If you’re like me, you’re already looking forward to the summer. Unfortunately, a trip to a beach in the Caribbean is out of the question for me, so I have to settle for listening to music that makes me feel as though I’m there. If you feel the same way or are just looking for some good music, this list is for you.
- The Beaches
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Hailing from the Beaches in Toronto, this Juno-award winning rock and roll band is composed of sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller on vocals and lead guitar, respectively, Eliza Enman-McDaniel on drums, and Leandra Earl on keys and guitar.
Described as “the girls next door and… the life of the party,” The Beaches are no strangers to the charts, with their song “T-Shirt” from their debut album Late Show”, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Rock Chart, where it stayed for nine weeks.
After seeing them live multiple times, it’s safe to say they have a stage presence that adapts to any venue or crowd.
With an exciting discography, a unique sound, and electric live performances, it’s surprising they only have 219k monthly listeners on Spotify.
Must-Know songs: “Desdemona,” “T-Shirt, Money,” “Snake Tongue,” “Fascination”
- Arlie
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This Nashville-based indie-pop band released their first single, “Big Fat Mouth,” in 2017. Blending distinctive guitar riffs and baselines, unique synth lines, and memorable lyrics, Arlie has nailed down their sound. Their songs make the perfect accompaniment for everything from road trips to lounging on the beach.
If you like Briston Maroney or Hippo Campus, this band should be a new staple on your playlists.
Must-Know Songs: “Big Fat Mouth,” “Barcelona Boots,” “blackboard.edu,” “Tossing and Turning”
- The Aces
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With catchy guitar riffs and smooth vocals, The Aces’ discography makes the perfect earworm.
Formed in 2008 in Provo, Utah, this all-girls band made the Billboard charts and sold-out tours in just a few years after their formation.
Three out of four members of the band are queer, and their first album, When My Heart Felt Volcanic, avoided gendered pronouns. Their fourth single, “Kelly”, off their second album was the first song to use gendered pronouns.
With two albums, two EPs, and a handful of singles, there is something for everyone by The Aces
Must-Know Songs: “Don’t Freak,” “Daydream,” “Volcanic Love,” “Stuck,” “Kelly”
- Fade Awaays
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Formed in 2013, Toronto-based rock band Fade Awaays got their start gigging through the Toronto club scene. They toured across Ontario and Eastern Canada, all while completing high school and music college. They’ve also toured with international acts like The Beaches and Wolf Alice.
On their website, they stated that they spent the beginning of the pandemic “demoing for the band… and experimenting with new sounds.” They released their second EP, These Visions, in June of 2021. Their sound lends them perfectly to road-trips, at-home dance parties, and the bar scene.
Must-Know songs: “Kentucky,” “I Won’t Lie,” “Jennette,” “She Don’t Know Why”
- Dutch Criminal Record
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For those of us looking for summery songs during this bleak winter, Dutch Criminal Record has you covered.
This Indie surf band from Portsmouth, UK, merges “60’s pop vocals, interlinking riffs and blooming harmonies” to create a beachy vibe, even in the winter. It’s impossible to not have a pep in your step when listening to their music, which makes this band a perfect pick-me-up for walking to classes on snowy days.
Must-Know Songs: “Socks and Sandals,” “Corona,” “Stuck Between,” “Outside,” “For The Record”