SC MUSIC GUIDE'S BANDS TO WATCH February 2, 2016 / by John "Stoney" Cannon Online South Carolina onine music resource website recently posted an article spotlighting 5 South Carolina artists to watch for in 2016 (you can read the article here ) and while the piece spotlights some great artists to check out, it also makes this music fan ask "wonder who was left out that should have made this list." Now of course, lists like musical taste, is subjective to opinion. Artists like the mentioned ATLAS ROAD CREW are surely safe bets for a list like this based on the opinion of scene music vets (although one must admit that the band is making great strides on their own) but what about those hidden gems...or even artists from the area who spend more time on the road then in town? With this in mind, I'd like to throw out some South Carolina artists that are also valid acts to keep an eye on this year. CAREY MURDOCK / Right off the bat mentioning Murdock is probably not much of a surprise. Since his days fronting Nostar, the North Augusta, SC singer/songwriter has probably worked harder than any other CSRA artist in terms of writing, recording, touring, promoting, etc. After a short time in Nashville, Murdock returned home and along the way has continued to tour around including several visits to Europe. IAN CALK / Another product of North Augusta, Calk is a multi-instrumental singer/songwriter who generally performs on keys and guitar in a style on par with recent modern pop singer/songwriters. While he works performances around school, every gig gets the full attention and he brings something new and fresh each time. CARINA POINT / Charleston alt. country band formed in 2014 and recorded their first EP with Tyler Ward Studios in Boulder, CO. The duo turned group has also worked with Chucktown Music Group, owned by Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish. The group is constantly on the road across the southeast and midwest. RENE RUSSELL / Having moved to Charleston in 2004, Russell went on hiatus quitting drinking in 2012 and jumping full into music the following year with the creation of her own company Change Your Brain Music LLC. Her unique finger-picking/hammer slap style on 12-string acoustic coupled with her soulful voice marks Russell as a stand out South Carolina artist. KAIL BAXLEY / Now located in California, Baxley hails from the small town of Williston-Elko and at a young age built a unique relationship with soul legend James Brown. Baxley's music blends Blues, Indie Rock, Soul, Gospel, Hip Hop and even Country into a uniquely soulful roots sound that he spreads via constant touring. His 2015 release "A Light That Never Dies" was recorded in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Charleston S.C over the previous year. With so many great artists a list like this could never be complete no matter the brain behind the list. So get out and check out some artists and make your own list!