Some you may have never heard of, some you may even pretend to listen to to impress your hipster friends. But the truth behind these four emerging artists is that they combine all your favorite bands into one and give you a new sound to discover. Try checking out some of their singles below to spice up your playlist and see once and for all if the hype is, in fact, real.

1. Car Seat Headrest

Genre: Indie Rock

For fans of Mac Demarco, FIDLAR, Pixies, Courtney Barnett

What You’ve Heard: “Fill In the Blank”

What You Should Hear: “Cosmic Hero”

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A band that may have been around for a few years, but is finally gaining the following and recognition it deserves. Lyrics and vocals from lead singer 23 year old Will Toledo is what gives this up and coming indie band it’s unique style and well-respected popularity. Ranging from angsty to vague, the singer manages to create a tone of both serious intensity and open-hearted sincerity. Beyond the credibility of the lyrics is the spot-on lo-fi sounds the rest of the band is capable of. The band’s most recent single “Fill In the Blank” models their ability to master both the indie-rock and soft-punk genres through a tasteful combination of the two. Another song off their most recent album Teens in Denial, “Cosmic Hero” shows their ability to produce ambient instrumentals worthy of Pink Floyd or Radiohead status. Between the release of their new record this year and announcement of a fall US Tour, Car Seat Headrest is definitely proving itself as one of the top rising indie bands to look out for.

2. Clams Casino

Genre: Hip Hop, Rap, Instrumental

For Fans of Flying Lotus, Vince Staples,

What You’ve Heard: “All Nite,”

“Norf Norf” by Vince Staples

What You Should Hear: "Weak-Clams Casino Remix" by Wet, Clams Casino

Clams Casino is the producer behind so many of the hip hop sounds you already know. His discography includes beats for A$AP Rocky (“LVL”), Vince Staples (“Norf Norf”), Mac Miller (“My Team”), and Lil B (“I’m God). These collaborations led to the summer release of his own album that features the different sounds of pop instrumentals and ambient beats while having a notable list of features rapping throughout the tracks. The sounds of Clam Casino may have been around for awhile but with his own album released this summer and a growing resume of collabs, his name will definitely be heard more as he emerges from behind the scenes of the hip hop genre.

3. Kaleo

Genre: Indie Folk, Bluesy Rock

For Fans of Mumford and Sons, Hozier, Bishop Briggs, The Lumineers

What You’ve Heard: “All the Pretty Girls”

What You Should Hear: “No Good”

Kaleo is another successful, bluesy folk band whose sound will make you see a long country road, golden sun rays, and a mountain-lined sky. Much like Mumford and The Lumineers, they perfectly capture the sweet side of folk with their acoustic melodies yet manage to add the perfect bluesy twist with their vocals and instrumentals. The product of this is a sound that emits the happy tones of folk that so many enjoy, while adding a punch of soul that gives the band their signature sound. Their most popular song “All the Pretty Girls” highlights their acoustic melodies and warm lyrics. But don’t be fooled because the band has much more to offer than soft chords and sweet words. As heard in their track “No Good” for HBO’s Vinyl, Kaleo can bring a beat to rock to and pull hard on the soulful blues that aren’t as equally heard in the previously mentioned lead single. Seeing the range their capable of it’s clear to see Kaleo will not be underestimated as just another folk-rock band, and will continue to be successful as they continue to release new music.

4. Maggie Rogers 

Genre: Indie, Folk, Indie Pop

For Fans of Echosmith, Marian Hill, Bon Iver

What You’ve Heard: “Alaska”

What You Should Hear: "Symmetry"

If you haven’t already seen the video (link at bottom) of her blowing away Pharrel William’s with the demo of her hit single “Alaska,” you’re already behind on the phenomenon that this girl is about to release onto the world through her music. As explained in the video, Rogers is an NYU student who combines folk and R&B into a new sound that is unlike any genre or artist you’ve ever heard before. Even more extraordinary about the young artist is her poetic lyrics and melodic voice. Beyond the catchy tune and sweet rhythm of “Alaska” is the beautiful story the lyrics unfold, illustrating Rogers strengths as a vocalist, composer, and songwriter. There’s little to say about Maggie Rogers that doesn’t foreshadow her success in the music industry and for now all we can do is sit back and wait for more releases from her soon.

Maggie Roger's "Alaska" from Pharrel William's Masterclass at NYU Spring 2016:

Pharrell Williams Masterclass with Maggie Rogers singing Alaska from Net and Paper on Vimeo.

Their sounds may differ but the truth is clear, these artists are ones to look out for as they make their mark on the music industry and continue their work this year. And if you're interested, check out more by these artists in this Spotify link.