It’s always really cool to stumble upon artists, whether they’re poets, singers/song writers, or people who paint and draw for a living. Through friends, family members, YouTube’s autoplay, I’ve discovered my top favorite 12 artists who are wonderfully talented, but underrated that everyone should go check out. I hope you like these 12 artists as much as I do.
1. Watsky
George Watsky is a spoken-word poet that’s from California, but attended Emerson University in Boston. He started doing poetry at only 15 years old and has since then has reached a national audience. “Sloppy seconds," "Whoa Whoa Whoa," and "Tiny Glowing Screens Part One, Two and Three” are only some of his popular songs. He's such a genius with words.
2. Guante
I first discovered Guante when I was watching Button Poetry on YouTube. The first poem I stumbled upon of his was “10 Responses To The Phrase Man Up." It was filled with so much passion and he performed it so well. He is a writer, poet, MC, activist, educator, and two-time National Poetry Slam Champion. He's such a cool and funny guy who has a huge heart.
3. Oh Wonder
Oh Wonder is a London based alternative-pop duo that is not well-known, but have a song on a few movie and television soundtracks, such as the MTV horror series known as "Scream" in 2015.
4. Halsey
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane also known as her stage name, "Halsey." Her most popular songs at the moment are "Colors" and "New Americana." Halsey has amazing vocals and has unique, indie style sound to her voice.
5. Tyler Ward
I’ve been watching Tyler Ward’s covers since the eighth grade. I can tell you that throughout the years I’ve been watching him, he’s improved so much. Tyler has a soft-rock type voice to his covers and original songs. One of my favorite covers of his is "Shut Up And Dance."
6. Sarah Kay
Sarah Kay is one of my favorite poets of all time. She has a wonderful way with words. When you listen to her speak, she has so much wisdom. She’s from New York, where she went to a poetry slam for the first time at around the age of 14. She’s famous for her “Ted Talk” and a few of her poems with her traveling poetry partner Phil Kaye. She as well has a few books out right now, which are absolutely brilliant.
7. Thirdstory
I don’t know much about this band since I only listened to them for the first time about a week ago, but their cover of "Lucky" by Britney Spears is so amazing. I got goosebumps just listening to it.
8. Mary Doodles
I found Mary when I was looking for painting, drawing, and ink tutorials. She has such a high spirit and is also super fun to watch. She has collaborated with Watsky and sells her artwork online and in her website. Her specialty is cartoon drawings. She has traveled to Europe and has showed up at comic con a few times as well.
9. Wakey! Wakey!
Michael Grubbs, who is also known for his role, “Grubbs” on “One Tree Hill,” is an adult alternative pop group based in New York City. One of the songs featured on “One Tree Hill” is “Yesterday."
10. ItsBirdy
ItsBirdy is a Filipino artist who has a huge spectrum of talent. Everything from his room, to himself is so incredibility creative. He has a customized car and room—basically everything he does is unique and I can definitely see the passion behind his art when he talks about it on his channel.
11. Dodie Clark
Dodie is a YouTuber and a musician. She's an absolute sweetheart and has such a great voice. She's covered Twenty One Pilots as well as Christina Grimmie.
12. Christina Grimmie
I really wish that Christina could see this. She was a lover of Zelda and her passion of music was something that really brought her voice out in the world. She was on Season Three of "The Voice" and received third place with the help of coaching from Adam Levine and America’s votes. My all-time favorite cover of hers is her rendition of a Paramore Medley.
My favorite collab(s) would have to include “Just A Dream” with Sam Tsui and “How To Love” with Tyler Ward. She was a talented sweetheart with a beautiful soul who was taken away from us way too soon.
