Wild Once is an emo-rock band from Buffalo, New York. They are known for their heart-on-their-sleeve lyrics and indie rock sound, showcasing their musical ideas through their EPs, including “Perennials” and “We Did It Anyway”. The band’s lyrics often explore themes of personal growth and the complexities of relationships, making them relatable to fans. We Did It Anyway by Wild Once
TVMTN is a WNY supergroup of sorts, comprised of many frequest collaborators from local indie label Harvestsum. The lineup consists Mark Nosowicz, Jeff Pietrzak, Andy Vaeth and Chris Groves and pumps out piano centric 2000s indie feel tracks. How It All Began by TVMTN
Brothers John and Tyler Marciniak formed what was later to be called Johnny and the Man Kids in 2014. Through the musical talents of guitarist Andy Pszonak, and drummer Alex Bogart, the original bad boys of Buffalo create catchy, dance-y rock and roll music. They’re just trying to make music their friends and them enjoy, and they do so with style. Home, Wherever That May Be by Johnny & the Man Kids
Del Paxton is an emo band based out of Buffalo. The band was named after Bill Cobbs character in the 1996 film That Thing You Do! Del Paxton began in 2013 with the release of an EP titled Worst. Summer. Ever. via Rochester based record label Secret Audio Club. In 2015 Del Paxton signed to Topshelf Records and have steadily proven themselves as a heavy hitter in the local scene, selling out various venues and being a must-have on certified bangers. September, Bedtime, Ontario by Del Paxton
North Tonawanda-based indie quartet echolocator has been making a splash as of late with their first wave rock sounds that has been nestled nicely on many of the DIY shows in Erie County and Fredonia. With all the members being under 21 years old (with one even in high school), the band has talent beyond their years. If you are a fan of The Smiths or The Cure then you should keep an eye out for this act.
Buffalo-based indie pop quintet Makeout Tactics has been making their name for themselves since emerging onto the scene in 2021. The band has an ability to switch directions and sounds based on who is taking lead, and combines into a Los Campesinos meets Say Anything megazord with their end product. The band dabbles in jangle-pop and indie rock and is quickly becoming a must-have name on bills with their live show performances.
Born out of Buffalo NY, Captain Tom & the Hooligans rose from the rustbelt with a determination to entertain audiences while sharing their passion for the cultures that birthed their unique sound! Inspired by local cultures the Hooligans Range in instrumentation from accordions to electric guitars. They’ve created a unique blend of the old-world and the new, while preforming original material the group also puts spins on traditional and contemporary songs alike, with an ability to produce up-tempo songs and ballads, rendering their own twist on new and old favorites from across the spectrum of Polka to Celtic Punk, Americana, Eastern European Folk, Folk-Rock, Ska and everything in between! – Captain Tom
Matt Smith’s Nervous System is a Buffalo-based project led by Matt Smith (guitar/vocals) alongside Roddy Potter (drums) and Colin Pratt (bass/vocals).The band is composed of three long-time music scene veterans whose sound is much akin to The Velvet Underground or The National. In essence, the end product is bluesy power-pop centric with some themes of “black magic, natural disasters, memory loss, deep depressions, and love gone forever wrong.” Today And Tomorrow Too by Matt Smith’s Nervous System
Buffalo, NY’s indie rock group Elemantra blends somber and sincere melodies with the lush aura of dream pop and shoegaze. Formed by childhood best friends Justin Woodmancy, Nick Beiling and Brent Bergstrom, the ensemble has consistently crafted creamy, reverb-drenched and infectious tunes. Their swirling pop sound is highlighted by dense, warm walls of guitars that are offset by transparent and introspective lyrics that bare all. Elemantra has curated a sonic atmosphere that is comforting, fresh and nostalgic. Only Momentary by elemantra
Eugene Palmer is the alter-ego / moniker of Buffalo’s Matt DiStasio and his slowcore / 90s style college rock music. Formed in the dark days of COVID-19, the project has emerged as one of the tightest indie bands on the indie scene. Rut by Eugene Palmer
“Aye Karou is an energetic 5 piece rock band from South Buffalo, NY. Its members include Mark Barrett (bass guitar/vocals), Ray Fulton (guitar/vocals), Brian Battenfeld (drums/percussion), and Bill Fulton (guitar/vocals). They began playing together in the summer of 2007 as The Tragically Sith, a cover band playing songs by The Tragically Hip but altering the lyrics to be all about the Star Wars films. A decision to begin playing original music drove the group to form Aye Karou in early 2010. The goal of the band became to share their music with as many people as possible and have the absolute best time ever doing it. Influences include My Morning Jacket, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Weezer, Pavement and Built to Spill.” – Aye Karou Hi, Karate by Aye Karou
Dr. Ooo has been a purveyor of wordplay in the Buffalo hip hop scene for minute. Drew Hartman’s rap project has been going strong since before Soundcloud was an era. For over a decade, he’s been combining his Rhymesayer-flavored poetic delivery with some of the tastiest boom bap beats and samples this side of the Pharcyde.
“Buffalo, NY’s Cooler has always combined a calculated, pop-minded approach with sincere and gritty storytelling. Their unique brand of “dreamo” takes the best aspects of emo, dream-pop, and alterantive songwriting and smashes them together into a soothing, shadowy mist that just barely smooths over the underlying tones of urgency and anxiety.” – Cooler
Welks Mice is Buffalo’s premier vibraphone – vocal DIY pop duo. Songwriter Max Weiss and vibraphonist Andre Welks-Fabretti explore themes of openness, positivity, and hope. The anxious and incessant edges of the duo’s sound give way to softer song forms while maintaining their signature stark and minimalist pop aesthetic that keeps Max’s lyrics central for the listener.
Buffalo-based indie rock trio Hundred Plus Club consists of Zain Shirazi (vocals, guitar), Burak Spoth (drums), and Zekeriya Spoth (keys). The three have been friends since middle school, playing together for over ten years, officially donning the Hundred Plus Club moniker in the summer of 2015. Hundred Plus Club is reminiscent of mid 2000s indie rockers such as Tokyo Police Club, Bloc Party, and Interpol.