The best I can do is name some of my current favorite artists. I have no idea of how influential they are on a national or international scale though as influence is not something I gauge my listening habits by, nor can I accurately gauge just how influential they are as that takes years to determine. I am also not sure of ages here either but with few exceptions these are all relatively new bands. I will say that despite the current state of radio, I still discover music through word of mouth (which is how I first found out about Buffett and scores of other artists). I also listen to lots of radio whether it be XM or stations I listen to through iTunes (such as the aforementioned KEXP). Other outlets include messageboards, blogs, email lists and FB where I'm often led to check out new artists via YouTube. In addition to that, I attend a lot of live shows by local, regional and national/international touring artists.drunkpirate66 wrote:Some great points (and Grace has made a tremendous influence on me . . .) so can you name a few current rock acts, under the age of 40 . . . 30 would be better . . . but I will give you to 40 . . . who is even remotely influence on a national or world scale? Like rock bands or performers such as Springsteen, Jovi, U2, Metallica, Dave Matthews, REM, Van Halen, etc. were when they were young and making an impact? Again, in 2011 (and for the decade prior) I just don't see it.
The Decemberists, the War On Drugs, Megafaun, Mumford & Sons, Kurt Vile, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Elf Power, the Roadside Graves, the Gaslight Anthem, Two Cow Garage, Hayes Carll, Mount Moriah, Ryan Gustafson, Tift Merritt, The Light Pines, The Love Language, Ryan Adams, Donna the Buffalo, J. Roddy Walston & the Business, The Rosebuds, Chatham County Line, Dead Confederate, Samantha Crain and Nada Surf. I could probably name 100 more but will spare you. Out of those, the one most fitting the bill is probably J. Roddy Walson of J. Roddy Walston & the Business. To describe him as "charismatic" is great understatement. He steals the show without really meaning to or by making an attempt to be cocky. He's just got what it takes to front a kick ass rock n' roll band such as The Business:
These bands aren't really my cup of tea but they're worth mentioning as far as newer artists: The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, the Raconteurs, Justin Townes Earle, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Ryan Bingham, The Hold Steady, Iron & Wine, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The National, Lucero, Those Darlins, American Aquarium and Band of Heathens. Again, I'm sure there's plenty more that simply aren't coming to mind right now.
