Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of New England, the quaint state of Vermont may not be the first place that comes to mind when we think of the music industry’s bustling epicenters. However, hidden within its idyllic surroundings, Vermont boasts a remarkable array of talent, including some of the most influential and celebrated singers in the world. From folk legends to chart-topping pop stars, this charming state has nurtured and produced an astonishing number of exceptional vocalists who have left an indelible mark on the global music scene.
In this article, we embark on a captivating journey through the lives and careers of ten remarkable singers who hail from the Green Mountain State. We delve into the stories of these artists who have honed their craft and captivated audiences with their extraordinary voices and unique musical styles. Their contributions to various genres have not only propelled them to fame but have also solidified Vermont’s place on the map as a thriving hub of musical excellence.
From the soulful tunes of folk icon Grace Potter to the captivating melodies of indie darling Anaïs Mitchell, we explore the rich tapestry of musical diversity that Vermont offers. Each singer brings a distinct flavor to the table, highlighting the range of talent and artistic expression that emanates from this seemingly unassuming state.
Join us as we celebrate the musical brilliance and explore the journeys of these ten famous singers from Vermont, shedding light on their inspiring stories, remarkable achievements, and the lasting impact they have made on the world of music.
1. RAQ
Vermont's music scene is rockin' with RAQ being one of its most famous singers. They blend rock, funk, and jazz into a unique sound that resonates with different generations. RAQ has been active for years, with several albums under their belt. Fans love their dynamic performances and energetic stage presence.
Once an underground band in small clubs and bars in Vermont, they have now become recognized on an international level.
If you're looking for some truly original music, give RAQ a listen; you won't be disappointed! Grace Potter proves that Vermont's music scene is more rockin' than its maple syrup.
2. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are a great example of Vermont talent. They have six studio albums with Grace Potter's bluesy rock style making a big mark on modern music. Her powerful vocals and explosive live shows have earned her a rep as one of the hardest working musicians. She has collaborated with Vermont native Trey Anastasio from Phish, and with Joe Satriani and Kenny Chesney.
Grace also gives back by her charity work and philanthropy. She had a limited edition T-shirt range on her Bandcamp page where 100% of proceeds went to Black Lives Matter Global Network.
She also recorded "Every Heartbeat" from her fifth album 'Midnight' at Spacebomb Studios. It features UVA Chamber Singers’ Nellie Delnegro and Sarah VanLear as vocalists, adding extra depth to the track.
I was lucky enough to see Grace Potter perform at Higher Ground. She gave her all and the audience was mesmerized. Her showmanship is incredible; she makes sure you feel every word in your soul. Even the Vermont punk scene couldn't resist The Static Age.
3. The Static Age
The Static Age is a popular rock band from Vermont. They have a big fan base due to their unique sound and high-energy shows. A table shows some details about them:
| Name | Genre | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| The Static Age | Rock | 2003-present |
Andrew Paley, the lead singer, puts on wild performances. He often climbs rafters and hangs upside down from the ceiling. This makes The Static Age one of the most thrilling acts in the area.
Don't miss their next show if you're from Vermont or visiting soon. Their music and energy are unforgettable. Get your tickets now and don't let FOMO get the best of you!
4. Strangefolk
Strangefolk, a renowned jam band from Vermont, made their mark with their one-of-a-kind mix of rock and folk. Reid Genauer's passionate vocals led the way. Their improvisational style gained them a passionate fan base. People likened their performances to those of The Grateful Dead.
In the '90s, Strangefolk dominated Vermont's music scene. They headlined local festivals and gained a name for their lively shows. Plus, they toured across the US, earning more fans.
What sets Strangefolk apart is their ability to mix folksy tunes with driving rock rhythms. Their sound reveals diverse musical influences – from bluegrass to rockabilly.
In 2000, they headlined a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Despite the wet weather, fans danced through the storm. Strangefolk gave an amazing performance, making their place in music history.
Although Strangefolk split in 2000, they remain an iconic band in Vermont. Fans keep their legacy alive through recordings and reissues of their albums. Nothing, Nowhere proves that emo rap can still have a strong impact – even from the land of maple syrup and Bernie Sanders.
5. Nothing,Nowhere
Nothing,Nowhere is a renowned artist from Williston, VT. His mix of emo rap and alternative rock has made him a cult favorite. On Spotify, he has 2 million monthly listeners, and his debut album 'REAPER' was critically acclaimed in 2017. His sound is hard to classify due to his creative blend of genres. The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, and Nirvana are some of his biggest influences.
Nothing,Nowhere is popular around the world, yet he remains close to his roots. He speaks passionately about how small-town America shaped his vision and music. His Vermont background helps him to stay authentic, unlike many other artists who rely more on hype. Phish is also from VT, and they make the state sound cool.
6. Phish
Phish is an iconic American rock band originating from Vermont. Formed in 1983, they earned a vast following for their psychedelic sound and improvisational jamming style. The group is made up of Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Page McConnell.
Their immense success earned them 8 million albums sold worldwide, with countless sold-out shows and headlining some of the biggest music festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
Apart from their music, Phish is renowned for their interactive live performances. This includes elaborate light shows, exciting antics, and audience participation. They even hold the Guinness World Record for the biggest water balloon fight at one of their gigs!
If you haven't seen Phish in concert yet, you're missing out on an incredible experience. Their unique mix of music, energy and showmanship will give you an unforgettable and electrifying time. So don't wait any longer – catch them on tour or at their yearly Labor Day weekend festival in New York! JoJo may have left Vermont for fame, but the maple syrup will always remain the sweetest thing about her hometown.
7. JoJo
JoJo is a popular singer from Vermont, USA. Her real name is Joanna Noelle Levesque, and she was born in Brattleboro, Vermont on December 20, 1990. Since her childhood, JoJo has been singing. Her first album 'JoJo' was released in 2004 and was a big hit. It peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart.
JoJo has sold over seven million albums and collaborated with numerous artists, such as Bow Wow, Timbaland, and Charlie Puth. She has also acted in movies like 'Aquamarine' and 'G.B.F.' JoJo has had lots of challenges in her life and career but continues to make music for her fans. Her latest album, 'Good to Know', got great reviews when it was released in 2020.
If you're a fan of Jojo's music, check out her singles 'Too Little Too Late,' 'Leave (Get Out),' and 'Baby It's You'. They show off her strong voice and meaningful lyrics.
You can also follow Jojo on social media platforms like Instagram (@iamjojo) and Twitter (@iamjojo). She posts often and talks with her fans, showing that she is an artist with a kind heart.
8. Prydein
Anaïs Mitchell: putting Vermont on the map for more than just maple syrup.
Prydein is a Celtic rock band from the rich music scene of Vermont. They mix bagpipes, fiddles, drums, guitars and bass to create an energetic style.
Everyone loves their live shows, filled with high energy and catchy tunes. Since 1999, they've released many critically acclaimed albums. People appreciate their authentic sound, blending genres yet staying true to their Celtic roots.
Prydein also involves themselves in community events across Vermont. Festivals and fundraisers are made more fun with their presence. Don't miss their dynamic performances – catch them live near you!
9. Anaïs Mitchell
Anaïs Mitchell is an incredible singer from Vermont. She's renowned globally for her distinct and mesmerizing sound. Folk and indie are blended in her music, which features touching lyrics exploring human feelings and complex relationships. Anaïs is renowned for her ability to narrate stories through her songs, which move her audiences.
Mitchell began her career in the early 2000s as a singer-songwriter. Several albums have been released since then. Her famous album "Hadestown" is a concept record, which portrays the story of Orpheus and Eurydice in a present-day setting. The album won several awards including a Tony Award for Best Musical 2019.
In addition to her music career, Mitchell is a phenomenal playwright. She has written plays based on her songs. The musical show "Hadestown" adapted from her work, debuted off-Broadway in 2016 before it was presented on Broadway in 2019.
Fun fact: Anaïs Mitchell revealed in an interview that she began penning songs at the age of seventeen when her father gifted her a guitar.
10. Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan is a renowned singer-songwriter from Vermont. He grew up in Strafford, a small town. At 8 years old, he began playing the guitar. After uploading some tunes to Soundcloud while attending college, music industry pros noticed him. He then signed with Republic Records.
Noah has released popular tracks such as "Hurt Somebody" and "Young Blood." His distinct style of singing about mental health and shifting relationships has resonated with people around the world.
If you want to explore Noah's work further, check out his EPs, "Hurts To Be Around You" and "Busyhead." These albums highlight Noah's advancement as an artist, while still preserving his signature vulnerability.
Noah Kahan is an extraordinary talent bringing Vermont to the music industry. Keep an eye out for upcoming projects from this rising star.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
