Considering the thriving Californian music culture and its proximity to Hollywood, it should come as no surprise that dozens of talented musical artists originated in Newport Beach. Here are four musicians you should give a listen.
Steve Aoki
Steve Aoki was born in Miami but raised in Newport Beach. He is now a world-renowned DJ who got his start in punk rock. Thanks to his superstar charisma and fiery live performances, Aoki has become an EDM icon whose music lends itself to the vibrant Newport nightlife.
With multiple
Billboard-charting albums under his belt and a Grammy nomination for his dance/electronica album Wonderland, locals are proud to recognize his legendary status.
Sugar Ray
Sugar Ray’s lead singer
Mark McGrath loves Newport Beach so much that he is rumored to still be living in the area. While the band’s biggest days may be behind them, you’re unlikely to find a millennial who doesn’t remember jamming out to their hit songs from the late ‘90s like “Fly,” which seems like a direct homage to easy going coastal living.
Sugar Ray is categorized as a skate punk and alternative pop-rock band, but their early inspirations seem to be inspired by ska, which was a prevalent movement in Newport.
OneRepublic
OneRepublic is an extremely popular pop-rock band that attributes their eclectic musical style to bands like U2, The Beatles, and Prince. Brent Kutzle, the band’s cellist and bassist, is a multi-talented musician hailing from Newport.
Aside from his work on the bass, he’s also a skilled songwriter, producer, and film composer. He was raised in a small suburb of the O.C. called Fountain Valley, and his talent is so renowned in the industry that he has worked alongside musicians like Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson.
Howard Alden
Howard Alden is an American jazz guitarist and Newport native. He has been dubbed one of the best of his generation by some of his colleagues and has worked extensively within the music industry for years, dating back to 1973.
Throughout his lauded career, Alden has worked on and recorded numerous albums with Concord Records. He even learned how to play the seven-string guitar, working with the master George Van Eps himself on the acclaimed album Thirteen Strings. Most recently, he started working alongside multi-genre violin star Nigel Kennedy at concerts and on various recordings.
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