Thanks to the internet, the music that we listen to is more diverse than ever. I remember a time when the only way to hear about a new artist or band was to actually go to a show or hear about an act from friends or on TV.
Now, with the Web bringing information to our fingertips, we are able to explore all types of new music in the click of a mouse. This means that the choice of 'non-mainstream' music out there is literally endless.
Non-mainstream music you should check out
Here are a few of my favorite obscure musical acts that I'd recommend you take a listen to:
Die Antwoord-
I don't even know if these guys qualify as non-mainstream any more because they've received a huge amount of exposure in recent years.
This South African 'rap-rave' group have headlined major festivals like Coachella, but still make this list because of the unique sound they are known for.
The group consists primarily of Ninja and YoLandi, and are well known for their outlandish rap songs that take influence from South African 'Zef' counter-culture. Their songs are a mix of English and Afrikaans.
Urban Voodoo Machine-
This London-based group describe themselves as 'Bourbon-soaked, gypsy blues, bop'n'stroll', which sounds about right to me.
Their sound is best described as a cross between sleazy backstreet blues and drawling booze-fuelled New Orleans jazz.
The group's performances tend to be theatrical and highly entertaining. Videos for their songs 'Orpahn's Lament' and 'Always Out' are available to view on YouTube so what are you waiting for!
Goteki-
This group describe themselves as 'death-electro' and their albums deal with the heavy subjects of 'robo-warfare, ninjas and pornstars'.
The band has gone through various line-up changes in the past decade, with the lead singer Ross Tregenza being the only original member left from the formative years.
The group actually started life as a camp 'cybergoth' trio known as Sneaky Bat Machine- although the Goteki sound has developed significantly since those days.
Now, with the Web bringing information to our fingertips, we are able to explore all types of new music in the click of a mouse. This means that the choice of 'non-mainstream' music out there is literally endless.
Non-mainstream music you should check out
Here are a few of my favorite obscure musical acts that I'd recommend you take a listen to:
Die Antwoord-
I don't even know if these guys qualify as non-mainstream any more because they've received a huge amount of exposure in recent years. This South African 'rap-rave' group have headlined major festivals like Coachella, but still make this list because of the unique sound they are known for.
The group consists primarily of Ninja and YoLandi, and are well known for their outlandish rap songs that take influence from South African 'Zef' counter-culture. Their songs are a mix of English and Afrikaans.
Urban Voodoo Machine-
This London-based group describe themselves as 'Bourbon-soaked, gypsy blues, bop'n'stroll', which sounds about right to me. Their sound is best described as a cross between sleazy backstreet blues and drawling booze-fuelled New Orleans jazz.
The group's performances tend to be theatrical and highly entertaining. Videos for their songs 'Orpahn's Lament' and 'Always Out' are available to view on YouTube so what are you waiting for!
Goteki-
This group describe themselves as 'death-electro' and their albums deal with the heavy subjects of 'robo-warfare, ninjas and pornstars'. The band has gone through various line-up changes in the past decade, with the lead singer Ross Tregenza being the only original member left from the formative years.
The group actually started life as a camp 'cybergoth' trio known as Sneaky Bat Machine- although the Goteki sound has developed significantly since those days.
