tyerra clayborne

Calling Spartanburg, South Carolina my hometown would be a little bit of a stretch. However, since moving here for college at the end of 2016, I’ve come to love this city as if it were my hometown. In the six years that I have lived here, I have had the pleasure of interacting with so many talented local musicians in all capacities. From booking shows or running sound to getting the opportunity to create music together, it’s been very clear to me that there are some hidden gems here in the south. Take a look below to read about some of my favorite local musicians.

HOLlIDAY

While currently located in Charlotte, North Carolina, this trailblazing Latin electronic artist got his start right here in the 864. The first time that I met Alejandro Holliday was in the 10th grade. We attended a public fine arts high school together in Greenville, SC, where he was studying visual arts. No one could have known how that school helped lay the groundwork for what is today one of the most talented, multi-disciplinary artists in the southeast. HOLLIDAY is more than a musician. He is a visual artist, a creative director, videographer, graphic designer, jack-of-all-trades that became obsessed with mastering every form of media he could get his hands on from an early age. Visuals, concerts, interactive experiences for his fans and newcomers alike, he is not doing anything at 50%.

Jordan Lawson

Pipes of steel and soulful melodies make up the indie-soul artist, Jordan Lawson. When he’s not on stage performing with his phenomenal band (The High Tides), he’s creating his own R&B inspired masterpieces. His latest release, MIDNIGHT SON, dropped on January 5th. With inspiration from the likes of Mac Miller, John Mayer, and the Neighborhood, there is a place for everyone in Lawson’s music.

Honest Creature

Spartanburg native Jonathan Roberson is the driving force behind indie-rock band Honest Creature. I met him in early 2019 through work, and eventually came to work with him closely on music. While the band has been gigging and releasing music since 2019, Roberson initiated a revamp of his sound in 2022 following the departure of the other founding member of the group. Now, influences like Wallows, Hippocampus, and Briston Maroney are crystal clear in his music. Not only a songwriter, Roberson has solidified his place as a producer too, with several collaborations with other local musicians under his belt. Honest Creature released a new single, “FOR DAYS,” on January 19th. This is the second single in anticipation of his upcoming album, Dead Weight.

sorry, peach

I’d be remiss to discuss local groups and not mention my own project. Founded in early 2017 out of necessity more than anything, Sorry, Peach started with just me and another classmate. What started as an attempt to get an A in our contemporary ensemble class has grown into something that we could have never anticipated. Finding a female fronted band in South Carolina can be hard to come across, and the fact that I’ve found four amazing women from all backgrounds to join me has really shaped our journey in music. If you like listening to sad girl music, then you’ll enjoy Sorry, Peach.

slow funeral

Mary Norris, the Slow Funeral front woman, is not a stranger to the music scene in South Carolina. While this latest project of the artist has only three singles live on Spotify, Norris has long solidified her place among the large and small concert venues across the state. Despite the scarcity of available songs on Spotify, their sound is impeccable and awe-inspiring. My favorite, “Living How You Wanna Live,” was released in November of 2022. Norris’s powerful vocals and honest lyrics are staples in Slow Funeral music, and this record is not the exception. Fans of Sam Fender, Paramore, and Phoebe Brigders will enjoy Slow Funeral.

Favorite Places to Catch Live Music

The Radio Room

The Radio Room has been a staple in the music scene since 2021. Boasting a rotation of national and local acts, this is my favorite place to find new music.

fr8yard

I might be a bit impartial to this venue since I work here, but FR8yard is one of my high-on-the-list of local venues to catch an outdoor concert and enjoy drinks with my friends.

house shows

This is obviously not one venue, but a large part of the music scene in South Carolina revolves around DIY house shows. If you’ve never had the chance to experience one, I recommend you make friends with some people at your local open mic night and find out about the next one. You never know what you’re going to get at one of these shows, and that’s what makes it so fun to me.