Artists That Were Made Famous by The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead has grown to be one of the most watched television shows of all time since it first appeared on our television screens in 2010. Based off of a comic series of the same name, the post apocalyptic drama series follows the lives of a group of strangers who must band together in order to survive. Initially we think that the “walkers” will be their biggest hurdle but we soon find out that their greatest challenge will be found in the struggles between relationships that are forged and lost throughout the series. With a talented cast portraying a dynamic set of characters the series was set to be a hit from the very beginning.

One aspect of the show that draws fans in is the wide variety of musicians that are featured throughout the series. Some songs that have been played have been by universally known and loved artists like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Other songs, however, have been created by bands or artists that were not as well known before being featured on the show such as Paris Motel and Patrick Watson. I have compiled a list of some of the artists and their songs that were made famous by The Walking Dead. Although it does not include the entire collection of the many songs that have been brought to the mainstream by the show these are the songs that I feel best represent what the show is about.

Artists of The Walking Dead

Season 1: Mr Splitfoot – Paris Motel

This song was featured in a trailer for season one of the show. Paris Motel is a London based band lead by composer and arranger, Amy May. Some of their influences are pre-nineteeth century classical music and late ’60s/early ’70s children’s music.

Season 2: Civilian – Wye Oak

This song is one of my personal favorites that has been made famous by The Walking Dead. Wye Oak is an American indie rock duo based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Lead singer Jenn Wasner and drummer/keyboardist Andy Stack started making music together in 2006 under the name Monarch. They soon changed their name to Wye Oak, the former state tree of Maryland. Their song “Civilian” has also been included in the shows Being Human and Longmire.

Season 3: Black – Kari Kimmel

Kari Kimmel is an American singer/songwriter from Florida whose sound is a mix of rock,pop, folk, and blues. Along with having her music featured on several different television shows, her song “Let’s Light It Up” was used by WWE professional wrestler AJ Lee as entrance music.

Season 4: Serpents – Sharon Van Etten

Sharon Van Etten is a singer/songwriter from New Jersey. Up until 2009 she was releasing handmade cds while working as a publicist for Ba Da Bing Records. Her signature sound includes a heavy use of harmonies with a folk rock feel.

Season 5: Turn Into The Noise – Patrick Watson

Patrick Watson is a Canadian born singer whose music has been described as cabaret pop with classical and indie rock influences. His Close To Paradise album received the Polaris Music Prize in 2007. His music has also been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, in a Tropicana commercial, and in the movie One Week starring Joshua Jackson.

Season 6: We Carry On – The Phantoms featuring Amy Stroup

With everything that has happened up to this point in The Walking Dead it is easy to see why this song was chosen to be featured in the sixth season. The Phantoms is a Scottish indie rock band who are known for mixing a variety of sounds and styles into their work. Amy Stroup, who is featured on this track, is an American songwriter from Nashville who also has her own band called Sugar and the Hi-Lows.