Vermont is not just a state known for its breathtaking landscapes, adventurous outdoor activities, and mouth-watering maple syrup. It is also a vibrant hub for music enthusiasts, as it boasts a diverse and thriving music scene that has produced some of the world’s most talented musicians.
Vermont has given birth to some incredibly talented artists, spanning a variety of genres. From the catchy pop melodies of JoJo to the soulful, folk-inspired tunes of Anaïs Mitchell, the state has produced an impressive range of singers, songwriters, and even playwrights.
Delving deeper into the music scene of Vermont, we can examine the notable achievements of 20 renowned musicians who have left their indelible mark on the industry.
1. Phishing: The Art of Deception
Based in Burlington, Vermont, Phish is a renowned rock band that has captivated audiences with their improvisational and extended live performances. They are known for infusing elements of funk, jazz, and psychedelia into their music, making their sound unique and unforgettable. With a dedicated fan base, Phish’s concerts are famous for their elaborate live shows and one-of-a-kind setlists that keep fans coming back for more.
Fans were so enamored with Phish’s live concerts that they began to trade recordings of them online. This surge in demand eventually led the band to include their live recordings on their website and even create a streaming service called ‘LivePhish+’.
2. JoJo
JoJo, a renowned singer, songwriter, and actress, skyrocketed to fame in the early 2000s with her hit single “Leave (Get Out).” This track not only topped charts but also made her the youngest artist, at just 13 years old, to achieve this feat.
Over the course of her career, JoJo has delivered four studio albums and collaborated with notable artists such as Demi Lovato and Charlie Puth. In addition, she has made appearances in both movies and television series, including “Aquamarine” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
3. Prydein
Prydein stands out as a Celtic rock band renowned for their ability to blend traditional Scottish and Irish melodies with modern rock and roll, resulting in an upbeat and lively musical style that is perfect for dancing.
With a unique blend of Celtic music and rock, the band has garnered a strong fan base that includes both genres. Their energetic shows have captivated audiences and created a loyal following of fans.
4. Anaïs Mitchell
Anaïs Mitchell, the recipient of a Tony Award, is a renowned singer-songwriter and playwright who has captivated audiences with her unique fusion of folk, rock, and Americana music. Her poetic lyrics and ability to weave a compelling narrative through her music are what make her a standout artist.
The Broadway musical, “Hadestown,” adapted from Mitchell’s album, was a Tony Award winner. Mitchell co-wrote the musical and was also honored with a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
5. Noah Kahan
With his debut single “Young Blood,” Noah Kahan has become a popular indie-pop singer-songwriter.
With a unique blend of folk, pop, and indie rock, Kahan’s music has earned him comparisons to other talented artists such as Vance Joy and Ed Sheeran. His talent has not gone unnoticed, as he has had the honor of opening for other established musicians and even joined James Bay’s North American Tour in 2019.
6. RAQ
RAQ is a highly regarded jam band that has gained a reputation for their incredible live performances. Their shows are characterized by improvisational music that blends rock, funk, and jazz elements seamlessly. Over the years, they have toured extensively and performed at many music festivals, cultivating a devoted fan base within the jam band scene.
7. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
The Grace Potter and the Nocturnals band has established a reputation for their electrifying live shows, which fuse together rock, blues, and soul. The lead vocalist, Grace Potter, is a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who fronts the band.
The group loves performing at music festivals, including the renowned Bonnaroo Festival. They have also had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most notable musicians in the industry, such as Kenny Chesney and The Rolling Stones.
8. The Static Age
The Static Age, a post-punk band renowned for their relentless touring across America and Europe, has amassed a dedicated fan base within the punk and alternative music scenes. They have graced multiple music festivals with their electrifying performances. The band’s highly anticipated album, “Neon Night Electric Lives,” is their magnum opus.
9. Strangefolk
Strangefolk is a renowned jam band that has gained immense popularity for their exceptional performances across the United States. Despite undergoing several changes in their lineup over the years, the band has successfully maintained a devoted fan base who continue to support and appreciate their music.
It’s impressive to see how dedicated fans of this band are. Some of them have gone so far as to create a charity called “Strangers Helping Strangers” to demonstrate their support. The band has made a name for themselves by blending jam music with elements of jazz, rock, and folk, which has garnered them a devoted following.
10. Nothing, Nowhere
Joe Mulherin, also known as Nothing,Nowhere, is a talented musician who has made a name for himself as a rapper, singer, and producer. His unique style blends elements of emo, punk, and hip-hop to create an unforgettable sound that has gained him a devoted following.
In addition to his solo work, he has teamed up with some of the most renowned musicians in the industry, including Travis Barker and Dashboard Confessional. Through these collaborations, he has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in the alternative music scene.
11. 99 Neighbors
A collective of talented musicians hailing from Burlington, Vermont, 99 Neighbors emerged in 2018 and quickly made a name for themselves in the industry. Their music is a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and indie rock, resulting in a distinctive sound that resonates with a diverse range of listeners.
A plethora of songs and hits have been released by them, which have gained immense popularity on Spotify. Some of the noteworthy releases include “Ripstick,” “Fake Pods,” and their collaborative effort with Brasstracks, titled “F**k No.”
12. Mountain Man
Mountain Man is a group of three talented women who have made a name for themselves with their authentic Appalachian sound. Their music is characterized by its delicate vocal harmonies and stripped-down instrumentation, resulting in a sound that is both intimate and powerful.
During their touring endeavors, they expanded their reach to Europe and were fortunate enough to perform alongside The Decemberists on stage.
13. Jazz Mandolin Project
Led by mandolinist Jamie Masefield, The Jazz Mandolin Project is a highly acclaimed jazz fusion group that has gained widespread recognition for its unique and innovative approach to music. Their style of jazz seamlessly blends together elements of bluegrass and world music, resulting in a sound that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Their lineup has expanded in recent years to include Jon Fishman, a talented drummer from Phish.
14. Sam Amidon
Sam Amidon hails from Brattleboro, Vermont, and is a well-known folk singer and multi-instrumentalist. His music is characterized by his distinctive take on traditional folk songs, which seamlessly blend elements of jazz, experimental music, and avant-garde.
Throughout his career, Amidon has produced multiple albums, traveled extensively across the globe, collaborated with the renowned Kronos Quartet, and even had the honor of being a guest vocalist for the popular band Bon Iver.
15. Blues and Lasers
Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, Blues and Lasers is a blues-rock band that has gained a reputation for their high-energy live shows. The band has already released two albums – “After All We’re Only Human” and “Blues and Lasers EP” – that showcase their impressive musical talent.
16. Dispatch
Hailing from Vermont, Dispatch is a renowned roots rock band that has gained recognition for their dynamic live shows and lively ballads. Their music is known for its upbeat tempo and spirited performances that leave audiences wanting more.
With a massive fanbase, mainly comprising of college students, this band established themselves as one of the pioneers of independent music. Their concerts were sold out arenas, and some of their most recognized tracks include “The General,” “Bang Bang,” and “Two Coins.”
17. Justin Levinson
Justin Levinson, a talented singer-songwriter hailing from Vermont, has garnered considerable acclaim for his delightful pop-inspired melodies and cleverly crafted lyrics. His tracks, including “Together Forever,” “A Part of Me,” and “Megaphone,” have captured the hearts of many music enthusiasts.
Over the years, Levinson has shared his musical talent with the world through several albums and singles. In addition, he has had the honor of collaborating with other talented musicians such as Anna Nalick, and even toured with Aaron Carter.
18. Doveman
Thomas Bartlett is the mastermind behind the musical project, Doveman. His creative prowess has earned him recognition for his one-of-a-kind sound that seamlessly merges indie rock, folk, and classical music.
Throughout his career, Bartlett has produced an impressive array of albums, showcasing his talent as a musician. He has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Nora Jones, and St. Vincent. Bartlett’s collaborations have proven to be successful, as his unique approach to music has blended seamlessly with the styles of these other talented musicians. His contributions to the music world continue to be recognized and celebrated by fans and critics alike.
19. J.D. Malone
With his soulful voice and introspective lyrics, J.D. Malone has become a well-known figure in the Vermont music scene as a singer-songwriter.
The frontrunner of Steamroller, a pop-rock band, was none other than its founder. Malone’s musical talents have led him to grace the stages of numerous festivals, including the esteemed Musikfest held annually in Pennsylvania.
20. Woods Tea Company
The Woods Tea Company is renowned for its delightful blend of humor, talent, and boundless enthusiasm during their performances. This folk group has gained widespread popularity thanks to their vibrant shows, which showcase a diverse array of musical instruments, such as fiddles, banjos, and guitars. Their repertoire includes a rich tapestry of music genres, encompassing Celtic melodies, sea shanties, and timeless folk songs.
Read More:
