As a college student, music is very important to us. It gets us through those long days in the library while we try to get that paper finished by the due date. I’m always looking for new music to listen to; most songs that are playing on the radio aren’t really songs I like to play in the background while studying. Hence, I’ve come up with a short list of some lesser known and on the rise artists that will make your study days just a tad bit better.

1. Raleigh Ritchie

I was doing my obligatory Wikipedia search that comes along with watching a show for the first time when I came across Jacob Anderson, the actor who plays Grey Worm on "Game of Thrones." While not busy acting, he actually makes music under the stage name Raleigh Ritchie. The 25-year-old Bristol native has a variety of R&B, hip-hop, and pop sounds to listen to. His songs can be upbeat like “The Greatest,” inspiring like “Stronger than Ever” and just fun like “Never say Die.” There isn't a song of his that I don't like!

2. Halsey

Halsey is a 21-year-old New Jersey native that has just released her first EP, "Badlands." If you’re a fan of Lorde, who has been on a bit of a break now, then this is just the right artist for you. Halsey’s songs are a mixture of indie and electronic pop music. Songs like “Colors” and “Ghost” sound amazing. If she looks familiar, you’ve probably seen her on Justin Bieber’s newsfeed.

3. Of Monsters and Men

I was ecstatic when I heard Of Monsters and Men release their new album this summer, especially when their previous album came out four years ago. The Icelandic band has gained success in the past due to well-known songs such as "Little Talks" and "Dirty Paws." Their new album, "Beneath the Skins," is rather different than the upbeat sing-along songs of the past. When I say different, I don’t mean it in a bad way. Many of the songs, such as “Hunger”, “Organs”, and “I of the Storm,” have much more vulnerability to them due to the lyrics covering topics such as self-realization, insecurity and loss. Of Monsters and Men haven’t lost their old touch though; songs such as “Crystals,” “Wolves without Teeth” and “Black Water” are great to sing along to when you still want the same feeling that their previous songs have.

4. Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is a name that’s been buzzing on social media, so you probably have already heard of him. But have you listened to his voice? His previous electronic pop album TRXYE had catchy tunes such as “Happy Little Pill’ and “Gasoline.” His latest music video for “Talk Me Down” deals with death, homophobia, and lost love. The 20-year-old Australian also writes most of his songs and has a voice worth checking out.

5. Leon Bridges

I’ve got to thank Emma Watson for tweeting about Leon Bridges, or else how else would I have come across such a talented singer? Bridges' latest album, "Coming Home," is full of soulful sounds and makes you wonder if you’re listening to music from the 60s. His songs are perfect for jamming to in the mornings and are refreshing rather than just repeated catchy tunes.