What can we say, the Capital Region has a wealth of talented musical acts in every genre category. With plenty of venues all across the area, there is never a bad option on any night of the week to see live music. Upstate New York has seen some amazing acts make it big throughout the years and now there is a new wave of artists on the rise ready to leave a big impression. In no particular order what so ever, here is our list of Capital Region artists we highly recommend paying attention to in 2022.

Hilltop:

Hilltop is one of the Capital Region’s rising jam acts and are growing a larger following each time they step on stage. While extensive jams are a big part of what makes up the genre, this band can write as well. Hilltop’s sound gives early Santana vibes mixed in due to the drum and percussion one two punch while playing sensible jams. The guys are young and have a bright future in the jam band scene.

Sydney Worthley:

Sydney Worthley is coming off a successful 2021 releasing brand new material and making appearances at venues all across the area. Her voice and songwriting abilities are phenomenal resulting in creating her own spin on pop/rock music. She provides powerful inspiration to her fans at each show she plays and has the ambition to make it big time. We highly recommend taking the time and listening to her latest album Rose Colored Glasses. We believe she is the next big thing in the genre also due to her amazing backing band. Watch her Courtyard Sessions episode below:

Glass Pony:

Glass Pony has become one of Albany, NY’s favorite rock bands over the years due to their unique ways to keep things heavy while creating spacey jams. The group has spent a lot of their time in 2021 working on their sophomore album and winning local awards along the way. The group comprised of Chanda Dewey, Eddie Hotaling, Greg Pittz and Jeff Picarazzi also moved up the totem-poll with great festival appearance slots and also being put on the bill for 2021’s PearlPalooza. Each show they play gets better and better and are a must-see act. The energy is always at 100 percent and you can tell they are all great friends first and foremost. Watch them perform 2 sets live from their headquarters below:

Victory Soul Orchestra:

Victory Soul Orchestra has seen numerous changes throughout the year’s all for the better. Not only are they the Capital Region’s best funk band, they now can transcend in a lyrical sense due to the additions of hip-hop artist J.B. aka. Dirty Moses and Dali Soto. They are currently working on a brand new album being mixed and produced by band leader Joel Yannuzzi featuring the best on what the band has to offer. They have been featured at the City of Albany, NY’s Alive at 5 Concert series along with appearances on stages all across the area. Check out a selection from their Palace Sessions performance below:

Annie in the Water:

Annie in the Water is one of the hardest working bands in not only the Capital Region but all across New York State as well. Out of anyone on this list, this band has the most developed sound. While they could be classified as a jamband, they lead with songwriting first. This is best represented by their latest track “Bloom” which is set to appear on their upcoming album. The are constantly practicing and have figured out a way where all band members are able to make positive contributions to the greater cause. They have a long history with a solidified lineup to make them soar. They have had big festival appearances including stops at Catskill Mountain Jubilee and Adirondack Independence Music Festival. Keep these guys on your radar!

Angelina Valente:

Angelina Valente is an artist that has a soulful voice that is untouchable by any other Capital Region artist. She is multi-talented and is able to play beautiful melodies on both her piano and ukulele. She also performs in the Saratoga Strings Band as well and made an exciting appearance with them at 2021’s Eastbound Throwdown. Check out her Courtyard Sessions performance to see what she is all about below:

Freedom Stratton:

Freedom Stratton has created an amazing road map on where he plans to take his Hip-Hop career. 2021 was a huge year for him to say the least reaching nearly a million hits on his song “Call Me If You Need Me.” He also performed to thousands of Albany, NY fans when he supported Ginuwine at their Empire State Plaza performance. While their are a wealth of talented Hip-Hop artists, he offers the best talent in the Capital Region. Watch his performance of “Everyday” below:

El Modernist:

Alternative rock has been a very relevant genre in the Capital Region over the years. El Modernist is one of the best rising acts due to their signature sound which is relatable to alt-rock fans all across the world. They keep true to their roots and have plenty of success as of recent. We hope the band continues to push the boundaries and gets the limelight they deserve. Check out their performance on the Dutch Apple Cruise line on the Hudson River below: