SPOTLIGHT: Five Midwest Artists You Should Add to Your Rotation
SPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT
☆ BY NINA KUDLACZ ☆
Photo by Stephanie Veloso
LOCAL MUSIC THRIVES IN THE MIDWEST – Oftentimes the Midwest’s local music scene goes unnoticed. What may seem like a bunch of small towns filled with crops and farmers, is actually home to a wonderfully rich and lively music scene.
There are countless incredibly talented musicians that are just underneath your nose. Whether you’re a born and raised Midwesterner in the United States or just someone looking to diversify their music taste, here’s five Midwest bands and artists you should add to your rotation.
Social Cinema
A band composed of both Wichita, Kansas and Lincoln, Nebraska natives, alternative rock band Social Cinema brings the passion and the heat to every show they play on tour, no matter the city.
Social Cinema released their debut album Don’t Get Lost last October. The album’s overarching message is about keeping a hold of yourself and keeping a hold of your friends during hard or chaotic times. If you’re looking for an album that features electric guitar riffs supported by vibrant drumming and lyrics that explore relationships, changes in life and, of course, smoking weed, Don’t Get Lost may just be the one for you.
Social Cinema’s music and live performances wonderfully display the angst that many other Midwesterners all too often feel. Lose yourself in Social Cinema’s electrifying music and definitely don’t miss the chance to see them on tour.
A song of theirs to add to your playlist: “It's Only Weed.” Off their recent album, this song, though unserious in nature, encapsulates what Social Cinema does best—making music authentic to them.
IDLE FREAKS
IDLE FREAKS describes themselves as a “two piece trash can.” From Denver, Colorado, the duo creates an exhilarating show for their fans. You can often find vocalist and guitarist Dominic Moulin crowd surfing during their shows and encouraging other crowd members to get in on it.
Other than their on-stage shenanigans and psychedelic imagery, their music speaks for itself. Their sound is reminiscent of many varying genres, from indie punk to garage or grunge. Whatever box it may check, it’s certainly a trip you’ll want to go down. Marshall Kadlec’s intense drumming is the beating heart of the two-piece.
After releasing their album, FREAKSHOW, on August 23, IDLE FREAKS released FREAKSHOW (DELUXE EDITION) on March 11 and are now playing shows on tour.These two have certainly made it out of the Midwest, though, beginning their Europe tour in May.
A song of theirs to add to your playlist: “fight or flight.” This is a great song to introduce you to their music with catchy guitar lines straight out of an indie movie.
Infielder
Heavy Meadow band Infielder has quickly risen in the Nebraska music scene, known for their original music, Instagram reels on their band account and overwhelming amount of red hair. From Omaha, Nebraska, Infielder is absolutely a group to keep on your radar. Though young and full of silly spirits, if there’s one thing the four members are serious about, it’s music.
Since the release of their first single in March 2025, Infielder has released four other singles and an EP titled Sunsets. Fronted by twins Will and Max Burbach, alongside bassist Ryan Rouse and drummer Carter Reichenberg, the band harmoniously experiments with sounds from varying genres.If you’re wanting some heavier music for your workout routine or summery indie sounds to listen to with the windows down these next few months, Infielder may just have what you’re looking for.
A song of theirs to add to your playlist: “Hire a Firing Squad.” The hook in the chorus, the beautiful guitar solo in the bridge and the outro, the raw lyrics, the harmonies—all unreal.
The Crooked Rugs
Psychedelic rock band The Crooked Rugs released their self-titled album in May, making waves. The band released their first two albums in 2021, and have released an album every year since. They often play shows around Colorado and in other regional cities, bringing their sound and stories to new crowds.
The Crooked Rugs call themselves a “mysterious noise” band, and that may just be the best way to describe them. Their music features classic rock elements, blended with western influences, all combining to create a sound straight out of another decade. The unique, nearly haunting vocals performed by lead singer and guitarist Jayce Haley adds another funky twist.
A song of theirs to add to your playlist: “Void Surfer.” The eleventh song off their most recent album, Void Surfer certainly leans into the psychedelic side of psychedelic rock, seamlessly integrating their many influences and taking the listener on a journey through the void, like a modern day Western Pink Floyd.
Leila’s Rose
This indie rock band took their local music scenes by storm the past year, playing shows all over the Midwest. Leila’s Rose originally formed at the University of South Dakota in 2021, where they performed covers in basements and at house shows throughout their college years before moving to Omaha, Nebraska.
A band that could draw a crowd big enough to pack local bars in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota began gaining even more traction and praise after releasing their original music. The five-piece released their debut EP Make It Easy in 2025, which consists of four songs, before releasing three more singles at the end of last year and early this year.
Leila’s Rose recently announced their indefinite hiatus, but the music they released throughout their years as a band is absolutely worth giving a listen. Taking inspiration from bands like flipturn, The Strokes and Peach Pit, Leila’s Rose is the epitome of a Midwest indie rock band.
A song of theirs to add to your playlist: “Idle.” One word you need to know about this song: outro.
