By Steph Rodriguez

Sacramento musicians are as eclectic and diverse as the city they call home with many dropping new full-length albums, EPs and singles that span genres. From underground hip-hop tracks to outlaw country twang, the City of Trees doesn’t skimp on new music — and you shouldn’t either. 

With that in mind, here are 10 artists with new sonic offerings, whether they’re wielding guitars or firing off bars galore from a mic. 

Noelle & the Deserters

“High Desert Daydream”

All good things take time. Much like a beautiful desert flower needs the perfect conditions to bloom, Noelle & the Deserters’ debut country-folk album “High Desert Daydream” emerged at just the right moment on May 31 with Speakeasy Studios SF. With stunning cover art painted by artist and musician, Shannon Shaw of Shannon & the Clams, the album invites listeners on a captivating road trip through vocalist/guitarist Noelle Fiore’s most tender, yet stirring melodies with each track kicking up dust along the way. 

Noelle & The Deserters, made up of a variety of talented musicians from Sacramento and the Bay Area, have been performing together since 2017. But Fiore says it took six years for everything to align just right to share the album with the world.

“Everything finally fell into place with the right players, engineer and producer in the fall of 2023. Most bands don’t take this long to make their first album,” Fiore says. “I’m so happy we waited because it was pure magic making this record we are very proud of with these truly incredible people.”

The musicianship throughout the album is richly textured, creating a moving backdrop for Fiore’s heartfelt and expressive lyrics that capture the essence of country music storytelling. Songs like “Now I’ve Got You” with its outlaw-style twang and the emotional depth heard in “Wonder Why I Wander” are both stand outs — the latter challenging Fiore to open up as a songwriter. 

“It’s an autobiographical song about growing up in a very untraditional manner and why I am often somewhere else in my mind or trying to go somewhere new in life,” she says. “It took a long time for me to get to a place to be this vulnerable in a song and I’m happy I finally arrived because it’s so meaningful to me.” Listen to Noelle & The Deserters’ new album here.

Sol Peligro

“Sol Peligro”

Latin-alternative band Sol Peligro is releasing a new self-titled album at the end of the year packed with guest appearances, including Steve Berlin of Chicano rock band Los Lobos. 

In its anthemic single “Libertad” — which means freedom — listeners are treated to a funky, wah-wah-infused groove from guitarist Todd Perez before Sam Miranda’s smooth vocals — sung en español — glide over the music. For Miranda, it’s a ’70s, throwback-style tune inspired by an El Salvadoran musician whose son played bass in Sol Peligro for a stint. It’s also a song that symbolizes unity across Latin cultures.

“We’re all in this together. We’re all gathering as one people and we’re united as Latinos. Regardless if you’re from Ecuador, El Salvador, Colombia, Puerto Rico — we’re one unified front — we’re all the same people and we all speak the same language,” he says.

“Libertad” will not only be featured on Sol Peligro’s upcoming full-length release, but Miranda also reveals it will be pressed on vinyl as a special 45 next year to mark the band’s 20th anniversary. As fans eagerly await the full release of Sol Peligro’s new album, they can catch a preview of what’s to come at their next show. Sol Peligro’s dynamic fusion of cumbia, salsa and reggaeton is set to get crowds groovin’ at Drake’s The Barn on Thursday, Aug. 29, as part of its Rhythm on the River concert series. Follow Sol Peligro on Instagram for the latest on the band’s upcoming live performances. 

Dog Party

“Dangerous”

Pop-punk sister duo Dog Party unveiled its seventh full-length album “Dangerous” on May 17. This also marks the first time Gwendolyn and Lucy Giles released a record through their very own music label, Sneak Dog Records, a project with Teens In Trouble frontwoman Lizzie Killian.

The album’s quick-hitting opening track “A Shot of Dangerous” explodes with all the familiar catchy melodies and upbeat tempos that have become signature elements of Dog Party’s sound. Further down the record, “Forget About Him” gives listeners a 1960s rock ’n’ roll vibe with a classic pop chorus reminiscent of The Crystals. The emotionally layered “Affinity,” which both musicians say is one they were equal parts excited and nervous for the world to hear, is a sincere composition that gives you all the feels. 

“This album really encapsulates the emotional journey through love, grief and acceptance. We worked so long and hard on the whole writing and recording process putting so much care and attention into every stitch,” Lucy Giles says. “One of my main goals creating this body of work was making something people could really resonate with. Music means so much to me and I wanted to impact people the way my favorite songs have impacted me.” Listen to “Dangerous” on Apple Music, Spotify and other music-streaming platforms.

Teoman

“The Sun is Hot”

This album is a vibe. Genre-blending hip-hop artist Teoman delivers his relaxed vocal style interwoven with melodic hooks that flow seamlessly throughout his new album “The Sun is Hot” released July 24. Listeners are treated to nine songs over 16 minutes — all recorded in Sacramento and masterfully produced and engineered by Gabriel Cruz. 

“This music feels like a fresh start and something that will stamp this time of my life and whoever listens to it,” he says. “I want people to sing every word jumping while shedding a tear in the club.”

“The Sun is Hot” embraces the power of an irresistibly catchy melody underscored by atmospheric beats. In the song “Driving Slow” rhythm and vibe take a front seat, while in tracks like “Get Off Me!” thick keys amplify a more moody feel creating an immersive listening experience. 

“I never dropped a full project that we actually created a whole idea for and made it a real thing. I used to only rap on funk beats or whatever was available, but building with Cruz the past four years, we created our own sound,” Teoman says. “Now, I’m melodic and can create hooks to remember.” Listen to Teoman’s album “The Sun is Hot” on Spotify, Apple Music and other music-streaming platforms.

Destroy Boys

“Funeral Soundtrack #4”

California punk band Destroy Boys released its fourth studio album “Funeral Soundtrack #4” on Aug. 9, but they’ve been treating fans to singles since 2023. It’s a sincere and personal album that explores themes of identity, love and adulthood while saying farewell to different eras of each musician’s lives. 

“Funeral Soundtrack #4” is a completely auditory experience, giving the listener a glimpse into where the band is headed while leaving ample space for the artists to expand into new directions as songwriters. Since forming nearly a decade ago in Sacramento, Destroy Boys have toured the world, transfixing audiences with its eclectic mix of punk, garage, pop and alternative. The group has a lot to say — and it pens authentic compositions across 11 tracks. 

When “Boyfeel” hit streaming platforms in June, vocalist/guitarist Alexia Roditis described it on Instagram as a song about gender non-conformity and their own experience channeling empowerment through music. 

“It explores my own nonbinary and transmasc-ish experience, dysphoria and euphoria,” they wrote in an Instagram post. “I created a video for it with my friend Tay Allard that features an all-trans+nonbinary cast and crew, available on YouTube. I put blood, sweat and tears into this project.”

Destroy Boys wrapped up a high-energy performance at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago on the same day as another Sacramento-based band, Deftones. Now, the four-piece is headed off on its European tour hitting France, Portugal and Luxenberg before ending its run in England. Listen to Destroy Boys’ new album “Funeral Soundtrack #4” on Spotify and check out the music video for “Boyfeel” on YouTube.

Mahtie Bush

“HustleMania”

Sacramento hip-hop artist Mahtie Bush released two new singles this year ahead of his full-length album “HustleMania,” set to drop this winter. 

“As We Proceed” hit streaming platforms in January to much acclaim with more than 75,000 listens on Spotify alone. It showcases Mahtie’s lyrical fluidity and smooth delivery against a chill, atmospheric backdrop. 

“The kid is hot / I put a lot into the spot that I hold / Ask Ghost, I’m Patrick Swayze / shit that I mold / open my soul / had blood runnin’ down from my head / feelin’ so alive they say that I’m better off dead / I’m still standin’ / rockin’ to my left and my right / I put my back against the wall / just preparin’ to fight / pass the torch to these … / but they blinded by limelight / in hindsight / I even had the eyesight.”

Mahtie’s second single, “Morrison & Hendrix,” featuring Sacramento artist and producer Chase Moore, went live on July 11 with its subtle instrumental nuances and tight snares that give this underground hip-hop cut its head-nodding quality. “HustleMania” has us all looking forward to more complex rhyme schemes and Mahtie’s natural lyrical delivery that feels like an open dialogue between him and listeners.

“‘As We Proceed’ plays off of my emotions and what I’ve been going through, personally, for the last couple of years. Whereas, ‘Morrison & Hendrix,’ is just a raw underground hip-hop track with lines galore,” Mahtie says. “Both of these songs are the way I want to be represented at this current stage I’m in at this time in life. I keep learning from my mistakes and also keep getting better, lyrically. If you listen to my first album ‘Backpackramento’, and listen to these current tracks, you’ll see that this was always the direction I was headed toward.” Listen to Mahtie Bush’s latest music on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms. 

Kill the Precedent

“Assassination Attempts”

One of Sacramento’s most explosive, hard-hitting bands, Kill the Precedent, released its new EP “Assassination Attempts” in January — and it’s a force. 

KTP has been a chaotic presence in Sacramento’s music scene for decades, and the band’s musicianship is unlike any other. This five-song collection is marked by intense, driving rhythms and wields powerful, distorted guitars to create an adrenaline-fueled experience from start to finish. 

Guitarist/songwriter Jesse Mitchell says this record forced the band to refine its sound with the departure of longtime drummer Jon Pepper, who passed the torch to Mitchell’s son, up-and-coming drummer Andru Mitchell, who absolutely destroys behind the kit.

“It got a bit heavier and a lot more focused. We are very excited for everyone to hear our new songs,” Jesse Mitchell says. “We have a bunch of new stuff brewing as well and are out playing as much as we can.” Listen to Kill the Precedent’s new EP on all streaming platforms and follow the band on Facebook for the latest on its next live performances.

Th’Losin Streaks

“Last House”

Th’Losin Streaks released its third record “Last House” in February and it’s a solid album filled with frenzied rhythms and fuzz-drenched guitars. This longtime Sacramento garage rock band is known for its fun, high-energy performances, group vocal harmonies and nods to the familiar twangy guitar riffs of surf rock. Upon release, Th’Losin Streaks’ limited blue vinyl pressing of 100 copies quickly sold out. But fret not, the entire album is available for digital download and also featured on black vinyl on Bandcamp.

“If there is one thing I come back to with ‘Last House,’ it’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” vocalist/guitarist Tim Foster says. “When we play live, the new songs sometimes go over better than our ‘classic’ material, which, given that we’ve been playing for 20 years, is amazing to me.” 

Foster recognizes how lucky the band is to be at this point in its career. “Last House” is another milestone — and it’s also a tribute to two dear friends he says died way too young.  

“As corny as it sounds, ‘Last House’ is kind of a celebration that we’re still here, that we came through everything, and we still love playing, and we still love each other, and we still love the music that inspired us to start playing in the first place,” Foster says. Listen to “Last House” on Bandcamp and follow Th’Losin Streaks to catch its next live show. Check out its music video for “I Mean You” on YouTube.

Clevers

“Gather You”

Post-punk darlings Clevers is busy working on their upcoming album “Gather You,” finishing up recording tracks at the end of September with eyes set on a fall release. Vocalist/guitarist Shannon Betker says she, and drummer Jenny Klug — who’s also been pluckin’ the bass during demo sessions — have been listening to a lot of Iggy Pop and Joy Division during the making of this album. 

If that’s any indication, fans are in for more of Betker’s dreamy guitar riffs and brooding vocal tones that often have this quivering appeal and create catchy moments that stay with listeners throughout the day. The album’s title track has Joy Division’s dark and moody vibes, but with Clevers’ definitive angular guitar riffs and Klug’s heart-beat-like percussion. Betker’s unique vocal style also echoes with emotional depth and a sense of melancholy and introspection. 

“All but one of these songs were written as we were coming out of COVID, so there are some elements of that. There are also reflective songs about family and losing a loved one,” she says. “This album is different than our last in that it is Jenny and me playing all instruments. … [It’s] about moving forward with hope.” Listen to Clevers’ music on Bandcamp and follow the band on Instagram for the latest on its upcoming album.

The Ghost Town Rebellion

“Modern Minstrels”

Gritty rock back The Ghost Town Rebellion has been inching toward the release of its upcoming album, “Modern Minstrels.” Vocalist/guitarist Shawn Peter says it’s a collection of singles the band has shared with fans throughout the year and plans for a full release in the fall. 

“Instead of just singing about history as we have for the first three albums, this is a reflection of what’s been going on since 2020, and how we’ve been personally impacted,” Peter says.

The band formed in 2013 hitting the Sacramento music scene with its distinctive mix of grunge, blues and Americana. The Ghost Town Rebellion’s overall dynamic, fast-paced and electrifying presence stays true, but the direction of the new album is heard through songs like “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, (inflation, frustration, help).” 

It’s a composition led by Sarah Volkov’s roughly tinged vocals that elicit a commanding energy that’s backed by a power band made up of Peter, Rodg Little, Alessandra Hudson and Ryan Casstevens who pack heavy guitar riffs, relentless bass grooves and pounding drums. Listen to The Ghost Town Rebellion on Spotify and follow the band on Instagram for upcoming performances. Check out the music video for “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, (inflation, frustration, help)” on YouTube.

This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19.