1. Sheppard
Get ready to shout Geronimo alongside the newest alternative band Sheppard. Their hit single, “Geronimo,” got them to top of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) charts. A big achievement since they are the first independent band to reach the chart in 30 years. Watch this Australian band perform June 8 in The Roxy Theatre located in West Hollywood.
2. The Kooks
How we love British rock bands. Although The Kooks reached popularity with songs like “Naive” and “She Moves Her Own Way,” they are touring to promote their new sound. Leaning towards a funky rhythm with witty synths as seen in their recent single “Forgive & Forget,” The Kooks are still capable of making listeners dance in festivity. Catch them and Jon Bellion June 8 at The Observatory in Santa Monica. Can’t make it? They’re also performing in The Glass House in Pomona on June 10.
3. Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson
Cool kids never have the time but make sure to mark down July 9 in your calendars. Smashing Pumpkins have finally returned after three years with their album “Monuments to an Elegy.” In their “The End Times Tour,” the one and only Marilyn Manson will join alongside them to promote his album “The Pale Emperor.” The Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine will house two of the biggest alternative legends of our generation.
4. Death Cab for Cutie and tUnE=yArDs
Feel like a tourist in the black sun of summer with Death Cab for Cutie. The band has come back after three years with a more mature sound in “Kintsugi.” Paired with the eccentric tUnE=yArDs and her newest album “Nikki Nack,” the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles will have melodies floating to the atmosphere on July 12.
5. Imagine Dragons, Metric and Halsey
Breathe in all the amazing artists. If Grammy award winning band Imagine Dragons doesn’t have you intoxicated with excitement, nor does Metric nor Halsey, than you’re missing out on summer. Picture yourself in stomp fest when Imagine Dragon’s “I Bet My Life” plays live. Or better yet, the intricate hand dance movements you’ll be making when Metric’s newest single “The Shade” drops. Witness the alternative scene at its best July 20 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.