It’s time to update your year-round playlist. We would never ask you to give up The Weeknd’s Starboy, Beyoncé’s Lemonade, or Chance The Rapper’s Coloring Book because we don’t want no problem with you.
But pause “bad and boujee,” and take a seat at the table (hi, Solange) for a second while we present you with the artists that you’re going to be thankful for this year.
Say goodbye to The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” and hello to new music!
Tonye Aganaba
Tonye Aganaba’s music is reminiscent of jazz, blues, R&B, and funk. Her soulful vocals are so bold that they could almost envelop you in a warm embrace. Her newest single, Villain, is smooth, melodic, and does justice to funk music. If you like feel-good songs, Tonye Aganaba is about to become your new obsession.
For fans of: Andra Day, Elle King, Janelle Monáe, Jill Scott, and Lily Allen.
Kimmortal
Kimmortal is a rapper and spoken word poet with a sound that’s evocative of the current renaissance of rap culture. Her storytelling is masterful, poignant, and personal. On songs like “Blue & Orange” she is raw and intimate, and on “Ancestral Clock (Boom Bop)” she is strong and empowered. Kimmortal is one of those artists whose works will remain immortal (we’re funny, okay?).
For fans of: Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Kehlani.
The Katherines
This is the girl group of your 13 year old dreams. But guys, there’s bad news and good news today. The good news is that The Katherines have mastered the art of alternative pop music. Songs like Cherry Lips and Primitive have the kind of infectious choruses that make you want to sing in the shower, and recreate the Risky Business dance scene. The bad news is that they aren’t all named Katherine.
For fans of: Haim, Little Mix, Ariana Grande, and Zara Larsson.
Jojo Mason
Here comes a sentence that has definitely never been typed elsewhere: Country music is actually so hip. Jojo Mason has the kind of rich vocals that will remind you of Johnny Cash or a male Reba McEntire. Made For You is everything you’ll ever want in a destined-to-be-soulmates type of song. Dare we say he is poised to become a country music superstar?
For fans of: Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Brad Paisley, and Florida Georgia Line.
Mud Funk
Mud Funk embodies a sound that fuses motown with neo-soul and funk. They sing songs that perfectly blend old school music with a touch of modernity. If you’re looking for music to groove to, look no further than the musical stylings of this nine-person (yes, nine!) band. Listen to Holy Stage and have yourself an impromptu dance party.
For fans of: Erykah Badu, Aretha Franklin, and Amy Winehouse.
Luca Fogale
Luca Fogale should be crowned the new king of deeply emotional ballads. His songs are stripped down, ethereal, and will give you feelings you don’t already have. On “Hannah” he sings about a lost love and it is so simple, so sad, and so real. With a voice that is as light as a feather but still so powerful, his talent is inimitable and almost too good to be true.
For fans of: Passenger, Birdy, Ed Sheeran, and James Bay.
Which one of these artists are you going to listen to first? Tell us in the comments.
