Columbus has always been a breeding ground for incredible music, and these female-fronted bands and artists are proving that the next big thing could very well be coming straight out of the 614.
From indie pop and alt-rock to neo-funk and Americana, these powerhouse women are making waves in the local scene — and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on.
Here are five Columbus-based female musicians and bands you need to start listening to now before you’re late to the party.
Angela Perley
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Angela Perley makes music that feels like it was meant for a long, winding road trip through the Midwest. With a sound rooted in cosmic alt-country, roadhouse rock & roll, and a little bit of witchy psychedelia, Perley is a veteran of the Columbus music scene who has been honing her craft for years. She’s graced the stages of Natalie’s in Grandview, Woodlands Tavern, and Rumba Cafe more times than we can count, but her resume extends far beyond local venues.
Having opened for legends like Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and Tyler Childers, and performing at Stagecoach in 2023, Perley has already proven she’s got what it takes to be a national name. If you like your rock with a little twang and a lot of soul, Angela Perley should be on your playlist.
MojoFlo
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MojoFlo isn’t just a band… they’re a full-fledged experience. Fronted by the electrifying Amber Knicole, this neo-funk powerhouse blends hard-hitting horns, soulful melodies, and stage theatrics that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Amber is an absolute force. Like, executing-death-defying-leaps-off-drum-risers-while-wearing-six-inch-heels-and-making-the-audience-all-gasp-in-fear-and-excitement-only-for-her-to-land-it-perfectly type of force. And while MojoFlo have been Columbus favorites for years, their mainstream breakthrough is long overdue. If you haven’t seen MojoFlo live, you’re missing out on one of the best performances in the city.
Snarls
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Snarls burst onto the scene in 2019 and quickly became one of Columbus’ indie rock darlings. Their dreamy, emotionally raw sound caught the attention of national audiences with their 2020 album BURST, and they’ve only been leveling up since.
Their 2024 release, With Love, showcases their evolution, with standout tracks like “Big Fish,” “With Love,” and “Heavy Drinker” proving that Snarls is far from a one-hit wonder. The band’s sound carves out a niche that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Left Out
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Left Out might be Columbus’ best-kept secret… but not for long. Led by singer-songwriter Ceci Clark, this indie pop outfit crafts light melodies layered over bangin’ drums. Their music videos and cover art are just as colorful and playful as their sound, creating an aesthetic that perfectly matches the sound waves they create. Check out the video for the song “Uno” to get a sense of what I mean.
And the best part? They’re just getting started…
Hello Luna
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Describing Hello Luna as an ‘alt-rock band’ doesn’t quite do them justice. Sure, they pull influence from other female-fronted bands like Paramore, but their sound is entirely their own. Their latest single, Deathly Lullaby, fuses elements of EDM, dubstep, and dark pop with hauntingly powerful vocals, proving that they’re willing to experiment in ways that make them stand out from the crowd.
Their live shows are next-level, packed with energy, emotion, and a sense that you’re witnessing something truly special. If you’re looking for a band that pushes boundaries while still delivering hooks that get stuck in your head for days, Hello Luna is a must-listen.
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