The 5 best surprises to come from the scene in 2020

2020 has been a rough year for all of us for any obvious reasons, and it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity. While we all miss live music and are dealing with the stress of just *waves hands* everything, there are some really great things to come out of these crazy times. So here are the five best surprises to come out of the scene in 2020.

5. Young Culture releasing a really strong debut album.

I had no idea what Young Culture was up to and then suddenly Wow! An album! A really really good album! Honestly, this record has so many great songs and it showcases how powerful this band is, and I can only imagine what they could do if the world was normal. They would be such a fun opening band, and a headline tour in support of Young Culture would have me pulling up to multiple shows. *Sighs in pandemic* Anyway, stream Young Culture’s debut album Young Culture!

4. Bearings releasing a total banger with “Sway.”

While “Sway” is culturally significant and Bearings deserves all the praise in the world, this isn’t higher on the list simply because I called it. Well, I didn’t call “Sway” in particular, but I knew Bearing were going to do something great this year. Check the records because I said it here. I can only imagine how groundbreaking their album is gonna be, oh my god. We’re like a month out and I can’t wait for it to totally ruin my life in the best way.

3. Neck Deep throwing us a curveball yet still nailing it.

I will admit, my first listen of All Distortions Are Intentional had me skeptical. It’s a new direction for Neck Deep and I was not immediately on board. Fast forward a few months and I listen to that record every day. “Sick Joke” is an undeniable banger, and “Empty House” has me on the verge of tears every time. It’s a new sound for Neck Deep, but it’s still the reliable band we know and love. I’m sorry I ever doubted them.

2. All Time Low scoring a #1 alt radio hit with “Monsters.”

If you would have asked my what single from Wake Up, Sunshine would get major radio buzz, “Monsters” would not have been on my list. An explicit song with a rap feature making waves on the radio? No way. SIKE. All Time Low is just that powerful. After a lengthy career, I am just so glad that All Time Low is getting the attention they deserve. Please excuse me while I continue to jam out to “Monsters” everywhere I go.

1. Machine Gun Kelly releasing one of the best pop-punk albums of the year.

I couldn’t have called this. You couldn’t have called this. No one could have called this. MGK totally taking over the pop-punk world was completely unexpected in the best way possible. Tickets to My Downfall is one of (if not the) best albums of the year, and the fact that it’s a pop-punk record is insane and wonderful. I listened to that album for like three weeks straight, and it never got old. MGK shows such growth and storytelling here, and I feel like this album is just really what everyone needed. Everyone say thank you to MGK.

What do you think? Were you surprised by our list? Let us know!

Looking for THE scene podcast? Look no further. Unplugged w/ Tyler Winters & John Pearman is exactly what you need. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Follow or Subscribe below!

or another podcast platform.