Want to check out some artists you may have never listened to or even heard of? Well check out these artists:

10,000 Maniacs:

Original members Dennis Drew, Rob Buck, Natalie Merchant, Steve Gustafson, and Jerry Augustyniak formed the band in 1981 in nearby Jamestown, New York. The band was originally named Still Life, and then was later changed to 10,000 Maniacs. The idea for the name came from a 1964 horror movie. The group was well known in the Jamestown area. The band performed alternative and folk rock music. In the early nineties the lead singer, Merchant, left to pursue a successful solo career (see below). The group released nine main albums. Two album recommendations are In My Tribe (1987) and Our Time in Eden (1992).

Natalie Merchant:

Originally the lead singer in the band 10,000 Maniacs, Merchant wanted to continue her music on her own. Merchant was widely respected as a music artist. Her music was both unique and also understood by listeners. She was surrounded by music growing up often attending symphonies and concerts. Merchant also made impacts for many with her environmental activism, non-profit organizations, community projects, and benefit concerts. Having collaborated with many other popular artists like R.E.M, Merchant has released ten main albums from 1995 until today. Two album recommendations would be Tigerlily (1995) and Ophelia (1998).

Donna Lewis:

From Cardiff, Wales, UK, Lewis started gaining fame in 1996 from her song “I Love You Always Forever.” Lewis’s musical career began to grow as a result of the popularity and success of her song. Her hit song was at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine straight weeks. Many enjoy her music because of its very diverse sound of electronic, jazz, pop, and rock. Atlantic Records so loved her demo of “I Love You Always Forever” that they flew her to New York for a record deal. As Lewis is still in the music industry, she has released five main albums. Two album recommendations are Now in a Minuet (1996) and Blue Planet (1998).

Edie Brickell & New Bohemians:

Forming in 1985 in Dallas, Texas, Edie Brickell, John Bush, Kenny Withrow, and Brandon Aly all met at the same arts school. After the release of their debut album, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars, their song “What I Am” became a hit across the United States. The band produced folk and jam rock music. Throughout their active years, several members came and went. The band enjoyed playing at many different venues for their gigs. The band has released a total of five main albums. Two album recommendations are Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars (1988) and Ghost of a Dog (1990).

Enya:

Born in Dore, Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, Enya was surrounded by music growing up. Enya has eight other siblings who are also involved in music, and two parents who were also heavily involved in music. After graduating from her study of music and piano, Enya joined her family’s band. Enya eventually left the band to pursue her own personal career. In 1987 Enya released her self-titled debut album. After the 1988 release of Watermark and the global hit “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)”, Shepherd Moons was released, and Caribbean Blue became a hit too. Enya has released a total of eight main albums. And two album recommendations are Shepherd Moons (1991), and A Day Without Rain (2000).

Fiona Apple:

Fiona Apple is from New York City and was interested in music at a young age. Apple was taught piano and had started composing some of her songs at eight years old. Apple’s debut album Tidal included some of the songs she composed at a young age. Apple has been very respected among her audience for her relatable lyrics and enjoyable sound. Apple has released a total of five main albums, and two album recommendations would be Tidal (1996) and Fetch The Bolt Cutters (2020).