Why Are You Not Buying Their Music? Here’s My Top 5 ‘You Need To Know’ Artists [VIDEOS]

I'm obviously a big fan of music and an even bigger fan of GREAT music.  I've had the pleasure of meeting most of the artists / groups on this list.  I hope you rush to iTunes to download their music or catch one of their shows next time they're in the area.  This is as good as it gets!  How these talents aren't topping the charts and selling millions of albums is beyond me and my comprehension.

1.  Andy Grammer

Andy should be a familiar face and voice to the Mix 94.9 audience.  We've been playing his hit singles 'Keep Your Head Up' and 'Fine By Me' since they first hit the air waves back in 2011. His latest single, 'Back Home', is available on iTunes and his summer tour will hit the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis on Tuesday, July 8th.  I saw Andy live at the Skyway Theatre last year, and he puts on an amazing show.  FYI, he's playing a college show for St. Johns University in Collegeville this Saturday night (May 5th).

2. Parachute

What can I say about these guys, that hasn't already been said by industry insiders since they first arrived on the scene back in 2009 with their major label debut 'Loosing Sleep.' With radio hits like 'She Is Love', 'Something To Believe In' and my favorite 'Kiss Me Slowly', these Charlottesville, Virginia natives don't need to sell millions of albums to be a massive success.  They constantly tour and make several stops a year in Minnesota. Look for their new album 'Overnight' on iTunes.

3. Adam Lambert

One of my all-time favorites.  He makes the kind of music he wants to make, and does it on his own terms. He takes risks, bucks the trends, and has a sound all his own.  Look up original in the dictionary, and you'll see his picture.  His latest release, 'Trespassing', had a ton of great material on it, and you can catch him this summer on tour with Queen.  His fans (The Glamberts) are extremely loyal and are waiting patiently for news of a new album.

4. Haley Reinhart

Beauty, style, and one hell of a voice = Haley Reinhart.  Her debut album, 'Listen Up!', was full of surprises.  I was shocked that none of the singles took off at radio, and that her time in the spotlight faded fast.  As an American Idol alum, she's got a great fan base and a promising future.  I hope the powers-that-be at Interscope Records give her another shot. If not, I'm sure she can do just as well as an indi artist.

5. Midnight Red

These are my dudes!  I was fortunate enough to meet these guys at the start of their career and was the first one to play them on the radio.  I believe Anthony, Eric, Colton, Joey and Thomas are destined for big things. They already have an army of 'Red Heads' promoting them all over social media, and a platinum plus producer (Red One) helping them craft their debut album.  The guys are currently on tour with The Wanted and have plans to make a trip over seas very soon.  Download the new single 'Hell Yeah' or grab their debut E.P. which features the radio friendly hit 'Take Me Home.'