From time to time, diamonds-in-the-rough manage to cut through the white noise in music today. And 2018 is filled with artists who are more likely to hit it big. Read ahead for our list of some of the best artists on the rise.
It has to be said: 2018 has been a great year for music. Our biggest acts in music are producing stellar albums from left to right. Charts are topped. Records sell millions. Concerts seats are being filled. However, let’s not forget the steady stream of fresh music and equally fresh faces that have managed to emerge from the music industry’s white noise. From pop to country, Ireland to Canada, the talent pool is boundless. Read ahead for some of the most exciting new acts of the year.
Áine Cahill
Aine Cahill is an Irish-born pop singer who has managed to become viral seemingly overnight. Her hit single, “Plastic” is a winning in digital streams. The fierce follow-up single, “Blood Diamonds”. Furthermore, the young artist is enjoying her breakthrough success with a spate of shows and festival venues around the United Kingdom.
Jorja Smith
If Jorja Smith isn’t on your radar, then you better take note of her now. Wasting no time to make a huge statement early this year, the tear-jerking ballad “Let Me Down” with Stormzy now has more than 6 million views on Youtube. Moreover, Jorja Smith shows she isn’t just a one-trick-pony. Her “On My Mind” club banger with UK grime producer Preditah shows she can also be versatile.
Jorja Smith is currently on tour. Check out ticket availabilities here.
Catherine McGrath
Slow burning through the country music scene is Irish-born Catherine McGrath. The young artist has a record deal with Warner Brothers under her belt. With her sweet and clear voice coupled with that Irish charm, we’re expecting big things from her. Her song, “Wild” is climbing high on the streaming charts as we speak.
Brooke Bentham
Brooke Bentham is another UK-import on our list. This 21-year old artist’s genre is something between pop and soul. She released her debut EP, The Room Swayed, last year and has since been performing everywhere including Latitude and Reading And Leeds festivals in the summer. Her success seems to only be going forward. Brooke just did her first tour early this year.
Ms Banks
We are probably looking at the new Nicki Minaj here. Ms Banks is one of the rising new stars in hip-hop today, so it’s only right that she’s on our radar. And she is clearly making all the right moves. She’s been teaming up with some of our favorites including Stefflon Don, Stormzy and Jme. Her infectious new single, “Bangs” is spunky and everything we’re expecting from a future hip-hop queen.
Valee
If you’re a big fan of Chicago hip-hop, then you might have already heard of Valee. If not, then Push-T’s word should be enough to convince you that he’s one to watch out for. Valee’s momentum is not stopping. After releasing the bomb track “Shell” since 2016, he’s managing to ride out the wave and is now G.O.O.D. Music’s latest signee.
Greta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet is a four-man rock and roll band from Michigan. They currently have two EP’s to post about. Black Smoke Rising and From The Fires has received an ample amount of praise. Moreover, it has earned the band Apple Music’s Artist Of The Week. And if that’s not a sign they’re going somewhere, then we don’t know what is.
Billie Eillish
You won’t believe what this 16 year-old (yes, sixteen) has managed to achieve in the span of her young life. Hailing from Los Angeles, Billie Eillish is currently a talent under Interscope Records. Her claim to fame is her track, “Bored” which appears on Netflix’s hit show “13 Reasons Why.” And she is not stopping there. She’s entered 2018 with a sold-out, nine-date European last February .
Billie Eillish is currently on tour. Check out ticket availabilities here.
Steve Lacy
It seems like 2018’s new artists pool gets younger and younger. Steve Lacy is only 18 years old but he is already giving people something to talk about… or more likely, hear about. Steve has been releasing a steady stream of auspicious and infectious R&B material via Soundcloud. He’s also been collaborating with the big names in the industry including Kendrick Llamar and J.Cole.
The Beaches
Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, Eliza Enman-McDaniel and Leandra Earl comprises this all-female, indie rock band. If this list isn’t testament enough, don’t let age fool you. They might be young. But this Canadian act writes their own songs, have a unique style, and they’re incredibly charming to boot. Their full studio album, Late Show, is something truly special.
The Reklaws
Let’s talk about this adorable brother-sister country duo. Jenna and Stuart Walker already have a couple of titles and awards on their portfolio. They’ve been honored by the CCMA Discover Program and the Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. (Which is a big deal, by the way). And they’ve also been opening with the biggest acts in the country. This includes Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and Tim McGraw. Don’t be surprised if you see them spiral to success in the next few years.
BROCKHAMPTON
BROCKHAMPTON’s intensity doesn’t just stop at their all-in-caps names and song titles. If you think a 14-member rap boyband is something unique, then you haven’t heard it all. They have non-rapping members who make art, photography and music videos. Calling them a musical act is a sore understatement. They are, ultimately, a creative collective of brilliant music idealists. The charismatic Kevin Abstract is fronting BROCKHAMPTON’s aggressive and yet clever beats and lyrics.
Gus Dapperton
A rising artist pushing the boundaries of the DIY rock scene, Gus Dapperton is someone you don’t usually see on the big screen. First off, he’s literally a giant (over 6-feet tall), with a unique haircut… and he loves turtlenecks. But don’t let his eccentricity turn you off. His musical style is a heady mix of old-school , groovy, and almost hip-hop feely. Gus Dapperton is someone so innately masterful at blurring the lines of music genre.