In a world with thousands of individual artists and bands worthy of fame, multi-million dollar recording contracts, and tons of album sales, to name just five on the cusp of making it big seems like an impossible task.

Whether these five selections will make it big or not, they are all worth listening to now. Honorable mention goes to bands like Good Manor, and Two and a Half White Guys who are close to almost making it big, but are also worthy of the attention.

No. 5 - The Orbit Group: With a mix of funk, gospel, soul (and plenty of talent), The Orbit Group is a fun and original take on R&B pop. It's not everyday that textbook skill meets catchy tunes. If opening for B.B. King doesn't say ready for the big time nothing will. The Orbit Group is far more than a local band, and certainly deserving of a shot at the big time.

No. 4 - Ivy League: Originally from the Rocky Mountains of Utah, this American reggae/rock band now calls Orange County, Calif., home. Ivy League has appeared on the Van's Warped Tour as well as Xbox 360's "Amped 3," the TV show "Nitro Circus," Fox Television's "Blue Torch TV," SkullcandyTV, and more. Sponsored by a handful of companies and followed by thousands of fans, Ivy League's catchy melodies and energetic live shows are sure to catch on with the masses any day now.

No. 3 - Mikey Wax: Mikey Wax is one of the most promising rock/pop singer-songwriters out right now. Hailing from the eastern United States, Mikey Wax has opened on tour for Howie Day, Serena Ryder, Landon Pigg, and Tyler Hilton & Ryan Cabrera among others. The single "In Case I Go Again" has been featured on CBS’ "Ghost Whisperer" and MTV’s "The Real World." Breaking into the iTunes Top 100 songs in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, Mikey has some very genuine and organic music that is a fresh take on a tired pop music genre.

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No. 2 - Foster the People. While technically signed to a major label (Sony Music) Foster the People is still entering the big time. Infectious electronic pop only begins to describe the fun of listening to Foster the People. Due to a healthy bump in popularity from National Public Radio exposure, the song "Pumped Up Kicks" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Chart in May 2011. To some this does not sound like flying under the radar, however, fans are just seeing the beginnings of where this band can go. Formed in 2009, Foster the People has proven that it is big time material.

No. 1 - Nellie McKay**.** A true original and in many ways already successful, Nellie McKay is still not a mainstream success. Few people in popular music today are as talented and able to combine eclectic styles without loosing identity as has McKay. For those interested in entering the mind of such a talented and dramatic song writer, watch the video featuring McKay from the NPR series "Project Song." One can describe McKay's music this way: wah-wah pedals, and ukulele, which is an unlikely pairing of instruments used in her song "Cavendish." McKay not only combines these two things, but she makes it work.

Most notably, McKay was the featured soundtrack artist for the major motion picture "Rumor Has It," starring Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner and Shirley MacLaine. A debatable choice for No. 1 considering the number of albums released, and albums sold, but McKay is still far from achieving the success she deserves.

What bands do you think are on the brink of stardom and are yet to get the credit they deserve? tell us on the comment boards and Facebook. Nick Galieti is author of the book "Tree of Sacrament" (www.treeofsacrament.com), and sound engineer with Independent Music Studios (www.independentmusicstudios.com).

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