Roundup of SLC pop bands 

• Courtesy Photo
• Addison Grace

Pop as a genre encapsulates so many sounds. In general, it's music that appeals to a wide audience, has danceable tempos and easy-to-remember lyrics. That's an oversimplification of the genre, and can make pop music sound boring or overly simple, but nothing could be further from the truth—especially when it comes to the pop artists of SLC. Here are some local pop artists you need to check out if you enjoy the genre.

Bobo: "I know I know, I told you I would go out tonight / But my boss called and I gotta open tomorrow / So I think I'm gonna change my mind," sings pop duo Bobo on their song "Crowded Hall." This light, airy bob comes from their most recent EP Bobo II, and perfectly captures that feeling of wanting to be out with that person (or people) that you love having a good time. You'll certainly have a good time while listening to "Crowded Hall," or any of the songs on Bobo II. The EP is full of beautiful vocals, punchy beats and satisfying electronic elements. This is one you'll listen to over and over and find new elements each time.
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Daytime Lover: Pop music can take many forms, and can be fused with other genres to create a unique sound. SLC band Daytime Lover takes a bit of pop, a bit of rock and a bit of psych, mushing them all together to create their lovely and addicting sound. Their latest EP, Shimmer, was recorded in summer 2023 and released in May 2024, and it will transport you to lazy summer nights by the pool. Reverb-drenched guitar melds beautifully with saxophone and sharp drums to create tracks that make you feel like you're floating—where exactly to, I'm not sure, but all I know is I want to stay there for a long time. Shimmer is one of those bodies of work that you keep coming back to over and over, even when you get to the point of knowing it like the back of your hand. There's a lot of great vibes to be had here, whether you're at home dancing on your own, or hanging with friends.
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Addison Grace: Of all the acts on this list, Addison Grace is one of the most recognizable, whether from his presence on TikTok or his debut album Diving Lessons, but if you aren't familiar with Grace and his music, you should definitely get acquainted. Grace's sound blurs the lines between bedroom pop, indie rock, emo and folk with ease. Diving Lessons combine themes of anger, sadness, trauma and healing with an atmospheric sound that feels incredibly full and takes up a lot of space. The darker themes in the lyrics are easy to relate to for those who have had similar life experiences, but even if you haven't, the music is incredibly satisfying, and will keep you coming back for more.
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Choir Boy: Dream-pop outfit Choir Boy have aptly dubbed themselves "SLC pop minstrels," and their retro-yet-fresh pop sounds will make you feel like you've time-traveled back to the 1980s, but with all of the modern convenience of streaming. Vocalist Adam Klopp's voice stands out with its deep, smooth tones, giving the music a romantic quality. Songs like "Rowdy Friends" and "Complainer" are standouts from the group, and unfortunately the band hasn't given us new tunes since 2021 to sink our teeth into. Choir Boy, if you're reading this: More, please.
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iDKHOW: Former duo/now solo project iDKHOW (short for I Don't Know How But They Found Me) burst onto the scene in 2017 with an indie pop/new wave sound that was hard to ignore. Now nearly 10 years later, iDKHOW's music is just as addicting as ever. The most recent album from remaining iDKHOW member Dallon Weekes entitled GLOOM DIVISION is an exciting adventure full of intricate instrumentation and high energy. Like, not able to sit still while listening, high energy. GLOOM DIVISION is the perfect backdrop for a night of partying and dancing until you can't stop.
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Staycation: Sometimes you need a hefty helping of funk with your pop, and luckily Staycation has that in spades. Their music "thrives on great, rhythmic dance music, hanging out, and enjoying the simple things in life," according to their Spotify bio. They released their debut self-titled album at the beginning of this year, and it's so smooth that you'll get to the end of the album and wonder how you got there so quickly. Tracks like "Running Out of Time" and "If You're Lonely, LMK" do a splendid job of showcasing the band's sound, but you really can't go wrong with any of the songs on the album. Staycation is a fun indie group who definitely puts everything into their music, and it's evident on each track. Their Spotify bio is incredibly relatable, ending by saying, "We don't know what the future holds or have the finances to go on vacation, but at least we still find joy in the simple pleasures of life. And at the end of the day—we can always take a Staycation."
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