Love them or hate them, the artists I've listed below have made an impact this year due to either their brand, their music, their fan base or their presence on social media.
1. twenty one pilots
What was a band that was started by Tyler Joseph in 2009, has quickly become one of the biggest acts in music due to the commercial success of their latest album, Blurryface. You've probably heard their singles "Stressed Out" or "Ride" on the radio, or their latest single, "Heathens" on the Suicide Squad soundtrack.
2. Chance the Rapper
Though he seems to have come out of nowhere, Chance the Rapper has actually been in the industry for about 5 years now and is grabbing everyone's attention. With the huge success of his mix tape "Coloring Book", Chance the Rapper has been able to change the game for up and coming artists and how they're perceived by mainstream media.
3. The Chainsmokers
Though they're known for the controversial statements and explicit comments on social media, the Chainsmokers also known as one of the biggest break out artists of the year and actually had the longest running number one single on the Billboard 100 Charts, which eventually led to multiple Grammy nominations.
4. Halsey
Though she's been making a name for herself since the release of her EP, Halsey really started to become known once she released her album "Badlands", and starting working with artists like the Chainsmokers, and actually being featured on the hit single "Closer", which was topping the Billboard Charts for multiple weeks. Her music has also been featured in films and she's even gone on to sell out Madison Square Garden, the world's most famous arena.
5. Shawn Mendes
Getting his start from the popular social media app, Vine, Shawn Mendes has quickly been drawing attention from different music lovers alike. With his first single "Stitches" helping his first album "Handwritten" gain success, his second album "Illuminate" featured the singles "Treat You Better" and "Mercy" both have which have received praise. There's no place to go but up for him.
6. Fifth Harmony
Five girls who originally auditioned as solo artists on the show, The X Factor, have quickly become one of the biggest acts of 2016. Having their huge single "Work From Home" help gain even more attention, the girls we're able to keep it by releasing "That's My Girl" and speaking out on different social issues and making a stand against negative things such as sexism and discrimnation.
7. Rae Sremmurd
I promise you know at least one song by this duo, and it's probably their most recent hit, Black Beatles, the song you hear in the background of each mannequin challenge. With other hits include "No Type" "No Flex Zone" "Come Get Her" and "Throw Sum Mo" feat. Nicki Minaj, this duo is quickly making their appearance in the music scene known.
8. Lukas Graham
Though you may only know their song "7 Years", that didn't stop Lukas Graham from being nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop/Duo Group Performance at the 2017 Grammy's. With credibility like that, this group has been turning heads and probably will continue to do so.
9. The 1975
Once known strictly for the success of their songs "Chocolate" and "Girls", the 1975 have gained a major rise in popularity due to the success of their second album "I like it when you sleep you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it". The album has been placed on countless "best of" lists and the bands has been headlining countless acts throughout the year, easily making them one of the biggest break out artists of the year.
10. Flume
I personally love Flume, and I'm happy that he's finally getting the recognition he deserves. Not only has he been nominated for the Grammy for Best Dance Recording and Best Dance/Electronic album, but he's also had his single "Say It' feat Tove Lo, has gone number one in several countries. Whether you like EDM or not, this guy has got talent and he's starting to get recognition for it.
