Atlanta Indie Music Scene: Bad Guru

By Lauren Sabia

Last Updated May 15, 2026

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At a Glance:

• Atlanta rock band Bad Guru blends psychedelic grunge and melodic hard rock with emotionally introspective songwriting.
• Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the band channels themes of duality, self-acceptance and personal transformation through its music.
• Frontwoman Sierra Crowe draws inspiration from her work as a therapist, weaving psychology and “shadow work” into the band’s lyrics.
• Known for intense, high-energy live performances, Bad Guru has become a staple at venues like The Masquerade and Smith’s Olde Bar.
• The band credits Atlanta’s passionate crowds and thriving music culture for helping fuel its creative growth.
• Bad Guru is currently working on its third album and a new music video ahead of upcoming performances, including the ShedFest Music Festival at Pullman Yards.

Bad Guru channels the power of rock and roll and soul-searching lyricism to express the constant pull between light and dark, femininity and masculinity, order and chaos, creating a cathartic experience for the ATLiens lucky to see the band live. 

For lead singer Sierra Crowe, meeting her future bandmates in a guitar class at Georgia College & State University felt fated — being at the right place at exactly the right time. 

She began jamming with drummer Quinn Brophy and guitarist Joey Hurley, where the trio formed a cover band called Midnight Royalty. After graduation, they went their separate ways until guitarist Ethan Bilkert, who had played in a high school band, Distraction, with Brophy and Hurley, reached out to start something new. 

Bad Guru took shape, and they began crafting original music during the COVID pandemic in 2020. “It gave us some good downtime to focus and make purpose and meaning out of the chaos, and that’s kind of been our whole vibe since,” Crowe said.

Bassist Dustin Fennell later joined, rounding out the sound. When you tune in, you’ll hear psychedelic grunge, a melodic hard rock sound, pulling inspiration from bands like Tool, King Buffalo, Slomosa and Daylight.

Outside of music, Crowe works as a therapist, with psychology and the full spectrum of what it means to be human seeping into her lyrics. The band’s first self-titled album explores the darker side of femininity, while the second, “Love and Fear Me,” leans into the darker side of masculinity, she noted. 

“My clients inspire me every day to dig into my dark parts, and I see them being so brave and self-loving over time,” she said. “That, of course, inspires me to do the same.” 

Space is another major influence in Bad Guru’s work, with recurring themes of entering the cosmos, or a void, and coming out the other side into new experiences, breaking free from the chains that once held you down. 

“As Above, So Below,” a track from the band’s second album, is one of Crowe’s favorites to perform live. The song explores the power of looking inward and confronting the parts of yourself you may not like in order to move toward self-acceptance and self-love. 

“Working with [my clients] on their shadow work, looking at their grossest, darkest parts of themselves, learning to love it and integrate it into their selves… Obviously, I got to look at myself and be like, ‘Hmm, what are my shadow parts?’” she said. 

The track reflects Crowe’s duality as a “good guru” by day and “bad guru” by night, balancing a “preacher” and “creature” within herself. It also confronts her imposter syndrome, loneliness and the intertwined nature of mind, body and soul, she explained.

Among their favorite local venues are Smith’s Olde Bar in Midtown, where Crowe has enough space for handstands and other crazy moves, and The Masquerade in downtown Atlanta, where they’ve rocked out in every-sized room. Bad Guru thrives on crowds that aren’t afraid to dance, headbang and sing along to their lyrics, moments that always leave the band feeling fulfilled.  

“If you love rock music, but you don’t want to watch someone standing still playing guitar, then you’re going to want to come see me,” she said. “I don’t have an instrument, so I can lay it all on the dance floor.”

She reflected on how Atlanta stands out not only for its sheer amount of creative talent, but for its welcoming, music-loving crowds. The band feels lucky to call the city home and play for audiences who fully embrace live shows and aren’t afraid to get down. 

For visitors, she recommends a simple plan: walk the Atlanta Beltline, keep an eye out for concert posters and the party will find you. Strike up a conversation with locals, she added, and you’re bound to be guided to an unforgettable show.

“We know how good we have it,” she said. “We’re really blessed to be able to play together on stage and to get to meet all of you guys, and that will never escape us, how beautiful that is.”

Bad Guru is working on its third album and a new music video release for the track “Always, in All Ways.” Keep up with the band on Instagram (@badguruband) and catch it live at ShedFest Music Festival, Aug. 15 at Pullman Yards. If you see one of the shows, let them know you read about the band on Discover Atlanta and ask about free stickers at their merch table. 

Lauren Sabia is a writer and digital creator born and raised in Metro Atlanta. She’s passionate about telling the stories of the people who shape the city, amplifying community voices, and striking up conversations that turn strangers into friends. Outside of work, you can find her on the Beltline or exploring Atlanta’s many vibrant neighborhoods.

Originally Published May 14, 2026