Above Image Via Facebook: Alt Nation

By Josh McCann

I decided to feature California-based artists for this edition of the Alt Nation Monthly. It’s been sad to see everything going on with the wildfires in LA. Of course, there are so many incredible California bands on Alt Nation (Sirius XM). Let’s take a look at some awesome acts.

New songs I like on Alt Nation:

Mallrat “Horses”

Circa Waves “Like you did before”

Clover County “Porch Lights”

Arcy Drive “Louie”

Alt Nation News

The Alt-18 has been taken over by Lola Young. Her single “Messy” has been number one on the countdown back-to-back weeks. I saw her perform on Jimmy Fallon the other night. She has so much personality–it’s going to be a big year for her. Should be interesting to see Madison’s take on how long it will stay at number one. Aside from hosting the countdown, Tatiana had a fun interview with BBY in the Alt Nation studios. Regan hosted a really cool special of Advanced Placement with California-based bands. It’s all on the Sirius XM app!

Foster The People

This band was one of the first acts that came to mind. Who will ever forget when “Pumped Up Kicks” was released in 2010? It was played on Alt Nation before anyone else knew it. Then it blew up 6 months later on FM radio. This past year they released a new album, “Paradise State of Mind.” The single “Lost In Space” did very well on the Alt-18 countdown. On a side note: lead singer Mark Foster has always been obsessed with the quintessential California band, The Beach Boys.

Billie Eilish

She’s become of the biggest stars on the planet. The cool thing about her is that her music reaches such a wide audience. From Alt Nation to Pop Hits. Who knows what she’ll do next. There’s a really cool interview she did with James Corden years ago for Carpool Karaoke. They visit her childhood home, where her and Finneas recorded her early music. You get a sense that Billie is a genuinely nice person in real life.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

What more can I say? I saw them live last summer and they sounded amazing. I grew up to “Californication”. Recently, one of my guitar students wanted to learn that song. They have fans from different generations. My youngest brother and I watched a video of “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie”. The video features the band playing an impromptu show on top of a building in California. Shots of the crowd are so much fun to watch. Everyone is having the best time. It makes me want to go to California and hang out with everyone.

Cold War Kids

One of my all-time favorite Alt Nation acts. How consistent are they?! It seems like every single is solid. From “First” to “Love Is Mystical” to “Run Away With Me” to “Miracle Mile.” My friends and I always joke about how they would have an amazing greatest hits album.

Saint Motel

“My Type” will get any party going. I mean, you could be driving in your car and by the end you’re nodding along and singing the words. This song took over Alt Nation in 2014.

Fitz & The Tantrums

It was so cool to see this band make it big. I remember hearing “Moneygrabber “ for the first time and thinking, “Wow this band would be great live.” I saw them at the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware. They lived up to the expectations. It’s always fun to hear “More Than Just A Dream” on Alt Nation.

Blink-182

It feels like they keep getting better. Their single, “Take Me In,” was a steady presence on the Alt-18 countdown. They are eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s only a matter of time before they get in.

Young The Giant

Another heavy hitter in the Alt Nation cannon. “My Body” was an incredible song. Fans have been with the band ever since. So many fantastic songs over the years. “Mind of Matter,” “Cough Syrup,” and possibly their biggest single,”The Walk Home.” Lead singer Sameer Gadhia features his Point of Origin act each month.

Capitol Cities

Back in 2012, me and my friends became obsessed with Alt Nation. My friend Dustin made burnt cd’s with our favorite tracks. “Safe and sound” was on it. It was one of the best songs of the year. The song made it big–seemed like it was in every car commercial. I was happy for them.

The Linda Linda’s

One of the best new rock bands of today. The riot grrrrl punk band burst onto the scene in 2023 with their debut LP, “Growing Up.” It was amazing stuff. I saw them open for Green Day last year. Still in their teens, it looked like they were pro’s on the stage. So much talent.