Whether we’d like to admit it or not, discovering new music is sometimes a challenge. Streaming services may suggest related artists and “Discover Weekly” playlists, but with the demand of our everyday lives and the lack of hours in a day, it’s only natural that we miss some potential new favorites throughout the year.
As we quickly approach the final changing of seasons, discover some of the artists who may just inch their way into your end-of-the-year wrap-up!
Alex Warren
It’s only a matter of time before Alex Warren grows into the superstar he showed glimpses of while playing at West Hollywood’s iconic club the Troubadour. Starting out as one of the original members of infamous TikTok collective the Hype House, Warren has already amassed quite the audience through this platform, and there is no doubt that his 15.8 million followers will provide their undying support for his first full-length album, which will hopefully be hitting shelves soon. Warren typically keeps his production simple as he allows space for his powerful vocals and hard-hitting lyrics to be the main attraction. Having lost both parents at such a young age, Warren is far more than an artist, often stating how he wants to be an outlet for his fans to talk to. Aside from his amazing music, Warren’s call to push through life’s hardships has us rooting for him.
May-a
May-a was featured on the hit single “Say Nothing” by legendary electronic producer and fellow Australian Flume, and the early stages of her career seem to be starting on a strong note. Having released her second EP, Analysis Paralysis, in September, May-a brings a very guitar-centric pop feel with her lyrics mainly focusing on the woes of romance. On a track like “Your Funeral,” May-a chooses to talk about serious things like toxic relationships, but the production behind her lyrics never loses that pop-driven, danceable sound. May-a brings a fun, carefree energy to her music, and it would be no shock to see her skyrocket into the spotlight with her first full-length album.
Fred Again
Without a doubt, Frederick Gibson, better known by his stage name Fred Again, is a force to be reckoned with. Gibson has become a staple in the electronic music community, most recently going viral in 2022 for his legendary Boiler Room DJ set. Starting a project titled Actual Life back in 2019, Gibson collected samples, such as poetry readings, viral social media clips, and day-to-day voice memo recordings, incorporating them into his original tracks in an attempt to bring the beauty of everyday life into music. He released two more versions of this project, with the most recent one coming in 2022, and it will be interesting to see whether Gibson decides to release another iteration of this project or will take time away to release a more traditional album (once his global tour is over, of course). Having produced songs for some of the biggest names in music, spanning from Ed Sheeran to Rita Ora, Gibson has obviously proved his talent is second to none, and it will be exciting to see where his career heads now that he has decided to step into the spotlight.
Alexander Stewart
Canada may have just found its latest pop star in Alexander Stewart. He began his career like another major Canadian artist we know, posting covers on YouTube, hoping to maybe get discovered. As he slowly found his way to the City of Angels, Stewart also found his own original sound — a word of advice: Be prepared for the waterworks! He pays homage to Sam Smith as one of his biggest influences, and Stewart’s sound really does give the same energy as Smith’s early career. Now surrounded by some of the best producers in the world, Stewart has all the tools at his disposal to make a standout heartbreak album filled with the trials of love and betrayal.
Bunt
If there was one thing to be 100 percent certain about, it’s this: Bunt, real name Levi Wijk, knows how to bring the talent. No matter where you are or what the weather is like outside your window, hearing Wijk’s music will immediately transport you into a top-down convertible cruising down the coast at sunset. Although Wijk has not garnered the social media presence that others on this list may have, his song “Clouds” attracted quite the fanbase on TikTok earlier this year. Wijk has most recently teased clips with megastar Ellie Goulding, and if this is any indication of what’s to come in the future, we should all be ready to kick back on a beach somewhere and get ready to blast some Bunt.
Natalie Jane
Singing in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan is no easy task, yet at the age of 15, Natalie Jane managed to receive approval from all three judges on American Idol. Since then, she has continued her steady climb to the top, most recently garnering attention for her insane vocal range. Her cover of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” has been one of her most popularvideos, with more than 140 million views and more than 15 million likes. The production behind her lyrics brings a Billie Eilish type of energy, and coupled with her amazing vocal range and natural power, Jane shows the potential for pop superstardom. Having recently wrapped up her tour, hopefully she will have some time to work on her debut album and finally show the world why she got a golden ticket!
Samuel Lao is the Editorial Assistant at Shondaland, writing stories about various topics like music, lifestyle, and wellness. Follow him on Twitter @sammlao and on Instagram @sam.lao.
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