Regardless of your favorite genre of music, some of your favorite artists likely use band and orchestra instruments to elevate their songs’ emotional impact — even the ones you’d least expect. Need more of those horns and strings in your queue? Allow us to introduce you to — or remind you of — some fantastic modern acts that incorporate band and orchestra instruments in their music.
Silk Sonic
Comprised of distinguished singer/songwriters Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic is a chart-topping, Grammy-winning musical duo. Though R&B-, hip-hop-, and pop-inspired, Silk Sonic’s music cannot be pigeonholed to just one genre. Instead, their music is best described as an unprecedented fusion of those three genres, combining ’60s and ’70s funk horn sections with elements of modern rap. The powerhouse duo released three singles throughout 2021: “Leave the Door Open,” “Skate,” and “Smokin out the Window.” Syncopated drumbeats and fluttery strings drive all three, but “Smokin out the Window” also employs punchy horn licks. Take a moment to enjoy their lesser-known hit, “Skate.”
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens has been on the map longer than many other artists in this article. Since releasing his debut album, A Sun Came,in 2000,Stevens has experimented with genres ranging from electronica to indie folk and everything in between. But his trademark style remained distinct across every project — a result of his music composition, double-reed playing, and creative writing skills.
To hear him play the oboe, check out “For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti” from the album Michigan. For a catchy trumpet melody on another state-inspired album, Illinois, give “Chicago” a listen.
Cosmo Sheldrake
Like Sufjan Stevens, Cosmo Sheldrake is proficient in nearly all aspects of music making, though his approach is arguably even more unorthodox. The English musician plays keyboard, double bass, drums, guitar, banjo, clarinet, percussion, and sousaphone, and you’ll hear each of those instruments, among others, as you navigate his discography.
You might find that “Come Along” sounds familiar, as it was used in a marketing campaign for Apple’s iPhone XR. But if you want to hear something new and even more offbeat, then check out “Birthday Suit.”
Vulfpeck
We know you know Vulfpeck. Perhaps you’re already familiar with its founding members, including keyboardist Woody Goss; bassist Joe Dart; keyboardist, drummer, and guitarist Jack Stratton; and drummer, guitarist, and vocalist Theo Katzman. Maybe you’re familiar with their touring partners, like guitarist Cory Wong and vocalist Antwaun Stanley. But did you know there’s another man behind the band? That’s right — all those funky sax solos are courtesy of singer/songwriter and saxophonist Joey Dosik.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Dosik played piano throughout his childhood and started learning saxophone in his early teenage years. He went on to study jazz and contemplative studies at the University of Michigan before returning to Los Angeles to work as a solo artist. Then, like Wong and Stanley, Dosik contributed to Vulfpeck’s music in 2016. Listen to Dosik’s early sax work on “Daddy, He Got a Tesla” from The Beautiful Game.
Lana Del Rey
We understand if Lana Del Rey’s name feels out of place in this article. However, we’re here to tell you that there are real orchestral professionals to thank for those glorious, soaring choruses. She frequently performs alongside live string players, particularly when singing string-heavy hits such as “Ride” and “National Anthem.” This intimate performance utilizes professional string players for a genuinely soul-stirring listening experience.
Weyes Blood
Weyes Blood is best known for her experimental psychedelic-rock sound. “A Lot’s Gonna Change” from her album Titanic Rising features lush orchestral arrangements, which add to its cinematic feel. “Andromeda” is another song from the same album that includes rich orchestral elements in its production. Her music is available to stream on your platform of choice, but you can get a taste here first!
Polyphia
Next up is Polyphia, but this time, we’re not talking about front man Tim Henson! Instead, we’re taking a moment to acknowledge the band’s collaboration with Brasstracks. Brasstracks is an American music duo known for their unique blend of live brass instrumentation with electronic and hip-hop elements. The group consists of trumpet player Ivan Jackson and drummer Conor Rayne. Due to their innovative approach to music production and impressive live performances, the duo has grown increasingly popular, leading them to partner with Polyphia for their latest studio album, Remember That You Will Die.
Although Polyphia is often pinned as an instrumental progressive rock band, their uber-percussive playing style has allowed them to break through the confines of the rock genre. Remember That You Will Die is a spectacular display of the band’s range, but it’s still primarily woven together by Brasstracks’s similarly genre-ambiguous sound. Featured at the top of the track list in “Genesis,” Jackson and Rayne immediately make it known that the album is truly something different than Polyphia has ever done. Additional memorable trumpet melodies enter in “All Falls Apart” and the album’s closing track, “Ego Death.” Have a listen!
Lil Yachty
Last but not least is the one and only Lil Yachty. Those who followed Lil Yachty and his Auto-Tune-heavy rap music before the release of Let’s Start Here know that the album’s virtuosic instrumental and vocal features were uncalled-for. But even if you’re listening for the first time, the album’s hip-hop- and psychedelic-rock-inspired sound is sure to throw you for a loop — but not just because it’s Lil Yachty. Instead, it’s just how flawlessly those instrumental breaks work within the greater scope of the project. The best part? Lil Yachty put together an all-women band for his tour, even featuring a live flutist for their set at the 2023 Rolling Loud festival and a live violinist for their appearance on Saturday Night Live. Go ahead and lend an ear to both!
Ready to Groove?
As these artists have shown us, there are no boundaries when incorporating band and orchestra instruments in your music. Now, all you need is the equipment to get it done! With top-notch gear from Sweetwater, the sound you want is the sound you’ll get. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for help choosing the proper gear for your next musical endeavor.