There are so many amazing bands coming through Grand Prairie, TX next week at So What!? Festival, but here are ten bands that you should really be on the lookout for while you're at QuikTrip Park. 

1. Sorority Noise:

Sorority Noise was named one of the 100 Bands You Need to Know in 2015 by Alternative Press and the momentum has not stopped from there. This is an act that you absolutely cannot miss! This four piece grunge-pop band from Hartford, Connecticut is a band that is not comparable to any other. More popularly labeled an “emo band” they deliver with lyrics that are raw and incredibly relatable to their fan-base; speaking of mental issues, dealing with heart ache, and battling addictions. But this band is far more than heavy lyrics and catchy tunes, they play a live set that will blow the top off of any venue they play. Every member of the band performs at 200% and the power of the lyrics is so accurately represented in the performance. I cannot sing the praises of this band enough, and you will want to be sure not to miss their set!

2. Capsize:

This melodic-hardcore act from Southern California is another must-see at So What Music Festival. With their 2014 release of “The Angst in My Veins” Capsize really has made their mark on the scene, touring consistently with the likes of Counterparts, Defeater, and Silverstein. This is their second year in a row playing So What and with great reason too. Capsize is a band whose lyrics writhe of agony and sorrow, playing in hopes of letting fans know that they are not alone in their darkest of times. But what really sets these guys apart is their gritty, unrefined performance. Members jump around creating a pure and chaotic dynamic that only adds to the artistry of their set. As the vocalist, Daniel Wand collapses into himself on stage, you will feel everything that they felt while putting together their LP. I can assure you that Capsize's set will be sure to send shivers pulsating down your spine, and that is why you won't want to miss their performance.  

3. The Plot In You:

This unique metalcore act is one that absolutely had to go on this list. The Plot in You brings a level of chaos that is almost indescribable. The band put out their latest album “Happiness in Self Destruction” in the fall of 2015 and it's clear that the band is only going to grow stronger with each album. Lyrically The Plot in You is outlandish and disturbing at times, but in the most enjoyable way. The lyrics are done in such a way that you cannot help but to feel anger, and their live set is your release. Landon Tewers (vocalist) brings a sound totally his own to truly emphasize how twisted the lyrics are. His vocal range can array from chilling whispers, to clean vocals, to intense gutturals and the dynamics between the three are really what make this band special. You won't want to miss this set for so many reasons, but the top reason to put this band on your list is to immerse yourself into one of their live performances. This band attracts a crowd that will be livelier than you could ever fathom, and that's something you cannot pass up.

4. Being As An Ocean:

This band, named after a quote from the great Mahatma Gandhi, is another melodic hardcore act that is absolutely worth your attention at this festival. Being As An Ocean have pinned a market that is unique to the overall sub-genre including spoken word, charming clean vocals, and passionate yells/screams into their music. While most consider Being As An Ocean a Christian band, the band does not place themselves into that category. Lyrically you can expect nothing but genuinely heartfelt and relatable content. Their music speaks to society as a whole, talking to various topics such as humility, passion, loss, and love. Vocalist, Joel Quartuccio performs with his entire being, making the experience that much more emotional and moving for fans and bystanders alike. Often times Quartuccio will immerse himself in the crowd and let people truly experience the set with him. If you’re into fervent performances you will want to stop by and watch them play.

5. Sirens and Sailors:

Sirens and Sailors are a band that I hold near and dear to my heart. This metalcore act is from Rochester, NY (by my hometown) and rest assured these guys will not disappoint you. Coming from someone who saw them play in front of a small handful of people in a dodgy bar circa 2008, Sirens and Sailors have really put forth every fiber of their being to get to where they are today. With two EP’s and two LP’s the band has toured with the likes of My Ticket Home, Hundredth, Ice Nine Kills, and The Crimson Armada. On a thread on Reddit speaking of the bands most recent release “Rising Moon: Setting Sun” a Reddit user so eloquently described the band/album as “heavy as balls” and they were absolutely right. Sirens and Sailors have a beautiful way of creating breakdowns that hit you directly in your face, while still maintaining a very dynamic sound that keeps you intrigued. You won’t want to miss this set because I truly believe that they have not stopped growing yet and the best is still yet to come.

6. Hotel Books:

This is another band that is making an appearance at this festival for a second time. I had not heard of them prior to catching their set last year and I was hooked from the start. Hotel Books is a spoken word project that was started by Cam Smith (vocalist) and has since turned into an “ambient rock” full band ordeal. Now you can’t expect a crazy amount of energy from this set, but you can expect to be overwhelmed (in the best way) with feelings. The way in which Smith delivers his lyrics throughout the set makes it feel as though you’re in a familiar coffee shop watching an aggressive slam poet; but most importantly you feel comfortable. Despite the vast array of emotions the music and lyrics make you feel, you somehow feel better, more whole. Don’t go see Hotel Books if you’re looking for a visually stimulating or active set, you’ll want to check them out to immerse yourself in that emotional vulnerability. 

7. Turnover:

It seems as though Turnover blew up overnight, and after listening to their latest release “Peripheral Vision” I fully understand why. Referred to as anything from “pop-punk” “dream-rock” and “indie” Turnover has really done something genuinely one of a kind. Having toured with the likes of Citizen, Koji, and Major League; Turnover has not only perfected their sound but also their presence. With stimulating lights and fog, Turnover is always a crowd-pleaser. Fans enjoy them for their mellow vibe, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that they’re boring or not catchy. This band has really amped up their sound over the years, leaving vocals and melodies at the strongest they’ve ever been and addicting as hell. Watch this set and really let yourself enjoy every aspect of this performance. Captivate yourself in the music, the lyrics, and the crowd and you will not regret your choice. 

8. '68:

’68 brings something very different than most bands. It is a two piece band whose vocalist was previously the vocalist of hardcore favorites, The Chariot. Shortly after The Chariot’s last show, ’68 began and they were an instant hit. Coined “noise-rock” ’68 has truly cornered a market unlike any other presently. While not nearly as chaotic as The Chariot was, this band offers a totally different intensity that can be felt the second you begin to see them perform. There is a complexity to ’68 that cannot be touched by many and there are no two songs that are exactly alike. Vocalist, Josh Scogin, provides the noise with his intense and energetic vocals. The passion that he places into his music immediately transcribes into his performance. Despite their only being two members, the band performs as actively as any 4-5 piece act. Scogin uses a shorter mic stand and plays his guitar while simultaneously thrashing his body around. You’ll want to catch these guys for their incredible musical talents and pure, raw energy. 

9. Like Pacific: 

It's okay to be pissed off, as long as you use that energy to ignite your own fire. “Stay pissed” is this Canadian pop-punk acts motto and their music stands true to that. Like Pacific very recently put out their first full length album “Distant Like You Asked” and critics (and myself) cannot stop raving about it. It's not an easy to task to stick out in the pop-punk scene, but Like Pacific bring just the right attitude and angst to really make them shine. More technical than some of their counterparts in the genre, Like Pacific really deliver with their instrumentations as well. Their latest LP really shows their fans just how much they've matured and how ready they are to make some noise. And you can absolutely expect to have fun seeing them perform, their music is very catchy and relic of anthems making it very easy to dance around to. You won't want to miss them because not only because of their talent but because sometimes it's really fun to get a little pissed off.

10. Knuckle Puck:

Pissed off pop-punk is clearly my thing. Knuckle Puck hails from Chicago, Illinois but these fellas are a bit less sad than their Illinois brethren (I love Real Friends). Their most popular song on Spotify “No Good” is a great depiction of just how angry they can be, and it really shows that these guys will not take any shit. But don't mistake yourself into thinking that all of their songs are quite as intense. Their latest release “Copacetic” shows a great complexity and a wider range of styles. My favorite track of the album is “Untitled” showing a much more gentle and melodic side to the band. There is something about Knuckle Puck that really hits home for many people and that's part of what makes them so phenomenal. Musically, the band performs live as well as they do on their album, and fans can tell you just how impressive that is. The band also always brings a lively crowd, and who doesn't love to jump around with your friends aggressively finger-pointing?! There are not enough good words I can say about this band but I can absolutely assure you that you will not want to miss Knuckle Puck's set.