Far too often, Nashville is incorrectly labeled as a strictly country music town, and as a result when one thinks of its music scene, twangy guitars, drawling vocals, and cowboy hats are the first thing that come to mind.

But if one simply gives the city a harder look, they will quickly to realize that, contrary to first impressions, Nashville is home to some of the best up-and-coming pop and rock bands in the music world.

How I Became The Bomb
Pop/Rock/Indie

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Formed in 2005, How I Became The Bomb is one of the most promising Nashville acts today, churning out infectiously catchy pop/rock laced with quick-paced beats, space-age sounds, and upbeat synthesizers and keyboards. In a nutshell, it’s reminiscent of the Hot Hot Heat mixed with The Bravery with an otherworldly twist. As online publication Rock Sound describes them, “They may hail from Nashville but the acely-named How I Became the Bomb are anything but country. Accomplished power-pop swathed in pure geek finery.”

Despite their relatively unknown status, How I Became The Bomb have already released five EP’s, two 7” records, and one complete anthology and have already conquered the European festival circuit… all in less than three years.  After a year and a half hiatus of sorts, the band returned to work in June of 2008 releasing four EP’s before finally releasing their compilation album. With a sound and style that is both refreshing and impressive, How I Became The Bomb are truly a band to watch for in the future.

Albums: Let’s Go!; Deadly Art
Top Tracks: Secret Identities; Formal Occasion; Harvest

THE TURF
Indie/Pop/Dance/Rock

The Turf is as true a homegrown Nashville band as there is.  Formed while its members were still in high school, The Turf began as a self-described “indie-dance band of sorts to play house parties for our friends. We loved to rock- little has changed.”  And to date, the band has stayed true to this mantra, continuing to write, record, and play in whatever time they can find as they pursue college careers independently across the country. 

Upon first listening to their music, it’s impossible not to recognize this as another case of a band whose age belies their talents and potential.  Despite their youth, The Turf sound like a band of veterans, bringing to the table fantastic musicianship, strong songwriting, and a knack for contagiously likable songs.  From fun, danceable songs like “World Famous Robot” to the more musically ambitious songs like “Hush” and “Oceanographer,” The Turf have fashioned themselves into a genuine force to be reckoned with.

Albums: What Up Tambourine?; Fascination Of A Sort
Top Tracks: World Famous Robot; To The Disco; Oceanographer; Hush
 

To submit your ideas or to suggest new artists to spotlight, email us at plugyourscene@gmail.com.

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