Music can connect, inspire, comfort, and is a part of personal identity and self-expression. In the diverse world of alternative music, where genres and styles blur boundaries, listeners find unique voices that resonate with their lives. These are some of Skyline’s favorite alternative artists and how these musicians affect them and provide comfort or offer self-expression.
Steam Powered Giraffe formed in California in 2008, and was created and led by twins David Michael Bennett and Isabella Bunny Bennett. Their music is inspired by the steampunk subculture and their performances include robots, puppetry, and historical but fantasy technology; all staples of the steampunk subculture.
“I had a friend of mine show me one of their [Steam Powered Giraffe’s] songs,” said Sebastiaan Dieve (‘26). “and I was instantly hooked. They’re a jumble of unique ideas. Seeing them live is a spectacle—a mix of puppetry, music, ballet, projections, and comedy. They make it feel like an old animatronic circus show with instruments like accordions and tambourines. The lyrics feel like they’re coming from robots, which is so unique.”
Pure Hell is an American punk rock band from Philadelphia that began in 1974. Pure Hell was one of the first African American proto-punk bands and were known for being one of the first tier of punk bands in the 70s.
“Pure Hell was an influential Black punk band that brought ska into punk,” said Lumi Mott (‘26). “Their political messages are still relevant today, and their songs are incredibly fun.”
Crown the Empire is an American metalcore band from Texas formed in 2010. The band comprises vocalist Andrew Rockhold, guitarist Brandon Hoover, bassist Hayden Tree, and the drummer Jeeves Avalos. Rammstein is a German band formed in 1994 the members include Till Lindemann, lead guitarist Richard Kruspe, rhythm guitarist Paul Landers, bassist Oliver Riedel, drummer Christoph Schneider, and keyboardist Christian ‘Flake’ Lorenz.
“I first got into Crown the Empire when I went to see them in concert with a friend, and they became my favorite band after that.” says Ash Rowley (‘26). “I just recently saw them in concert again and it was great.” Another band Rowley enjoys is Rammstein. “I first heard Rammstein when they came up on my spotify recommended, and I just continued to listen to them after that, and they quickly became another favorite band of mine.”
La Dispute is an American post-hardcore band from Michigan, formed in 2004. The current lineup is vocalist Jordan Dreyer, drummer Brad Vander Lugt, guitarist Chad Morgan-Sterenberg, guitarist Corey Stroffolino and bass guitarist Adam Vass.
“I found them [La Dispute] after listening to Alesana!” said Salem Campbell (‘25). “They were a recommended artist. La Dispute has a much different sound than Alesana, though…The first song I heard was King Park, and then I saw everything. I see everything made me fall in love with the band, when I found out that La Dispute was from Michigan I became even more obsessed with them. I love La Dispute”
Jhariah Clare is a musician, illustrator, and animator based in Brooklyn, who released his first song in 2012. Will Wood is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and comedian, his musical genres are changing constantly.
“Jhariah means a lot to me because his songs are extremely energetic and hyper-sounding while also having a dark meaning behind all of his lyrics,” said Alison Green (‘26). They also enjoy listening to Will Wood, adding, “Will Wood means a lot to me as well because his songs tend to express deep emotions and feelings that I can often relate to.”
