The state of Vermont is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and delicious maple syrup. But, it is also home to a rich and diverse music scene, with some of the best musicians in the world hailing from this picturesque state.
From the pop-infused sounds of JoJo to the folk-inspired music of Anaïs Mitchell, Vermont has produced a wide range of talented singers, songwriters, and even playwrights.
Let’s take a closer look at the 20 famous musicians from Vermont and explore how they have made their mark on the music industry:
Contents
- 1. Phish
- 2. JoJo
- 3. Prydein
- 4. Anaïs Mitchell
- 5. Noah Kahan
- 6. RAQ
- 7. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
- 8. The Static Age
- 9. Strangefolk
- 10. Nothing,Nowhere
- 11. 99 Neighbors
- 12. Mountain Man
- 13. Jazz Mandolin Project
- 14. Sam Amidon
- 15. Blues and Lasers
- 16. Dispatch
- 17. Justin Levinson
- 18. Doveman
- 19. J.D. Malone
- 20. Woods Tea Company
- Conclusion
1. Phish
Phish is a rock band formed in Burlington, Vermont. The band is famous for their improvisational and extended live performances, incorporating elements of funk, jazz, and psychedelia into their music. They have a dedicated fan base, and their concerts are known for their elaborate live shows and unique setlists.
Phish’s concerts were in such high demand that fans traded for their live recordings online, which pushed the band to include it in their website and later made a streaming service called ‘LivePhish+’.
2. JoJo
JoJo is a singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her hit single “Leave (Get Out),” which topped charts and made her the youngest artist to top at 13 years old.
JoJo has released four studio albums and performed with other artists such as Demi Lovato and Charlie Puth. She has also appeared in movies and TV shows, including “Aquamarine” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
3. Prydein
Prydein is a Celtic rock band that is known for their unique fusion of traditional Scottish and Irish music with modern rock and roll, creating an energetic and dance-worthy sound.
The band has become popular among fans of Celtic music and rock alike, and their lively performances have earned them a dedicated following.
4. Anaïs Mitchell
Anaïs Mitchell is a Tony-award winning singer-songwriter and playwright. She is popular for her blend of folk, rock, and Americana music, as well as her storytelling and poetic lyrics.
Mitchell’s album “Hadestown” was adapted into a Tony-winning Broadway musical, which she also co-wrote. Additionally, she was awarded a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
5. Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan is an indie-pop singer-songwriter who gained popularity with his debut single “Young Blood.”
Kahan’s music blends elements of folk, pop, and indie rock, and he has been compared to artists like Vance Joy and Ed Sheeran. He has opened for other artists and joined tours, like James Bay’s North American Tour 2019.
6. RAQ
RAQ is a jam band. The band is known for their improvisational live performances, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and jazz. They have toured extensively and played in various music festivals, building a dedicated fan base in the jam band scene.
7. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is a rock band that are known for their high-energy live performances, incorporating elements of rock, blues, and soul. It is fronted by Grace Potter, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
The band enjoys playing at music festivals such as the Bonnaroo Festival and has collaborated with notable musicians such as Kenny Chesney and The Rolling Stones.
8. The Static Age
A post-punk band known for their heavy touring around America and Europe, The Static Age has developed a devoted following within the punk and alternative music communities, and has toured in numerous music festivals. Their album “Neon Night Electric Lives” is their major album release.
9. Strangefolk
Strangefolk is a jam band who is popular for their well-played gigs around the US. Despite experiencing frequent changes in their lineup over the years, the band has managed to retain the loyalty and support of their fans.
In fact, some of their followers have even established a small charity called “Strangers Helping Strangers” to show their support. They are popular for infusing jam music with elements of jazz, rock, and folk.
10. Nothing,Nowhere
Nothing,Nowhere is the stage name of musician Joe Mulherin. He gained fame as a rapper, singer, and producer who blends emo, punk, and hip-hop into his music.
He has also collaborated with other notable musicians such as Travis Barker and Dashboard Confessional, further solidifying his place in the alternative music scene.
11. 99 Neighbors
99 Neighbors is a hip-hop collective from Burlington, Vermont, that formed in 2018. The group is known for their unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, and indie rock, creating a sound that appeals to a wide audience.
They have released numerous songs and hits that became popular on Spotify, such as “Ripstick,” “Fake Pods,” and a collab with Brasstracks called “F**k No.”
12. Mountain Man
A female trio known for their traditional Appalachian sound, Mountain Man is a musical group known for their intricate vocal harmonies and minimalist instrumentation, creating a sound that is both intimate, simple, yet powerful.
As part of their touring efforts, they also brought their performances to Europe and had the opportunity to share the stage with The Decemberists.
13. Jazz Mandolin Project
The Jazz Mandolin Project is a jazz fusion group. Mandolinist Jamie Masefield leads the band, which is renowned for their inventive style of jazz music that blends elements of bluegrass and world music into their sound.
In recent years, they have also welcomed drummer Jon Fishman from Phish into their lineup.
14. Sam Amidon
Sam Amidon is a folk singer and multi-instrumentalist from Brattleboro, Vermont. He is known for his unique interpretations of traditional folk songs, blending elements of jazz, experimental music, and avant-garde into his sound.
Amidon has released several albums, toured in different parts of the world, collaborated with Kronos Quartet and became a guest vocalist for Bon Iver.
15. Blues and Lasers
Blues and Lasers is a blues-rock band from Burlington, Vermont. The band is known for their electrifying live performances and has released two albums entitled “After All We’re Only Human,” and “Blues and Lasers EP.”
16. Dispatch
Dispatch is a roots rock band that originated in Vermont, known for their energetic live performances and up-tempo ballads.
They gained a loyal following particularly among college students, and were one of the first independent bands to sell out arenas. Some of their most well-known songs include “The General,” “Bang Bang,” and “Two Coins.”
17. Justin Levinson
Justin Levinson is a singer-songwriter from Vermont who has gained attention for his catchy pop-infused tunes and witty lyrics. Some of his popular songs are “Together Forever,” “A Part of Me,” and “Megaphone.”
He has released several albums and singles. Levinson has also collaborated with various musicians, including Anna Nalick, and toured with Aaron Carter.
18. Doveman
Doveman is the musical project of singer-songwriter Thomas Bartlett. He has gained recognition for his unique sound, which blends elements of indie rock, folk, and classical music.
Bartlett has released several albums and has collaborated with notable musicians such as Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Nora Jones, and St. Vincent.
19. J.D. Malone
J.D. Malone is a singer-songwriter who has made a name for himself in the Vermont music scene with his soulful voice and introspective lyrics.
He was the founder of Steamroller, a pop-rock band in which he was the frontrunner. Malone has also performed at various festivals, such as the Musikfest in Pennsylvania.
20. Woods Tea Company
Known for its humor, talent, and energy in performances, The Woods Tea Company is a folk group. They are popular for their lively shows that feature a range of instruments, including fiddles, banjos, and guitars. The group has released songs that include Celtic music, sea shanties, and folk songs.
Conclusion
Vermont may be a small state, but it has produced a diverse range of talented musicians who have made their mark in various genres.
Whether performing at local venues or on the world stage, Vermont’s musicians have made an indelible mark on the music industry, and their influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
Phish Featured Image (Top-Left) by: Dan Shinneman, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
JoJo Featured Image (Top-Right) by: J Vettorino, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Prydein Featured Image (Bottom-Left) by: Al Hall, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
Phish Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: Reinhard Liess from Somerville, U.S., CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
