Bands Making The Leap In 2020

Below are several bands I feel made big strides in 2019 and will have a big impact in the rock world next year.

I always enjoy looking at music lists, (the best songs of this year, decade) whether I agree with the list or not. I wanted to do my own list to end this year and highlight some bands I feel will become bigger names in the world of rock for 2020. The bands are in no particular order. 

1. Fire From The Gods - The guys released their sophomore album "American Sun" at the beginning of November. Their song, "Right Now" is currently doing a lot of great things and getting radio play all across the country. They put on absolute killer set at Rock USA in July and seeing the success they've had since then has been amazing. You can check out the interview I did with lead singer AJ Channer,  HERE . The guys were on the road this fall with Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace and Bad Wolves and are teasing some big announcements that should be revealed soon. "American Sun" was a great follow up to their debut album, "Narrative" so I am looking forward to what Fire For The Gods have in store for us in 2020. 



2. Blacktop Mojo - These guys made a lot of people take notice over the last few years with their cover of " Dream On ." It was easy to hear why, with frontman Matt James absolutely doing the song justice. The band showed this past year just how talented they are with their third album, "Under The Sun" with amazing cuts like "Can't Sleep" "Lay It On Me" and the title track. Plus, you can't forgot about the hilarious video for " Come Get Your Coat " complete with clowns, a monkey, a bearded lady and more. One of the best things about this band is the quality of people who make it up. The guys are incredible musicians, but even better people and that shows through their relationship with their fans. It was a pleasure getting to hang out with them several times in 2019. Check out our Rock USA interview with Blacktop Mojo,  HERE


3. The Black Moods - The Black Moods are another band who were incredible to watch at Rock USA. They have a bit of a classic rock feel to them, but it's fresh and doesn't sound like it's stuck in the 1970's. The guys just make great Rock N' Roll (and wine) and it definitely will make you want to move whether you see them live or listening from the comfort of your own home. Their latest single "Whatcha Got" should be doing big things in 2020. I had a chance to interview the guys a couple months ago when they released the song. You can take a listen to it  HERE . They should be releasing their next album sometime in 2020. 


4. Saul - Saul has been one of my favorite stories in rock in the last 12 months. The guys kicked off 2019 with the powerful rocker, "Brother." Last month they came back with another banger, "Trial By Fire." The Iowa-based rockers didn't disappoint at all with the follow-up to "Brother." Both songs absolutely kick ass and it's easy to tell how much emotion were poured into them. Plus, if you need a pick-me-up at the gym, "Brother" and "Trial By Fire" will do the trick. The guys have had an incredible amount of success in a such a short time and I don't see the Saul-train slowing down at all in 2020. I had the chance to talk with lead singer Blake Bedsaul in November. You can check out that interview,  HERE


5. Any Given Sin - I am extremely excited to see how 2020 goes for Any Given Sin. This summer they made a lot of people take notice with their single, " Dynamite " which was a great track. As much as I enjoyed that song, I feel they did an even better job on their follow-up single, "Another Life." Like Saul, it's easy to tell how much passion and emotion Any Given Sin put into their lyrics. This band is just scratching the surface and I am very much looking forward to a new EP from them in 2020. You can take a listen to the interview I did with lead singer Vic Ritchie,  HERE

Other up-and-coming bands I am excited about in 2020 and deserve to be mentioned include:
There are a bunch more so if you are interested in up-and-coming bands tune in each weekday for The Artist Spotlight at 5 PM. 

Ryan

Hey I'm Ryan and it's great to be back in Wisconsin. I am originally an Ohio guy and have been traveling around the Midwest for the last decade with stops in Green Bay, Fairmont, MN and Bloomington, IL. I am very excited to be on Rock 94.7 and be living in Central Wisconsin.

When I am not at work I enjoy being outside, playing video games, going to concerts and watching sports.