The Most Popular Montana Band You’ve Never Heard Of

There’s a band from Bozeman, Montana that’s quietly making a big national splash. They’ve performed at major music festivals across the country, built a devoted online following, and signed their first record deal, yet somehow, they’re still one of Montana’s best-kept secrets.

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Across the state, Montana’s local music scene is packed with talent. You can find great artists playing in small bars, breweries, and intimate venues almost any night of the week. Every now and then, a band emerges that captures something truly special, and Buffalo Traffic Jam is one of those rare finds.

Meet Buffalo Traffic Jam

I like to think I’m pretty in tune with the Bozeman music scene, but when I first heard about Buffalo Traffic Jam, I realized I was late to the party.

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The band was formed by two Montana State University alums, Frankie Cassidy and Nathan Ross, who bonded over a shared love of songwriting and acoustic storytelling. Their sound blends folk-inspired melodies with emotionally rich lyrics that feel like the wide-open Montana landscape itself. Spacious, honest, and a little wild.

In 2024, Buffalo Traffic Jam released their debut four-song EP, and it didn’t take long for the world to notice. Songs from the project went viral on social media, earning them a loyal fanbase and eventually a record deal with Arista Records.

This past summer, they hit the stage at Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish, performing alongside major national acts. Up next? REDWEST Fest 2025 in Salt Lake City, where they’ll continue building their growing reputation as one of the most promising new bands in Americana.

Their latest single, “Fool’s Gold,” has already racked up nearly 50,000 views on YouTube, and it’s easy to see why. The song captures the duo’s knack for heartfelt storytelling wrapped in a sound that feels both fresh and timeless.

Buffalo Traffic Jam’s highly anticipated Take Me Home EP drops October 24. The band is currently on tour supporting the release, but if you’re a Montana music fan, you’re probably counting down the days until they return home for another local show.

Once you hear them, you’ll understand why Buffalo Traffic Jam might just be the most popular Montana band you’ve never heard of, yet.