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Lee Neitzel, singer, Transmission Fields: The Stellas. They put on a high-energy show every time. They play like they're in front of thousands of people regardless of how many people are there. To top it off, the guys really are some of the nicest guys in town. If you were in the market for a sweaty, beer-stained shirt, I'm positive Adam would give you the one off his back.
Reginald Jamerson, guitarist/vocalist, Pradigy GT: I've seen a ton of local bands and been to a lot of shows, but the one local band that left me feeling like WHOA was Campbell. The visuals and overall production of their show blew me away. I felt like I was at a Coldplay/Muse concert. The lights, the dynamics of the music and the antics ... it was just fantastic. After the Campbell performance, I thought, "This is what I want people to feel like after they see my band perform."
John Thomsen, guitarist, Grown Up Avenger Stuff: Certainly, Tattermask for being amazing scene supporters. Adam Middleton projects (The Stellas/The Isaac Spiveys) for fresh, super-catchy, current and unique energetic music — and members of both those bands can often be found at local shows showing support. Then there's these locally based super bands like Sugar Glyder and Evelynn Rose who are definitely present in our local scene even though they have gone off in their own directions, setting the bar high and not just musically — they have pushed what it means to be DIY and in doing so have trailblazed a path for up-and-coming bands to go out there on their own and do amazing things. And finally the musician/scene/incubator types — Scott Weaver (Babyshaker, Snagglepuss, Shiprocked), Bo White (Yardwork, Kinnikikk), and probably my personal favorite Neal M.F. Harper (2013 Wolves, The Milestone) who has not only thrown his life into the scene with utter completeness but, for many people, also helped define what Charlotte music actually is (and it's awesome). Plus, his band 2013 Wolves is mind-blowing.
Dylan Gilbert, guitarist/singer, Dylan Gilbert & The Over Easy Breakfast Machine: There are so many bands to consider. Linus Van Pelt, Case Federal and The Agents, Members of the Sea and Yardwork are all good ones to name. They're all creative and passionate. And it seems only accurate to mention Benji Hughes as one of the most enjoyable albums of the past year altogether (local or not). If Phil Pucci (Almighty Flying Machine, Palm Trees, Aloha Dear Andrea, etc.) had a project going, I'd probably mention that too, but I believe he's in between bands. He's pretty obscure around the scene, but he's one of the better songwriters I know. But the one band that really stands out to me is The Have And The Have Nots. Their energy is raw and intense. It's such a simple two-piece setup but hits you like something from another planet. Totally original. I hope I can take some of what Ben Henry is doing and apply it to my own songwriting in the future. The kid's a genius.
Joshua Wade, bassist, Evelynn Rose: We feel like Sugar Glyder is the must-see band of Charlotte right now. The vocal is unique and amazing. They constantly release incredible material that is fresh, current and relatable. A great work ethic, beautiful songwriting, and a powerful live performance all are determining factors to us ... plus, "Grace the Fulcrum" is one of the most epic songs ever!
Mike Hendrix, guitarist/singer, The Belmont Playboys: For me, it has to be the Aqualads, and that's been so for a long time. They're one of the best there is out there at what they do, anywhere. And they've remained so through some pretty deep personnel and even stylistic changes, over a term of years that most bands don't even bother aspiring to, much less come anywhere near achieving. I know some people get frustrated with or just aren't interested in all-instrumental bands — some folks just gotta have a front guy — but it ain't that way for me. Jimmy, Jeremy and the rest of the boys are experts at a complex form whose principle requirement is that it has to seem simple. They know what tone is; they know what subtlety is; they know what cool is. They work hard at the music, and they make it look almost easy. All that is no mean feat, and the fruits of their sweat, drive and inspiration are always a joy to behold.
