25 bands to get you in the summer spirit

What better way to celebrate summer than with some reggae rock? Dirty Heads, the popular band from Huntington Beach, California, has been around for almost two decades and is a go-to summer band for many.

The Melodians are a rocksteady band from Kingston, Jamaica. Formed in the 1960s, they have a traditional early reggae sound and slow tempo. Their music is ideal for relaxing on the beach or pretending you’re sunbathing on an island.

You likely already knew Sublime would be on this list. The popular ska/reggae punk band is the ultimate summer band. This is one of those skipless groups, where every song is bound to set the ideal summer scene.

Another punk rock/ska band from the ‘90s, Goldfinger has that reminiscent sound of an old-school summer. In fact, their music immediately brings me back to summer days spent watching my older brothers and their friends at the skatepark. We thought we were the coolest kids in town, and Goldfinger certainly fed that belief.  

If you want a more relaxed summer vibe, Vacations is the band for you. This Australian indie rock group is what many would label “woozy guitar pop.” Their dreamy, light sound makes you feel like you’re floating in the pool on a warm summer morning.

Another calm, dreamy summer band is Beach Fossils. This indie rock group is from Brooklyn but packs that beachy feel we all crave during summertime. I mean, the band’s name alone provides enough context here.

I think we’ve each had a summer moment with Weezer’s “Island in the Sun.” However, the rock band has a ton of other hits that perfectly match the vibe of summer. When shuffling Weezer, you can’t help but grab your friends and dance on the beach with the setting sun.

Another classic American rock band is The Strokes. With its upbeat sound, this band gives me strong summer energy. In particular, the track “Someday” is an absolute must-add to your summer playlist.

All throughout college, I was quite literally Third Eye Blind’s No. 1 fan — and for good reason. Not only does the rock band have some of the best hits, but its lesser-known tracks involve deep, introspective lyrics. Third Eye Blind can pretty much match any energy you’re looking for, from a hopeful summer morning to an exciting midday pool party to a summertime sadness night of solitude. 

Ballyhoo! is a Maryland beach rock band with reggae and punk influences. The band packs a unique sound and energy — perfect for a hot summer day or night at the beach. 

Less Than Jake is a summer classic. This ska punk band from Florida has enough hits to go around. The group’s trombone and saxophone elements add that classic ska sound so many know and love.

If you’re looking for more of an electropop sound, The Band Camino is the perfect pick for you. This indie rock band has an extremely catchy, upbeat sound and terribly relatable lyrics. They were my go-to during the summer pandemic months.

Peach Pit is a Canadian indie pop band with the perfect summer soundtrack. From catchy beats to a surf rock sound, the band has all the necessary elements for your beachy playlist. You can’t go wrong when you shuffle Peach Pit.

A pop-punk classic, Yellowcard is the ultimate summer band for emo kids. Start with “Ocean Avenue” and work your way through the band’s popular hits. 

This popular rock band was formed in Newport Beach, California, during the ‘80s. That being said, it’s no shock that the group is a must-have on your summer playlist. Sugar Ray is known for its funk metal and nu metal sound.

A famous rock band from the ‘90s, Everclear is a great band choice for your summer soundtrack. With elements of power pop, grunge, and punk, the band’s music explores a variety of heavy topics through a catchy, upbeat sound.

Flipturn is another indie rock band deserving of a spot on this list. The group’s unique, introspective, and catchy sound and energy are perfect for a particularly reflective summer. If you’re embarking on solo travels or adventures this summer, I suggest adding Flipturn to your queue.

Iration embodies that carefree, go-with-the-flow vibe we all want to lose ourselves in during the summer months. The reggae/pop group is from Santa Barbara, California, but its members are originally from Hawaii. It’s no wonder their sound is so relaxed and beachy.

Best Coast is a rock duo from Los Angeles. Though they’re currently on a hiatus, they have enough hits to go around. This alternative/indie band provides a laid-back, free-spirit energy. I recommend starting with “When I’m With You.”

What better band to shuffle during the summer than 311? This popular rock group blends elements of reggae, hip-hop, and funk, cultivating the perfect beachy sound. Not only that, but there seems to be a spiritual element to the music, reminding listeners to appreciate the simple things in life and prioritize positivity.

With a name like Summer Salt, it’s no wonder this indie pop band has a spot on this list. Some even call Summer Salt’s sound “tropical,” “breezy,” and “coral-reef rock.” Start with the song “Driving to Hawaii,” and you’ll immediately be sold.

Sun Room is a surf band from Southern California. You can’t get more beachy than that. Songs like “Sunset Garage” and “Sol Del Sur,” among many others, will make great additions to your summer playlist. 

The Backseat Lovers is a more recent rock band that’s captured the attention of many indie music lovers worldwide. They have highly energetic songs and calm, laid-back tracks to lose yourself in this summer. 

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a band, but I’d be remiss not to add Ashes To Amber this list. Kane Acosta is the psychedelic-indie artist behind the post-wave/indie pop project. His dreamy, beachy sound is a must-hear this summer. I recommend starting with the song “SAND PEOPLE.”

Alternative/indie rock vocal quartet French Cassettes is a harmony-driven indie pop band from San Francisco, and the perfect group to add to your summer list. In fact, they even have an EP called Summer Darling EP. I found them from their song “Santa Cruz Tomorrow,” which instantly sold me.