By Jessica Klinner
Music is everywhere. There are so many genres, artists, and bands out there that it is almost impossible to listen to it all. I try to keep myself updated on all music genres, especially new talent. I’ve compiled a list of 10 up and coming artists you should get to know. Broaden your musical interests and check out all of these artists. It’s good for the soul. Enjoy!
1. Lorde
Why You Should Listen: New Zealand native Ella Yelich-O’Connor, known by her stage name Lorde, has been signed to Universal Records since the age of 13. Being discovered at such a young age can often be disastrous, but Lorde has maintained a clean image. At the ripe age of 17, her vocal ability already matches those of Lana Del Rey and Florence Welch. Her single “Royals” has gone viral in the United States and for good reasons. She is such a talented young girl and has a lifetime of success just waiting for her. Look out for her debut album Pure Heroine, which is set to be released on September 30.
For Fans Of: Lana Del Ray, CHVRCHES, Florence and the Machine
Listen To: “Royals,” “Million Dollar Bills,” and “Tennis Court”
2. Walk The Moon
Why You Should Listen: I became aware of Walk The Moon when the music magazine I write for put them on the cover of an issue. Since then, I have not been able to stop listening to them. They’re music is upbeat and fun. Their song “Anna Sun” received a huge amount of success last summer being called the “Song of the Summer” by several different magazines including Esquire, Seventeen, and Nylon. The band just released a new EP entitled Tightrope and it is definitely worth a listen. If you enjoy Foster The People or Young The Giant, you’ll love Walk The Moon.
For Fans Of: Foster The People, Capital Cities, Grouplove
Listen To: “Anna Sun,” “Quesadilla,” and “Tightrope”
3. Twenty One Pilots
Why You Should Listen: When Fueled By Ramen signed Twenty One Pilots, I knew they were a band I needed to pay attention to. Fueled By Ramen has been responsible for launching the careers of Paramore, Gym Class Heroes, and Panic! At The Disco. Twenty One Pilots’ unique blend of genres from hip hop to pop to rock makes their music standout among the rest. They were nominated for the Artist To Watch award at the VMA’s this year, but ended up losing to Austin Mahone (I demand a recount!). They’re currently on a full U.S. tour supporting Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco, if that’s any indication as to where they’re heading with their career.
For Fans Of: Gym Class Heroes, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, New Politics
Listen To: “Holding Onto You,” “House of Gold,” and “Car Radio”
4. The Mowgli’s
Why You Should Listen: Most of us are used to bands consisting of two to six members. Folk band The Mowgli’s completely shatter that stereotype with their eight member lineup. Their song “San Francisco” reached number 11 on Billboard’s Alternative charts earlier this year. Their songs are layered with vocals and a plethora of instruments. A lot of their tracks sound like a room full of people singing because that’s exactly what it is. Their music reminds you of going to a concert and singing along with the crowd. Their sophomore album, Waiting For The Dawn, is now available and a must have in your iTunes library!
For Fans Of: Sleeper Agent, The Postelles, American Authors
Listen To: “San Francisco,” “Say It, Just Say It,” “Slowly Slowly”
5. Cassadee Pope
Why You Should Listen: The Voice’s Season 3 winner Cassadee Pope has not always lent her talents to country music. Pope spent her years leading up to The Voice singing in a touring alternative rock band called Hey Monday. With the help of her coach on The Voice, Blake Shelton, Pope decided to take a hit at country music, and she’s doing an incredible job of it so far. Her new single “Wasting All These Tears” sounds like a country Avril Lavigne. It may seem like a very strange observation to make, but listen to the song and you’ll understand. Honestly, she could make an album in any genre and make it sound effortless and amazing. Pope has spent much of her time this year on the road supporting Rascal Flatts. Her debut solo country album, Frame By Frame, will be released on October 8th. Get ready to see this lady’s name everywhere!
For Fans Of: Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne. Kelly Clarkson
Listen To: “Wasting All These Tears” and “11”
6. Zedd
Why You Should Listen: I’m usually not the kind of person who listens to electronic dance music and likes it, but I have made an exception with Zedd. Born Anton Zaslavski, he has been making music since he was very young, but it wasn’t until 2009 that his remixes began to get recognized. You’ve probably heard of his song, “Clarity ft. Foxes,” which has been circulating the airwaves for a few months now. His newest single, “Stay The Night,” features the lovely Hayley Williams of Paramore. It’s safe to say this guy knows how to pick his collaboration partners. Zedd has had his remixes featured on Lady Gaga’s special rerelease of Born This Way and is currently working on producing her next album.
For fans of: David Guetta, DEV, Krewella
Listen To: “Clarity” and “Stay The Night ft. Hayley Williams”
7. The 1975
Why You Should Listen: Since their set at SXSW earlier this year, The 1975 have been the buzz around the U.S indie rock scene. When their debut album dropped a few weeks ago, all I saw on Twitter was people talking about how good it was. Naturally, I decided to check it out, and I was blown away. I’ll admit that a lot of the reason I love them so much is because they’re from the U.K. and their accents can clearly be heard on every track. Lead singer Matt Healy’s whiney vocals give their music a certain edge. Do yourself a favor and check out their debut self-titled album. You won’t regret it.
For fans of: The Neighbourhood, Bastille, The Dangerous Summer
Listen to: “Chocolate,” “The City,” and “She Way Out”
8. Bastille
Why You Should Listen: Bastille started out as the solo project of now lead singer Dan Smith, but eventually developed into the quartet it is today. The band hails from London, England (obviously I have an obsession with British bands). Their single “Pompeii” debuted at number 72 on the U.S Billboard Top 100. Their debut album Bad Blood was just released this year. Bastille’s sound is reminiscent of 80’s pop music. After listening to a few songs, you’ll want to buy the entire album because it’s really hard to not like this band.
For fans of: Noah and the Whale, The Naked and Famous, The 1975
Listen To: “Pompeii,” “Things We Lost In The Fire,” “Oblivion”
9. Before You Exit
Why You Should Listen: I’m such a sucker for boy bands, especially when the boy bands include a set of brothers. Before You Exit began their career as a four-piece band, but after a few years of touring, they decided to focus the image of the band around the three brothers: Connor, Riley, and Toby McDonough. Their catchy, sugar sweet pop songs will instantly get stuck in your head. They released their debut EP, I Like That, earlier this year. Before releasing their own music, the band played cover songs and posted them on YouTube. Honestly, the covers are some of my favorite songs the guys have done. Maybe I should have outgrown this type of music years ago, but honestly, as long as it’s catchy, I’m going to listen to it unashamedly.
For fans of: One Direction, Hot Chelle Rae, Big Time Rush
Listen to: “A Little More You,” “I Like That,” What Makes You Beautiful (cover)”
10. Ariana Grande
Why You Should Listen: The first time I heard Ariana Grande’s song “The Way” I thought it was a Mariah Carey song. The similarities in their voices are uncanny. Grande used to play the role of Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon show Victorious. Before Grande became a TV star though, she was singing and dancing on Broadway, making her debut in the musical 13. She can hit notes I didn’t know existed and in such an effortless way. Her debut full-length album Truly Yours was released earlier this year and is worth a listen if you love a good powerhouse singer.
For fans of: Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato
Listen to: “The Way ft. Mac Miller,” “Almost Is Never Enough ft. Nathan Sykes,” and “Right There ft. Big Sean”
