The Talent
Artists
The musicians, producers, and DJs who make Sacramento sound like Sacramento. Discover your next favorite local act.
250 artists
A
A Moments Notice
Sacramento, CA metalcore/deathcore/hardcore band formed in 2020. Signed to Overshadow; blends old-school metalcore with modern sensibilities. Produced by Nick Miller (A Skylit Drive).
Aaron Le
Rising Sacramento R&B artist who went viral in early 2025 with "Sactown" — a love letter to Sacramento inspired by Lloyd's Southside. Song landed him a live performance on Good Day Sacramento (CBS) and a dedicated merch site. Performed at Rolling Loud LA March 2025 opening for Eric Bellinger, Eastside Kboy, Steven G., and Jhonni Blaze. Most commercially positioned artist on the list. Sactown is purpose-built for Sac Setlist — directly celebrates the city.
Abhorrency
Death metal. "Climax of Disgusting Impurities" on vinyl via Sentient Ruin (2023 vinyl; originally 2022 CD/tape). Lee Osh: "Unrelenting and vicious delight — layers of face melting mayhem with sneaky little hooks throughout." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Acid Thrower
Melodic thrash/brutal metal. Featured on the Sacra-Metal Massacre double LP (2025). Lee Osh: "galloping shred into brutal breakdowns." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Addalemon
Pop-punk. "Bad Idea" (6 songs, 12"/tape, Stay Tough Records, 2024). Lee Osh: "Ridiculously bounty of great melodies abound. This is finger snapping stuff with a slight melancholic edge." Also on "Super Massive Hits" comp (2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Adrian H and the Wounds
Sacramento rock/blues group on the local circuit.
Aequorea
Heavy/doom/crust/psychedelic deathrock from Nevada City. "Departure" (Fiadh Productions, April 2024, 5 songs/40 min). Lee Osh: "Prog meets melodic and metallic crusty doom with a psychedelic deathrock cummerbund." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Alex Jenkins Trio
Jazz trio (sax/upright bass/drums). "Black Bird" CD (2024, 40 min, 6 originals + 3 covers). Lee Osh: "wonderful open spaciousness to their music with every part shining through. Gentle and clear and powerful music exuding a quiet strength." Plays Sunday jazz series at Old Soul in Oak Park. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Ambers Wake
Amphibiology
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Cluttered Spaces, Piecing Our Phases, and The Nights We Spent Making Sense of It All".
Anime Aliens
Prolific solo/collaborative project by Charlie Passarell. 142+ albums on bandcamp (ambient/electronic/new age/dungeon/free jazz). Lee Osh: "one of the most prolific, and I would argue important, musical entities to ever exist in Sacramento." Recent collab "Passing Tones" with father Tony Passarell. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Anthony Boccaleoni
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Vanity".
Anxious Arms
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Our Own Armageddon".
Arden Park Roots
Sacramento reggae-rock outfit. Local staple since 2007.
Army of Trees
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Aruspex
Crust from Browns Valley, CA. "Hawthorne & Henbane" cassette/digital (2023). Lee Osh: "exceptional job of capturing all those elements of crust that stir my soul. Furious galloping rhythms topped with exceptional shared vocals. Dynamic, crucial, intelligent, poignant." Aruspex's "Fiadh" was reissued on tape by Fiadh Productions in 2024. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Atom & the Breaknecks
Sacramento-area punk/indie. Featured on the "Super Massive Hits" LP (222 Records, 2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Autograph
Sacramento hard rock band best known for 1984's "Turn Up the Radio".
B
Bafus/Raskin/Shiurba
Improv trio (drums, guitar, saxophone). "Fair Shanks Suburbia" LP (2023, ~40 min). Lee Osh: "Fierce and feral drumming, beautiful and abrasive electric guitar, and blurting saxophones big and medium." Connected to Gentleman Surfer. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Be Brave Bold Robot
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Beth Duncan
Veteran Sacramento jazz vocalist and radio personality. SJC mainstay performing with a quintet anchored by Joe Gilman (piano) and Jacam Manricks (sax).
Black Tie Occasion
Sacramento-area indie/punk. Featured on the "Super Massive Hits" LP (222 Records, 2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Blackalicious
Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel — Davis/Sacramento hip-hop duo.
Blessed Curse
Speedmetal/thrash/crossover — "Deadly Thrash" since early 2000s (formerly Atrosity, then Devastator). "Pray for Armageddon" on M-Theory Audio (fall 2023). Lee Osh: "really good at it... The riffs hit the spot with powerful hooks coming from all directions." Also on Sacra-Metal Massacre 2025. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Bloodstains
Early 80s California hardcore-influenced punk. Featured on the "Secret Futures" LP (Strange Club/RevInkmerch, 2025). Lee Osh: part of the "fire and melody of early 80s California hardcore" opening. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Blooming Heads
Indie/folk local band. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023) and the 916 Growth Gigs Trans Day of Remembrance comp (2023). Lee Osh: "Bri's voice is magic." Also performed at Golden Bear Dec 22, 2024 with Brianna Carmel. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Blous3
Art punk / noisy indie. "Illusion of Safety" tape (Research Chemical Records, 2023) and "Synchronized Swimming" (Cherub Dream Records, 2024). Lee Osh: "Chaotic and delightfully jagged and messy in all the best ways, but these songs are so well-written." Did national tour with Quinine. Note: distinct from Bous3 (slug: bous3). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Blue Oaks
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Rose Coloured Dreams".
Boot Juice
Northern California band from the Sierra Nevada hills, touring since 2017 in their 1996 International school bus. Eclectic American rock blending bluegrass, americana, swing, blues, and three-part vocal harmonies. Plays Fillmore, High Sierra, Treefort, and Golden Road Gathering.
Bous3
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Synchronized Swimming" (Cherub Dream Records).
Brendon B
Sacramento-based indie rock artist building fast momentum across streaming and social platforms. Formerly the frontman of Sacramento band Mom Cars, Brendon B is now a solo project defined by vulnerable songwriting, emotive vocal delivery, and acoustic, riff-driven indie rock. 108K+ monthly Spotify listeners.
Brianna Carmel
Indie folk/ukulele/electronic. Multiple 2024 releases including "Bri Earned the Power of Self Respect" EP (with Lucy Broom and Octomammoth) and "Never Said (a Platonic Love Song)" single. Also books shows via 916 Growth Gigs. Lee Osh: "absolutely stellar vocals that manage to soar while staying grounded with vulnerable confessional lyrics." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Brotha Lynch Hung
Sacramento hip-hop pioneer. Helped put Sac rap on the national map in the 90s.
Build Us Airplanes
Indie rock/emo/melodic hardcore. "All Things Expire" (Sell Your Heart Records, 2024 return after 2011 last album). Lee Osh: "Pop sheen to the hooks, a unique artistic take to the arrangements, sweet vocal harmonies, and enough punk." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Bulimia
Grind/mince. Cassette EP "Caucasoid Cranium Collapse" (Mullet Death Records, 4 songs/5 min). Lee Osh: "Bulimia's slide from grind to mince and back again is fistpump-inducing, head-shaking greatness." Plays sporadically but increasing. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Bye Bye Mars
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "System Shock".
C
C-Bo
Sacramento rap pioneer, active since the early 90s.
Cake
Sacramento alt-rock band led by John McCrea. Known for "The Distance", "Short Skirt/Long Jacket", "Never There".
Carpet Pissers
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Carrion Bloom
Black metal/crust/raw punk. Split tape with Piss Baptism (Transylvanian, 2024). Also "Heretic Howl" album on Transylvanian and Fiadh. Lee Osh: "one of my favorite albums of the last few years." Has connections to Wolf Lichen. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Celia St. Croix
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Checked Out
Sacramento-area punk/indie. Featured on the "Super Massive Hits" LP (222 Records, 2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Chelsea Wolfe
Sacramento-raised singer-songwriter blending doom, folk, and electronic textures.
Cities You Wish You Were From
Citizen Snips
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "SNIPS 2".
Cleverly Detached
Garage/power pop/punk/alt-rock. "Cat Fight" (6 songs, ~12 min, technically 2023, found at Phono Select in 2024). Lee Osh: "Smoky bluesy tone that adds a depth." Lee Osh fave track: "Did it to Myself" — "a certifiable hit single." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Coast Office
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Marine Layer".
Cockring
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Altar Call" (No Time Records).
Concrete Sewage Boy
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "5 or I am Concrete or IDK".
Crash Babes
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Sad Boys".
Creux Lies
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Frozen".
Crowd Control
Hardcore/metal. CD "Void of Decay" (6 songs/15 min, recorded at Pus Cavern). Lee Osh: "Such an excellent example of sacto style/20916 hardcore power. Heavy as hell, creatively constructed, and implemented with power for maximum impact." Exceptional two-guitar depth. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Curse You Von Baron
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
D
D.U.N.C.E.
Industrial punk/noise/fuzz. Demo #1 (No Time + Human Future Records, lathe-cut square picture disc + tape + digital, April Fools Day 2025). Lee Osh: "Full of 2-minute blasts of fuzz filled guitars stabbing your temples as swirly synths tease your nostril hairs and tinny martial beats pound on the garbage can." Rumored connection to Cockring. Hadn't played live as of Lee Osh's 2025 writing. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Dance Gavin Dance
Sacramento post-hardcore band founded 2005. Pioneers of the "swancore" sound.
DB.Boutabag
Sacramento rapper, part of the newer Sac hip-hop wave.
Death Grips
Experimental Sacramento group of MC Ride, Zach Hill, and Flatlander. Influential noise-rap trio.
Deftones
Sacramento alt-metal band formed in 1988. Grammy-winning, genre-defining albums from Around the Fur to Ohms.
Deiphage
Black death metal / war metal. "Nuclear Calvary" CD (early 2023) released on labels in Sacramento, Europe, Brazil, and Thailand. Lee Osh: "Phenomenal guitar work throughout, harrowing vocals, rhythms that barrel you over at varying tempos." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Desist
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "2024 Demo".
Ditzy Spells
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "I Need You to Kill Me".
Divided Youth
Old hardcore/skate thrash. "Demo'24" (7 songs/10 min, 2024). Lee Osh: "undoubtedly one of Sacramento's best live bands. Taking the spirit of early '80s hardcore and bringing it to our faces." Also on the "Secret Futures" 2025 comp. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
DJ Shadow
Davis-raised, Sac-adjacent legend. Rewrote the rules of hip-hop production with Endtroducing..... Pioneer of sample-based music.
Dog Party
Sacramento indie rock and pop-punk duo — sisters Gwendolyn (Gwennie) and Lucy Giles. Formed in 2007 when they were kids, first album out in 2009. Seven studio albums, Green Day tour openers, European touring veterans, and founders of their own imprint Sneak Dog Records. Still based in Sacramento.
Dogs Barking
Genre-spanning indie/experimental. Tape (Research Chemical Records, fall 2023, 10 songs). Lee Osh: "Ranging from grunge to emo-rap to post punk to noise rock to moody pop to experimental to punk bits." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Dolores 5000
Solo space rock / synth / guitar. "Schoenberg's Cats" LP (2023, 5th+ album in ~6 years). Lee Osh: "Sacramento's premier solo space rock sonic traveler." Songs traveling from "the Plaza Hotel to the moons of Uranus." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Don't Talk to Me
Experimental hardcore/electronic. 5 songs (December 2025). Lee Osh: "Starting off with swirling noises that vibrate into howling churn... some of the best over the top hardcore you've never heard... This shit is so fuckin siq." Previous EP "Headed for A Blackout" (2020) also noted as excellent. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Donrico De Castro
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Duchess of Saigon
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
E
Element Brass Band
Sacramento's premier New Orleans-style second line brass band, founded in 2011 by trumpeter Ryan Robertson, now led by baritone saxophonist Byron Colborn. Two-time Sacramento Music Awards "Best in Jazz" winner and founders of the city's annual Mardi Gras parade.
Embodied Torment
Brutal death metal, active approximately a decade. "Archaic Bloodshed" (return album) on Transylvanian Recordings 2023. Lee Osh: "Intense nasty brutal death metal." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Evilwatchme
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Maybe I Was".
F
Fake Canadian
Sacramento indie rock band, active on the local circuit.
False Flowers
Goth/post-punk/deathrock/darkwave. 12" EP (5 songs, Strange Club/RevInkmerch, 2025). Lee Osh: "absolutely rules... from its opening atmospherics takes me back to a time of trenchcoats and cloves. Songwriting just so good with icy banger after icy banger." Members from multiple long-running Sacramento bands. Final song: "Dorothea Puente's Ghost." Also on "Secret Futures" compilation. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Far
Sacramento post-hardcore band fronted by Jonah Matranga. Influential mid-90s emo.
Fastcase
Thrash/hardcore punk. Featured on the 2023 Cockring/Fastcase split tape EP on Thrash Tapes / No Time Records. Lee Osh: "Hellaciously fast fast fast when they need to be, yet slowing down to smash the stomp." Prior demos in 2022. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Fighting Words
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Green Grass, Running Water".
Fine Steps
Sweetly stirring indie-pop. On "Secret Futures" compilation (Strange Club/RevInkmerch, 2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Four Eyes
Sacramento punk band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007). Still active as of 2023 — played Dec 30 at Torch Club. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Furnace Woods
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Pocket / Sparrow".
G
Gamagalite
Sacramento indie punk/garage rock band formed around 2023. Spent time writing and refining before releasing debut EP. Listed on Sacramento Punk Shows local bills. Influences: Deftones, Turnstile, Surf Curse, Grouplove, Backseat Lovers. Active show-seeker. Like a G6 cover was their biggest TikTok moment.
Ganglians
Sacramento indie rock band — reverb-drenched, sun-bleached.
Gentleman Surfer
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Bacterium Tremendum".
ghostplay
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Zelpha" (Cool Dog Records).
Good Night Mouse
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Stay Aflot".
Greybush
Metal. Featured on the Sacra-Metal Massacre double LP (2025, all-Sacramento metal comp). Lee Osh: "barking madness." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Groovie Ghoulies
Sacramento pop-punk institution fronted by Kepi Ghoulie (Jeff Alexander). Active 1983–2007, nine studio albums, Lookout! Records. Horror-movie aesthetics, Ramones-derived song structures, international touring. Kepi continues as a solo artist and remains a key connector in the Sacramento punk community.
H
H. Salt
Layered indie rock. "A Burnt CD Effigy" tape (Research Chemical Records, March 2023). Lee Osh: "Droll, lyrically clever, leisurely indie rock sits on top, but in the background are thoughtful asides, screamed exhortations." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Halibut Head
Sacramento-area punk/indie. Featured on the "Super Massive Hits" LP (222 Records, 2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Harley White II
Sacramento bassist and bandleader. Regular at Shady Lady Saloon and the R Street jazz circuit.
Harsh Symmetry
Synth-driven solo project of Julian Sharwarko, originally from Sacramento, now LA-based. Signed to Fabrika Records. Blends 80s post-punk and new wave with darkwave and minimal wave. Debuted January 2022. Writes, records, and performs everything himself. Most internationally established artist on the list. Opened for Lebanon Hanover at SF Regency Ballroom. Headlined The Starlet Room Sacramento.
Hella
Zach Hill and Spencer Seim math-rock duo. Frenetic, formative.
HellHeart
Helper Monkeys
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Gorenoise. "Goreality Beyond Belief" (14.5 min/"187 tracks," spring 2024). Also handful of shorter releases + split with Anal Birth. Drums + distorted vocals only. Lee Osh: "it remains one of my favorite local releases of all time." May have broken up. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
High Bias
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Pieces of Us All".
Hobo Johnson
Frank Lopes Jr. broke out of Sacramento spoken word onto the national stage with Peach Scone. Genre-bending, emotionally raw, impossible to ignore.
Holehog
UK82/hardcore street punk. 2023 split 12" "To Have and to Hold". Prior: "Dystopian Reality" and "Radiation Blues" 12"s. Lee Osh: "epitomizes punk. The exact band to share with someone who asks what does punk sound like." Also on the "Secret Futures" comp (2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Holy Water
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Tides".
Hotel Pistol & Sunshine Smile
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Human Body
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Human Body".
Humidity Glow
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Never Thought Id Be Here Again (demos)".
I
Impreshn & OhRicky
Sacramento artist collab. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Spirits".
In Retrograde
Post-punk/goth/deathrock. Full-length LP (Transylvanian Recordings, 2024, 40+ min). Lee Osh: "just a treasure chest of thrillingly bummed out moody music that moves. Inexorable bass and drums propel a danceable depressive drive." Also a key booking/promoting entity in the Sacramento DIY scene. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Iron Spire
Crust/metal from Nevada County foothills. Cassette (4 songs/12 min). Arrived fully formed 2025. Lee Osh: "Throttling headbanging clenched fist anthems perfectly conceived and performed. An excellent blend of gnarly raw punk and nasty battle-ridden metal." Booked by Wretched Earth Productions. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Isle of Stipe
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
J
Jacam Manricks
Sacramento saxophonist and composer. Featured in the Beth Duncan/Joe Gilman SJC quintet; leads his own quartet and orchestra.
Jackie Greene
Salmon Creek/Sacramento Americana singer-songwriter. Touring member of The Black Crowes.
Jackknife Johnny
Punk/Oi!/street rock. LP "Trading Aces" (10 songs/25 min, Oi!tism Records, 2025). Lee Osh: "10 anthemic tracks in 25 minutes which will have you singing along, fists in the air from the first of many listens. Deep roots going back in many directions... triangulating some uk / nyc / socal sonic vectors for maximum impact." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Jesus & the Dinosaurs
Latin American inspired garage punk from Fairfield, CA. Featured on Pawn Takes Pawn compilation and on a "Relajo" tape released by PXP Recordings (2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Joe Gilman
Sacramento pianist and educator. CapRadio-designated "Sacramento jazz master." First-call bandleader for the Sacramento Jazz Cooperative and Twin Lotus Thai, leading tribute projects (Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Coltrane) alongside his own trios and quartets.
Jonah Matranga
Solo artist and Far frontman. Onelinedrawing project. Sacramento legend.
K
Katie Knipp
Sacramento blues powerhouse. Billboard-charting multi-instrumentalist known for raw, powerful live performances. National touring act with deep Sac roots.
Kawdeen
Digital grind. "I Only Experience Joy When Actively Operating A Forklift" (3 tracks/~2.5 min). Lee Osh: "Digital grind with great fuzzed out guitar, hyperspeed drum patterns and buried vocals... fuckin crushes like a cardboard baler." Songs: title track, "Pallet Jack Promotion," "3 Clamps." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Khris
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Is This Abyss?".
Kill the Precedent
Hardcore groove metal. Featured on the Sacra-Metal Massacre double LP (2025). Lee Osh: "hardhitting swinging hardcore groove." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Killer Couture
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Everything is Normal" (Transylvanian Records).
Kind Eyes
Sacramento metallic hardcore band formed in 2018. Influences: Rage Against the Machine, Incendiary, Stray From the Path. Signed to Upstate Records (NY). Known for politically charged, anti-racist messaging and high-energy live shows. Most established touring act on the list. West Coast hardcore scene mainstay.
Kinsly
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Klondike and York
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Knock Knock
Local indie/punk band. Featured on the Charles Albright Fest compilation (Sacramento Records, August 2024). Connected to The Globs songwriter Mike. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
L
Labrats
Sacramento jazz quartet founded 2022. Hip-hop/jazz/R&B fusion. Members: Joey Archie (piano), Miguel Recendez (keys), Jacob Swedlow (drums). Host the weekly Sunday Sessions jam at The Torch Club. Versatile backing band for vocalists and instrumentalists across genres.
Laughter Curve
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Invisible Hand".
Lavish D
Sacramento rapper, active on the modern Sac rap scene.
Lemmies
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Lightweight
Sacramento punk artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "No Goodbyes".
Little Guilt Shrine
Sacramento pop/rock and alternative trio — Dana Gumbiner (vocals, bass), Matt Holland (vocals, guitar), Britton Holland (drums). Active 1991–1998, five albums, KWOD airplay with "Jet, Jackie and J.C." in 1996. Dana went on to Deathray (ex-Cake members). Reunited at Harlow's in 2008, still drawing fans from out of town.
Little Medusas
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Little Rabbit 916
Little Tiny Knife
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Also performed at Brianna Carmel's birthday bash Jan 5, 2025 at Golden Bear. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Lobots Revenge
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Lokeigh
Powerpoppy/emo/cabaret folk/glam. On THE SOUND comp (2023). "Destined to Eat Your Flesh" EP (Stay Tough Records, 2023). Lee Osh: "Wonderfully distinctive vocals and endless hooks. Intergalactic space pop which feels to me like a future take on glam." Also on "Super Massive Hits" comp (2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Loose Choir
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Shy Side" (Transylvanian Records).
Los Sindes
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Pensamientos".
Lousy Bums
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Luhan Si Hadin
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #1 compilation ("Breakups are Hard", 2022). Lee Osh: "Binary Stars" on #1 "wormed its way into my brain months ago and seems to have taken up permanent residence." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Lyrics Born
Tom Shimura, Davis-based rapper. Solesides/Quannum pioneer.
Lysol Toast
Thrash metal. Featured on the Sacra-Metal Massacre double LP (2025). Lee Osh: "absolute shred" — Side C highlight. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Malandro
Powerviolence (2-piece origin, grew to include additional vocalist). Released "Demo #2" (2023) on Mullet Death Records. "Influenced by our lives in Mexico and coming to the US." Broke up in late 2023 — played final show with Violencia from Tijuana. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Mateo Briscoe
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "STOP IT".
Matt K. Shrugg
Local music/art. On "Secret Futures" compilation (Strange Club/RevInkmerch, 2025). Lee Osh: "glorious garage" and "local music/art genius." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Mazy J
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND compilation series (2023). Lee Osh: "T4T Love Song" (clawhammer punk) is one of his "new favorite local songs of all time." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Megan Claire
NorCal-based indie/alt singer-songwriter. Tagline: "music to scream or cry to." Releasing consistently through 2025 with multiple singles and a full album. Performs at local venues including Sudwerks Brewery. GoFundMe running for album recording. Pay-what-you-can pricing signals DIY/independent model.
Mescaline Maniacs
Powerviolence/grind/noise/beatdown hardcore — one of Sacramento's longest-running extreme bands. 2023 split tape with Chafa on No Time Records. Lee Osh: "one of the best bands EVER to come out of Sacramento. They've had an immeasurable impact on influencing and building up the ever-evolving local scene." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Mick Martin
Sacramento blues legend. Co-founder of the Sacramento Blues Society. Released and appeared on over 40 albums and compilations across a career spanning the 1960s–2020s. Started with the psychedelic blues band Joshua (played the Fillmore), and performed into the 2020s with his band the Blues Rockers. Passed away in 2025 at age 76. Today (May 5, 2026) would have been his 77th birthday. The Sacramento Music Archive is releasing a Mick Martin Memorial Series — 2 audio docs every 2 weeks for 11 months.
Mick Martin & the Blues Rockers
Mick Martin's long-running band, active into the 2020s. Martin passed away in 2025.
Mimic
Hardcore punk. "The GB Demos" (4 songs/~6-7 min). Lee Osh: "Catchy choruses to shout along to and ripping arrangements that sound classic even as they were made this year." Mid-tempo punk churn. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Mind X
Sacramento folk-bluegrass-psychedelic fusion band. Every Thursday at The Torch Club.
MJ Bones
Local trans/nonbinary artist. Featured on 916 Growth Gigs Trans Day of Remembrance comp (2023). Lee Osh: "great opening emo-ukey track." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Monster Treasure
Local indie/DIY band. Featured on the Charles Albright Fest compilation (Sacramento Records, August 2024) — contributed 2 songs. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Mortality
Metal/punk. Raw demo CDR "Road Rage" (7 songs/10 min, no vocals). Lee Osh: "dedicated to raging and headbanging with little time for solos cuz its all about power chords... 'we can do whatever we want' attitude." DNL Studios regular. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Motorcycle
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Boardwalk".
Mozzy
Sacramento's own. Oak Park hip-hop with raw street narratives and relentless grind. One of the most important voices in West Coast rap.
Mrs
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Blood Drive" (Transylvanian Records).
Munia
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Natural Death
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Catfish with a Stapler, Dog with a Nailgun".
NineFingers
Local artist and compiler of THE SOUND compilation series (themed comp + zine). Organizes/curates NineFingersMusic project. Contact: NineFingersMusic@gmail.com / @ninefingersmusic. soundofyourcity.bandcamp.com. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Nooseburn
Crust/grind/black metal. Demo (early 2024, Ambush Records, ~7 min, 2 songs). Involves folks from multiple Sacramento projects. Scandinavian and Japanese influence. Lee Osh: "one of the coolest things I've heard all year." May not play live in Sacramento regularly. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Nostril
Noizpunk/d-beat. Demo tape "Deviated System" (3 songs/~6 min). Lee Osh: "over the top hardcore raw ponk drawing from the noisier crashing d-beating noizpunk scandi-chaos side." "Classtrophobik" (intentional spelling) is a standout track. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Nyokensa
Grind/powerviolence/noise. 8 releases on bandcamp (~33 min total). Split tape on No Time Records (2025). Lee Osh (real-time from receiving demos): "It sounds really fuckin big and massive. The bass is so sick. The overlapping vocals are fuckin hilarious but in a really good way — like angry Sesame Street characters arguing on a subway." Toured before playing local. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Oh Lonesome Anna
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Pictures of My Shoes".
Oleander
Sacramento rock band behind the late-90s single "Why I'm Here".
One Feels Pain Often
Chaotic hardcore. "Garage" EP (bandcamp). May be done. Lee Osh: "Wild and raw power, mixing chaotic hardcore with burly bits, and integrating softer passages to build up the impact." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Papa Roach
Vacaville/Sacramento-area rock band. "Last Resort" made them a household name.
Parabellum
Thrash metal. Featured on the Sacra-Metal Massacre double LP (2025). Lee Osh: "absolute shred" — Side C highlight. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Parish
Ambient/experimental/mallsoft-adjacent, Davis, CA. Also records as Disconscious. "Cascades of Refinement" on Important Records (2023). Prior Disconscious album was an "influential early mallsoft vaporwave album." Performed at NorCal Noisefest. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Pilot Waves
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Pilot Waves".
Pink Lady
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Holding Me Back".
Piss Baptism
Blackened grinding death thrash. 1.5 releases on Transylvanian Recordings 2024: "Relapse Straight Back to Hell" (3 songs/8 min tape) + split with Carrion Bloom. Lee Osh: "still anguished and demonic as hell, but with an intentionality to the intensity that turns up the impact." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Pizzas
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Pomegranate Sunday
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Cedar".
Poorsport
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Songs we wrote for our friends to sing".
Porch Cat
Local trans/nonbinary artist. Featured on 916 Growth Gigs Trans Day of Remembrance comp (2023). Song "about what it feels like to go back to the hometown you have evolved beyond." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Pseudopropheta
Punk/power pop/hard rock. CD "Her" (6 songs/20 min). Release party at Musiclandria. Lee Osh: "Great bluesy belted vocals reaching deep, nifty and effective guitar leads, and a solid rhythm section making cool and tough-sounding songs." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Push to Feel
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Even Nothing Sounds Like Something".
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Quinine
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Where Are You From".
Quinkana
Noisy indie/grunge. Cassette EP "Shuttered Light" (6 songs). Lee Osh: "high energy depression noisy bummer indie-rock band that has a punch and power... The dual guitar play on this is a delight." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Rainbow City Park
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Overgrown". Jake from Sex Playlist has played with this group.
Rapper Named Joseph (RNJ)
Sacramento rap artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Shikata Ga Nai" (with Bonnie Darco).
Rated R
Sacramento alt-rap duo formed October 2025 — under 6 months old at time of research. Blends alt hip-hop, trap, and punk energy. Known for crowd-interactive shows with heavy audience engagement. Sold out Cafe Colonial in 10 minutes. Performed at Sac State KSSU Musical Madness Marathon (March 2026). Release party for BODIES at Insomniac event. Also played Rink Studios.
Renewer
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Sunne".
Riff Randals
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Riley Echo
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Swords Down".
Riot Radio
Punk rock trio, 15+ years in Sacramento. LP "Return or Run" (recorded at Earthtone Studios). Lee Osh: "one foot in skate rock, one foot in kick ass punk rock, and another foot out there celebrating gritty resilience." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Rita Hosking Band
Davis, CA-based songwriter Rita Hosking writes country-folk and Americana drawn from forest fires, rivers, dishes, culture clash, and hard-won hope. Longtime collaborator Sean Feder backs her on dobro, banjo and guitar. "Come Sunrise" (2009) won Best Country Album in the 2010 Independent Music Awards Vox Pop, and 2018's "For Real" was praised by bluegrass DJ Eric Rice as her best yet.
Rituals of Mine
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Black Dog".
Rosemother
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "In My Memory You Stood There Sweetly".
Ruckus Roulette
Brand new Sac/Elk Grove emo-indie band at day zero when researched. Only two TikToks posted, no web presence, no Spotify yet. First documented live show at Torch Club April 17, 2026 (21+). Worth monitoring as an emerging act.
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S.U.R.G.E.
Crust/metal crossover. "State of Complete Emptiness" on Transylvanian Recordings (late 2023). Lee Osh: "Heavy as hell but with an undergirding crustypunk foundation. A creative desperate sounding powerful sonic response to a fucked up world." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
Sacramento's premier philharmonic and opera company, established in its current form in 2015 from the merger of the Sacramento Philharmonic (founded 1999) and Sacramento Opera. Roots trace to the original Sacramento Symphony (1948–1997). Led by CEO Giuliano Kornberg.
San Kazakgascar
Instrumental world-jazz-funk-rock-experimental. "Too Many People" LP (2023, fully instrumental). Also a live drone tape on Trouble in Mind Records (2023). Lee Osh: "so good, so exciting to me, so fresh, unique, and wonderful that I want to scream from the rooftops." Active 15+ years in Sacramento. Guitars, clarinet, flutes, sax, synths, percussion. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Sea of Bees
Jules Bee project from Sacramento. Hushed dream-pop with wounded melodies.
Secretion
Grind/gore/dbeat/raw hardcore. "Fetid Odors from the Drainage Pipe" tape (8 songs/~7.5 min, Mullet Death Records, spring 2024). Formed spring 2024. Lee Osh: "Secretion is out there making this horribly wonderful noise and writing really fucking great songs. The arrangements, pacing, and structure of these brief songs are so perfectly constructed." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Secretions
Sacramento punk band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Sex Playlist
Self-described 'punk-adjacent' Sacramento band. Not traditional punk — they actively resist easy genre categorization. Formed in 2023, spent time writing before releasing debut EP "Demos and Do-Overs" on April 1, 2025. Eon previously fronted CatchingBugs (local dance punk). Jake played with Shower Breakfast and Rainbow City Park.
Shark Sandwich
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Shortstop
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "shortstop".
Shotgun Sawyer
Blues/grunge/psych from the foothills. Self-titled LP (3rd album, Ripple Music, 2024). Lee Osh: "total fuckin scorcher... SHOTGUN SAWYER plays the blues in a way that fuckin rules. Phenomenal string attacking lickery dripping with fuzz and touches of killer slide." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Shove It
Skate punk/smart punk. "No Comply" LP (vinyl release of 2014 recording, 2023). Originally active ~2010s; returned for N-Men Movie events. Lee Osh: "a great sarcastic sneering old school punk sound... the most intellectual skate punk you'll ever hear." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Siddoth
Industrial metal. Featured on the Sacra-Metal Massacre double LP (2025). Lee Osh's top discovery on the comp: "twisted as fuck percussive industrial metal dirge — heavy, fucked up, and totally different than the rest of the comp." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Sister Crayon
Sacramento dark electronic duo. Terra Lopez and Dani Fernandez blend industrial beats with haunting vocals. Intense live shows.
Ski Instructors
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007 recordings, PXP Recordings, released summer 2023). Pop-punk/punk/rock era. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Sol Peligro
Long-running Sacramento Latin rock/funk band led by Sam Miranda. Nearly 20 years in the scene. Miranda started spin-off Peligro Brass during COVID (Latin brass covers). Sol Peligro is active again. Dan (Dan The Man Ent.) is actively promoting their upcoming shows. Peligro Brass performed at Sac State to strong reception. Miranda incorporates Latin roots into all writing.
Songs in the Key of Leslie
Local songwriter. Featured on THE SOUND compilation series (2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Spawn
Old school death metal. "Excessively Rotted" EP (3 songs/15 min, CD, late 2024). New band. Lee Osh: "already have a distinct, powerful locked in sound." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Steev & the Bitch Club
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Steev (PRE PRO)".
Stunna Girl
Sacramento rapper. "Runway" viral success pushed her nationally.
SusDMs
Local indie/DIY band. Featured on the Charles Albright Fest compilation (Sacramento Records, August 2024) — comped to showgoers at Phono Select. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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T-Nutty
Sacramento rapper, part of the generation that followed the 90s pioneers.
Tales of Terror
Punk. Featured on the "Secret Futures" LP (Strange Club/RevInkmerch, 2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
TENTACULT
Proggy death metal. "Lacerating Pattern" on Transylvanian Recordings (40 min). Lee Osh: "Rooted in very fast frisky yet heavy doomy deathy metal that reaches towards unpredictable outer limits." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Tera Melos
Sacramento math-rock trio. Intricate, restless compositions since 2004.
Tesla
Sacramento hard rock legends formed in 1981. Multi-platinum band behind "Love Song" and "Signs".
The Enlows
Sacramento band from the Pawn Takes Pawn archival compilation (2002–2007). Still active as of 2023 — played Jan 14 at Cafe Colonial. Pop-punk/rock. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
The Frenchmen
Indie-pop/punk. "Sorry We Ruined Your Party" (20-year-old album reissued on vinyl, 2024). Reunion shows at Charles Albright Fest at Phono Select (August 2024). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
The Globs
Rough-edged pop/indie rock. Cassingle (2018 + 2024 recordings). Connected to The Bananas, Knock Knock, Horny Mormons — all from the same songwriter (Mike). Lee Osh: "crafting beautiful songs — instantly recognizable, stirring to the soul, and delightfully underground." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
The Gold Souls
Sacramento 8-piece band formed in 2017. Blend driving funk grooves, rich soul textures, and blues storytelling. Latest album "Something In The Air" dropped April 2025. One of Sacramento's most celebrated local acts.
The Golden Cadillacs
Sacramento-rooted classic country band whose roster includes members of Jackie Greene, Dead Winter Carpenters, Tim Flannery, Jake Peavy, and Merrygold. They started as foothill kids and grew into a psych-country live band with sharp songwriting and an effortless live charm — country, folk, alt-country and Americana spanning the 1950s to today.
The Government
Punk. Featured on the "Secret Futures" LP (Strange Club/RevInkmerch, 2025). Lee Osh: "Secret Futures" kicks off with two "absolutely striking songs" — The Government opens Side A. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
The Losin Streaks
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Last House".
The me gustas
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "It came from the chum bucket".
The New Crowns
Sacramento band formed summer 2017 by brothers Timothy and Michael Brown. Originally an acoustic duo. Drummer Nick D'Anneo joined within months; second guitarist Connor Chavez followed about a year later. Folk / pop / alternative / soul. SAMMIE-nominated. Debut EP "Stuck" released independently in early 2020.
The Nickel Slots
Sacramento country-rock band, longtime local favorite.
The Pseudo Mystics
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Any Other Way".
The Q-Zars
Indie/experimental/synth punk. "I'm A Little Worried, Actually" (Slow Hair T Rex Recordings, late 2024). Lee Osh: "strange, swirling, Sacto-riffic... Rooted in blurry indie-punk rock, but blasting out into space." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
The Snares
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "What you said?".
The Test Dream
Hardcore/screamo/noise. S/t EP (2023 recording, released on Home to the Heart Records 2024). Split with Watch You Fall (late Dec 2024). Lee Osh: "packing so much into COREness that verges on chaos. Desperate vocals; noise guitar; screamo flashes; drums all over the place." Active into 2025. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Three Armed Bandit
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Tony Passarell
Jazz/improviser. Father of Anime Aliens / Charlie Passarell. "Passing Tones" duo album with Anime Aliens (2024). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Tovidence
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Lying To".
Toxic Waves
Sacramento-area punk/indie. Featured on the "Super Massive Hits" LP (222 Records, 2025). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Union Hearts
Punk. LP available at RevInkmerch/Strange Club. Lee Osh: "one of the greatest punk albums to come out of Sacramento in all of forever." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Unpleasant
Anarcho-punk bedroom recording project. "Controlled Demolition" (8 songs, 2024). Lee Osh: "One person far away with a plentitude of local connections." Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Unprovoked
Thrash metal. Featured on the Sacra-Metal Massacre double LP (2025). Lee Osh: "absolute shred." Full LP forthcoming 2026 from Sacra-Metal label. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Until It Kills Me
Anarchist hardcore. EP (6 songs, CD + bandcamp). Lee Osh: "Beautifully chaotic anarchist music where each song has at least seven parts... an adventure full of most excellent yodeling for liberation. Crucial." May be done/on hiatus. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Valley Taylor
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "Sunlight Filtered Through the Tree in My Window".
Vasas
Local indie/DIY band. Featured on the Charles Albright Fest compilation (Sacramento Records, August 2024). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds
Indie rock/folk/roots. "Afterimage" LP (10 songs/30 min, 3rd album, 2025). Lee Osh: "powerful and thoughtful record... driven forward with driving or sometimes wailing fuzzed out pounding rocknroll." 10-year anniversary of debut "Low" celebrated Jan 23 at Press Club. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Vivian Lee
Sacramento jazz vocalist specializing in the Great American Songbook. 2007 SAMMIE winner and longtime fixture of the Sacramento Jazz Cooperative and Sacramento Music Festival. Working quartet includes Joe Gilman, Steve Homan, Buca Necak, and Tim Metz.
Vs. The Girl
Local artist. Featured on THE SOUND #2 compilation ("Loving is Easy", 2023). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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Wake the Beast
Whoreified
Local punk/extreme band. Featured on the Charles Albright Fest compilation (Sacramento Records, August 2024). Also played Cafe Colonial Aug 29 (with Cockring, False Flowers, Mascara, Altar Girl). Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Wildfather
Sacramento artist. Listed in SacIndieMusic.com 2024 Year-End Roundup. Featured 2024 release: "The Loss & Fade".
Will Haven
Sacramento hardcore/sludge band. Heavy, punishing, beloved locally.
Wolf Lichen
Black metal (Sierra Nevada-inspired). "Empyreal Alpine Lysergy" (Fiadh Productions, 2024). Recorded at Earthtone Studios. Lee Osh: "Two ten-minute tracks of searing and soaring black metal — heavy on the atmospherics with pretty phenomenal layered guitars." Explicitly anti-capitalist, anti-fascist, anti-imperialist. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
Worst Ways
Hardcore punk. Self-titled LP (New Age Records, 2024, 10 songs/20 min). Lee Osh: "completely blown away. Vocals simultaneously pissed off and melodic. Songs that coherently veer from sick breakdowns to thrash bits to hard-edged emotion. The reason I wrote this and you are reading this right now." Signed to legendary New Age Records. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com
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X-Raided
Sacramento rap pioneer. Part of the core generation that built Sac hip-hop.
Xerostomia
Grindviolence/powercore. Debut cassette (10 songs/~10 min, 916Noise, 2025). Lee Osh's highest praise of the year: "one of Sacramento's best fast bands in, like, forever. Xerostomia is one of those bands that is just so good and inspiring that they remind me of why I do this thing I do here." Better live than recorded. Source: Lee Osh, Words on Sounds, sacpunkshows.com