i4aki

[i4aki]

Incredible Artists You Should Check Out

I haven’t made one of these posts in a big long while, so here we are! I’ve been cultivating this list for some time now, so without further ado, some artists that I think deserve a little love. 

Emotional Oranges: This group has it all. Male and female vocals, both of which are silky as heck? Check. A chill R&B sound with bubbly beats that’ll sweep you off your feet? Check. Summery vibes that will keep you warm even during the coldest of winter months? Check. This group’s music is so refreshing, with a zesty twist, almost like… what is that fruit? A lime? Yeah, definitely a lime.  

Check Out If You Like: Dominic Fike, Frank Ocean

My Top Tracks: Motion, Just Like You

Love You Later: This woman’s music has been my one-stop shop for melancholic dream pop as of late. Her first longer project is called How Many Nights Do You Dance With Tears in Your Eyes?, and I think that about sums up the atmosphere of her sound. Her emotional performances, paired with glistening, synth-laded production make for songs you could slow-dance to with a pang of sorrow in your heart. 

Check Out If You Like: The Japanese House, Lorde

My Top Tracks: Emily, Making Plans

Ariana and the Rose: If you’re on the hunt for some euphoric synthpop, then I have some good news for you. Ariana and the Rose has been dropping singles for actual years now, but I found her music through her most recent release, her “Constellations Phase 1″ EP from last year. It’s got some of the freshest pop bops I’ve heard in a while, from the funky, “Make Me Feel” by Janelle Monáe-eque “You Were Never My Boyfriend” to the endlessly danceable “True Love.” 

Check Out If You Like: Foxes, MUNA

My Top Tracks: True Love, You Were Never My Boyfriend

Half Wolf: This woman may only have a handful of tracks to her name, but she’s already established herself as a fantastic balladeer. Her voice ranges from delicate and soaring up into the upper register to powerful and rich in vibrato. Her instrumentals are simple, but never boring, always serving to elevate her beautiful performances. 

Check Out If You Like: Jade Bird, Julia Jacklin

My Top Tracks: Pretty Lonely, Cigarette Smoke

Joy Crookes: I am obsessed, OBSESSED, with this woman’s voice, her cadence and intonations are so laid back and effortless. The way she blends hip hop and R&B sounds with organic instrumentals is so relaxing, and it projects an aura of warmth that I can’t get enough of. She’s got three EPs out and they’re all gold. She also did a Kendrick Lamar medley that’s amazing. 

Check Out If You Like: Khalid, Jorja Smith

My Top Tracks: Hurts, Yah/Element (Medley)

Kelsy Karter: I mean, her Spotify bio says: “If Angelina Jolie and Mick Jagger had a one night stand you’d get me,” and I’m not here to disagree with that. Kelsy Karter is a force to be reckoned with, she’s got a voice full of husky grit and rock star swagger. Her songs balance classic-sounding instrumentals and a modern wit in the lyrical department, like in her song “Harry,” which plays off a crazed stan character à la Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” over a crunching electric guitar. 

Check Out If You Like: Amy Winehouse, Elle King

My Top Tracks: Harry, Liquor Store On Mars

Stereo Jane: This power-pop duo came up on my Instagram feed a few weeks ago and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. Mia (right) slays on the drums, and Sydney (left) kills it with the vocals. Their sound blends brooding lyrics and instrumentals with a spark of energy that will make you want to take on the world. They’ve only got three recent singles, but it seems like they’re building up steam for something big. Also they’re twins!

Check Out If You Like: FLETCHER, Madison Beer

My Top Tracks: Strangers, Real World

Arlo Parks: With her smoky-smooth vocals and confessional songwriting, Arlo Parks is making waves at just nineteen years old. Her music is so achingly relatable in both its simplicity and its genuine execution. Whether you’re looking for chill indie pop ballads to yearn to or a new bisexual icon to stan, then I can’t recommend her enough. 

Check Out If You Like: King Princess, Daniel Caesar

My Top Tracks: Cola, Eugene

Blu DeTiger: What about this woman isn’t cool? Her name is cool, her aesthetic is cool, and most of all, her music is cool. I first came across her due to her bass-playing videos on TikTok, (which are all FIRE,) and her instrumental skills really come across in her tunes. Her music is fun, funky, and always has a killer groove driven by an awesome bass line. 

Check Out If You Like: The Aces, HAIM

My Top Tracks: Tangerine, Mad Love

No Frills Twins: This identical twin duo had such a long hiatus I feared that they had disbanded, but no! With the release of their latest single, it appears that they are back on their game. If you’re into music with a danceable pulse, thundering bass, sharp synths, and a twinge of strangeness, then you’ll dig this group’s thrilling take on no-frills pop. Not only that, their voices have a distinct deep timbre that is totally unique. 

Check Out If You Like: MARINA, (especially The Family Jewels era MARINA,) Charli XCX

My Top Tracks: Love Me Tender, Paper Love

LoveLeo: Apparently this guy is John C. Reilly’s son? I don’t really care, because he’s dropped nothing but bops. His music has this breezy, playful, and jaunty feel to it that slots perfectly into a Summer stroll playlist. If you’re into laid back, somewhat low-fi bedroom pop or indie pop then you’ll love what he has to offer. Also his visuals are mind-bendingly creative.

Check Out If You Like: Gus Dapperton, Still Woozy

My Top Tracks: BOYFREN, ROSIE