The Top 20 Bay Area Bands of 2024
Music has an unparalleled ability to unite people, and nowhere is that more evident than at a sold-out show. The Bay Area’s vibrant music scene, steeped in iconic history and bursting with talent, is a beacon for artists looking to make their mark. But putting on a show here is no small feat. The road from booking to a packed house is as challenging as it is rewarding, with each filled venue echoing the blood, sweat, and tears poured into its creation.
This playlist isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through the highs and lows of live music in the Bay Area. For this years TOP 20 Playlist I chose the newest song from every band I booked at Hotel Utah during 2023 and 2024 that had well attended shows. Each track channels the energy of a sold-out show and the hard work it took to make it happen:
1. Jane Symmes: “Magic”
Every great concert begins with a bang, and this track is the perfect opener to this 2024 playlist. Have you felt like you’re on a rollercoaster? Relationships, work, life … we all have struggles. How do you overcome your obstacles? Magic?
https://open.spotify.com/track/1iYRJke0kuU0iqONNlfOnS
2. Julie and the Warm Bodies: “Sin”
This track’s infectious rhythm and recognizable lyrics will get stuck in your head. A song about love and what it does to us. What would you do to feel someone’s love again? Cross the sea?
https://open.spotify.com/track/4oFgIiS5GpZdZNAywymZoR
3. Böyfriends: “Third”
The tempo kicks up a bit with this number. We keep the theme of love and the challenges going with this track. I’m hooked to the slow fast paired with highs and lows of the vocal range. Are you ready for someone to take you to the chapel?
https://open.spotify.com/track/36IvSf1oZYGWIeDjgyWOhO
4. Extra! Extra!: “Tokyo”
Cue the drums and stomping feet the energy is on an upward spike. This song had me bouncing in my office chair. Is the song about holiday travel or code for something else? Where are you going in 2025 and how are you going to get there?
https://open.spotify.com/track/5vFAJhXoct7E95zi3avgF4
5. Moonlust, DJ F: “Breath of Bliss”
Every concert has a moment where the lights dim, and the crowd sways together, singing their hearts out. This track is that moment. Its poignant sax and soulful harp melody connect deeply with fans, turning a single performance into a shared emotional experience. Also, more sax please!
https://open.spotify.com/track/3hZgzzme1BFW7X1TwB5yeg
6. Versoul: “For the Future”
What do you have a vision for? Is it for the future, life, children, rights, love, and patience? Who is going to make this vision come true if not you and your community? This song feel like a fight anthem for teaching the next generation.
https://open.spotify.com/track/10CUmYcxJ70zRbmrXtDw6F
7. dethcaps: “Wave Goodbye”
We’re back to the theme of love and giving it everything you’ve got until you wave goodbye. A potentially sad song, with a rousing build-up and an unforgettable final chorus, it leaves the audience on a high note, while ensuring the night will be remembered for years to come.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6cVzxtc78qjDOFJJtf14ba
8. Mommy Mommy: “Love Song”
If our theme wasn’t obvious this songs hits you over the head with love. It feel like a story of insecurity of not wanting to reach out unless your partner reaches out first. What is the answer for love and where will you find it?
https://open.spotify.com/track/0GBgw0cwn14uiNl8AXyEa5
9. Weekend Youth: “Mental Hell(th)”
You’re fire and I’m kerosene … do any of you feel like this in your relationships? It feels like the basis of every learning experience every couple has on their journey of love. What did you need? Distance? This song might be a lot of people’s anthem for a new year.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6exsfOZkxHS7a4qcJHEqfj
10. Modern Future ft. Steph Trivison: “Crush”
Again, we kick the temp into high gear with this dance-worthy number. It’s the song that gets everyone on their feet, from the back rows to the pit. Picture neon lights, synchronized jumps, and a wave of movement sweeping across the venue—pure magic. Maybe you’re on the dance floor with a crush … is it more? Maybe love?
https://open.spotify.com/track/3p4xP1HfSYmDjS04XWheqn
11. The Hot Takes: “Heaven on Radio”
Some people look like rock stars and the bands energy is awe inspiring. This is that band … the lead singer Jared might wear his sun glasses in a rain storm and you’d think, “that makes sense!” The band turns their performance into a charged emotional experience. Will you attend a show and let this band unleash their energy on you.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0EuyLsaOGuC6URL0jdFxpF
12. Adventure Playground: “Alright Already”
A garage based punk rock song about a passionate relationship that happens so fast. Fuck me on the floor. Cops show up at the door. Listening to sad music. Spending time in your room. And then … it ends cus they don’t you anymore. Can you relate? This song takes me back to high school in the 90s.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2CermSde9B0gZ2wgSMJjcB
13. The Scribe Project: “Complicated”
Were things complicated in 2024? Maybe your goal is to simplify things in 2025? Or do you like complicated? This song might be for you and your desire not to deny your love. Is the love in your life overated? Maybe things are so complicated. The guitar solo is so tasty … I want to eat it for dinner.
https://open.spotify.com/track/254LKIEXGUPXwv95wsuQ1B
14. Fancy Dad: “Drunky Funk”
Finally getting more sax! If I had my way I’d add sax to all songs … or more brass in general! This is a great song about having a “day!” At the end will you unwind with a drink? Sometimes you’re back up against the wall. Have a drink and settle down.
https://open.spotify.com/track/3MiCVIE4hZGiyzBsWQM963
15. TREASVRE ft. Combichrist, Icon Of Coil: “Devils” (Combichrist vs. Icon of Coil Remix)
I love how the scratchy bass comes in and then the other musical layers come in slowly on top of the main beat. The etherial opening reminds you of all your new beginnings. Will 2025 by the year that all your walls come down?
https://open.spotify.com/track/6EJhc6mUsinDKOmWnFiF18
16. Life Size Models: “Coming Apart”
Maybe some day you’ll be free? (2025?) Or are you coming apart? I hope you’ll come together again. The brother’s tell a heart felt story of love. I’ve been following this band a a while. It’s fun to see a family band find success. Their voices were made to synchronize and the instruments got the memo.
https://open.spotify.com/track/5cxE0PMMEUkmEJ9g1BnDSg
17. Orbit 17: “Aurora”
Let’s get a little shreddy with this one. Also … who wants to go to space? When I listen to this song I’m reminded of my high school friends that would walk through the woods eating mushrooms and seeing if they could smoke random plants. Where will your “Aurora” take you? Who will follow you there?
https://open.spotify.com/track/42sFG7melGweTCxJA7lRUH
18. Loke Tamba: “Can’t see it”
Did you feel unseen in 2024? Whose going to see you in 2025? It’s another day … will you find your path and follow the road to your future. Will you find love? This song asks a lot of questions to make a strong statement about what’s to come.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4M2puNZFocCTXoplGyPZmV
19. Kelsey Kindall ft. Kemvr: “That’s My Man”
The confidence of this song is palpable. It feels like a love anthem that states her claim on her love interest. The rap solo was unexpected … but I love it. The autotune matches trends in music and I’m here for it. I keep picturing Kelsey fronting on a woman and saying “not a chance … try again!”
https://open.spotify.com/track/3ykFWOLaCn55T4ADIMI9q8
20. Melinda Kausek ft. Sam Feinstein: “Stay, Or Let Me Go”
What fears do you have for 2025? Will you tell your partner to open their eyes? Are their words and feeling buried deep down inside? This song is a perfect end of year anthem for getting what you want in the new year. It also feels like the perfect song to end with.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2MlekLTjmOVpnhXsXosCXo
As I said before, this is a playlist of bands booking live music in the Bay Area. Please go to their shows, as this is no easy feat. With fierce competition for booking weekend gigs, your presence at a Thursday gig is monumental. It becomes even harder for bands to book iconic venues like The Fillmore and indie favorites like DNA Lounge unless they have your support. With every show, bookers have to consider soaring costs for rentals, staff, and promotions, and a saturated entertainment scene vying for audiences’ attention. Yet, the reward of a packed show makes every challenge worthwhile—there’s nothing like the electrifying connection with a crowd, the ripple effect of success that opens new doors for artists, and the sheer joy of bringing people together through music. Despite the hurdles, the Bay’s music scene thrives on resilience, creativity, and passion. For fans, keeping it alive is simple: show up, support, and be part of the energy that transforms a gig into an unforgettable experience. Every note, cheer, and clap is a testament to music’s power to unite.
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