As 2016 came to a close, we all reflected on the works of art the year brought us in terms of music. We had The Weeknd's "Starboy", Beyonce's "Lemonade", Childish Gambino's "Awaken, My Love!". We fell in love with Lady Gaga's "Joanne", Kings of Leon's "WALLS", and Drake's "Views". We got to see our favorite bands and artists grow in their talent, cross into new genres, leave old ones, and discover new sounds.
With a new year in full swing, it's time to turn our attention to some artists that might be new on the scene or familiar faces to some of us. With that, here are 10 artists you can't miss right now:
1. Noah Cyrus
She might share a name with Miley but she's got a voice that's all her own. Noah released her single, "Make Me Cry" in a collaboration with English producer & singer Labrinth. The song is haunting and rings true to the emotion of leaving a toxic relationship. Her ability to write and translate a message so beautifully leads me to believe we'll be seeing much more from this creative powerhouse.
2. Marshmello
You've probably seen pictures of some guy on Twitter running around in all white with a glowing, blinking marshmallow head on. Well, this guy is Marshmello — an incognito DJ who you've probably seen on the lineup of every major music festival this year. He first caught attention for his remixes in early 2015 and has been entertaining dancing audiences ever since. There's something different about his style, almost like you can feel his energy through the bass. Grab your dancing shoes.
Suggested Tracks: Keep It Mello (ft. Omar Linx); Ritual (ft. Wrabel)
3. Grace Vanderwaal
When I was 12, I won an award for being the best English student in my grade. When Grace Vanderwaal was 12, she won America's Got Talent. Who's comparing though? Simon Cowell referred to Grace as "the next Taylor Swift" and from there, she stole millions of hearts across the country (if you didn't cry watching her audition video, you're heartless). Her song, "Light the Sky" from her EP, "Perfectly Imperfect", was featured as the background music for a touching Google commercial, reminding us all once again of her talent. Do I smell an album coming soon?
Suggested Track: Light The Sky
4. Post Malone
Austin Richard Post — stage name Post Malone — has been around for a bit after finding major success with his single "White Iverson", a song inspired by cornrows and basketball legend Allen Iverson. He scored a position opening for Justin Bieber on his Purpose World Tour and released his debut studio album, "Stoney", in December of 2016. His style of rap is very different, and probably the easiest music in the world to "chill out" to, but he's got some upbeat tracks too. Jack of all trades?
Suggested Track: Patient
5. Louis The Child
Have you ever wondered what music would sound like in a world where you lived in the clouds and ate candy 24/7 and only ever felt happiness? Well, Louis The Child has created just that for you. The Chicago-based duo has already played major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Electric Forest. I could see Louis The Child releasing new music either this year or sometime in the near future, but no matter the timeline, it'll always be music that makes us feel good.
Suggested Track: It's Strange (ft. K. Flay)
6. Futuristic
I might be biased because Futuristic and I are both from the greater Phoenix area, but man can this guy rap. He gained a following in 2012 and released his fifth studio album, "As Seen on the Internet" in the fall of 2016. Futuristic represents everything about an organic rise to fame and a true love for his craft. I'm hoping for a tour sometime this year but for now, we'll enjoy the incomparable authenticity of his music.
7. Wrabel
This may be my favorite artist on the entire list, I won't lie. I first discovered Wrabel when an acoustic version of his song, "11 Blocks" (aka the most beautiful song you'll ever listen to) played before my movie in a Harkins Theatre, and since then I was hooked! Fun fact: Wrabel is also featured on one of my favorite Marshmello tracks, "Ritual." He's also collaborated with EDM powerhouse DJ Afrojack and has been promoted by Kesha. I can't wait to hear a full studio album from Wrabel and see him on some lineups this year because that soulful voice deserves unlimited attention.
Keep your eyes peeled y'all.
