Time and time again I am totally shocked when I hear of a well known band being from the Sacramento area. Are you like me? I mean, Sac-town isn’t that massive, so how come we didn’t hear about them before they became a household name? I’ve constructed a small list, with names of various artists who will probably surprise you… Also - to make your life just a little easier, each link is a song by that artist.

- The Deftones -

http://search.playlist.com/tracks/deftones%20change

I'm sure everyone has heard their song called “change." They have got this really hard, yet umm… well, almost brainwashing sound. This band is huge as far as underground music fans go, though they have alternated back and forth from the mainstream scene a couple of times.

- Middle Class Rut -

http://search.playlist.com/tracks/middle%20class%20rut%20new%20low

My favorite band! Incredible live performances and they’re just spamming the radio with their most popular song titled “New low.” They are a 2 piece band, with tons of energy

- Papa Roach -

http://search.playlist.com/tracks/papa%20roach%20scars

Now this one never fails to be a shocker. They’ve put out several albums, and worked with other bands such as Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and Rage against Machine. The drummer from Papa Roach is now in a new drum and bass band called Last Angels, which rocks just as hard.

- 7 Seconds -

http://search.playlist.com/tracks/7%20seconds%2099%20red%20balloons

You could probably call them one of the most celebrated pop/punk bands in our area. This was the band that brought along one of the most healthy trends of all time, “Straight edge youth crew.” Straight edge is when people don’t use alcohol, tobacco, or any other recreational drugs.

- Tesla -

http://search.playlist.com/tracks/tesla%20signs

Yes, the same band that has autographed guitars hanging in The Hard Rock Café. They are the most successful artist from Sacramento to date! It’s funny because if you go to some of the first venues they played at, such as The Boardwalk in Orangevale, you will see their name carved into the bathroom doors with the date right next to it.

- Scott Weiland -

http://search.playlist.com/tracks/stone%20temple%20pilots%20plush

Some of you might recognize this name from a band known as Velvet Revolver which also consisted of some members from Guns n Roses. Originally this micro thin singer lead a band named Stone Temple Pilots! This man has got a voice with more range than anyone I have ever heard! Scott even grew up in Folsom – who knew?!

- Cake -

http://search.playlist.com/tracks/cake%20rock%20and%20roll%20lifestyle

Everyone needs to listen to the song “Rock and Roll Lifestyle” and you’ll instantly remember who this band is. They’re quite a popular band that I recently found out are from our area…. Nice!

If you know of any other bands or starlets that come from our neck of the woods, don’t be shy - fill us in and leave a comment!