As much as people tend to bemoan the lack of quality music on mainstream radio, 2015 proved to be a year with standout musical moments. Adele came back. Drake blinged every hotline in America. Indie band Walk The Moon and Canadian singer-songwriters Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara broke the Billboard Top 40. These successes are only some among many of music’s best moments in 2015.
But now comes the time to look ahead toward what the next year has to offer. Here are six artists who are likely to emerge as key names in 2016.
1. Halsey
Similar acts: Lana del Rey, Lorde
Although some listeners may only know this artist by her feature on Justin Bieber’s “The Feeling,” Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, who goes by her stage name Halsey, first attracted the attention of record labels with her song “Ghost.” This single later appeared as a track on her first album, "Badlands," which debuted in August 2015 and became wildly popular -- every single song has at least 9 million listens on Spotify. “New Americana” is a single off of "Badlands" that has begun to play on popular radio stations, but 2016 will most likely continue to bring Halsey’s other stellar tracks to the forefront.
2. Nina Nesbitt
Similar acts: Ed Sheeran, Ingrid Michaelson
This Scottish singer-songwriter made a place for herself in the U.K. charts when her single “Stay Out” ultimately earned her a spot on the Top 40 in 2013. Following her 2014 album, "Peroxide," Nesbitt made no hints at any new music until 2015, when she began sharing snippets of songs on her Facebook page. Two songs, “California Comedown” and “Trousers,” are available as full live videos on YouTube. The lyrics and meanings of these recent compositions address not only relationships but also issues of gender and sexuality. Nesbitt’s latest EP, “Modern Love,” will release in February, bringing the promise of fresh singer-songwriter talent in 2016.
3. Years & Years
Similar acts: Ellie Goulding, Bastille
Various articles that compiled and recorded the summer jams of 2015 included tracks by British electronic band Years & Years. "Communion," their first studio album, emerged in July 2015 as a wave of harmonious synths and raw lyricism. Yet, even before the album's release, Years & Years caught the attention of music fans and critics alike with “King,” the fourth single from "Communion" that debuted in February of 2015. Since then, Years & Years have soared in the U.K. albums and singles charts with the popularity of tracks such as “Eyes Shut” and “Shine.” With their wildly successful year, this band will definitely top themselves with additional fame in 2016 – after all, it is in their name to do so.
4. Troye Sivan
Similar acts: Birdy, The Neighbourhood
Australian artist Troye Sivan is a unique member of this list, for his rise to fame came through his YouTube channel, where he posts collaborations, vlogs, and the occasional cover. Since he delved into the music scene, Sivan’s major release has been his album "Blue Neighborhood," which he unveiled in December. Despite being Sivan’s first studio album, tracks from "Blue Neighborhood" have already received acclaim from superstars such as Taylor Swift and Sam Smith. The most popular songs from "Blue Neighborhood" are “Wild,” followed by “Fools” and “Talk Me Down.” Accompanying these tracks are stunning music videos that show Sivan with a male childhood friend and lover, highlighting the importance of honesty in this album for Sivan, who came out as gay through YouTube. Sivan’s openness and accessibility in his music and overall life will surely be a breath of fresh air in 2016.
5. Jidenna
Similar acts: Janelle Monáe, Kendrick Lamar
Jidenna attained recognition through artist Janelle Monáe, who signed him on her label Wondaland Records. Monáe describes Wondaland Records as a “movement,” and all the artists under its label create music with a rhythmic beat and a sense of social consciousness. Jidenna’s “Classic Man” was the first single from Wondaland Records and debuted in February 2015, quickly rising to prominence in both the charts and the 2016 Grammy Awards, in which it holds a nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Along with “Classic Man,” Jidenna has also penned a rap piece titled “Long Live the Chief.” With his dynamic combination of singer, rapper, and socially conscious Wondaland Records member, Jidenna is sure to deliver in 2016 with more thought-provoking work.
6. Rudimental
Similar acts: Disclosure, Naughty Boy
Instrumental band Rudimental recently gained traction through popular collaborations with Ed Sheeran: They remixed his song “Bloodstream,” and, in turn, Sheeran featured on their original track “Lay It All on Me.” Rudimental debuted “Lay It All on Me” as the first single off of "We the Generation," their latest album, which released in October 2015. The band has also worked with acclaimed U.K. artists Emeli Sandé and Foy Vance. Vance contributed vocals for in “Never Let You Go,” which served as the second single from "We the Generation." After the recurring dubstep and purely electronic beats of 2015, Rudimental’s intricate drum and bass melodies will serve as earthy, refreshing alternatives for the popular music scene in 2016.
All of these artists brim with potential for raw and riveting music to ring in a new era. Hopefully, the U.S. charts, radio stations, and coffee shops feature works from these talented musicians during the upcoming 2016 year.
