San Diego is a melting pot of music from different genres and artists, which makes the local music scene here in our city very interesting and entertaining. Here are some of my favorites at the moment.

1. Neat Beats – “Science is My Girlfriend”

Neat Beats is the alias of philosopher Alvin Fenner. He creates really interesting and introspective electronic music that really gets you thinking about well, everything. If your philosophy and physics textbooks had soundtrack then Neat Beats would be the composer and this is exactly how it would sound like. “Science is my Girlfriend” is definitely a highlight on his debut album “Cosmic Surgery.” This song is like a science experiment set to experimental electronic music. If you’re a fan of electronic music or are just looking for a breath of fresh air from the top 40 on the radio, then Neat Beats is for you. “Science is my Girlfriend” and the album “Cosmic Surgery” are available on iTunes.

2. The Getdown – “Whiskey Knights”

If I have to name off all of my musical weaknesses then really, really good punk rock and all of its variations would be in the top five. The Getdown, based out of Escondido, are a pop punk trio made up of Ryan Donovan, Sean Walker and Tim Dog. They have been in the San Diego music scene since 2008 and have been leaving their mark ever since. Their song “Whiskey Knights” is a perfect example of the bands high-energy musical style and catchy lyrics that will surely inspire any crowd to sing along. These tracks, along with three others, are available for free on the bands Facebook page: facebook.com/theegetdown.

3. Little Hurricane – “Haunted Heart”

Little Hurricane might be one of the most well-known local bands in the music scene right now. They are currently on tour and have been featured in many publications including Rolling Stone. The band started in 2009 when drummer Celeste “CC” Spina put up an ad on Craigslist seeking a guitarist. Anthony “Tone” Catalano answered the ad and the two-piece have been making music together ever since. Their song “Haunted Heart” is one of their most well known and has even been subject of a remix contest on Indaba.com, one of the most popular sites for DJs and producers. Their blurring of the rock and blues genres make the band have a very interesting sound that leaves you wanting more. If you want to listen to the next big name in music then go grab “Haunted Heart” and the rest of their debut album, “Homewrecker” on iTunes.

4. Odessa Kane – “Hundred Hand Slap”

“Hundred Hand Slap” has to be one of the best hip-hop songs out there right now. He started his solo career with the 2003 EP “Briefcase Narrative” and recently released his second solo EP “Cuetes & Balisongs” on Dec. 21. At just under 2 minutes “Hundred Hand Slap” is relatively short for a typical hip-hop song but the lyrical content and production make listening to this track very worthwhile. Odessa Kane has a flow and style that you just don’t get from mainstream hip-hop that’s on the radio. It’s real, raw and has a message. He does a good job at reaching anyone and everyone with his music. To download “Hundred Hand Slap” and other songs, check out his site: odessakane.bandcamp.com.

5. Canines – “Dead Ends”

I’m usually not a big fan of minimalist music, but there are a few minimalist artists I do like. Canines happen to be one of them. Canines is a band that Joel P. West created for his indie documentary “I am not a Hipster,” which deals with the local San Diego indie scene. Their song “Dead Ends” is one of their best. The depth of space created in this song with a few instruments is truly amazing. Canines have to be one of the best new indie bands that are out today. Their minimalist approach to music is refreshing because their music keeps you on your toes. None of the songs are predictable, sound the same, or put you to sleep within a minute or two (I’m looking at you, Bon Iver). You can get this song for free on Canines website: songs.caninesmusic.com.