Southeast Indie Fest 2025

Atlanta, GA

Band Submission

Elijah Cruise with Brahctopus x Nester at Evening Muse (Charlotte, NC)
May
9
to May 10

Elijah Cruise with Brahctopus x Nester at Evening Muse (Charlotte, NC)

Elijah Cruise, the mastermind behind the soul-stirring alt-rock anthem "Vampire U," is back with another mesmerizing creation. His latest single, "Miracle," in collaboration with WE ARE FURY, is at the forefront of his musical journey, showcasing his unique blend of raw emotion and ethereal soundscapes. Following closely is his powerful track "SPIDERS" featuring Brassie, which has already captured the hearts of many.

Elijah's previous hits, like "Poem of a Killer," which garnered millions of streams on Spotify and even graced the airwaves of BBC Radio 1, cemented his reputation as an Alternative Pop Visionary. With "Miracle" and "SPIDERS," Elijah continues to captivate audiences, inviting them to delve into a world where haunting melodies and evocative lyrics converge.

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3rd Street Band x Five Door Sedan x Cafè Bleu | Live from SOBATL (Atlanta, GA)
May
14

3rd Street Band x Five Door Sedan x Cafè Bleu | Live from SOBATL (Atlanta, GA)

3rd Street Band: Genuine, energized, and hungry. The New York based team of musicians takes their listeners on an ethereal and winding journey through their music, both on and off the stage. The influences of rock & roll, virtuosic musicianship, intricate storytelling and free-spirited performances make for an experience you don't want to miss out on. ​

Five Door Sedan is a progressive indie rock group from Charleston, SC. Tight rhythms, deep lyrics, and passionate playing make this band a powerhouse of musicality.

Café Bleu is a sophisti-pop group showing homage to the styles of indie jazz pop groups from the European post punk era.

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Elijah Cruise with The Frontrunners x Olive X. at SOBATL (Atlanta, GA)
May
15

Elijah Cruise with The Frontrunners x Olive X. at SOBATL (Atlanta, GA)

Elijah Cruise, the mastermind behind the soul-stirring alt-rock anthem "Vampire U," is back with another mesmerizing creation. His latest single, "Miracle," in collaboration with WE ARE FURY, is at the forefront of his musical journey, showcasing his unique blend of raw emotion and ethereal soundscapes. Following closely is his powerful track "SPIDERS" featuring Brassie, which has already captured the hearts of many.

Elijah's previous hits, like "Poem of a Killer," which garnered millions of streams on Spotify and even graced the airwaves of BBC Radio 1, cemented his reputation as an Alternative Pop Visionary. With "Miracle" and "SPIDERS," Elijah continues to captivate audiences, inviting them to delve into a world where haunting melodies and evocative lyrics converge.

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Karma and the Killjoys with Valories x Bohemian Mayday at Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)
May
2

Karma and the Killjoys with Valories x Bohemian Mayday at Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)

Karma and the Killjoys is classical piano turned rock band. Loud key-smashing chords dueling with gritty electric guitar, powerful, raw female voices and a thick chorus of harmonies is the strange and compelling concoction the band calls piano-rock. Ever pushing the bounds of what that means, Karma and the Killjoys expand their musicality with every song, both embracing and defying the genre–and therefore defining it. 

And nothing could be truer for the band’s newest collection of songs. Synthetic contemplates the performance of existing, the falsehoods of organized religion, and the vengefulness of the cog to its machine. Karma and the Killjoys weave the dread of an impending darkness and a jaded view of the world into songs that translate that darkness into a scream of purpose and hope. It is Karma and the Killjoys at their rawest, most vulnerable, and perhaps, most powerful.

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Rebecca Skelton supporting Marielle Kraft + NJ at Vinyl-Centerstage (Atlanta, GA)
May
1

Rebecca Skelton supporting Marielle Kraft + NJ at Vinyl-Centerstage (Atlanta, GA)

Rebecca Skelton is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Northeast Georgia. With a strong foundation in classical music, choral performance, and the arts, she brings a depth of experience to her craft. Known for her heartfelt lyrics and gentle melodies, Skelton creates music that encourages listeners to find light even in the darkest moments. She made her debut in August 2024 with her EP in my head and has been forging her musical path ever since.

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Karma and the Killjoys supporting Working Hour with Alexa Fontaine at The Audio Shack (Birmingham, AL)
May
1

Karma and the Killjoys supporting Working Hour with Alexa Fontaine at The Audio Shack (Birmingham, AL)

Karma and the Killjoys is classical piano turned rock band. Loud key-smashing chords dueling with gritty electric guitar, powerful, raw female voices and a thick chorus of harmonies is the strange and compelling concoction the band calls piano-rock. Ever pushing the bounds of what that means, Karma and the Killjoys expand their musicality with every song, both embracing and defying the genre–and therefore defining it. 

And nothing could be truer for the band’s newest collection of songs. Synthetic contemplates the performance of existing, the falsehoods of organized religion, and the vengefulness of the cog to its machine. Karma and the Killjoys weave the dread of an impending darkness and a jaded view of the world into songs that translate that darkness into a scream of purpose and hope. It is Karma and the Killjoys at their rawest, most vulnerable, and perhaps, most powerful.

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Shock Tea with Telemonster x Merlin The Cat at Redbud Venue (Chattanooga, TN)
May
1

Shock Tea with Telemonster x Merlin The Cat at Redbud Venue (Chattanooga, TN)

Carefully blending psychedelic inspired modern indie rock with the melodic and textural fusion of

the Indian sitar, Shock Tea, based out of Atlanta, offers a refreshing musical experience reminiscent of the rock, pop, and blues of the 60’s and 70’s while speaking to modern indie rock sensibilities.

Formed in late 2022, the band comprises Andrew Pangus on bass, bringing his punk and alternative roots; Quaid Patterson on guitar, with a rich blues background; and Avery Andrews, a skilled jazz drummer. Fronting the band is Nik Howlett providing the vocals, keyboard, and the distinctive tones of the sitar.

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Echo Area supporting New Translations and Secret Towns at Masquerade-Purgatory (Atlanta, GA)
Mar
21

Echo Area supporting New Translations and Secret Towns at Masquerade-Purgatory (Atlanta, GA)

Echo Area, a dynamic chillwave and indie electronic band hailing from Atlanta, Ga., is fueled by the collective talents of Jesse Chapman on production and vocals and Ryan Laukhuf on drums. Blending their individual expertise seamlessly, the duo weaves a captivating tapestry of dreamy melodies, intricate beats, and mesmerizing textures. Their music, inspired by the city's vibrant cultural landscape, transcends genre boundaries, fusing elements of electronic pop, shoegaze, and ambient soundscapes. With their ethereal yet introspective lyrics and carefully crafted studio productions, Echo Area creates an immersive sonic experience that transports listeners to a world of tranquility and contemplation.

Their live performances are a testament to their artistry, captivating audiences with a mesmerizing stage presence that further enhances the captivating nature of their music. Echo Area stands as a formidable force in the realm of electronic music, crafting sonic landscapes that invite listeners to embark on a sonic journey like no other.

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Blanket Approval with F*cking Hockey! at Blue Canary Records (Columbus, GA)
Feb
28

Blanket Approval with F*cking Hockey! at Blue Canary Records (Columbus, GA)

Blanket Approval is a 4-piece indie rock band from New York City. They formed in 2021 when lead singer Jack Matteucci took a collection of demos recorded in the basement of his physics lab, moved to Brooklyn, and met drummer/singer Joey Hadden. The two were later joined by bassist Max Mena and keyboardist/guitarist Rahul Chakraborty.

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Blanket Approval with Ociffer x Smoochyface x Inter Speculorum at Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)
Feb
27

Blanket Approval with Ociffer x Smoochyface x Inter Speculorum at Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA)

Blanket Approval is a 4-piece indie rock band from New York City. They formed in 2021 when lead singer Jack Matteucci took a collection of demos recorded in the basement of his physics lab, moved to Brooklyn, and met drummer/singer Joey Hadden. The two were later joined by bassist Max Mena and keyboardist/guitarist Rahul Chakraborty.

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Lemon’s x Weekend Friend at Snug Harbor (Charlotte, NC)
Feb
22

Lemon’s x Weekend Friend at Snug Harbor (Charlotte, NC)

While their sound is heavily characterized by catchy guitar riffs and thoughtful instrumentation, just as much, if not more, thought goes into the lyrical content of their music. They often draw inspiration from life experiences, such as family trauma, romantic and familial relationships, and their own introspective journeys. Their sound is reminiscent of groups who inspire them like Young the Giant, The Backseat Lovers, Arctic Monkeys, and other indie rock groups.

Lemon's stepped into the music scene in February 2021 with hopes to one day tour the world and be the force behind the song you get sick of hearing on the radio. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to catch a live show, follow their socials, and listen to their latest release!

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Karma and the Killjoys with Phantomelo x Primo Danger x Cherry Laurel at Resonant Head (Oklahoma City, OK)
Feb
22

Karma and the Killjoys with Phantomelo x Primo Danger x Cherry Laurel at Resonant Head (Oklahoma City, OK)

Karma and the Killjoys is classical piano turned rock band. Loud key-smashing chords dueling with gritty electric guitar, powerful, raw female voices and a thick chorus of harmonies is the strange and compelling concoction the band calls piano-rock. Ever pushing the bounds of what that means, Karma and the Killjoys expand their musicality with every song, both embracing and defying the genre–and therefore defining it. 

And nothing could be truer for the band’s newest collection of songs. Synthetic contemplates the performance of existing, the falsehoods of organized religion, and the vengefulness of the cog to its machine. Karma and the Killjoys weave the dread of an impending darkness and a jaded view of the world into songs that translate that darkness into a scream of purpose and hope. It is Karma and the Killjoys at their rawest, most vulnerable, and perhaps, most powerful.

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Forrest Isn’t Dead with NITE x Aestrea x Shake Awake at Vinyl-Centerstage (Atlanta, GA)
Feb
21

Forrest Isn’t Dead with NITE x Aestrea x Shake Awake at Vinyl-Centerstage (Atlanta, GA)

The  release of their debut album “The End of Everything” on September 16th,  2022, achieved critical success from both fans and industry. They’ve  amassed millions of streams across all platforms, and have been featured  on numerous Spotify editorial playlists, as well as MTV’s Spanking New  with their singles ‘'Fire' and 'Born or Made'.
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Karma and the Killjoys with Phantomelo x Mean Motor Scooter at The Boiled Owl Tavern (Ft. Worth, TX)
Feb
21

Karma and the Killjoys with Phantomelo x Mean Motor Scooter at The Boiled Owl Tavern (Ft. Worth, TX)

Karma and the Killjoys is classical piano turned rock band. Loud key-smashing chords dueling with gritty electric guitar, powerful, raw female voices and a thick chorus of harmonies is the strange and compelling concoction the band calls piano-rock. Ever pushing the bounds of what that means, Karma and the Killjoys expand their musicality with every song, both embracing and defying the genre–and therefore defining it. 

And nothing could be truer for the band’s newest collection of songs. Synthetic contemplates the performance of existing, the falsehoods of organized religion, and the vengefulness of the cog to its machine. Karma and the Killjoys weave the dread of an impending darkness and a jaded view of the world into songs that translate that darkness into a scream of purpose and hope. It is Karma and the Killjoys at their rawest, most vulnerable, and perhaps, most powerful.

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Lemon’s x The Downstairs x Swear Jar x Crimson Fever at Nowhere Bar (Athens, GA)
Feb
20

Lemon’s x The Downstairs x Swear Jar x Crimson Fever at Nowhere Bar (Athens, GA)

While their sound is heavily characterized by catchy guitar riffs and thoughtful instrumentation, just as much, if not more, thought goes into the lyrical content of their music. They often draw inspiration from life experiences, such as family trauma, romantic and familial relationships, and their own introspective journeys. Their sound is reminiscent of groups who inspire them like Young the Giant, The Backseat Lovers, Arctic Monkeys, and other indie rock groups.

Lemon's stepped into the music scene in February 2021 with hopes to one day tour the world and be the force behind the song you get sick of hearing on the radio. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to catch a live show, follow their socials, and listen to their latest release!

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Karma and the Killjoys with Phantomelo x April Company at Super Happy Fun Land (Houston, TX)
Feb
19

Karma and the Killjoys with Phantomelo x April Company at Super Happy Fun Land (Houston, TX)

Karma and the Killjoys is classical piano turned rock band. Loud key-smashing chords dueling with gritty electric guitar, powerful, raw female voices and a thick chorus of harmonies is the strange and compelling concoction the band calls piano-rock. Ever pushing the bounds of what that means, Karma and the Killjoys expand their musicality with every song, both embracing and defying the genre–and therefore defining it. 

And nothing could be truer for the band’s newest collection of songs. Synthetic contemplates the performance of existing, the falsehoods of organized religion, and the vengefulness of the cog to its machine. Karma and the Killjoys weave the dread of an impending darkness and a jaded view of the world into songs that translate that darkness into a scream of purpose and hope. It is Karma and the Killjoys at their rawest, most vulnerable, and perhaps, most powerful.

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Forrest Isn’t Dead at Jambaloo Festival at Club Dada (Ft. Worth, TX)
Feb
2

Forrest Isn’t Dead at Jambaloo Festival at Club Dada (Ft. Worth, TX)

The  release of their debut album “The End of Everything” on September 16th,  2022, achieved critical success from both fans and industry. They’ve  amassed millions of streams across all platforms, and have been featured  on numerous Spotify editorial playlists, as well as MTV’s Spanking New  with their singles ‘'Fire' and 'Born or Made'.
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LVVRS with Kaydelis x Stardust Sonata x Novanauts at Vinyl-Centerstage (Atlanta, GA)
Feb
1

LVVRS with Kaydelis x Stardust Sonata x Novanauts at Vinyl-Centerstage (Atlanta, GA)

LVVRS (Lovers)... Charismatic rockers crafting infectious sounds that are a blend of Disco Pop and 1970’S Rock’N’Roll flair. Their songs work equally well on the dance floor or roaring out the window of a speeding car. Singer River Gibson delivers vocals equal part sweetness and grit with a sonic expression of self-confidence.

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LVVRS with Mourning Glories x Rockstar Girlfriend at Subculture (Pensacola, FL)
Jan
31

LVVRS with Mourning Glories x Rockstar Girlfriend at Subculture (Pensacola, FL)

LVVRS (Lovers)... Charismatic rockers crafting infectious sounds that are a blend of Disco Pop and 1970’S Rock’N’Roll flair. Their songs work equally well on the dance floor or roaring out the window of a speeding car. Singer River Gibson delivers vocals equal part sweetness and grit with a sonic expression of self-confidence.

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Slow Funeral with GAMMA STAR x Cosomic Hippie
Dec
19

Slow Funeral with GAMMA STAR x Cosomic Hippie

Slow Funeral is the alias of South Carolina-based musician Mary Norris. She released her first single as Slow Funeral, “I Loved You In Another Life,” in November 2021. Shortly after, Norris put all of her energy into defining herself and her sound through abraded lyrical and musical vulnerability. Her alt-rock band is a marriage of her 90s influences, such as Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, The Cranberries, and Nirvana, paired with her Americana roots, such as Jason Isbell, Bruce Springsteen, and John Prine. Slow Funeral’s live performances have been making early impact in the Southeast, having toured the Southeast twice, the Northeast once, and having already shared the stage with acts like Slothrust, owen (Mike Kinsella of American Football), Pinkshift, Chase Petra, and more. In September 2024, Slow Funeral also was selected to perform a pre-show for Weezer, Dinosaur Jr., and The Flaming Lips. Norris is currently working with producer Corey Campbell on her debut album, Conditions of Trust.

Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, D.P. Hansen, first began recording home demos back in 2015 with the intention of using them as a groundwork for other musical projects. While navigating his music career as a drummer and backup singer for a number of Atlanta based artists over the years, he stockpiled songs in private and honed his musical skills through stylized composition. Over time, what initially started as a way to scratch down ideas, became the more idiosyncratic and elaborate productions that found their way under the GAMMA STAR moniker. In his upcoming debut album, “Cosmic Trash”, D.P. Hansen cuts his way through this new territory of solo artistry with signature vocal characterizations, strong melodies, thoughtful lyrical content, and sound design that weaponizes its own audio fidelity for emotive profit.

Cosomic Hippie's goal with their music is to bring people together. Art is what inspires. Art is what we use to express ourselves in ways words never could.

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LVVRS with Galloway x Willingdon at Petra’s (Charlotte, NC)
Nov
16

LVVRS with Galloway x Willingdon at Petra’s (Charlotte, NC)

LVVRS

LVVRS DEBUT EP “MIDNIGHT FANTASY” RELEASED EARLY 2024, AND THE BAND ALREADY HAS A SECOND EP PLANNED FOR THE FALL. UNTIL THEN, YOU CAN FIND LVVRS TOURING THE SOUTH AND MIDWEST, STEADILY PRODUCING MUSIC AND CONTENT. THE BAND RECENTLY HAD A CAMEO ROLE IN A24’S “THE IRON CLAW” AND RELEASED A SONG INSPIRED BY MUSIC FROM THE FILM. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR LVVRS ON TV. OVER A DOZEN OF THEIR SONGS HAVE BEEN PLACED IN MAJOR REALITY SHOWS INCLUDING “LOVE IS BLIND” (NETFLIX), ULTIMATUM" (NETFLIX). 

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LVVRS at Preservation Pub (Knoxville, TN)
Nov
15

LVVRS at Preservation Pub (Knoxville, TN)

LVVRS

LVVRS DEBUT EP “MIDNIGHT FANTASY” RELEASED EARLY 2024, AND THE BAND ALREADY HAS A SECOND EP PLANNED FOR THE FALL. UNTIL THEN, YOU CAN FIND LVVRS TOURING THE SOUTH AND MIDWEST, STEADILY PRODUCING MUSIC AND CONTENT. THE BAND RECENTLY HAD A CAMEO ROLE IN A24’S “THE IRON CLAW” AND RELEASED A SONG INSPIRED BY MUSIC FROM THE FILM. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR LVVRS ON TV. OVER A DOZEN OF THEIR SONGS HAVE BEEN PLACED IN MAJOR REALITY SHOWS INCLUDING “LOVE IS BLIND” (NETFLIX), ULTIMATUM" (NETFLIX). 

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LVVRS with Blu Co. at The Nick (Birmingham, AL)
Nov
14

LVVRS with Blu Co. at The Nick (Birmingham, AL)

LVVRS

LVVRS DEBUT EP “MIDNIGHT FANTASY” RELEASED EARLY 2024, AND THE BAND ALREADY HAS A SECOND EP PLANNED FOR THE FALL. UNTIL THEN, YOU CAN FIND LVVRS TOURING THE SOUTH AND MIDWEST, STEADILY PRODUCING MUSIC AND CONTENT. THE BAND RECENTLY HAD A CAMEO ROLE IN A24’S “THE IRON CLAW” AND RELEASED A SONG INSPIRED BY MUSIC FROM THE FILM. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR LVVRS ON TV. OVER A DOZEN OF THEIR SONGS HAVE BEEN PLACED IN MAJOR REALITY SHOWS INCLUDING “LOVE IS BLIND” (NETFLIX), ULTIMATUM" (NETFLIX). 

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INDIE DREAMS with Naomi. x Edi Callier x Jazzy Tha Rapper x Rockstar JT at Aisle 5 (Atlanta, GA)
Nov
3

INDIE DREAMS with Naomi. x Edi Callier x Jazzy Tha Rapper x Rockstar JT at Aisle 5 (Atlanta, GA)

Naomi.

Naomi. moved to Atlanta from Port Saint Lucie, Florida in 2017 and attended school at Atlanta Institute of Music. She graduated with an Associates Degree in Music and Technology in 2019 and later that year released her debut single “Babe” which earned her the title of “Atlanta’s brightest new music maker” by Wussy Magazine. Naomi. is a  sultry alto vocalist known for her bold makeup looks, unique style and signature sound that is reminiscent of artists like Doja Cat, PinkPantheress, and Billie Eilish. Described as “Dreamy futuristic electro-pop” by Luna Collective Magazine, Naomi. is quickly making a name for herself in the Atlanta music scene.

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Forrest Isn't Dead “The Flowers Tour” - HALLOWEEN SHOW🎃 (Chicago, IL)
Oct
31

Forrest Isn't Dead “The Flowers Tour” - HALLOWEEN SHOW🎃 (Chicago, IL)

Forrest Isn’t Dead

Known
 for their introspective and candid lyrics, Madison Records Alternative 
Pop band Forrest Isn’t Dead pours out their stories of hardships and 
redemption through their dreamy and euphoric take on music. The Atlanta 
based band is made up of lead singer Forrest and his three best friends 
Vassy, Kymani, and Cole. Being on the road together for many successful 
tours has brought them as close as brothers, and this is evident in 
their live show. The band draws inspiration from all over the playing 
field including bands such as The Cure, Coheed & Cambria, Nine Inch 
Nails, and Crosses.
The
 release of their debut album “The End of Everything” on September 16th,
 2022, achieved critical success from both fans and industry. They’ve 
amassed millions of streams across all platforms, and have been featured
 on numerous Spotify editorial playlists, as well as MTV’s Spanking New 
with their singles ‘'Fire' and 'Born or Made'.  In addition to their 
music being played on radio stations across the country including 
99X-Atlanta, KTCL-Denver,  KPNT-St. Louis, and KJEE Santa Barbara, the 
band was featured in such press outlets as Alternative Press, Amplify 
Music, Broadway World, Vents, and more!

There
 is no slowing down for Forrest Isn't Dead in 2024 as they kicked off 
the year with an electric performance at the Grammy Nominations in 
support of Killer Mike. The band is now set up at Madison Studios, 
diligently recording their much anticipated sophomore album.  Fans can 
expect new music throughout this year, along with live dates across the 
U.S.

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Forrest Isn't Dead “The Flowers Tour” with support from Cream Camino x Unseen Keys (Columbus, OH)
Oct
30

Forrest Isn't Dead “The Flowers Tour” with support from Cream Camino x Unseen Keys (Columbus, OH)

Forrest Isn’t Dead

Known
 for their introspective and candid lyrics, Madison Records Alternative 
Pop band Forrest Isn’t Dead pours out their stories of hardships and 
redemption through their dreamy and euphoric take on music. The Atlanta 
based band is made up of lead singer Forrest and his three best friends 
Vassy, Kymani, and Cole. Being on the road together for many successful 
tours has brought them as close as brothers, and this is evident in 
their live show. The band draws inspiration from all over the playing 
field including bands such as The Cure, Coheed & Cambria, Nine Inch 
Nails, and Crosses.
The
 release of their debut album “The End of Everything” on September 16th,
 2022, achieved critical success from both fans and industry. They’ve 
amassed millions of streams across all platforms, and have been featured
 on numerous Spotify editorial playlists, as well as MTV’s Spanking New 
with their singles ‘'Fire' and 'Born or Made'.  In addition to their 
music being played on radio stations across the country including 
99X-Atlanta, KTCL-Denver,  KPNT-St. Louis, and KJEE Santa Barbara, the 
band was featured in such press outlets as Alternative Press, Amplify 
Music, Broadway World, Vents, and more!

There
 is no slowing down for Forrest Isn't Dead in 2024 as they kicked off 
the year with an electric performance at the Grammy Nominations in 
support of Killer Mike. The band is now set up at Madison Studios, 
diligently recording their much anticipated sophomore album.  Fans can 
expect new music throughout this year, along with live dates across the 
U.S.

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