BMI at Loufest 2017

Chris Bandi can do it all. This St. Louis native grew up listening to Springsteen and Garth Brooks, before falling in love with the likes of Usher, Fall Out Boy, and, of course, Nelly. His mix of pop, rock, and country sets him apart--expect big things from this rising star on the country scene.

“Every genre is apple pie, but soul music is the only one that’s served hot with ice cream on the side,” says Nashville-based Jonny P. Not only is he singing on his album, he’s also playing all the instruments. Don’t call him a soul revivalist, though--soul isn’t dead. And he’s proof of that.

You know that St. Louis’ music scene has roots in blues, rock n’ roll, and jazz, but this locally based trio is unabashedly inspired by the best parts of the early 1980s: synthesizers, Michael Jackson, and Phil Collins.

Few can put on a live show like Ron Gallo and their hard-driving garage rock meets old-school punk. A little bit Iggy Pop, a little bit David Bowie, and a whole lotta fun--these guys are primed for a breakout year.

Don’t let the name fool you: Rainbow Kitten Surprise isn’t a Japanese pop band. Expect some stomping Southern rock and some quieter, more intimate songs, all infused with chilling harmonies, introspective lyrics, and heavy guitars.

Think of the strong female singer/songwriters of the past, like Joni Mitchell and Carole King put in a modern-day setting: that is Jess Nolan. You can expect soul-influenced, piano-driven pop songs laden with heavy bass lines and the occasional horns. It’s baby-making music.

St. Louis’ Stan Chisholm, the man behind 18andCounting, refuses to be defined: he’s a DJ, he’s a painter, he’s a rapper. Ever seen a hip-hop performance with a violin, didgeridoo, and drums? We didn’t think so.

Fronted by Aaron Martin and guitarist Johny Fisher, Okey Dokey is a well-blended mix of classic Motown combined with a dash of their psychedelic storytelling roots. With a revolving group of musicians from bands such as The Weeks, Rayland Baxter Band, Desert Noises, Morning Teleportation, Ron Gallo, Kansas Bible Company, Dianne Coffee and more, their upcoming debut album Love You, Mean It has a little bit of treasure for every type of listener..

If you liked last year’s headliner, Lauryn Hill, Noname needs to be on your radar. This young poet and rapper mixes hip-hop and soul in a way that few can. Check out her big break on Chance The Rapper’s song “Lost”.

Some call Lizzo the indie Missy Elliott, but we disagree: she’s much more than that. She wields the kind of voice that’s right at home anywhere from soul, to rock, to hip hop, which is more than obvious on her hit album ‘Coconut Oil’.