1. Alex & Sierra
Who they are: Alex Kinsey and Sierra Deaton have been performing as a duo since college, but they didn't become well-known until entering The X Factor USA where they ended up winning in the third and final season.
Why you should listen to them: In an acoustic folk-pop style, their songs about love (which are adorable) and heartbreak are both relateable and calming at the same time.
2. Echosmith
Who they are: Although they didn't become a band until 2009, Sydney (lead vocals), Jamie (guitars/vocals), Noah (bass/vocals), and Graham (drums) Sierota have been close for all of their lives: they are siblings. They are most well known for their song, "Cool Kids."
Why you should listen to them: With upbeat and fun pop songs as well as slow, more serious ballads, Echosmith has a variety of great pop songs that are catchy enough to get stuck in your head.
3. Gabrielle Aplin
Who she is: British singer Gabrielle Aplin started off posting cover songs on YouTube, but now she is the founder of an independent record label based in London and has released two albums.
Why you should listen to her: Aplin's voice is soft and beautiful but also powerful. Combine that with well written and composed songs, and you've got a great artist.
4. Kodaline
Who they are: This Irish band (whose members include Stephen Garrigan, Mark Prendergast, Vinny May Jr, and Jason Boland) are probably most well known for their song "All I Want" which is on the "The Fault in Our Stars" soundtrack, but they have many other great songs and two albums.
Why you should listen to them: With honest lyrics and powerful vocals, it's obvious that this indie rock band puts their hearts into their music, making them that much more awesome to listen to.
5. Oh Honey
Who they are: Mitchy Collins and Danielle Bouchard make up this indie/folk/pop duo who formed in 2013 after meeting meeting through mutual fans.
Why you should listen to them: Their songs are so happy and upbeat and as sweet as their name. If you like songs that make you smile, you should definitely check them out.
6. R5
Who they are: R5 is an almost entirely sibling band with Ross, Riker, Rocky, and Rydel Lynch as well as Ellington Ratliff (who goes by his last name).
Why you should listen to them: Don't assume that because a Disney star is in the band that they are for kids. With a variety of songs, both upbeat and ballad, this is a band you should give a chance.
7. Sabrina Carpenter
Who she is: Disney star Sabrina Carpenter doesn't just act, she sings too. You can find her music on her YouTube channel as well as her debut album, "Eyes Wide Open."
Why you should listen to her: Just like R5, dismissing this Disney star would be a mistake. Although she is only 16 years old, her voice is mature and powerful.
8. The Never Ending
Who they are: Debby Ryan (most known from "The Suite Life on Deck" and "Jessie"), Kyle Moore, and Johnny Franco make up this alternate pop/rock band whose debut EP "One" came out in 2014.
Why you should listen to them: Between the incredible music and Ryan's soft, unique voice, there's a lot to love about their music. The band is smaller now, but a new album will be coming out soon.
9. Twenty One Pilots
Who they are: Twenty One Pilots (Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun) might just now be starting to become more mainstream, but they've been making awesome music since 2011.
Why you should listen to them: Twenty One Pilots is rap, pop, rock and some of their songs include a ukulele. Need I say more?
10. Tyler Ward
Who he is: Tyler Ward has been posting YouTube videos since 2008, and in that time he has posted both cover and original songs and has also released several EPs. He also created "Tyler Ward Studios" which is located in Los Angeles, Nashville, and Boulder, Colorodo.
Why you should listen to him: Not only does Ward put a nice twist on other's music, he makes great music of his own with relatable lyrics.
11. Us The Duo
Who they are: This husband and wife folk pop duo (Michael and Carissa Alvarado) have been together musically since 2011. They're currently on tour with Pentatonix.
Why you should listen to them: This group is made of catchy music and beautiful harmonies. They really are the perfect duo.
