Nick D & the Believers/Ottawa/Sammy Slims

This Columbus-based band started last year after drummer Joseph Barker moved to Ohio from Minneapolis and worked with guitarist Kerry Henderson on a music video he was producing for singer-keyboardist Nick D’Andrea. In 2013, the group put out its first EP; things have slowly snowballed since and now the group is part of a burgeoning Columbus indie rock scene that includes acts such as Twenty One Pilots and the Floorwalkers. A song such as “Bang Bang” features falsetto vocals and percolating synthesizers, making it sound a bit like a cross between MGMT and Foster the People. Recently, TV programs such as Pretty Little Liars and Chasing Life have featured the band’s music. (Niesel)