This Labor Day post is dedicated to all hard-working musicians that think that singing in a band is just not enough.
Punk bands are known for their loudness, bad haircuts, and of course electric guitars. So why is it that so many punk vocalists focus on acoustic songs in their solo projects? I don’t know, but here is a list of the best 5 current punk vocalists that use their wooden instruments to keep rock and roll alive… in their own way.
Top 5 punk vocalists that rock the acoustic guitar in solo projects
5. Joey Cape (of Lagwagon)
Joey Cape is the James Franco of punk. He plays in 3 different bands, works as a producer, and has been working in his acoustic solo project since 2004. His solo work includes several classic Lagwagon songs as well as original songs.
Alt Tank Recommended Track: Mission Unaccomplished (from Bridge)
Against Me! Is on its way to become one of the biggest bands in the world; and Tom Gabel is not wasting any time in releasing his solo work. Although his only solo album is not 100% acoustic, all of his live performances feature his acoustic guitar and harmonica. Multitask should be his middle name.
4. Tom Gabel (of Against Me!) [edit: Tom is now known as Laura Jane Grace]
Against Me! Is on its way to become one of the biggest bands in the world; and Tom Gabel is not wasting any time in releasing his solo work. Although his only solo album is not 100% acoustic, all of his live performances feature his acoustic guitar and harmonica. Multitask should be his middle name.
Alt Tank Recommended Track: Random Hearts (from Heart Burns)
This petite Canadian singer looks and sounds amazing in her solo project. With already two solo albums under her belt, she already has fans begging for more.
3. Sarah Blackwood (of The Creepshow)
This petite Canadian singer looks and sounds amazing in her solo project. With already two solo albums under her belt, she already has fans begging for more.
Alt Tank Recommended Track: Lonely Parade (from Way Back Home)
2. Kepi Ghoulie (of The Groovie Ghoulies)
Kepi must be one of the coolest people in punk. His acoustic songs are simple and sweet, but still manage to make us dance. Combine Kepi’s guitar strumming with a simple bass line and soft drums and you’ll get the best happy punk songs since the Ghoulies!
Alt Tank Recommended Track: Sleepy Hollow (from American Gothic)
1. Chuck Ragan (of Hot Water Music)
What else could you expect from the lead singer of Hot Water Music? Chuck is so talented that he had to step away from fast and loud punk rock to compose some of the greatest acoustic punk songs.
