1. Raury - Columbia Records
I stumbled upon Raury during my weekly 10-hour Spotify binge about two weeks ago, and the fact that he only has one album out is probably one of my biggest problems right now. Hailing from Stone Mountain, Georgia, Raury brings us a fresh mix of rap, alternative folk, and electronic music that draws you in instantly. He released his first EP "Indigo Kid" under major-label Columbia at an 18th birthday party/music festival he called Raurfest, and he recently received a nomination for the BBC Sound of 2015. Like... what? The kid has moxie. He shows the kind of talent and ambition that superstars are made of, and I don't say that lightly. Over the next few years, with age and time to hone his craft, I suspect that Raury will be one of the most sought after acts of the next decade.
Favorite song right now: "Superfly"
2. Leon Bridges - Columbia Records
Just... trust me on this one. If you grew up listening to R&B legends like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, you'll love Leon Bridges of Fort Worth, Texas. His authentic, timeless soul quickly caught the attention of Columbia Records and landed him a spot at South By Southwest Festival, and it's no wonder. Next time you hear an old curmudgeon saying something about how today's music is all just noise and profantiy and yadda yadda yadda, just play his new single "Smooth Sailin'" and hit him with that #NewOldSchool. Check out his debut album "Comin' Home" out on June 23!
Favorite song right now: "Smooth Sailin'"
3. Jaymes Young - Atlantic Records
With a sweet blend of indie pop and smooth R&B, Jaymes Young of Seattle is quickly making a name for himself with smooth, sexy music with heartfelt lyrics. Imagine Coldplay meets The Weeknd. I first discovered him when he opened for Vance Joy on his Dream Your Life Away tour as that anonymous opener you're never quite sure is gonna be good or not, but he absolutely blew me away. If his first two efforts, "Dark Star" EP and "Habits of My Heart" EP are any indication, you can bet you'll be hearing a lot about Jaymes very soon.
Favorite song right now: "I'll Be Good"
4. firekid - Atlantic Records
Okay, maybe I'm a little biased because Dillon Hodges is an alumnus of the great University of North Alabama and a native of legendary Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but his music as firekid is phenomenal. Two of his singles, "Magic Mountain" and "Die for Alabama," have been released on Spotify, and you better get on that right now. With a nice blend of folk, southern soul, and electronic elements, firekid is one of the most authentic and unique acts emerging on the scene today. His live performance doesn't disappoint either, and so make sure you catch him on tour with The Mowgli's right now until June 17 and at NiHi Fest in August!
Favorite song right now: "Magic Mountain"
5. St. Paul & The Broken Bones - Single Lock Records
If you like smooth soul with punchy, wailing vocals, you'll love St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, these guys are the promising group to come out of the state singe the Alabama Shakes. In fact, their first full length album "Half the City" was even produced by Ben Tanner of the Alabama Shakes! The group was born from a "last hurrah" session between vocalist Paul Janeway and bassist Jesse Phillips, but what they emerged with was a fresh brand of soul with an energy and personality that has skyrocketed them to success in just three short years. Catch them this summer as they headline Sloss Fest in their hometown! If you need me, I'll be jamming "Half the City" and crying that I can't afford Sloss.
Favorite song right now: "Call Me"
