Here at SoundDiego, we love seeing a San Diego band break out. Whether it happens on a national scale or within the local scene, we always hope for bigger and better things for our own. And we always try to do our best to get the word out about them, whether it's by sharing who's playing where, Spotlighting them on SoundDiego TV or by asking them to play our SoundDiego LIVE parties.
Now that 2013 has wound down and we’ve had a chance to look back at all the bands around town, we put together a list of 8 San Diego Bands Poised to Break Out in 2014 (in alphabetical order) -- it's not a complete list, of course: There are dozens of artists in San Diego who have the talent to propel them to the national stage. Who would you like to see added to the list? Leave your suggestions in the comments!
- Brothers Weiss: Lighting up stages around San Diego over the past year, this modern take on the tried-and-true hard-rock trio has garnered quite the following, thanks in part to their excellent introductory single "Light Bulb." Featuring guitarist Ryan Weiss, formerly of Family Wagon (which is, coincidentally, also on this list), the band rides into the new year armed with an excellent five song EP, Conversations, which is set to drop Jan. 10 at their Soda Bar release party.
- Ed Ghost Tucker: After extensive West Coast touring all year long, this island folk-pop quartet is gaining some big-time recognition in the blogosphere. Nominated for the San Diego Music Award for Best Pop in 2013, we’re excited to see what’s next for the group and hoping it includes the release of a debut album.
- Family Wagon: Not that these guys haven’t been riding a continuous stream of momentum over the last couple years, but '14 promises to be a highlight for the indie rock group. Hitting quite the stride after 2012’s excellent Last Drag EP, they’re currently in the studio working on a follow-up full-length record that promises to see the band reaching even greater heights.
- Hit Dog Hollar: Foot-stomping blues rock for hard rockers, or so it would seem. These guys are one great album away from becoming one of the big San Diego rock bands. After releasing five songs of old fashioned whiskey rock on their 2011 EP, Ruckus, and a killer video for "The Battle of San Pasqual," word on the street is they’ve crafted a formidable 10-song debut album simply entitled SDCA (as in "San Diego, CA") set for a spring release. Bring it on, fellas.
- Okapi Sun: Having just signed to a label and inked numerous endorsement deals -- and with some major touring on the horizon – this dance-pop duo is poised to break out in a big way. Mark our words: This group will be worldwide before '14 is done. (Read our SoundDiego interview with Leo and Dallas here.)
- Tribal Seeds: This roots reggae group won the 2013 San Diego Music Award for Best World Music for good reason: Their fun, positive, socially conscious music resonates with everyone who hears it. The band embarks on a national tour Jan. 8, taking it through April and the release of their upcoming album, Representing, which should only solidify them as one of the nation’s premiere reggae rock bands.
- Trouble in the Wind: This North County indie alt-folk band just seems to be on the move. Playing consistently larger and larger shows, with a penchant for overshadowing nearly everyone with whom they play. Their new album, Slide Rock, is scheduled for release in January. Be on the lookout.
- Vokab Kompany: While maybe not a "band" is the strictest sense of the word, we can’t deny that this hip-hop group is poised to be the next big name San Diego act. Nominated this year for Best Hip Hop Group and Best Hip Hop Album SDMAs (and having taken those awards home in years prior), December saw them debut a fun-loving video for their hot single "Where’s My Delorean?" and the release of their latest effort, V-Sides Vol. 1: Kollabs and Remixes. The band has promised another new album this summer, so make no mistake: 2014 is the year of Vokab.
Links to some of our other lists:
