7 Bands in the RGV Y’all Should Know
Story by Santana Peralez
Edited by Nina Alegre and Abigail Vela
The Rio Grande Valley might not be everyone’s idea of a hub of musical talent, but people in the music scene know that la frontera is bubbling with passionate musicians just waiting to be discovered.
Check out these seven amazing local up-and-coming RGV bands.
Kid Atomic
Born from the ashes of the now-disbanded group “Broke Folks,” “Kid Atomic” was led by frontperson Ruben Garza, who began performing under the pseudonym in San Marcos in 2016. Eventually, Ruben’s brother Nick Garza and the siblings’ cousin Jose Homero Tijerina joined to create the “Kid Atomic” we see today.
“Kid Atomic” is more than just a name—it’s an idea that takes center stage throughout the band’s songs: the idea of attempting to maintain childlike optimism and hope during catastrophic and tumultuous times.
“Kid Atomic” describes their take on music as a blend of math rock and shoegaze elements pitted against each other in dissonant, through-composed songs. Slowcore and post-punk influences harmonically and rhythmically drive their music, juxtaposing walls of sound, tight guitar tapping and mathy fingerpicking.
Find them on socials here.
Listen to Kid Atomic on Spotify.
Lunar Heart
“Lunar Heart” is an Edinburg-based band that began as a brother-and-sister act in 2017. Since then, Maria and Jesus Mendoza, the siblings who founded the band, have added four other members, making “Lunar Heart” a six-piece band.
Describing their sound as dream pop with a dash of shoegaze, this Edinburg act aims to create music they can each be proud of and have fun while doing it.
Their first EP, “Starry Eyed,” was released last year.
Find them on Instagram.
Listen to Lunar Heart on Spotify.
The Blowup Dollz
“The Blowup Dollz” is an RGV-born and raised band that manifested in 2022. Although they may have started out with ballads and melodic performances, they have continued to grow and experiment, slowly finding their musical niche through different approaches and playing with various elements and sounds.
The band expressed that their first release felt rough and like a misrepresentation of who they were. They have taken a step back, learning to turn their hardships into something they can share with their audience.
Currently, the band is taking the time to experiment with a hearty mix of punk and metal influences.
Find them on Instagram.
Mariana Aparicio
Mariana Aparicio, music has always been her preferred way of storytelling. Whether expressing other people’s stories, made-up ones, or her own, writing songs is Mariana’s way of interpreting and understanding the world around her. This gives her songs a deeply personal touch that radiates through headphones, earbuds and speakers.
According to Mariana, her music is influenced by the classic Spanish rock she grew up listening to and the indie music she listens to now, making her current sound a blend of her musical past and present.
She released her first solo single, “Que Te Haría,” on every streaming platform, with the music video premiering on YouTube.
Find her on socials here.
Listen to Mariana Aparicio on Apple Music and Spotify
Inhibition
“Inhibition” is a Pharr-based band that began as a three-member group before becoming the five-member ensemble they are today. They started their journey sounding more like bedroom pop than anything else, mostly stemming from a lack of equipment. This didn’t stop them, though; after their first release in 2021, they continued developing their sound and technique.
“Inhibition” describes their current sound as indie alternative with added dreampop and shoegaze elements. They achieved this sonic evolution by slowly developing their own studio, which allowed them to create the music they always wanted.
This allowed the band to release their debut EP, “I Wanna Tell You,” in the fall of 2024. They look forward to releasing more music, playing more shows, and meeting their supporters this year.
Find them on socials here.
Listen to Inhibition on Apple Music and Spotify.
The Culture
“The Culture” is a four-piece alternative group in the Rio Grande Valley. The band describes itself as drawing inspiration from various groups and genres.
Each member of “The Culture” brings their unique perspective to the band’s style, and while one would think it shouldn’t work, they find a way to make it a vibe. They can achieve this by taking a DIY approach to the recording and mastering of their songs. According to them, this allows them to focus with very few limitations, which is why they’re huge advocates for DIY.
You can find “The Culture” on all streaming platforms!
Find them on socials here.
Listen to the Culture on Apple Music and Spotify.
Shattered Stories
“Shattered Stories” is a four-member alt band from McAllen started by Alex Julian, lead guitarist, and Caleb Pecina, guitar/vocalist, in 2021. Since their inception, they’ve added Max Barrera on bass and Nathan Serrano on drums.
“Shattered Stories” describes their music as a mix of alternative music genres, with post-hardcore being their primary influence. They add bits of metalcore, screamo, pop punk and shoegaze to get what has become their signature sound. Their music is very energetic, lyrical and dynamic, showcasing how their approach to music is constantly changing, allowing them to maintain their own perspectives and originality.
Their first album, “Sounds of Vision” and “Failure,” was released on February 9, 2024, and currently be found on all music platforms.
Find them on Socials here.
Listen to Shattered Storied on Apple Music and Spotify.
Support RGV Bands!
There are still so many musical acts in the 956, and many more are popping up every day. Hopefully, these seven bands will inspire you to look around at the RGV for a band, musician, or musical act that matches your vibe and show up at their next performance!
