Have you ever been asked the question, "What kind of music do you listen to?" and have no idea where to start with a response? It has happened to me on several occasions and I still stumble over my words. Which artists do I listen to again? What kind of genre is that one band again? I know we've all been there in some capacity, but now that a new year is upon us, let's consider some of the most exciting artists to watch out for in 2017. Some are old favorites who have been around forever and some are brand new! Here are my top ten artists to watch out for in 2017.

1. AURORA

I began listening to this Norwegian artist in late 2016 when her hit single "Runaway" showed up on Spotify. Her career began in the spring of 2015 and really took off when her debut album "All My Demons Greeting Me As A Friend" was released in March of 2016. Her sound is dynamic and transports you into some mystical forest. If you're looking for some calming music check out AURORA .

2. LANY

This three-piece band has been touring around with big name artists such as Troye Sivan since 2014. They've released several EP's the most recent being "kinda" that came out in late 2016. Identifying as an alternative band from LA, LANY uses some refreshing pop beats to describe their love for an unnamed girl. If you're looking for that "sittin' on the beach hearing the waves" kind of music, check out LANY .

3. Bon Iver

Justin Vernon, under the pseudonym Bon Iver, has been churning out indie folk music since 2007. I had stumbled upon Bon Iver in 2015 and wondered why I hadn't discovered him sooner. The music is hard to describe and often changes with each album release. Bon Iver's most recent release, "22, A Million" came out just before 2016 ended. With interestingly named songs and lyrics with double, and sometimes triple, meanings Bon Iver keeps you simultaneously on the edge of your seat and completely relaxed.

4. James Blake

London-based James Blake has been churning out his Electronic and R&B music since 2010 with several EP's and two studio albums taking off. I came across James Blake when his single, "I Need a Forest Fire", was released just a few days before his third studio album "The Colour in Anything." Bon Iver is featured on the track and I often tell my friends that it is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. James Blake is like a young protege of Bon Iver in some ways, but also is able to put a spin on the indie vibe and add a flare of Electronic taste to his music.

5. Emeli Sandé

My love knows no bounds for Emeli Sandé! This British artist is a powerhouse of a voice that could rival Christina Aguilera. Emeli Sandé has been crooning R&B hit after hit since 2012 and most recently released her third album "Long Live the Angels" in December of 2016. Her music is good for a nice "need to sing super loud in the car" kind of moment.

6. Wet

Sometimes you think you've heard it all when it comes to music and then a band comes along that reminds you just how dynamic music can truly be. For me, this band was, and still is, Wet . Hailing from Brooklyn, this pop trio began in 2012 and has recently gained traction in the indie genre for their 2016 album "All the Ways." I would say the best setting for this music is when you're taking a bath after a long week because it is so soothing.

7. Niall Horan

Not sure if I need to give this gentleman an introduction, but for those who have been living under a rock Niall Horan was one of four members of the boy group One Direction. Whether you believe they are currently on hiatus or forever broken up there is some downtime for the boy group. Often considered one of the most underrated members of the group, Niall Horan recently released a single titled "This Town" that comes from his soon to be released summer album. Now that it is his time to shine Niall Horan is the perfect artist to listen to when you just need a good ol' acoustic in the background.

8. Ben Howard

Another London-based singer-songwriter, Ben Howard , has been writing and releasing folk music since 2008. I have recently found an odd sense of comfort listening to his 2011 album "Every Kingdom" but Ben Howard has two other recently released albums, "The Burgh Island E.P" and "I Forgot Where We Were." For my fellow anxiety sufferers or just anyone who can't handle too much pop music, Ben Howard is the perfect choice to get you relaxed.

9. Chance the Rapper

It's easy to see at this point where my musical tastes lie, but I love to swerve people when I tell them how much I love Chance the Rapper. Normally I am not one for rap- is Twenty One Pilots considered rap?- but I recently came across Chance the Rapper's album "Coloring Book" and have had his song "Blessings" on repeat since. This Chicago-born artist has been around since 2011 and has made the news several times for his faith in Jesus Christ .

10. Relient K

Any 90s Christian kid knows the song "Sadie Hawkins Dance" like the back of their hand. Relient K has been churning out American Rock music since 2007 and most recently released a much anticipated 11th studio album "Air For Free" after three long years without music. Having fluctuated in band members over the years, prominent members Matt Thiessen and Matt Hoopes have stuck by the mission. If you're looking for some upbeat, sometimes downright hilarious, music to listen to check out Relient K.

Any other artists to watch out for in 2017? Let me know in the comments below!