50 Okie Songs for 2024

Each year Oklahoma artists of all levels make an impact on the world of music. From selling out stadiums to playing for 50 friends at a DIY venue, Oklahoma songwriters came out in numbers this year. It feels like things are finally getting back to the way they were before COVID. Young bands have all ages spaces to play in Tulsa and OKC. The time is now for Oklahoma music to show that it is back in full force.

The art of writing a song is more important now than ever. With songs being reduced to hooks and background audio for social media posts, songwriters who still put effort into writing a song are more valuable than ever. Back in 2013, John Moreland pointed out that people don’t care about songs, but these artists prove that there are still people who care about songwriting, and there is still an audience for a well crafted song.

Scroll to the end of the article to find a playlist of all songs mentioned.

Agalisiga Mackey – “Inage’I Otsehi” & “Tsitsutsa Tsigesv”

From the transcendent album Nasgino Inage Nidayulenvi, Cherokee for It Started in the Woods, Agalisiga Mackey’s music is not to be missed. The Cherokee language album is headlined by Mackey’s vocal range and beautiful song arrangements.

Bad Athlete – “A Heart That’s Lost Can’t Be Found”

BURNRFON – “Frank Thomas/Big Hurt ft. Soulrstar”

Charlotte Bumgarner – “Strong”

Charlotte has been a part of Tulsa’s music community since her teenage years, and continues to develop as a songwriter. On her latest release, songs like “Strong” feel full and bright with subtle strings and some expertly done vocal doubles.

Check out this stripped down version of the song performed in Kansas City in 2022.

Chat Pile – “Masc” (disclaimer: this music video might be disturbing to some) & “Shame”

One of Oklahoma’s most unsettling and exciting musical exports, Chat Pile has picked up national attention on their last two albums. Cool World is their most diverse album to date, ranging from 90’s-esq alternative to their signature heavy-music-with-shirtless-guy-ranting sound.

Chelsea Days – “Ego Death”

Chelsea Days quietly dropped one of the best full lengths from any Oklahoma artist this November. The 7-track LP is an amazing blend of popped-up rhythmic alternative with soaring vocals and floating melodies.

Chris Blevins – “Killing Song”

CLIFFDIVER – “lord have mercer”

Coat – “Back to Bite”

Desi & Cody – “Stuck Inside a Daydream”

Dinosaur Boyfriend – “Hope”

Dust Lord – “Teeth Cutter”

One of the loudest bands in Tulsa, Dust Lord bring a variety of heavy sounds to the table. Rooted in doom metal, “Teeth Cutter” the shortest song on the album clocking in at just over 7-minutes.

Ectospire – “Enchanted Corpse”

One of the most exciting acts in Oklahoma death metal, Ectospire combine ripping leads with guttural vocals, jumping from soaring solos to brutal blast beats with ease. The band adds influences from thrash and hardcore, and really must be seen live to get the full experience.

Empris – “But Ur The Joke”

Fiawna Forte – “Cascading Lives”

The Ivy – “Broad Shoulders”

Jabee – “Sacrificial Lamb ft Quelle Chris & Apollo Brown”

Jabee made the jump to Mello Music on his latest release, The Spirit Is Willing, But The Flesh Is Weak. Realistically, any of the songs on this album could be on this list, but “Sacrificial Lamb” puts together the perfect balance of production and top tier guest verses.

Jason Scott & the High Heat – “High Country”

John Moreland – “Ain’t Much I Can Do About It” & “Gentle Violence”

Moreland quietly dropped Visitor as a surprise release in early April. The album continues his growth, both in terms of arrangement and lyrics. Despite his unique talent and international success, John’s latest release feels absent of ego, allowing the genuine emotion of every story to shine through.

Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards – “Oh, Songbird”

Johnny Mullenax – “Desha County”

Tulsa’s next bit guitar slinger, Mullenax has been making a name for himself around the world this year. His supreme guitar skills and  “Desha County” shows off his skills with a southern rock tint, but if you’d rather hear it bluegrass style Johnny’s got you there, too.

Here is Johnny performing the song at Le Blues Cafe in Montreal

Ken Pomeroy – “Cicadas”

Ken Pomeroy seems destined to be the next big thing out of Oklahoma. Her 2024 featured collaborations with Wilderado and John Moreland, inclusion on the Twisters Motion Picture Soundtrack, and a very successful Western AF session. This may be the last year you can catch Pomeroy in small rooms for a while, so catch her while you can.

Ken Pomeroy, John Moreland – “Coyote”

Pomeroy and Moreland have been household names for Okie music lovers for a while. Their team up on Coyote provides a beautifully haunting song about the ups and downs of love, and repeating cycles that are hard to break.

Keyland – “Mine to Own”

Combining indie rock and Americana, Keyland has given Tulsa some of it’s most enjoyable new music over the last few years. “Mine to Own” features beautiful, driving arrangement and heartwarming lyrics.

Killjoy – “Permanent Vacation”

Tulsa’s latest melodic hardcore act dropped this catchy heavy hitter without any warning. The hook hits so hard that their very first live show featured a massive crowd sing-along.

King Cabbage Brass Band & Johnny Mullenax – “Country John”

Labrys – “Can’t Win”

One of the first local releases of the year, Broncho’s Penny Pitchlynn put together an extremely enjoyable album, from first song to last.

Limp Wizurdz – “Drowned Out”

Lust Online – “Go Now”

The Makers Out – “Holy Water”

Morris Village – “You’re Strong Juni, You’re Strong!”

Otis VCR – “The Sunken Place”

Combining sounds like Bad Brains, Drain, and pre-Glow On Turnstile, Otis VCR released a late year contender for OKHC album of the year with The Right Path. This young band is sure to pull some label attention with this effort, and if they play it right, we could see some big moves form them in the future.

Paul Benjamin – “Undercover of Night”

His name is synonymous with the new Tulsa sound. Benjamin picked up some national exposure on his latest album. “Undercover of Night” utilizes his recognizable rhythmic shuffle with a beautifully produced throwback guitar tone.

PawPaw Rod – “Rainy”

Psychotic Reaction – “Thought Killer/Lotus Eater”

The latest release from one of the most underrated bands in Oklahoma. After 20 years, Psychotic Reaction is still adapting and updating their sound. “Thought Killer/Lotus Eater” is a 10-minute epic that combines psych, doom, and punk stylings for a high energy album closer.

Qinn – “Lawn Darts”

R.R. Williams – “Tulsa”

Mike Williams has firmly planted his flag in Americana after years of playing metal (The Agony Scene) and punk (Merlin Mason). “Tulsa” is a song about the strange feeling of being uncomfortable in your home. The album is produced by John Moreland, giving it a familiar sound.

Rubes – “Pretending”

Samantha Crain – “Dragonfly”

Samantha has been open on social media about stress, burnout, and anxiety related to music lately, which may help explain a big style shift on “Dragonfly,” ditching her folky roots for a more alternative sound akin to fellow Norman rockers Broncho. Crain has never been singular in her style, so the shift should come as no surprise but a pleasant change nonetheless.

Seth Lee Jones – “110”

One of the more recognizable names in Tulsa guitar music, Jones combines a mix of roots and ripping leads on the first track for his 2024 album Tulsa Custom.

Check out the song’s music video featuring some other Tulsa musicians.

Slow Cozy – “Gameboy”

Stepmom – “Survival Mode”

Part of the group’s immersive Profitopia EP and art exhibit, Stepmom stepped up their game in 2024 and look for even bigger things in 2025.

Team Chino – “Beg”

Unwed Sailor – “Blue Tangier”

The long running Okie post rockers return with a new album full of big leads and driving basslines. It’s hard to pick just one song from this album, so give the full thing a listen.

Check out the band performing “Blue Tangier” in Cleveland

Wet Muscles – “Museum Scene”

Fronted by Liam Hosty, teenage son of Oklahoma music legend Mike Hosty, there is no surprise that the songwriting on their debut EP is a step above what you’d expect form a young band’s early release.

Wilderado – “Bad Luck”

Wyatt Flores – “Oh Susannah”

With the booming Americana and more traditional country scenes, Flores has found plenty of success, including back-to-back sold out shows at the Cain’s Ballroom. The 23 year old Stillwater native bring his recognizable voice and earnest songwriting to the national stage on his debut album Welcome to the Plains.