped produce Johanningmeier’s first hit, Suburbia. Now, four years later, Joh

Pushing themselves to new heights following the move to Oxide Records, Savage Hands are preparing to release a new album and set out on a summer tour. Without losing touch with their hard rock roots, the Maryland band have dropped a gut-wrenching new single, "It's Me,” compelling enough to hook even the non-metal fans. Article Contributed by Brooke Dougherty Photography by William George The song begins fast-paced, and almost uneasy as if you are trying to outrun your shadows

Deon's new "Feel the Same," featuring Don Aaron, turns an amicable breakup into atmospheric indie-electronica and a into study identity.

The Legacy of East Coast Pop-Punk and Emo Lives On Turn Two band photographed | Photography by Steph Cincinnatti (IG: @ohiosteph3) Article Contributed by Konstantina Buhalis Turn Two, one of New Jersey’s latest bands, has been taking the Pop-Punk world by storm with their sound, melding the classic 2000s sound with modern touches. SoundCheck sat down with Shane Maziekien to talk about the formation of Turn Two, Third-Wave Emo, and how they developed their sound. Turn Two’s En

Twenty-five years later, blink-182 gives the album that defined a generation of skaters, slackers, and screen-staring kids the vault treatment.

The singer-songwriter known as DeathbyRomy drops a striking music video to accompany her latest thought provoking song.

Cowboy Neal’s refreshing take on art rock hits the Chicago scene. Article contributed by Konstantina Buhalis Photo: Edenfm Chicago art-rock juggernauts Cowboy Neal have released their latest single, “Tighten Up,” a funky, prog-rock-inspired track about growth, gaining confidence, and pride in your work. The six-piece group has been a highlight of the Chicago scene, gaining traction while playing throughout the city, reigniting the power of the groove. SoundCheck Mag sat down

There are breakup songs that make you want to text your ex. Then there are songs like Rachel Bochner's "Happier You're Gone (SASE)," the kind that reminds you just how much you've grown since everything fell apart. Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Photography by Smiles Meyer (IG: @strangeexposures) At its core, "Happier You're Gone (SASE)" isn't about bitterness. It's about perspective. While the song can easily be heard as the story of leaving behind a relationship, i

Single Review: The Tampa alternative pop-rock band, Pretty Pity, delivers a hook-filled ode to chemistry, temptation, and living for the night.

More than a decade after stepping away, The Cab returned to Philadelphia with a night full of unforgettable songs, surprising covers, and a crowd that never forgot a single lyric. Article & Photos Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt The Cab performing at the TLA in Philadelphia, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Since forming in Las Vegas in 2004, The Cab built a loyal following in the pop rock scene, blending infectious hooks with heartfel

The alternative indie pop sensation Lila Holler released her new EP, Born to Bite, bringing her signature brand of alternative grit and candid lyricism to another iconic release.

The Swedish doom metal trio and Portland's Mizmor transformed Substation into a space for reflection, immersion, and overwhelming sound. Article & Photos by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Monolord performing at Substation in Seattle, WA. Photography by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff (@vanezasnaps on IG). Heavy music is often misunderstood. For those unfamiliar with doom metal and its many neighboring subgenres, the expectation might be one of chaos: constant movement, shouted lyrics, and

Dexter and the Moonrocks Turn Cleveland into a Grunge Rock Oasis Article and Photos Contributed by Madison Cozzens Dexter and the Moonrocks is reaching further than they ever thought possible. With a #1 song on the alternative charts and sold-out shows, anyone can see they are gaining traction. The group came to Cleveland on the tail end of their “The Donkey Flats” tour. The show sold out weeks before the performance, and fans lined up outside Globe Iron in hopes of getting c

Victory Kid's debut-style album 'Catalyst' channels early-2000s alt-rock with rebellious energy and vulnerable lyrics that could spark the genre's next wave.

Franklin Jonas kneels on the bartop, amid his second set of the night, at Sports & Social. | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography). A two-set marathon at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland made the case, in real time, for why Franklin Jonas is our #1 artist to watch in 2026. Article Contributed by LJ Portnoy and Rebecca McDevitt. Photography by Rebecca McDevitt. Videography by LJ Portnoy. Franklin Jonas dancing with the crowd during his second set of

Confetti cannons, wrecking-ball breakdowns, and a stripped-down singalong, Electric Callboy closed out North America with the most ridiculous, most sincere party in the room.

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano It seems that artists don’t always have the monthly listeners that are equivalent to their talent. This is the case for Josceppi. ‘Chämeleon’ is a wonderful piece of storytelling that has the potential to grab the attention of many new listeners. While starting the listening journey it was clear that this was intentionally crafted and Josceppi as an artist has a clear direction. The alternative pop rock meets classic rockstar feel is a de

With booming sing-alongs, flickering box TVs, and emotional callbacks to their earliest records, Boys Like Girls delivered the ultimate pop-rock time machine.

Twenty-four North American dates kicked off in a sold-out Sterling Heights amphitheater on a Friday night in May, where the temperature dropped from fifty to the thirties before YUNGBLUD ever hit the stage. By the time the lights went down, the amphitheater was speckled with snow.