The music industry is always evolving and the type of music that's considered "hot" is always changing, but often, there are artists we often over look or have never even heard of and should definitely pay attention to. Plus, it never hurts to discover "new" music; you never know what you might end up liking! So, without further ado, here are some music artists to pay attention to, in no particular order (with suggestions for people with almost any music palate):
1. Andrew McMahon
AKA Jack's Mannequin, Andrew McMahon's most recent work is amazing. His newest studio album, released in 2014, "Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness" is a beautifully put together record. Some personal favorites include Cecilia and the Satellite, High Dive, Maps for the Getaway, Rainy Girl, and See Her on the Weekend.
2. Cherub
For those into electro-pop and indie music, these guys are the ones for you! Their music is upbeat and catchy (and the perfect music to blast for any occasion). Personal favorites include Doses and Mimosas, Monogamy, <3, XOXO, and Freaky Me, Freaky You.
Side note: if Cherub ever comes to a concert hall near you...GO! They put on a great show.
3. Taylor Bennett
If you've heard of Chance the Rapper, definitely check out his brother, Taylor! While he sounds similar to Chance, he has his own unique sound, with plenty of songs to add to your party playlist. He recently released an album on iTunes, titled "Broad Shoulders" and is worth the listen! Personal favorites include Speed Racer, Demon Slayer, Happy Place, and Wasting Time.
4. Halsey
Many of you have probably heard of her recent single, "New Americana," but if you haven't, be sure to take a listen. Her newest album, "Badlands" is packed with great hits including Control, Castle, Gasoline, and Young God. She has a very unique sound, and you'll probably love her if you're a fan of Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and/or Twenty One Pilots. Speaking of Twenty One Pilots...
5. Twenty One Pilots
Recently, TOP has blown up on the radio and has made it to the top of the iTunes charts with their single "Stressed Out" from their 2015 studio album "Blurryface." Before this album, they are probably most well known for their song "Car Radio." The lead singer, Tyler Joseph, brings music to a whole new level through his dark, personal lyrics and catchy/experimental beats. Their new album explores Tyler's concept of a made up character named Blurryface, who is supposed to represent everything a person is insecure about (and he's mentioned quite a few times in "Stressed Out"). The entire album is put together incredibly and has really brought TOP into the forefront. Their 2013 studio album, "Vessel", is also fantastic. Personal favorites from "Blurryface": The Judge, Ride, Message Man, Fairly Local, Tear in My Heart and also every other song on the album.
Side note: DEFINITELY check out Tyler Joseph's cover of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" because you won't regret it.
6. Hippie Sabotage
Along the same lines as Cherub, but a little closer to the EDM sound, Hippie Sabotage is best known for their remix of Tove Lo's "Habits," titled "Stay High." Their music is a ton of fun to listen to and also another great band to add to your party playlist. The recently went on tour with Cherub, and the combination was electric. They are most certainly a band to catch next time they're in your area! Personal favorites include Stay High and Bad Girl.
7. Florence and the Machine
I'm sorry, but Adele isn't allowed to hog the title for most incredible vocals. Florence and the Machine is flat out amazing, and so full of talent. While she is not new to the music scene, Florence is definitely underrated. Some of her most popular songs include Shake it Off, Dog Days are Over, and Heavy in Your Arms. Her most recent album, from 2015, "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" is unbelievable and will have you hooked from the first listen. A personal favorite from the album: Ship to Wreck.
8. Roy Wood$
If you're a fan of Drake, you'll probably love Roy Wood$! He was recently signed to OVO and has released a 6 song EP, titled "Exis" that has some great songs on it. Will he be as amazing as the Champagne Papi? Probably not, but that's okay, we can still appreciate him. Personal favorite songs include Get You Good, Unleashed, and Drama (featuring Drake!).
9. Ben Howard
Ben is also not new to the music scene, and very underrated. His music is very light and feel good...also absolutely perfect for road trips. His most recent album was released in 2015, titled "I Forgot Where We Were" is a must listen to! His first studio album from 2013, "Every Kingdom" is also jam packed with beautiful songs. Personal favorites include Only Love, Keep Your Head Up, and The Wolves.
10. Logic
Even though Logic has been in the rap scene since 2010, he has only released two studio albums, "Under Pressure" in 2014 and "The Incredible True Story" in 2015. Between 2010 and 2014, Logic (AKA Young Sinatra) released four mixtapes. He has a very unique voice and will definitely be up there with today's best rappers, sooner or later. With the amount of music this young rapper has released, there are too many great songs to list! Personal favorites: Metropolis, Driving Ms Daisy, Gang Related, and Buried Alive.
11. Kodaline
Another great band that is perfect for road trips. Their first studio album, "In a Perfect World," was released in 2013, and their most recent album, "Coming Up for Air" was released in 2015, both being absolutely perfect. They have also released a number of EP's between 2013 and 2015, so they aren't as new as you think! Their music is fairly similar to Ben Howard, in a sense that their music is light and feel good. Some personal favorites are Play the Game, Way Back When, and Love Like This.
12. Raury
This. Kid. Is. Great. Raury is only 19 years old and has some incredible lyrics. Even though he's a rapper, his songs don't sound like your typical rap track - some are inspiring, while others are just very real and talk about world problems. He is very talented, and will make it very far. His twitter is also awesome, and is always looking to interview millennials in the area he's visiting! Some of my favorites are Forbidden Knowledge, Kingdom Come, and Love is Not a Four Letter Word.
