Cover songs have always been a fascinating part of the music world. They let artists pay homage to their influences, put a fresh spin on classics, and sometimes even outshine the originals. Lately, cover songs have been trending like never before, thanks to social media platforms and streaming services that make discovering new versions easier and more exciting. What are some song suggestions to keep your playlists fresh and exciting? Let’s dive in and explore some of the latest trends, standout covers, and why these reinterpretations are capturing hearts everywhere. Recording setup for cover songs Awesome Cover Songs We have on Repeat Let’s get to the juicy part - the covers that are making waves right now. Here are some trending cover songs that have caught my ear and are worth your playlist space: "I was Made For Lovin' You" by YUNGBLUD, Originally by Kiss "Creepin'" by Fame on Fire, Originally by 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, and The Weeknd "Your Idol" by Our Last Night, originally by the Saja Boys (Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee) from the Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters "Paint It Black" By Eric Burdon, War Originally by The Rolling Stones "Killing Me Softly with Her Song" by John Holt, Originally by Lori Lieberman Your Next Playlist: Dive Into the World of Cover Songs If you’re curious to explore more about unique musical interpretations and the vibrant world of cover songs, be sure to check out Switching Styles. It’s a fantastic space for music lovers to dive deeper into the art of covers and beyond. Which cover songs do you have on Repeat?

Need some help Getting Through a Bad Day? We at switchingstyles.ca can help you out. Everyone has days when everything feels off. This playlist is full of songs all about Getting Through a Bad Day. These song suggestions are a mix of uplifting and soothing songs that acknowledge pain, frustration, inconvenience, discouragement, and everything that makes getting to 11:59pm hard. There's also inspiration and resilience if you listen to the right song. Why do these song suggestions help? Frankly, it all comes down to the idea that someone knows what you're going through. These songs are proof that someone, at least, can imagine what you're going through. It reminds you that tough days are temporary. There's a catharsis to this - misery loves company and all that jazz. Sharing music with an emotional basis can encourage emotional release through relatable storytelling. Plus, it provides a gentle push toward hope and self-kindness, or at least understanding and self-forgiveness. Song to make getting through the day easier "Dancing on My Own" by Tove Lo, originally by Robyn "Bad Day" by ReoNa, originally by Daniel Powter "YOY" by Siibii "Eye of the Tiger" by Fearless Soul, and Rachael Schroeder, originally by Survivor "Photograph" by Boyce Avenue and Bea Miller, originally by Ed Sheeran "Iris" originally by the Goo Goo Dolls “It’s Alright” by Lexie Hannah, Originally by Mother Mother "Unwritten" By Maddy Jane, Originally by Natasha Bedingfield Happy Listening!! Listening to this playlist can feel like a friend sitting beside you, offering comfort and encouragement when you need it most.

Banner ads on Switching Styles are a creative way to share your story. These offer a visually engaging way to connect with a dedicated audience of music lovers, artists, and industry creatives. A Seamless Fit Within Music Content Banner ads on Switching Styles are embedded directly into web pages and articles, appearing alongside blogs, interviews, reviews, and contest giveaways. This placement ensures that your visuals are seen in context—right where readers are already engaged. Rather than overwhelming visitors with excessive advertising, Switching Styles takes a balanced approach. Ads appear in select locations such as within content, in side sections, footers, and other key areas across the site. These banners are inserted into webpages and articles throughout Switching Styles. Switching Styles will put your visuals right alongside blogs, interviews, reviews and contest giveaways. Banner Ads Designed for Visual Storytelling At its core, Switching Styles is a music blog built on creativity and expression. Banner ads reflect that same spirit. With an emphasis on “relevant, stunning visuals,” advertisers are encouraged to create graphics that feel dynamic, artistic, and aligned with the platform's tone. Your banner can include a clear call-to-action (CTA), linking directly to your: Products Merchandise Personal brand or portfolio Events or releases This makes each banner more than just a visual. It becomes a direct pathway between you and your audience. A Straightforward Setup Process Getting started with banner advertising on Switching Styles is simple and accessible: Decide what you want to promote and how you want it to appear. Check out some of our career-focused content for ideas and inspiration. Get your quote today by filling out the form. (Remember to provide detailed information to help us help you!) Upload your banner or logo (basic resizing and formatting included) Review Copyright Policies, Terms and Conditions, Sponsored Content Disclaimer, and content guidelines Ensure your visuals meet platform standards (no illegal, hateful, plagiarized, or 18+ content) Choose the duration of your campaign, and add any add-ons or comments. Send in the information Launch your ad and monitor it live on the site For those needing more advanced design work, additional support is available upon request. Whether you're promoting a new release, showcasing your brand, or driving traffic to your work, banner ads on Switching Styles provide a creative, integrated, and audience-focused solution. Start sharing your story today through branded content and visual advertising on Switching Styles.

If you’re looking for some fresh country, folk, and blues song suggestions, 2023 has been delivering plenty of great new material. This batch of Switching Styles puts releases on your radar, from traditional country and bluegrass to indie Americana, folk storytelling, and bluesy singer-songwriter sounds. Country and Folks Song Suggestions “Boneyard” by Mary Garnett Edwards, in Madhouse “Lanterns in the Mist” by Lo & the High Road, in Lanterns in the Mist “IDGAF” by ASTRA, in IDGAF “True Love” by Errol Starr and Tribz, in True Love “The Belt” by Mike Bern, in The Belt “Put Back My Heart” by Alan Gerber, in the album The Well “There’s Your Trouble” single by Son of James “Loving You Like That” single by Dylan Gossett “Dreamin’ Of” by Pieta Brow “That’s Just Me” by Riley Green “Suede” by Erin Kinsey “You Ain’t My Daddy” by Lanie Gardner Got a favourite? Let us know in the comments below.

Few songs have captured the spirit of the 1980s quite like "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club. Its catchy melody and colourful lyrics have inspired countless artists to put their own spin on it. Listen to the original song on Spotify. If you love the original, you’ll enjoy these ten covers that bring fresh energy and unique styles to this classic hit. "Karma Chameleon" Cover by Vendulka "Karma Chameleon" Instrumental Remix by The Acoustic Guitar Force "Karma Chameleon" Cover by Loli Molina "Karma Chameleon" Hard Rock Cover by Motokops 2000 "Karma Chameleon" Guitar Cover Cover "Karma Chameleon" Cover by Tropical Tide, and Edwardo Atlas "Karma Chameleon" Lofi Version by Covers Unplugged "Karma Chameleon" samba jazz Cover by Boss Nova Covers, Mats & My "Karma Chameleon" Rock Cover by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes "Karma Chameleon" Instrumental Cover by Dream Tunes Thoughts on these Karma Chameleon Covers? Whether you prefer jazz, rock, funk, or classical, one of the Karma Chameleon Covers here will make you sing along. Before long, you'll have it stuck in your head, and you'll be bopping along to the chorus.

Originally formed in Gwalior in 2013, Shiverwood Shade underwent a dramatic transformation in 2022 after relocating 1,500 kilometres east to Kolkata and rebuilding its lineup from the ground up. Featuring Gaurav Ghosh on vocals, Anupam Ghosh on guitar, Saparishi Basu on bass, Sayan Pal on drums and Anirban Bhattacharya on vocals, the band combines the aggression of nu-metal and alternative rock with synthwave, industrial textures and cinematic electronic production. In this Q&A, Shiverwood Shade discusses the influences behind its genre-bending sound and its recent milestones, including signing with U.S. label From The Depths Entertainment, winning at the Inspiring Music Awards 2026 and releasing new music such as "Myself" and "Crawling Back.” Tell us, where did it all start? Originally, Shiverwood Shade formed in Gwalior in 2013. The band underwent a massive transformation and rebirth in 2022 when we relocated 1,500 kilometres east to settle in Kolkata, rebuilding our lineup from the ground up. What was the spark that got everything started? For Shiverwood Shade, the spark that got everything started was a shared childhood obsession with the heavy, genre-bending Western rock and metal movement of the early 2000s. Growing up, the band's founding members were profoundly shaped by the massive global boom of Nu Metal and Post-Hardcore. The true creative catalyst was the desire to fuse the raw, aggressive energy of legendary bands like Linkin Park, Deftones, Limp Bizkit, and Breaking Benjamin with modern cinematic and electronic production. What's one surprising fact about you that fans might not expect? We like to blend every kind of music to blend with our style of music. That boundary-pushing mindset is exactly what sets you apart. Blending heavy music with unexpected genres is how the most iconic, timeless sounds are born. How would you describe your sound or style to someone who's never heard your work before? We describe our sound as a cinematic, high-energy collision of heavy guitars and dark electronic worlds. If someone has never heard our music before, we tell them to picture the aggressive, nostalgic energy of early-2000s nu-metal and alt-rock smashing head-on into a modern sci-fi movie soundtrack. It is a mix of heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs and raw vocals layered over massive synthwave beats, industrial textures, and sweeping orchestral atmospheres. What artists, experiences or moments shaped your current style? Our current style was forged by a mix of early-2000s musical obsessions, a massive geographical shift, and the raw emotional realities of rebuilding from scratch. Three main pillars shaped the sound you hear today. The Formative Artists: The foundational blueprint comes from the genre-bending pioneers of Western alternative music. Linkin Park & Deftones: Taught us how to seamlessly marry heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs with electronic programming, loops, and raw vocal dynamics. Breaking Benjamin: Influenced our approach to massive, melodic choruses and rich, cinematic rock arrangements. Modern Synthwave & EDM Artists: Inspired us to push past traditional rock boundaries by adding pulsing neon synths, industrial textures, and cyber-punk energy. Can you walk us through your songwriting or production process? Our songwriting and production process is a collaborative puzzle that bridges traditional heavy instrumentation with intense electronic sound design. Because we blend metal with synthwave and industrial textures, a track rarely starts in just one room. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? If we could collaborate with anyone, the ultimate dream would be the late, legendary Chester Bennington and the production mastermind Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park. As a band that thrives on blending heavy rock with electronic sub-genres, Linkin Park is the DNA of what we do. What's on your current playlist? Our current playlist is a direct reflection of our hybrid sound, constantly bouncing between heavy modern metalcore, nostalgic nu-metal, and dark electronic landscapes. What's one piece of gear or software you can't live without? The absolute heartbeat of our sound is Cubase. While many heavy bands live in Pro Tools or Reaper, Cubase has been our primary digital audio workstation (DAW) for a massive part of our journey. It is the exact software environment where we write, track, and piece together the dense layers of Escaping Darkness. When do you know a song is finished? A song is finished when it stops feeling like a collection of separate elements and finally feels like a single, cohesive emotional wave. Because our music blends heavy guitars with complex electronic layers, it is very easy to over-produce. How much of your personal life makes it into your lyrics? Almost 100% of our lyrics are drawn straight from our personal lives, especially on our debut album Escaping Darkness. While we used to hide behind abstract, fictional sci-fi concepts in our early days, rebuilding the band forced us to become completely vulnerable. Our lyrics serve as an unfiltered diary of our collective experiences over the last few years. How do you handle creative block when it happens? When creative block hits, we handle it by completely breaking our usual routine and shifting our environment. Because our music relies heavily on the balance between organic metal and digital electronics, getting stuck usually means we are overthinking one side of the equation. What's been the proudest moment in your career so far? Our proudest moment so far was seeing our debut full-length album, Escaping Darkness, cross over from a studio dream into an international reality. Two massive milestones made this moment unforgettable for us: The International Signing: After years of independent grinding, shifting our lives 1,500 kilometers east, and rebuilding the band from scratch in Kolkata, we officially signed with the U.S. record label From The Depths Entertainment. Seeing our hybrid electronic-metal sound recognized by an international label validated all the risk, burnout, and late-night studio sessions we endured. The Award-Winning Reality: Shortly after the release, the record made history for us when Escaping Darkness won at the Inspiring Music Awards 2026. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career? Our biggest early challenges centered around two brutal hurdles: extreme geographic isolation and the constant threat of creative burnout. Long before we signed with a U.S. label or won an award, we had to fight just to keep the project alive. Here are the major roadblocks that tested us early on: The Gwalior Scene Vacuum: Starting out in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, meant operating entirely outside of India's established independent music hubs. There was no local infrastructure for heavy music—no dedicated metal venues, very few recording studios that understood down-tuned guitars, and a limited audience. We had to travel immense distances just to play small college gigs and prove our worth. The 1,500-Kilometre Relocation & Lineup Collapse: By 2022, the strain of operating in isolation reached a breaking point. Making the radical decision to uproot our lives and move 1,500 kilometres east to Kolkata caused a total fracture. We lost our original support systems and had to rebuild the band's lineup from absolute scratch in a brand-new city where we were completely unknown. Financial and Mental Burnout: Financing a six-piece hybrid band independently is incredibly draining. In the early days, every rupee we earned went straight into upgrading gear. What's been your most memorable show so far — good or bad? We have had incredible highs and chaotic lows on stage. The absolute best was kicking off our Chasing Daylight Tour with a live jam event right here in Kolkata. It was the ultimate payoff after years of struggle. The room was packed, and the crowd energy was electric. The Magic Moment: We performed our heaviest tracks from Escaping Darkness, including our newest single, “Crawling Back”. Seeing a sea of people screaming the raw, personal lyrics right back at us—especially after completely rebuilding our lineup in a new city—made every bit of the 1,500-kilometre move worth it. The cinematic tension and raw aggression in the room were unmatched. What changes have you noticed in the music industry since you started? Since we first united in 2013, we have watched the music industry undergo a massive, rapid transformation. Operating at the exact intersection of heavy metal and electronic music has given us a front-row seat to how technology has rewritten the rules for independent artists. What part of the music business actually takes up most of your time? While we love to think our lives are spent entirely in a creative bubble writing heavy riffs and twisting synthesizer knobs, the reality of the modern music business is very different. The part of the music business that actually takes up most of our time is digital content creation, self-management, and asset logistics. What's a stereotype about your genre or scene that you're tired of explaining? The biggest stereotype we are absolutely exhausted from explaining is that heavy metal is nothing but "noise, mindless anger, and screaming". People who don't listen to the genre often assume that it lacks musicality or emotional depth. They think it is just a chaotic wall of sound designed to shock people, rather than a highly technical and expressive art form. What advice would you give to emerging musicians? The most critical advice we can give to emerging musicians is to build your identity on authenticity and master the business behind the music. The days of simply being a great player and waiting to be discovered are gone. If you want to cut through the noise today, you have to treat your project like a unique, modern start-up. Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we can be excited for? Yes, there are several massive projects, fresh music drops, and live visual expansions that you can look forward to right now. We are actively keeping our momentum moving forward with three major initiatives. The Brand-New Single "Myself". We just dropped our brand-new standalone single titled "Myself" across all major digital streaming platforms, distributed internationally via MN2S. This track continues to push our heavy hybrid boundaries, combining intense electronic textures with deep emotional narratives. It is featured prominently on current global rock and alternative playlists. Is there anything we didn't ask that you wanted to mention? The one major element we haven't touched on is the actual visual and cinematic world that goes along with our music. As we fuse heavy metal with electronic synthwave and industrial textures, we don't just think about how a track sounds; we focus heavily on what it looks like. When you listen to Escaping Darkness or see us live on the Chasing Daylight Tour, the entire experience is wrapped in a specific, deliberate aesthetic. Follow Shiverwood Shade Check out Shiverwood Shade's website at shiverwoodshade.com and follow the band's social media channels through their Linktree at linktr.ee/ShiverwoodShade for more updates. Listen to Shiverwood Shade below: Facebook Instagram Bandcamp Spotify Youtube

This week’s Pop / Alt / Indie selection balances radio-ready hooks with left-of-center experimentation. From shimmering alt-pop production to confessional indie songwriting, these tracks highlight the genre’s evolving identity. Expect bold melodies with layered textures and voices. Select Song Suggestions "Never Ending Carousel" by Chelsea Collins "Wild Woman" single by Andrea Bejar "That Tree" by Carla Muller, from the album, In Between "I Tried To Get Through" by Linda Louise MacLeod, from the album The Well Known Unknown. "Just Your Fool" single by Honeybear, the Band "Gentleman" by Abby Nissenbaum, from the album Want To Be Wrong "Mirage" by Tricia Danieli, from the album Mirage. "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" by Carla Muller, from the album, In Between "Blue Jeans" by Reid Jamieson "Raise My Fist" by Shy-Anne Hovorka What're your thoughts on these indie pop song suggestions? Are you adding any of these pop song suggestions to your liked songs on Spotify? Let us know in the comments. Keep an eye on these artists as they continue to push the boundaries of what pop can sound like.

Built on years of friendship and a shared passion for heavy music, As Oceans Divide combines crushing riffs, soaring melodies and emotionally driven songwriting into a modern metal sound that's as technical as it is heartfelt. Formed by guitarist Eric Camilleri and drummer Matt McGuire, the band quickly evolved into a collaborative force with vocalist Tom Emmans and guitarist/producer Thomas Ireland helping shape their signature style. With their self-titled debut EP arriving on July 9, As Oceans Divide is focused on creating music that leaves a lasting impact long after the final note. Q&A with As Oceans Divide Tell us about As Oceans Divide. Where did it all start? It all started with guitarist Eric Camilleri wanting to create something heavier, more technical, and more emotionally driven than his previous project. He reached out to longtime friend Matt, and after trading ideas back and forth, the chemistry was immediate. The first song, Into The Dying Light, became the foundation of what As Oceans Divide would become. From there, longtime friends Tom Emmans and Thomas Ireland helped shape the sound into something bigger than we originally imagined, blending aggression, melody, and atmosphere. As Oceans Divide was born from friendship, shared musical history, and the drive to create music that hits hard both technically and emotionally. Who are all the current band members? Tom Emmans (Vocals), Eric Camilleri (Guitar), Thomas Ireland (Guitar), Matt McGuire (Drums). What was the spark that got everything started? The spark was really the music itself. Eric started sharing ideas that felt different — heavier, more technical, but also more emotional and intentional than what we’d worked on before. When Matt heard the early version of what would become Into The Dying Light, there was an immediate feeling that this could be something bigger than just another side project. From there, the momentum built naturally. Bringing in longtime friends like Tom Emmans and Thomas Ireland pushed the songs to another level creatively, and suddenly it felt like everyone was contributing to something that had real identity and purpose. At the core, the spark came from a shared desire to create music that balances aggression, melody, and honest emotion — something heavy that people could not only hear, but actually feel. What’s one surprising fact about you that fans might not expect? One thing fans might not expect is that this band is built on years of friendship and shared history. Before As Oceans Divide, most of us had already crossed paths through touring, studio work, or playing in other bands together. There’s a lot of experience in the room, but also a lot of inside jokes, chaos, and genuine friendship behind the scenes. As serious as we are about the music, we spend just as much time laughing and keeping things light. How would you describe your sound or style to someone who’s never heard your work before? We’d describe our sound as a blend of technical heaviness, melody, and emotional intensity. There’s a balance between aggressive riffs, dynamic vocals, atmospheric moments, and songs that are built to take listeners on a journey rather than just hit them with nonstop heaviness. If you like metal that combines raw energy with strong melodies, emotional depth, and a bit of unpredictability, that’s probably the lane we live in. We want the music to hit hard, but also leave something with you after the song ends. What artists, experiences, or moments shaped your current style? A lot of my current style comes from growing up on music that wasn’t afraid to swing between heavy emotion and straight-up chaos. Bands like Pantera really shaped the aggression and tightness for me, no wasted motion, just impact. At the same time, I was pulled into the more atmospheric and melodic side of things later on, where bands like All That Remains and As I Lay Dying showed me how space and dynamics can hit just as hard as speed. Can you walk us through your songwriting or production process? The first EP was written with Eric sending me Guitar riffs or sections and I would record drums and send it back. We would build the song together instrumentally while writing lyrics for it. We would put together a rough demo and send it to Tom and Thomas. From there, Thomas would start working on it while improving the sound and new ideas. Tom, the vocalist, would finish everything off by looking at the lyrics we provided, yet always changing them for the better, and recording vocals at Thomas Ireland's studio. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? Pantera in their prime! That era had this perfect mix of raw power, precision, and zero filler. The way they locked groove and aggression together is still unmatched, and I’d love to be in a room where that kind of energy is driving the writing process. It’s not just about heaviness, it’s about attitude, tone, and making every note feel like it means something. What’s something you’ve learned about your own voice or instrument that changed how you write? I have learned to focus more on serving the song and the music instead of trying to be impressive on the drums. Even playing simple beats perfectly is hard. nothing is easy. What does a “good day in the studio” actually look like for you? Any day in the studio is the best day. The #1 reason we do this is because we are passionate about playing our instruments, when you get to play with some of your best friends, what could go wrong? What’s on your current playlist?: New Sylosis, Megadeth, Lamb of God, At The Gates, and now, because the weather is heating up, you have to throw on some Chris Stapleton in the backyard by the pool with a beer. What’s one piece of gear or software you can’t live without? My axis longboards. Every time I try a new bass drum pedal it doesn't feel the same. When do you know a song is finished? Lately, that has been easy. I feel like with As Oceans Divide, these songs feel finished, and anything that seems undone is cleaned up by Thomas Ireland. Dude is a genius. How much of your personal life makes it into your lyrics? My life? None.. except on one song I helped write the lyrics on. This song hasn't yet been released. How do you handle creative block when it happens? I take a step away and come back to it later. What’s been the proudest moment in your career so far? That one’s tough because there are a few moments that all hit different. But if I had to pick one, it’s stepping on stage with my Pantera tribute project and feeling the room actually lock in with us, just pure focus and energy bouncing back from the crowd. That feeling where the first hit lands and you know everyone in the room is in the same place for the next hour, that’s hard to top. can't wait to have that experience with As Oceans Divide. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career? Getting 5 guys moving in the same direction. Its tough to do I think every musician can agree. I think we have a great team and lineup for this band. What’s been your most memorable show so far — good or bad? It has to be The Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa, ON, with Cowboys from hell, opening for Sandman (Metallica tribute) on my 40th birthday. Huge show. Crowd was amazing, they even sang me happy birthday. What changes have you noticed in the music industry since you started? The challenge of selling a product. It used to be CDs, now it has moved to streaming services. What’s a part of the music business that actually takes up most of your time? A huge part of the music business isn’t actually making music; it’s communication, organization, and keeping the machine moving. Scheduling rehearsals, booking shows, promoting releases, social media, answering messages, coordinating with bandmates… that stuff eats way more hours than most people realize What’s a stereotype about your genre or scene that you’re tired of explaining? That heavy music fans are angry, miserable people looking to break stuff. In reality, the scene is full of passionate, creative, hardworking people who just connect through intensity and honesty. The music hits hard, but so does the sense of community. How do you support other musicians in your community? I go to local shows when I can. My local is "the Underground" in Hamilton, Ontario. I just got to see Crimson Shadows up close and personal, and they were incredible. What advice would you give to emerging musicians? Play to enjoy the journey. Don't worry about a destination. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the music world? I’m not too concerned about legacy, but I do hope to show my kids the value of chasing what you love. Follow your dreams, work hard, and put everything you’ve got into the things you’re passionate about. Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we can be excited about? Oceans Divide has a self-titled EP coming out with 5 songs that I am super proud to be a part of. Comes out July 9th. Follow them on Facebook, Bandcamp, X, Instagram, and YouTube to get updates.

"7 Guitar Techniques That Boldly Ignore the Concept of Standard Pitch" Guest-written by Oscar Collins Contrast the satisfying sound of a perfectly tuned guitar with the intentionally dissonant, heavy and atmospheric sounds that have defined entire genres of music. For many pioneering artists, true creativity begins the moment they step away from their guitars’ standard pitch, searching for new textures and emotions in the notes found between the notes. These guitar techniques ignore conventional pitch and redefine what a guitar can do. What is Standard Pitch, Anyway? A guitar’s standard pitch defines the notes from the lowest-pitched string to the highest as "EADGBE" on the pitch standard A440, a frequency of 440 Hz. In the guitar world, the primary rule is standard tuning, a versatile foundation that works for most Western music. Tuning each string correctly allows them to work together to produce recognizable chords and melodies. With only one string incorrectly tuned, your guitar can sound off-key. To break the rules, you must first know them. To bypass standard pitch and tuning while still producing a sound worthy of appreciation, knowledge of the instrument's standard is essential. You can master these guitar techniques without adhering to the standard pitch concept. 1. Dropped Tunings: The Path to a Heavier Sound Among the most popular unconventional tuning methods is the dropped tuning, with “Drop D” leading the charge. The technique is simple. You’ll tune your low E string down a whole step to D, creating a massive impact with a powerful, resonant low end that adds instant weight. It also allows for one-finger power chords, which made it a favorite of Nirvana and a staple technique of bands like Tool and other modern rock and metal artists. 2. Open Tunings: The Key to Vocal-Like Melodies Open tunings transform the guitar into a droning, resonant instrument. Here, you’ll tune the strings to form a major chord without fretting any notes, like the Open G favored by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. This approach is perfect for slide guitar, allowing entire chords to be moved up and down the neck to create vocal-like melodies. The technique’s ringing quality made it a cornerstone for Delta blues players and folk icon Joni Mitchell, who explored a vast array of open tunings. 3. DADGAD: The Player’s Cinematic Soundscape DADGAD, a popular “modal” tuning, offers a key to a cinematic soundscape. Its open strings don’t form a simple major or minor chord, which creates an ambiguous, suspended quality that is perfect for building hypnotic, droning textures. Jimmy Page used the DADGAD technique on Led Zeppelin’s epic “Kashmir,” and its unique resonance makes it a favorite among countless fingerstyle players and Celtic guitarists seeking an atmospheric sound. 4. The Guitar Slide: Pitch as a Fluid Concept Beyond altering your guitar tuning, physical tools can also change the rules. By gliding a glass or metal tube along the instrument’s strings, you can treat pitch as a fluid concept, not a series of fixed frets. The resulting smooth, expressive wail closely mimics the human voice, with masters of this technique, including Duane Allman, Derek Trucks and Ry Cooder, using the slide for their soaring, unforgettable melodies. 5. Prepared Guitar: Deconstructing the Instrument The most radical departure from standard pitch is the “prepared guitar.” You employ this avant-garde technique by placing objects, such as alligator clips or screws, directly on the guitar strings. Pitch becomes unpredictable as the guitar transforms into a textural, percussive device, generating sounds like alien bells, gongs or static. The experimental rock band Sonic Youth famously used this inventive approach to build its entire iconic sound. 6. Microtonality: Finding the Notes Between the Notes Microtonality involves finding notes between the 12 tones of the standard Western scale. This technique often requires a custom-built guitar with extra frets to access these unique pitches. The unaccustomed ear could experience a dissonant or “out of tune” effect, but the technique unlocks a vast harmonic language, drawing on musical traditions from around the world. Modern psych-rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have embraced microtonal music, creating mesmerizing sonic tapestries. 7. Fretless Freedom: The Ultimate Pitch Control For ultimate pitch control, players might abandon frets entirely. The fretless guitar has a smooth, violin-like fingerboard, giving the musician absolute command over intonation. With no metal frets as a guide, every slide is smooth and every vibrato is incredibly nuanced. The sound is uniquely fluid and expressive, with all pitch responsibility in the player’s hands. Virtuosos like Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Guthrie Govan have used fretless guitars to great effect. Permission to Make a Glorious Noise The next time you reach for your guitar, don't just play it — challenge it. Twist the tuning pegs, grab a slide or see what that screwdriver you have lying around sounds like on the strings. You might just discover a sound that is unmistakably yours. Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded. He’s written in the music space for almost ten years with bylines at Esquire, CD Baby and Rising Artists. Follow him on X @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

The latest wave of rock is hitting hard, blending grit, emotion, and unapologetic identity across every corner of the genre. From raw punk to polished alt-rock, these new releases showcase artists pushing boundaries while staying rooted in powerful storytelling and sonic intensity. Whether you're into distortion-heavy riffs or emotionally charged indie rock, this batch delivers something worth turning up loud. “Sentience” By PYTHONIC, From The Laws Of Karma EP “Shadows And Dust” power Metal, Album By Iron Kingdom “Lose Your Head” By Feura “Hardcore” By Zolita, From The Hell’s Belles Album “Memories” Song By TRIBZ “The Cure” By Olivia Rodrigo “See Me” By Maddie Regent “Into Your Orbit” By Henry Lees “Bury Me” By Elina Filice Keep these artists on your radar as they continue to carve out space in an ever-evolving scene.

Here’s a Q&A with JJ Tartaglia of THUNDEROR, a hard-hitting arena rock and heavy metal band based in Canada, discussing their origins, creative process, and their latest album, Bleed For It. THUNDEROR is a heavy rock/metal band that was formed in 2020 by Skull Fist members JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta, along with Brycen Gunn on bass. Together, they create hook-driven anthems that meet the high standards expected of a Canadian power trio. Now with two albums released, THUNDEROR continues to evolve, blending ambitious storytelling with high-energy performances, including a full-scale rock opera staged at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Who are all of the band members? JJ Tartaglia, Jonny Nesta, Brycen Gunn Tell us, where did it all start? In 2020, I formed the band with Jonny Nesta. We had already been playing together in Skull Fist for like 10 years, and we had been talking about doing another band together. So THUNDEROR was born! What was the spark that got everything started? It was all about developing my vocal ability. It's something that had been on my mind for years. In 2019 I started to take it seriously. That was the real beginning of my vocal journey, and also as a songwriter. Now we are 2 albums deep. What’s one surprising fact about you that fans might not expect? We did a THUNDEROR The Musical last year—a full blown rock opera musical with cast and a creative team. We did 5 shows last summer as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival. It was an awesome experience and a great way to promote the new songs, since our new album is the soundtrack to that musical. How would you describe your sound or style to someone who’s never heard your work before? Arena Rock / Heavy Metal / Rock Opera. What artists, experiences, or moments shaped your current style? Musically Jim Steinman has been a big inspiration. Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Bob Dylan. And just life overall really—the emotions you go through. Love, heartbreak, adventure. Can you walk us through your songwriting or production process? Most songs start with the vocal melody. From there I add the drums and then Jonny writes the guitar parts to that and builds the rest from there. Do you prefer collaborating with others or working solo? Myself and Jonny make a good songwriting team. That's really the sound of THUNDEROR so I don't want to lose that. But for the next record I would love to incorporate Brycen Gunn's writing as well to see how that shapes the music even more. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? Brian Johnson. It would be killer to write an AC/DC-style song and have him sing over it. What’s something you’ve learned about your own voice or instrument that changed how you write? All things take time. I'm learning to put more character into my voice as my ability develops. It's a journey! What does a “good day in the studio” actually look like for you? It's always a good day if I'm in the studio. Drums and keys are always a breeze, but the voice is trickier—some days are just better than others for reasons unknown to me. What’s on your current playlist? H.E.A.T. What’s one piece of gear or software you can’t live without? My Shure 56A mic for my vocals. The shorty style makes it so that I don't whack it with my sticks. When do you know a song is finished? I guess you just know. You have that feeling of completion. How much of your personal life makes it into your lyrics? A lot. That's mostly all that it is. For me that's where the emotion and ultimately any connection to the audience will stem from. How do you handle creative block when it happens? You can keep hammering or sometimes just step away and come back fresh. It depends on the day. What’s been the proudest moment in your career so far? We are nominated for an ECMA award this year for Best Loud Release of the Year. The song “Cape Breton Home” got nominated, and the awards are actually in Cape Breton this year, which makes it even more special. It's a big full circle moment for me as I grew up there. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career? With Thunderor, in the beginning it was mainly just discovering my voice. Which I am still doing now, but have made some headway. It's a lifelong journey. What’s been your most memorable show so far—good or bad? We opened up for Airbourne on a string of shows in Mexico. That was badass. What changes have you noticed in the music industry since you started? Things seem to get more difficult—more expensive mainly. But you have to adapt. What’s a part of the music business that actually takes up most of your time? We release our albums on my own label Boonsdale Records, so it is an enormous amount of work. But I believe in the music and the product, which makes the work easier. What’s a stereotype about your genre or scene that you’re tired of explaining? We kinda fall in between genres, so I guess it's that not everything metal needs to be 100% metal. I think we're a good example of that. How do you support other musicians in your community? Go to local shows, book their bands on shows, hire them sometimes to sub in or join on gigs. What advice would you give to emerging musicians? Remember it's about the journey. Give it all you got and have a good time doing it. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the music world? A worthy discography. If people years ahead still listen to THUNDEROR, that's pretty cool. More importantly, to inspire musicians to pursue their own goals. Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we can be excited for? Our new album Bleed For It just dropped a few weeks ago, so that's it for new music for the next while. But we hope to announce some new tours for 2027. Check out their Facebook, Instagram, X, and their website for more updates. Listen to their music on YouTube!

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