Four Youth Artists Pushing Boundaries

By Nadya Barghouty

Oftentimes we find ourselves caught in a musical rut. We gravitate towards the same artists, the same genres, and the same five playlists. Sometimes the best way to break out of the monotony in your listening is to seek out music from youth artists. Young people are pioneers. Reckless and honest, they are not afraid to try things and create what makes them feel alive. As a midwest teen, there was not much to do past 9pm beyond walking around the local grocery store chain. This type of isolation breeds an insane amount of creativity. Pleaser is a collective with staff calling a variety of places home. Here are four Pleaser-picked youth artists pushing boundaries in their community and taking off in their careers.

Photo: Trigga T

Alex Vile

For fans of Palehound, Cryogeyser, and Gully Boys

Alex Vile has evolved from a solo project to an alternative 4-piece powerhouse that can be found playing all over western Washington. True to the music of the PNW, the 90’s grunge influences shine through on their tracks. Alex Vile, however, is not just another ode to 90’s grunge. Elements of slowcore and alternative indie result in a clash of emotion perfectly encapsulating youth angst today. Alex Vile is currently building up their streaming presence with two songs on Spotify, “Top Dog” and the latest release, “Tiger.” Both tracks follow a relatively similar structure and result in a build up that you can’t help but scream along too. I will say, however, there is an obvious growth captured in “Tiger.” Alex Vile is a must-see group in the Seattle area and deserves a spot on your weekly rotation. 

Photo: Ava Carson

Beekman

For fans of The Pretty Reckless, Paramore, and Evanescence

Hailing from St. Louis, Beekman is a modern pop-punk band Pleaser cannot get enough of. The group of five released an album in 2021 titled, Primary Colors, containing ten tracks focusing on identity and survival. Pop-punk can sometimes seem as an obvious genre box, but Beekman weaves through conventions maintaining interest throughout the album. My favorite track, “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades,” seems like the perfect accompaniment to a revenge montage in a teen coming of age movie. The track has a palpable energy of a phoenix rising from the ashes, and that type of fire is present throughout the album. Also, the versatility of the musicians should not go unnoticed. While their skills can be seen in the different textures of each track, multiple members play multiple instruments. If you catch yourself in Missouri, get out and try to see a Beekman show. You won’t be disappointed!

The Doozers

For fans of The Strokes, Mmmonika, and Mustard Service

The Doozers, an energetic indie 4-piece from metro-Detroit, have amassed quite the local following. However, with over three million Spotify streams on their 2019 single “Cytoplasm,”their popularity isn’t limited just to the Midwest. The Doozers could not have come at a more perfect time. The resurgence of indie sleaze and rediscovery of 2010 favorites like The Strokes and Tame Impala have propelled The Doozers to the forefront of a lot of listeners' playlists. With silly yet sometimes poignant lyrics, colorful imagery, and refreshing melodies, listening to The Doozers can make you feel like you’re in high school jumping on the old trampoline avoiding a pretty large hole in the corner. Is that oddly specific? And while I personally may find immense comfort from The Doozers’ music because they are four of the kindest and most talented musicians I have ever come to know, I believe at the end of the day their music is well worth everyone’s attention.

Photo: Kat Schleiher

Negative/Positive

For fans of The Beths, Illuminati Hotties, and Sleater Kinney 

Riot Grrrl has manifested in a lot of different ways and it can definitely be felt in Milwaukee band Negative/Positive’s tracks. Their latest album Mint Bag (Full of Mints) contains witty one-liners, gritty riffs, and defiant noise. I cannot stop listening to the track “Irish Spring 3-in-1 Body Wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner.” The title makes me laugh and the composition makes me dance. Lead singer Ava screams into the void, “Won’t you please, oh God, give me some attention” as the track explodes into chaos. The band also does not confine themselves to genre, for example, tracks like “Space Smells Like Lilacs” are more gutting and soft. Negative/Positive is a beacon for the indie unapologetically “sad queer teen.” While Negative/Positive is not currently booking shows, their Spotify is rife with content to fill your time.