There are a lot of underrated musicians out there. We tend to focus on the mainstream artists and forget about the smaller, independent musicians. These artists are often just as talented, if not more so than the mainstream artists. Unfortunately, they don’t get the same recognition because they don’t have the same marketing budget. If you take the time to explore the underground music scene, you’ll be surprised at how many great artists you’ll find—just like you would with a live dealer casino. So don’t forget about the little guys. They deserve your attention too.
1. Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy is easily one of the most underrated musicians of our generation. The 20-year-old multi-instrumentalist first made waves as a member of the Grammy-nominated rap collective, the Internet. Since then, he’s gone on to release a string of solo projects that have showcased his immense talent and range as a producer, singer, and songwriter.
Lacy is capable of crafting sun-drenched R&B jams, hazy experimental soundscapes, and everything in between. He’s also an accomplished guitarist, and often uses his signature Fender Mustang to create intricate and hypnotic melodies. Despite his young age, Lacy is already a master of his craft, and it’s only a matter of time until he’s recognized as one of the greats.
2. Thievery Corporation
Thievery Corporation is an American electronica duo consisting of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton. Since founding the group in 1996, they’ve released nine studio albums, four compilations, four live albums, three remix albums, and three EPs. Though they’ve found a fair bit of success with singles like “Lebanese Blonde” and “Lebanese Blonde”, they’re generally considered an underrated group.
One of the reasons for this is likely their lack of a defined sound. They vary greatly from album to album, making it hard for fans to pin them down. They’ve dabbled in bossa nova, dub, acid jazz, and trip-hop, to name a few genres. This can be seen as a strength or a weakness, depending on who you ask.
Another reason for their underrated status is that they’ve never had that one breakout hit. They’ve had plenty of great singles, but nothing that has really put them on the map in a big way.
If you’re a fan of electronica or just looking for something different, Thievery Corporation is definitely worth checking out. They may not be the most well-known group out there, but they’re definitely worth a listen.
3. Capital Cities
Capital Cities are an American indie pop duo from Los Angeles, California, consisting of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian. Their debut album, In a Tidal Wave of Mystery, was released on Capitol Records in 2013, reaching #6 on the US Billboard 200 and spawning the hit single “Safe and Sound”.
The pair met in 2008 while working on a jingle for an insurance company, and they began writing and recording together in 2010. They self-released the song “Safe and Sound” in 2011, and it quickly went viral, leading to them being signed by Capitol Records. Their debut album was released in 2013 to critical acclaim, and they have since become a popular live act, touring with the likes of Katy Perry, fun., and Muse.
Capital Cities are a hugely underrated band. Their music is catchy and fun, and they are talented musicians. If you haven’t heard of them, you need to check them out!
4. Jeff Mills
In the Arab world, Jeff Mills is known as “The Wizard” for his incredible skills as a DJ and producer. He has been credited with helping to spread the techno sound throughout the region and is considered one of the most influential electronic music artists in the Middle East.
Mills first gained popularity in the Arab world in the early 1990s when his tracks “The Power” and “Time to Jack” were included on compilation albums that were widely circulated in the region. He soon became a regular fixture at clubs and parties in major cities like Cairo and Dubai, and his popularity continued to grow.
In recent years, Mills has been working closely with a number of Arab musicians, producers, and DJs to help promote the techno scene in the region. He has also been a driving force behind the Red Bull Music Academy’s Bass Camp events, which have featured some of the biggest names in techno from the Arab world.
There is no doubt that Jeff Mills has had a major impact on the growth of electronic music in the Arab world, and his contributions continue to be felt today.
5. Acid Arab
Acid Arab is one of the most underrated electronic music groups out there. They blend Middle Eastern and North African sounds with contemporary electronic music, and the results are always fresh and exciting.
Their music is a unique blend of electronic and traditional Arabic sounds. You end up dancing and raving to a hypnotic and danceable sound that is both fresh and exciting. Their live shows are particularly high-energy, and they always get the crowd moving. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you definitely should – you won’t be disappointed.
6. Derek Sherinian
One of the world’s most accomplished keyboardists, Derek Sherinian, is often underrated. A classically trained musician, Sherinian has played with some of the most respected names in music, including Kiss, Alice Cooper, and Yngwie Malmsteen. He is a founding member of both Black Country Communion and Sons of Apollo and has released several highly praised solo albums.
Despite his accomplishments, Sherinian is often overlooked in the keyboard world. This is likely due to the fact that he doesn’t adhere to one particular style, but instead draws from a range of influences to create his own unique sound. This can be heard in his solo albums, where he incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and rock.
While Sherinian may not be as well-known as some of his peers, his talent and versatility make him a keyboardist worth paying attention to.
