Welcome to the Old Line State, where the music is almost as cool as the flag:

Good Charlotte – The Motivation Proclamation

I don’t care what anyone thinks about GC, they inspire all of the MD pride and nostalgia in me especially now that I no longer live there. Originally from Waldorf, they will always be first on my list.

Ballyhoo! – Cali Girl

Isn’t the title of this song deceptive?? I promise they’re a MD band, just listen to the lyrics…

Ginuwine – Differences

MD actually has a pretty nice range of genre variety from its natives… although I’m cheating a little bit with Ginuwine here; he was actually born in DC but was raised in Forestville.

Charm City Devils – Devil Is A Woman

Baltimore is known as Charm City and these are some of its devils; based in the city, they’re a home town favorite. Adding a bit more edge to our relatively light and poppy alternative list so far.

Joan Jett – Love is Pain

OK. So technically the Godmother of Punk was born in PA and grew up in MD and then CA. Sue me. She’s a legend and I’m claiming her for my home state.

Tom Whall – Graveyard Man

PS: Where You Left Off is still my favorite.

OAR – Love and Memories

It’s like a rite of high school passage to go see local boys OAR at Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia especially since they’re from Rockville, only a twenty minute drive away. Didn’t you love me faster than the devil?

Tori Amos – Crucify

Catholicism is a pretty common thing in my home state, and you occasionally see that reflected in musical form. Lots of Catholic schools and such… Fun Fact: Did you know that the first native born American saint was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton from Emmitsburg, MD? True Story, bro.
Tori Amos herself was rather from all over MD so pining down where she ‘grew up’ is a little more difficult. I’ll tentatively say Silver Spring.

Logic – Super Mario World

Sir Robert Bryson Hall II was born and raised in Gaithersburg. Isn’t that an epic real name??

Clutch – X-Ray Visions

Woot Woot. These gents are from Germantown! This is a song to get pumped up to.

The Ghost Hotel – Take Me Home

Unfortunately these folks aren’t still together, but a couple years back they were getting a lot of buzz around Frederick County.

Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart

ALL OF THE FEELS.
Also: Tyson Beckford.

Chris Barz – Dreamers

Out of PG County, a young rapper with clever quips about pokemon and donuts. He’s got such a comforting flow. If you dig his ish you can download it for free at: http://www.datpiff.com/Chris-Barz-Classsickz-Out-The-Dark-Special-Edition-mixtape.376151.html

All Time Low – Weightless

It was a toss up between this song and Remembering Sunday. You should definitely check that one out too. These guys are from Towson.

BT – A Million Stars

Brian Transeau is the only entry on this list that falls into the realm of EDM. His music is soothing and atmospheric and a generally chill way to finish out. Enjoy!

Jessie Gutierrez

Honorable Mention:
SR-71!!!!!!!!!!!!! FORMED IN BALTIMORE
They. (duo with MD Native Drew Love)
Abhi/Dijon
Animal Collective