Rock Music Trends of Spring 2023
The Rise of Rock Music is Finally Here
This month I asked the question..
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MUSIC THAT DEFINED US? And I got my answer. Music came in from all over the globe showing me just how fabulous new rock can be. These artists take the old and make it new again with their own genre melting creations that tune rock on its ear.
The rise of rock music in 2023 is predicted to bring back the sound of rock music that was popular in the 1970’s and 80’s and as of March 2023, musicians are pushing out amazing new rock for us to bite into.
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The Rock Music Trends of Spring 2023
As we move into the summer months, it seems that the trend of rock music is only increasing. With festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo breaking attendance records, there is no doubt that rock is still a favorite among fans.
Just for extra fun, I put together a Playlist to carry in your pocket for moments of rock!! (Click here)
New Artists Emerging
Along with the classics, we’re seeing an influx of new artists pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a rock band. Bands like Kape Yeel aimed at being anything but boring with disco inspired song ‘PSYCHIC FEVER’ complete with heavy bass-line, punchy drums and a provocatively distinct synth melody. Another note worthy new comer is LYLVC’s with their New Ep “Perfect Drug”. LYLVC brings us modern rock meets electronica with a fabulous female vocalist leading a duet. Royal Blood are making waves with their modern twist on classic sounds.
Power Vocals
Rock has always been known for its powerful front men with huge vocal ranges and gravel tones. To my delight March Rock Rising revealed singers bringing the big guns with vast vocal ranges that I haven’t heard since the days of Freddie Mercury or the lovely 80’s favorites like Guns and Roses just to name a few.
Alex McBeat brought his A-game to the table with a sensational vocal on new single “Out of Love” from the forthcoming EP, released in March 2023.
Revolute 61 — Hate The Sin, Love The Sinner rocks hard with insane powerful vocals offering range, hard hitting guitars and prolific drums.
Little dove — ‘Had Enough’ offered a vocal that blew me away with her splashy Janis Joplin sirens and Aretha Franklin range to carry the torch forward into 2023. This is what legends are made of.
Nostalgic Influences
Rock music is pulling once again from our best decades in music. Most bands bands that I’m hearing are bringing back the classic rock sounds influenced by the 70s and 80s. There’s an emphasis on guitar solos and heavy riffs which is a usual thing in rock but finally the musicians are pushing their boundaries to show off their skills.
Some artists are even incorporating elements of blues and funk into their music with disco vibes and dreamy synths. I’ve even seen a revisit on hiphop mixed with rock.
Scott Tournet — Hold Your Head Up High
“This song is designed to lift you up. If Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone made a record at Muscle Shoals Studios in 1973 but then sent the stems to 2023 to be mixed and mastered. Retro Futuristic..” There’s something about this artist that reminds me of Steve Miller. I love his voice for its tone and delivery of the lyrics. The Harmonies on this single sore to the sky and lift you out of your seat.
“Gone (feat. Last Bit of Advice)” by Hidden Horizon
Similar artists: Switchfoot, Lifehouse, Mae, Vertical Horizon
“New introspective rock song. This one is kind of quiet for us but it still picks up a bit during the breakdown!” I love the catchy sway on this single. It’s easy to sing with an addictive quality inspiring us wishing for a brighter future. Let’s not forget about that awesome guitar solo.
Guitars ON TAP
Oh those lovely guitars. I can always count on Rock music to unlock the door to musicians with serious guitar skills.
Here are some rock guitarists known for their serious skills:
Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Carlos Santana.
This month I highlights new bands with musicians holding down some serious guitar skills.
Die Tired — Better Off Alive
Music Genre: Alternative Rock
Vibe: Pop-Punk Anthemic
Pennsylvania Alt Rockers Die Tired drops a powerful message about mental health and suicide awareness with BETTER OFF ALIVE Single & Video with SODEH Records! Fight the bad thoughts in your mind and let the riffs and lyrics of “Better Off Alive” help you break away and open discussions about the serious topics of mental health and suicide prevention. “Better Off Alive is about raising awareness of these serious concerns in our society and highlighting the available resources in our communities to those in need,” explains bassist Jim Lee.
Inner Circle Club — Doomed
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Indie Rock, Garage Rock
Similar artists: Ty Segall, Jack White, Cage The Elephant, Father John Misty, The Last Shadow Puppets, The Arcs
Brand new indie rock duo, our debut album released on March 17th 2023. Doomed is a fierce, energetic exploration of a doomed relationship backed by fuzzy guitars and a booming drum groove. The indie track combines elements of edgy garage rock, anchored by a bass line that would make Iggy Pop dance.
Daymian Rhodes + Ben Boon — DOOM
Genre: Skater Punk, Pop Punk, 90’s Rock
“This is an anxiety anthem; an honest look inside the effects of complex trauma. Empowered by an energetic (yet dark) groove and dynamic guitars. I love the unique moody layers of the instruments. Such a great jam.
Big Bad Shakin’ — On The Bayou
New release “On The Bayou” — a song about feeling good even if life sucks. Imagine you lost everything you’ve had but you’re still positive about your future. Hope you like it. Felix “
The Train Rockers — Munich (Single)
Music Genre: Alternative Rock / Indie Rock / Poprock
Sounds like: The Strokes / Kings Of Leon / The Pixies / U2 / Arctic Monkeys
Our song “Munich” tries to capture the magic of this place, ugly at first glance but beautiful in its imperfection. And the rare moments of love between “fellow humans” who come here to forget their hatred, their loss, and to numb their pain.
Alex Kennedy — Now That It’s Over
Music Genre: Pop Rock Vibe: Energetic, funky, Rocking
Sounds like: Maroon 5, ACDC, John Mayer
Drawing inspiration from classic rock bands such as ACDC and incorporating the modern sound of Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5, the track showcases a unique blend of genres that is sure to captivate music lovers everywhere. Featuring hard-hitting drums, electrifying guitar riffs, and powerful vocals, “Now That It’s Over” is a rock anthem that tells the story of a love lost and the aftermath of a breakup. The lyrics explore the emotions of heartbreak, regret, and moving on, and are sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the end of a relationship.
Modern Alibi — Seventies
Similar artists: Arctic Monkeys; The Strokes; The Killers; Neon Trees
Modern Alibi is an alternative rock band from Charlotte, NC, founded by Holden Scott, an up-and-coming musician/songwriter. In Modern Alibi’s debut single, “Seventies”, the protagonist metaphorically relays the feelings of hopeless attraction. The official lineup includes Holden Scott (founder, guitarist and lead singer), Sloane Letourneau (lead guitarist), Josh King (bassist), and Christian Sturt (drummer). Holden has created a unique and energetic sound for the band with his original music. The 4-piece indie rock band delivers a heavy vibe tempered by grooving bass lines, modern drumbeats mixed with vintage guitar tones, and topped off with a uniquely rich and rhythmic vocal tone.
Hidden Secrets
There was a time when we got to unpack songs with deeper means and messages. It was a fun and fascinating time that intrigued music lovers for decades. Some of the most famous examples include “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin and “Hotel California” by The Eagles.
Where some songs implied deeper meanings in their lyrics, other songs actually contained hidden messages when played backwards, a technique known as backmasking. Despite controversy surrounding the issue, many musicians have continued to use these technique in their music.
Some purposely wrote songs with hidden meanings and some didn’t realize that the messages in their music could stand for more than one thing depending on the listener.
Cabela and Schmitt’s Endearing New Single ‘DON’T DROP THAT MONKEY’ is a great example of the later idea where a song can have more than one meaning to the story. At first glance the song is about a little girl who’s made up best friend is a stuffed monkey doll. She calls him Harry and hardly ever let’s him leave her side. We took this single to social media and let our music fans decode the story to reveal their own version of the story.
Listen to the new single and let me know what you think it’s about..
The Future of Rock
As we look ahead to the future, I’m happy to say it’s clear that rock music is still strong. March 2023 was full of surprises and I am so grateful for this list of amazing songs. Thanks to all the rock bands who sent in their music for this show. I’m looking forward to hearing what April will bring us. Rock n Roll Lives!!
Overview: Here are some current rock music trends of 2023:
- An increased use of augmented reality and immersive concert experiences
- A resurgence in popularity of classic rock bands and their influence on modern rock music
- Collaborations between rock bands and electronic dance music producers
- Emphasis on environmentally conscious tours and music festivals
- Incorporation of diverse cultural influences and music styles into rock music.
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