Anyone who knows me pretty much knows I listen to the same kind of music over and over again. I am the kind of person who enjoys the comfortable repetition of Top 40 hits and whatever comes on iHeart Radio. So basically if I'm in the car and 96.9 FM is on, you're in for a live concert of me barely knowing the words and sometimes singing super off key. However, there are a few artists that I adore that aren't so lucky to be on the radio or invited to the Grammy's and don't fit my usual music taste.
They're artists that have started off on Youtube or SoundCloud. Maybe they just aren't considered "good enough" to be on a top 40 chart or even on a Spotify Best Artist list. So, I compiled a list of artists that I think deserve more than their share of recognition with my favorite song from each of them. Take some time to take a listen!
1. Jacob Whitesides - "Killing Me"
Who is he? Jacob is a 20 year old musician from Knoxville, Tennessee. He was on The X Factor for a brief period of time and now has written and produced four albums since 2014. His latest single "Killing Me" is from a yet to be released album. Jacob also had a successful Youtube channel where he posted covers for several years and eventually broke into the music industry.
2. Gabbie Hanna - "Say What You Mean"
Who is she? Gabbie Hanna previously known as TheGabbieShow, is relatively new to the music industry. She's more so known for her quirky storytime videos and popular Youtube Channel. However, Gabbie has broadened her horizons and come out with several new songs that she's written herself that are actually quite good.
3. Bea Miller - "S.L.U.T"
Who is she? Bea Miller is basically a goddess. She was on season two of The X Factor alongside Jacob Whitesides but made it further in the competition and ended in ninth place. She released her debut album with Hollywood Records in 2014 and her latest album, "Aurora" has come in three installments; Blue, Red and Yellow.
4. Willow Smith - "Romance"
Who is she? The daughter of the Fresh Prince is certainly making a name for herself. Not only with her music but with her social presence in general. Smith marches to the beat of her own drum. Her music is raw and honest and worth the listen.
5. Ruelle - "Rival"
Who is she? Margaret Eckford, also known as Ruelle, is an American electronic-pop singer. She has released three albums since 2014 with her latest being "Rival". Her voice, combined with the electronics is a new sound you didn't know you needed.
6. Greyson Chance - "Low"
Who is he? Greyson Chance is an American singer who was first discovered on the Ellen Show after his rendition of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" went viral on Youtube. He has released four albums since 2010 and has been steadily releasing singles since 2016.
7. Jake Miller - "I Wish You Didn't Love Me"
Who is he? Jake Miller is an American rapper who has been releasing music for several years. He got his start on Youtube and has released nine albums since 2013 with his latest being "Silver Lining".
8. James TW - "For You"
Who is he? James TW is a Brittish singer-/song-writer. He has been releasing singles since 2015. His only album "First Impressions" was released in 2016.
9. Alexander Jean - "Paper Planes"
Who are they? Alexander Jean is a duo of Mark Ballas and BC Jean. Ballas is also a pro on Dancing With The Stars. The pair have released two EP's with their latest, "High Enough" released in 2017.
10. Dylan Holland - "LESSONS"
Who is he? Dylan Holland is an American RnB artist who got his start early on on Youtube. In the last few years Holland has been on the T.V. show The Four, released one EP and several singles with the most recent being "LESSONS" in 2017.
11. Skylar Grey - "Stand By Me"
Who is she? Skylar Grey is a pop artist who has released three studio albums, been featured on movie soundtracks, and has most recently worked with Macklemore on the song, "Glorious".
