The great thing about music is that it’s constantly changing. New music comes out everyday. Literally everyday you have the chance to hear the next great band. I try to do my best to hear as much as I can and I really think I’ve assembled a nice list of good new artists. For the most part, they’re all very under the radar and you could look pretty badass for knowing these groups.

5. Fleet Foxes

The new Beach Boys, in a way. This five-piece group from Seattle is cool, calm and really talented. Each member dons a furry-ass beard and looks like they live in a van that follows the Grateful Dead. Even though there are five instruments, the Fleet Foxes make it seem like there are ten. This is because each member of the group sings sick harmonies—like the Beach Boys. Another thing that might be appealing to a college-aged guy is that the lead singer, Robin Pecknold admits, “There are no love songs.”

4. Chester French

I know I’ve been mentioning these guys a lot lately, but it’s because they’re pretty worthwhile. They have a great sound that mixes electronics with pop and rock. And I really like a band with a sense of humor, when it’s done right. And they do it right. There’s a line from “She Loves Everybody” that goes, “Well she craves affections, so I use protection.” Pretty clever, yeah?

3. Mason Proper

I just stumbled upon these Michigan boys less than a week ago. Pure gold. Running through their album “Olly Oxen Free” was a straight pleasure and I didn’t really hear a song I wanted to skip. I really like when a band can find a niche and nail it. Mason Proper found a niche in the alternative vein with a nice, clean electric guitar sound attached to it. Check out the song, “Lock and Key” if you want to get a good idea of these guys.

2. Portugal. The Man

Guys from Alaska who can actually play. This band might be a little polarizing because they definitely experiment and take their risks. The debut album entitled “Censored Colors” almost doesn’t ever stop. Literally. Many of the songs flow into the next song, creating a satisfying, fluid feeling. Take a band that can play and is willing to experiment and throw in a guy with a voice like Robert Plant and you can’t really miss.

1. Hot Chip

Yes I know—they’ve been around for a good amount of time. But they’re damn good and I really don’t feel like anyone has begun to appreciate them fully. They’re a lot more electronic than bands like Chester French and MGMT but they do it in a way that isn’t annoying. I fully enjoy songs that I can dance to and Hot Chip’s production of dance songs is almost endless. But then again they can go from a song like “Ready for the Floor” and transition to a song like “Made in the Dark.” You can go from dancing your ass off to relaxing and contemplating. Check. Them. Out.