Grand Junction (GJ) – a town of the book cliffs, Colorado Mesa University and… a desert. Well, there might not be much around the town, but it happens to be home to a proper music community.

With so many local artists in GJ and the surrounding area, it can be difficult to find the diamonds in the rough. So, who is worth the minutes and hours of our precious college days? And as a disclaimer, the majority of our local bands are country influenced.

Coming in at number five is Clyde and the Milltailers. The folk and roots band prominently features banjo and other twangy sounds in their songs, accompanied by violin, string bass and vocals that sound like they belong in O Brother, Where Art Thou? and could play alongside 2012 Mumford and Sons without missing a beat. Fast and slow songs are abundant in their music and it offers a refreshing change of pace from the electronica dominant music like Khalid, Halsey and the Chainsmokers that dominates the charts.

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Taking residence at four is the band Wave 11. The band is young and would be higher on the list if not for their low song count. They have made a name for themselves in GJ by singing covers and hosting energetic performances. Their single song on sound cloud: Two Worlds, boasts both reggae and hip hop and their Dojo Sessions are personable and enjoyable jams. The band is young and definitely has the potential to become a great band, as long as they keep grooving.

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Next on the list is the folky, poppy, rock fusion band Tim + Richard. The duo have a unique sound that hops and skips between indie, folk and soft rock. Songs like Hold My Hand shows their pop influence while Slow Down is a happy and bouncy with a little more folk in the mix. Percussion on the band’s cajon, a box-like instrument, not only keeps the beat, but listeners can’t help but bob their heads. The duo has their own style and fusion of American folk and rock music, putting them up to a respectable third place.

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Zolopht takes silver. The reggae band dons their Rasta beanies and puts on a performance that could rival the likes of Sublime.

Best described as a mix between Sublime and Cake, the classic reggae bop is present in the band’s sound, but trumpets, saxophones and rocking guitar solos give the band that extra x-factor to their sound.

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Zolopht demands a lot of pull in GJ and their reggae influence is much needed in a sea of country and folk music. Perfect for the beach or any afternoon lounging in the sun, Zolopht is a must hear local band.

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Topping the list is the solo artist that hails from Alabama and after the army, found his way to Colorado: Shaun Ray. Foy Vance and Lord Huron must have made the man in a lab, for he is the perfect mix of the two, just with a little sprinkle of country added in the mix. Ray has a voice that just aches to be heard and guitar both acoustic and electric ring out in his music. He might not be Colorado born, but his local talent needs to be ingrained in the culture of Grand Junction.

Naturally, some bands slipped through the cracks as there is an enormous amount of local talent. Some honorable mentions to the list include, but aren’t limited to: Freeway Donna, The Strolling Scones, David Starr, The Fox and Hound, The Dead Telluriders, and Ornet. If your favorite band didn’t make the list, don’t whine and cry about it. Go out and listen to the community music, see a show and get your favorite band the recognition they deserve. Afterall, they just want to put on a show and make some music, so we might as well open our ears and give them a listen.