The Black Cadillacs:
Naming The Rolling Stones, The Who, Queens of the Stone Age and The Brian Jonestown Massacre as their musical influences, The Black Cadillacs’ music is sultry and intriguing.
In 2008, three Knoxville friends joined to form the blues-indie rock band. From there they added two more members, one from Nashville and one from Memphis, creating a unique, fresh Tennessee rock sound. In addition to becoming a local favorite, The Black Cadillacs now play back-to-back dates all across the Southeast, including recent appearances at Bonnaroo, Summerfest and Hangout Fest.
With lead singer Will Horton’s raspy rock voice and the band’s ability to put on a far from lackluster show, The Black Cadillacs are one of Knoxville’s finest young bands.
Cereus Bright:
Cereus Bright’s music is easy to listen to and meaningful, creating a perfect soundtrack for new beginnings or contemplative moments.
The band takes its name from a night-blooming desert flower, the cereus—a symbol of one’s ability to blossom in the most desolate of places. The original duo, Tyler Anthony and Evan Ford, are advocates for what they believe to be classic folk music — simple yet beautiful melodies that accompany strong, lyrical stories.
Cereus Bright was formed in 2011 in Knoxville and is a testament to the city’s belief in and support of genuine artistry. Although currently unsigned by a record label, the band released a five song EP “Happier Than Me” in November 2013 and are keeping a busy tour schedule for the remainder of this year.
The Dirty Guv’nahs:
With their rhythmic drumbeats and soulful live shows, The Dirty Guv’nahs have quickly become one of the most recently popular bands to call Knoxville home. This year alone they have performed their American roots music at Bonnaroo and Wakarusa and opened for major artists such as Train and Zac Brown Band.
The Metro Pulse has also named them the “Best Band in Knoxville,” every year since 2008.
“The Dirty Guv’nahs don’t just play music; they capture the human experience through song,” according to Music Connection Magazine.
Boasting four studio albums to date, their latest titled “Hearts on Fire” released this year, The Dirty Guv’nahs are seasoned, professional musicians. Their finesse mixed with an enthusiastic jam band sound makes The Dirty Guv’nahs a top local music pick.
The Black Lillies:
If the music of The Black Lillies sounds familiar, it is because Cruz Contreras, formerly of the popular Knoxville country roots group, Robinella and the CCstringband, is the founder and front man.
Since their creation in 2009, The Black Lillies have found success both locally and nationally. Recently, Rolling Stone Magazine named them one of the “Ten Artists You Need to Know.”
Infusing country, rock, bluegrass and jazz, The Black Lillies produce a unique, Knoxville sound. Trisha Gene Brady’s haunting co-lead vocals mix seamlessly with Contreras’, setting The Black Lillies’ sound apart from other similar groups.
