The Triangle is known for its dynamic music scene and has inspired the lyrics of many popular musical artists for decades.
Our list compiles NC-based and non-NC-based musicians from a kaleidoscope of musical styles that all thread stories of the Triangle into their tracks. With mid-century and contemporary artists from varying genres, there are so many ways you can find your own slice of home through music.
Kick back and boogie to some of our featured bops. This is not an exhaustive list, so let us know if we missed any tunes. 🎶
📀 “Backroads” | Kickin Grass | This Raleigh-based bluegrass band has released three albums since their inception in the early 2000s.
📀 “Big City” & “Clark Ave” | American Aquarium | Formed in 2006, this Raleigh-based alternative country band has been entertaining audiences with hundreds of sold-out shows.
📀 “Do the John Wall” | Troop 41| This Raleigh-based hip hop group is known for this 2010 single that peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 + iTunes charts.
📀 “Living in Raleigh Now” & “The Carolinian” | Chatham County Line | This country band has been a staple of the NC music scene for twenty-years producing seven studio albums with performances across the US + Europe.
📀 “Night Train” | James Brown | This artist, also known as “Mr. Dynamite,” is one of the most famous soul performers in American history. The song, originally recorded by Duke Ellington, blends blues + R&B influences.
📀 “Pretty Girl from Raleigh” | The Avett Brothers | Founded in the early 2000s, this NC-based folk rock band is led by sibling musical duo Scott + Seth.
📀 “Promised Land” | Chuck Berry | This artist is known as one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. The song was written by Chuck and tells the story of his journey from Virginia to Los Angeles, CA.
📀 “Raise Up” | Petey Pablo | This American rapper wrote the song to represent his origins from NC. At UNC football games The Marching Tar Heels play the chorus + the Carolina Hurricanes made it their official goal song.
📀 “Red-eye to Raleigh” | Mipso | Based in Chapel Hill, this band is influenced by the historical musical traditions of the rural south + the music scene where they are based. The song features a story of the heart set in Raleigh.
📀 “White Trash Heros” & “Raleigh Days” | Archers of Loaf | This band was formed in Chapel Hill in 1991 and is known for their indie rock + underground music. Many songs in their discography feature the region and the Triangle.
📀 Wagon Wheel | Darius Rucker | Originally by Old Crow Medicine Show, this catchy country song has become the unofficial theme song of college tailgates
Contributed by Phoenix B.
