West Virginia’s music scene might seem like an unlikely haven for the rebellious energy, but if you know anything about West Virginia, we’ve been rebelling for years. Study the mine wars for more info. The state known for those coal mines and rolling hills has fostered a vibrant underground music culture. From the gritty basement house shows of Morgantown and backroads of Huntington, a network of DIY venues and passionate fans has kept the spirit of punk alive.
The West Virginia punk scene is thriving and full of diverse bands that are blending classic punk influences with modern sensibilities. They play in cramped basements, VFW halls, and even the occasional outdoor festival, drawing dedicated crowds who appreciate their authenticity and commitment to the DIY ethos. While the national spotlight may rarely shine on West Virginia’s punk scene, its enduring legacy is a testament to the power of music to connect, inspire, and challenge the status quo.
Punk has become as broad of a term as Rock and Alternative throughout its years of usage. While all of those monikers once applied to a very small portion of music they have grown beyond those original myopic constraints to include a much broader range of styles. So to that end we have assembled some of our favorite punk bands from across the state. Is this comprehensive? No. Are we inevitably going to leave someone off that we kick ourselves for not including? NO! Because life is too short to regret not putting someone on a list but we might include them next time so mention them in the comments on our social or in this article.
The following are not a ranking. Just numbered because we forget where we are at in life sometimes.
1. The Jasons
The Jasons are a loud, snotty, aggressive, punk rock band from Crystal Lake, NJ but may or may not be based in West Virginia. Formed in 2015, they’ve gained notoriety for their Ramones-inspired sound and theatrical stage presence. With multiple albums released and tours completed, The Jasons are a force to be reckoned with in the punk rock scene.
2. Ghost Road
Ghost Road describes themselves as “Punk Rock & Roll from the hills of West Virginia” and that’s really all you need to know. This Morgantown band knows how to put on a good show and creates punk harmonies that will get stuck in your head for days.
3. Emmalea Deal & The Hot Mess
Emmalea Deal & The Hot Mess are anything but a mess. This punk rock group knows how to make some amazing rock music that is destined for large stages. Lead singer, Deal crafts lyrics around fantastic narratives that set her and the band apart. Check out their new song that drops this Friday and listen to “Chasing You” below.
4. Golden
Charleston’s Golden is aptly named. This band is a must if you enjoy pop punk with catchy melody’s and top notch production. Check out one our favorite tracks from them, “River City Runaway” below.
5. Jay Parade
We love Jay Parade. You should too. These guys are a throwback to 90s punk that you’d expect to hear on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and we don’t know if there’s a bigger compliment than that. Check out Mental Trillness below.
6. A Story Told
Hailing from Charleston, West Virginia, A Story Told is a rock band known for their emotionally charged and melodic sound. With influences ranging from pop-punk to alternative rock, the band has gained a dedicated following through their energetic live performances and heartfelt lyrics. Since their formation in 2013, A Story Told has released multiple albums and continues to make waves in the music scene. Check out “Feel Bad” below.
7. The Bedheads
The Bedheads might fall into post punk (there’s that umbrella) but they have a lot of punk sensibilities to what they do and how they perform. Drawing influences from The Strokes and others they are a versatile quartet that you need to see live. Good job son. Check out their music below.
8. Better From Here
Last years winner for the Born & Bred best punk band of 2023 was the quintet out of southern West Virginia, Better From Here. This pop punk group is dropping their newest single this Friday as well! Come back to hear that, but in the meantime check out their performance from the Empty Glass below.
9. Summit Point
Summit Point is a two piece punk band from Huntington. The band reminds us of a modern take on The Breeders in regards to their sound, but are uniquely their own with the guitar tone and vocals. Listen to “Mixtape” below.
10. Auric Echoes
Morgantown’s experimental post-jazz punk foursome, Auric Echoes released their full length album “Division for Human Ascension” this past July. Their sound is reminiscent of 90s industrial while having pop sensibilities that make them more accessible to a larger audience. Check out “Multiplicity.”
