When a band can win over new fans by what they do onstage, that’s a superpower. For a well-known commercially successful band, “They’re even better live,” is crucial word-of-mouth. It means even once the hits stop coming, they’ll have a strong touring career. On a more local level, being a great live act opens doors to the best gigs in town and a rep as a local must-do — and with some luck, timing and the right people taking notice, maybe a shot at bigger opportunities.

Most gigging local musicians are, at the least, solid or better instrumentalists. But the number who play, sing and write well enough their music demands attention even when they’re playing it to a bar full of revelers, many of whom are strangers, is way smaller.

Recently, AL.com reached out to eight Huntsville music insiders – from media, venues, festivals and recording – to get their picks for the best live local bands. Many of them had a hard time narrowing down their lists.

Below are 12 Huntsville bands those insiders named as some of the city’s top live acts. They’re not listed in any particular order. For the purposes of this list, we asked our insiders to focus on original music and currently active artists. We included both “band” bands and solo artists who perform with a backing band. These aren’t the only Huntsville musicians who can rock your face off live. Think of this list as a starting point. Start here, then branch out and experience more of the city’s talented performers.