One part gruff, yet melodic vocals, one part unbridled hard rock sensibility, one part searing guitar solos, and a dash of thunderous percussion make up Orlando, Florida’s latest musical sensation. Our Future Leaders dropped an atom bomb of a debut onto the alternative and hard rock community with Machines, containing moments of hair-raising choruses and head banging breakdowns.

With a clear knack for versatility and ingenuity in their songwriting, Our Future Leaders keeps the fans guessing by blending multiple genres together to create their ideal musical concoction. While “Enemy” borders on the softer edge of alternative rock, tracks such as “Caliber” explode with a metallic influences and white-hot guitar solos. Visit their official website for a delicious bite of free streaming audio.

Rise and shine, New York – a breaking young hip hop sensation is emerging across the city, delivering hard-hitting lyrics with super slick beats and an infectious flow. Staten Island’s own Frankie Zing, AKA FZiNG draws influence from artists ranging from Eminem to Snoop Dogg and almost anywhere in between, while adding in his own sense of creativity and ingenuity.

Following the release of his first single “Dream Forever,” FZiNG quickly established himself as an up and comer in the local scene as he continues to produce and record more material. With lyrics laced with positivity and personal reflection and raw, yet catchy instrumentals, this is another Northeast rapper to keep your eyes on.

Sink yourself deep into the musical pool of Aline Martinian, a new artist breaking out of Somerville, Massachusetts with a rapidly growing arsenal of eclectic instrumental tunes. Creating dramatic auditory soundscapes ideal for your favorite movie, television show, or video game, each of this up and comer’s songs convey a particular theme or emotion capable of matching up with a moment within a story.

Martinian continues to pump out new piano driven instrumentals, ranging from epic fantasy tracks to spine chilling moments of drama. Each track paints a portrait in the listeners mind, signaled by titles such as “The Haunting,” “Walk Through a Meadow,” and “Ascension.” Relaxing, inspiring, and fascinating, this what soundtracks should be.

A true symbol of Texas culture, music, and tradition, booming country artist Lou Watson continues to produce some of the best independent music in the Lone Star state throughout his seasoned career. With an honest attitude and a knack for penning relatable, authentic songs, he’s remained one of the best local country acts in the state for years.

Following the traditional country formula, Watson sticks to the basics with his tunes, relying on his slightly unpolished voice and catchy guitar rhythms. Selected as the Male Country Music Artist of the Year by the Texas International Music Association in 2009, he’s a bonafide treat for real Southern music fans to indulge in. https://www.louwatsoncountry.com https://www.myspace.com/louwatsoncountry/

It’s time for someone to prove that hip hop can take on more pressing issues than money, champagne, cars, and one night stands. It’s time for an artist courageous enough to step up to the mic and speak exactly what he feels, spitting his beliefs with ironclad resolve and impeccable talent. Phoenix, Arizona’s Gospel Hustla is up to the challenge, creating a catchy blend of gospel infused rap that’s taking the Southwest by storm.

Written by Dylan Gallagher

If you are ready for a new party-style street rapper, then HiWay Dre is the man for you. HiWay Dre has a multitude of produced songs with a great sound and with awesome beats. The production quality is great; HiWay Dre’s voice stands out as distinct and powerful. HiWay Dre produces his own music, which harkens back to old school rap. HiWay Dre lists his producing influences as dr. Dre, Pharrell, and Timbaland, and his artist influences are Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, and WuTang for starters. But let’s get to HiWay Dre’s music, for it is certainly worth talking about.

In the mood for an angry screamo rock project? Then DeadSleep is a band you might want to check out. The creative genius behind the project, Desi Pena pummels the mic with his voice and instruments, and his solos are hot enough to melt off more than your face. DeadSleep uses extensive effects on the guitars, giving them that crunchy, heavy sound. DeadSleep has a full-length recording titled Falling to Pieces. If you’re into heavy, screamo rock, then DeadSleep is for you. If you’re not into heavy, screamo rock, then maybe try opening your ears and letting in something new.

Teamed up with his band of uniquely talented musicians, Walter “Spicy” Bland and Climate Change are creating some of the hottest contemporary fusion jazz coming out of the south. A blend of smooth, sultry jazz rhythms laced with catchy keyboard melodies and funkified drum beats, The Spicy Fusion Project is turning into one of the more interesting musical experiences on the scene.

Their latest record Sweet Gumbo debuted in 2011 to an international audience, thanks to multimedia distribution from the US to South Africa through Goliath Promotions. A 14-track opus in contemporary jazz, the record ebbs and flows from song to song, grabbing hold of the listener’s ears and never letting go. https://www.walterblandmusic.com/