Denver debatably has one of the hottest music scenes in the country. Emerging artists continue, by the day, to evolve and shape the city’s sound — creating what is now an ever-growing and ever-adapting melange of Denver music. Each year here at 303 Magazine we award local musicians who have excelled in their craft, and though we have a place in our heart and playlist for all of the city’s artists, we had to narrow it down. This article features 303 Magazine‘s nominees for this years best up-and-coming Denver musicians. Go here to place your vote.

Sidmfkid

High energy, uptempo, big beats and provocative lyrics — these are just a few of the characteristics that embody the sound of local artist Sid “MF” Kid. Originally from Indianapolis, the 21-year-old emcee has proven himself early in his career through sold out shows and involvement with some of today’s hottest artists. Sid has opened for big names like Chief Keef and A$AP FERG, just to name a few, and he’s not slowing down. He’s coming into the new year strong off the heels of 2017 album My Momma Don’t Want Me To Rap, check him out for yourself here.

Wildermiss

This Denver based indie rock band has hit the ground running in the music world with an infectious sound and retro energy. The four-person rock band has built a grassroots following in Colorado by playing mellow venues across the state. From winning KTCL 93.3’s Hometown for the Holidays award to making JBL’s Top 10 Best American Bands, Wildermiss is making waves. Check them out here.

Maddy O’Neal

The electronic dance music scene has thus far been predominately male-dominated. And as the gender tides shift among industries across the board, the same seems to be happening for EDM. Forerunner in the shift, Denver’s Maddy O’Neal, is proving that bad ass beats aren’t just for the boys. For the past seven years, O’Neal has taught herself everything she knows about music, from the technology to music theory, live production and the art of owning a show. She has performed with big names in the game such as Floozies, Lettuce and beloved locals Pretty Lights. Some of her recent productions have been played more than 11,000 times on Soundcloud, and her newest album, Parallels, is gaining popularity by the day. Whether you’re into EDM or not, everyone can get behind powerful women breaking gender barriers. Check her out for yourself here. 

RUMTUM

Denver’s own RUMTUM aka electronic producer, John Hastings, has been gaining local and national attention with sick beats and hot rhythms. He’s performed across the state and the country and most recent album, Morá Tugá, is taking SoundCloud by storm. Give him a listen here and you’ll understand why his sound has made our list. You can also see him live at Ophelia’s on March 17.

The Still Tide

When The Still Tide’s Jacob Miller and Anna Morsett moved to The Mile High From New York City they teamed up with Denver dwellers Joe Richmond and Nate Messe to hit the local music scene running. Their indie rock sound generated attention locally and nationally. Since the release of their first album Tinder in 2013, followed by EP Half Empty Room in 2015 and most recent release Run Out this past year, their popularity has only increased. The band recently transformed their acclaimed single,“Signal Fade,” the third song on Run Out, into a video that dives into the deeper meaning behind the elusive track. This release, coupled with their growing local and national fame, has made them not just a contender on our list but secured their place in the hearts of Denver dwellers alike. Explore their sound for yourself here.