There’s something for everyone in Milwaukee, a truth that applies to both the city itself and the vibrant music scene it fosters. From indie rock to pop to high-octane rap, there seems to be a scene in the city to suit nearly any music taste. Although local scenes can be difficult to navigate, there’s so much great music waiting to be heard – if you’re willing to dig for it. Here’s a primer on some of the most interesting music coming out of Milwaukee right now, from bedroom productions to local hits.
Bug Moment
For fans of: cozy bedroom pop
It’s not too difficult to find an advertisement for pop/rock outfit BUG MOMENT on the UW-Milwaukee campus – I walk by one of their gig fliers every morning on the way to my journalism lecture, and later that day I’ll spot their logo stuck to a recycling bin near the PSOA buildings. Marketing aside, the band itself was formed in Milwaukee in late 2020 as a duo project and now boasts four members – gaining considerable local attention after the release of their debut EP “BUGS” in 2021. The short-yet-sweet project is rooted in warm bedroom pop textures – often taking influence from indie folk, alternative rock and even the more eclectic tendencies of hyperpop from time to time. The confessional, intimate lyricism of lead vocalist Jasmine is also a standout trait of their songs: the chorus of “WORM” opens with the emotional bombshell of “I’m sorry that I think about a girl when you kiss me.” Their debut studio album is expected in early 2023, and in recent months they’ve already become mainstays in the local live music circuit – BUG MOMENT is absolutely going to be a big deal, both in and outside of Milwaukee. My favorite song of theirs to date is “little frog” – I love how atmospheric and lush the acoustics and the harmonies are on this track.
Immortal Girlfriend
For fans of: cinematic synthpop
Immortal Girlfriend’s Instagram bio hails themselves as the “Dark Knights of Synth,” a title that their nocturnal-hybrid of electronica and pop earns them easily. Comprised of brothers William and Kevin Bush, Immortal Girlfriend have been cutting their teeth in the local Milwaukee scene since the release of their debut EP “Daybreak” in 2017. Over the past five years, the duo has pinned down a sleek, retro-yet-futuristic approach to synthpop best suited for a late-night joyride around the city. Their slim but consistent discography is absolutely worth an after-hours listen – you’ll find absolute gems like the fluorescent “Overcome the Night,” the sublime lushness of “RIDE” and the cinematic melodrama of “Seeker.” Their crown jewel, however, is their most recent track – “Beams (I Know You Love Me).” Genuinely one of the coolest-sounding songs of the year, “Beams” feels like a warm early-morning sunrise after eons of driving through the night – I haven’t been able to stay away from this song since I first discovered it. It’s those damn synths.
Lakeyah
For fans of: pull-no-punches rap
Lakeyah is easily the biggest artist on this list, boasting 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Born and raised in Milwaukee, she signed to major hip-hop label Quality Control in 2020 after a move to Atlanta, Georgia. She’s very much still in tune with her roots in the midwest, though– she sounds the most comfortable over the icy, uptempo Detroit-style beats that the Milwaukee rap scene has adopted in recent years. She raps with the conviction and confidence that only comes from years of honing her craft, effortlessly firing off boasts and punchlines that almost never let up. There’s often a vivid sense of triumph to her verses, as well – she knows that she’s at the top of her game right now, but she’s also aware that success is not permanent. It’s blindingly clear that bigger things lie ahead of her, though. Only two years after her major-label debut, she’s already collaborated with some of hip-hop’s biggest contemporary heavyweights – Gucci Mane, 42 Dugg, Flo Milli, Latto, and Moneybagg Yo to name a few. Her defining song up to this point is “313-414” with Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley, a high-octane track where the two effortlessly trade bars and put on for their respective hometowns. Try not to crack a smile when she drops the line “know I’m rockin’ with the Bucks, but if they want it, we got heat.”
Large Print
For fans of: autumnal indie rock
Formed in 2018, Milwaukee group Large Print have nailed down one of the most unique aesthetics in their lane. Their YouTube is littered with fuzzy, low-resolution visualizers for quirky indie rock tracks that never run longer than a minute. Their recent studio releases expand upon these snippets, and the hypnagogic nature of their visuals is just as present in the music itself – thanks to the shorter runtimes, gentle melodies and seamless transitions present in their songs. They’ve released two sister EPs this year, “In the Clouds” in April and “In the Dark” in July. “In the Clouds” hones in on more ethereal and dreamy textures, while “In the Dark” experiments with electronic soundscapes and a uniquely nocturnal atmosphere. The amount of ground that the group is able to cover between these two projects is undeniably impressive, and it’s super exciting to think about where they’re going to take their sound from here. My favorite song of theirs is “Dried Fruit,” a track that evokes the quiet commotion of a late October afternoon.
Great article, Josh. Thank you for providing a professional glimpse into the Milwaukee music scene!