If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for new music to spice up your life. You're bored of the same old songs on the radio, the same old artists on the charts, and the same old genres on the playlists. You want something fresh, something different, something that makes you go "wow".
Well, you're in luck, because 2023 is shaping up to be a great year for music lovers. There are so many new and rising artists that are breaking boundaries, creating new sounds, and challenging the status quo. From twisted R&B to club rap to indie rock, there's something for everyone.
But how do you find these hidden gems? How do you sift through the endless stream of music that floods the internet every day? How do you know which ones are worth your time and attention?
Don't worry, I've done the hard work for you. I've scoured the web, listened to countless songs, and read dozens of reviews. I've compiled a list of 7 new and rising artists that are shaping the future of music in 2023.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some amazing new music. Here are the coolest up and coming musicians to look out for in 2023:
AKAI SOLO
Who they are: A Brooklyn-based rapper who spits like the child of James Baldwin and underground NYC heroes Cannibal Ox (if they really enjoyed manga)
Why they're so exciting: AKAI bends language to his will, his flows making big words and philosophies feel weightless and freeform. He's released a string of records over the last few years, including True Sky, a collaboration with fellow Brooklynite Navy Blue, and Spirit Roaming, released on the vanguard New York rap label Backwoodz Studioz. He's currently working on a new solo record dubbed Verticality///Singularity.
The song to listen to right now: "Demonslayer"
RIYL: Warped beats, unorthodox flows, Senzu Beans, slightly faded Yankee fitteds
Ayra Starr
Who they are: Afropop's latest eclectic It-girl. Her remarkably assured first album, 19 & Dangerous, is filled with pointed songs of lost love and toxic exes, along with enough hits to warrant a recent deluxe edition. She's also among the few people on Earth who can get Kelly Rowland to spit some bars on a remix and not get completely outshined.
Why they're so exciting: A sage elder lives inside this 20-year-old. Sprinkling aphorisms across her tracks, she exudes the vocal mastery of a veteran while also having fun with uniquely Gen-Z boasts ("I see you watchin' my stories/I see you gaugin' my lifestyle"). Her refreshing experimentalism enchants across high-tempo pop anthems as well as somber heartbreak ballads.
The song to listen to right now: "Rush"
RIYL: The catharsis of coming-of-age films, goddess braids, pretending you are trilingual, writing "every tongue that rises up against me shall fall" on your Twitter bio after every mild inconvenience
Bandmanrill
Who they are: A Newark rapper who merges fiery, drill-inspired flows with hyperkinetic Jersey club beats.
Why they're so exciting: Bandmanrill is a club rap regenerator who can make any party go off with his infectious energy and charisma. He's been dropping bangers like "F.N.F.", "Tomorrow 2", and "Bounce" that showcase his versatility and skill. He's also been collaborating with some of the hottest producers in the game, such as Kenny Beats, Hit-Boy, and Murda Beatz.
The song to listen to right now: "Bounce"
RIYL: Dancing until you sweat, bouncing until you break something, shouting until you lose your voice
Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul
Who they are: A Belgian-Caribbean singer and producer duo who make quirky and catchy electro-pop with a tropical twist.
Why they're so exciting: Charlotte and Bolis have a knack for creating songs that are both playful and profound, blending influences from their diverse backgrounds and musical tastes. They've released two EPs, Zandoli and Yin Yang Self-Meditation, that showcase their range and creativity. They're also part of the Soulwax-affiliated collective DEEWEE, which gives them access to some of the most innovative sounds and collaborators in the scene.
The song to listen to right now: "Thank You"
RIYL: Synth-pop with a soul, coconut water, meditation with a smile
Glorilla
Who they are: The fiercely independent Memphis MC is the hottest star in Southern rap - and after her breakthrough year with hits like "F.N.F." and "Tomorrow 2", she's just warming up.
Why they're so exciting: Glorilla is a force of nature on the mic, delivering bars with confidence, charisma, and wit. She's not afraid to speak her mind, whether it's about her struggles, her successes, or her haters. She's also a savvy businesswoman, who runs her own label, Glorilla Records, and handles all aspects of her career. She's been co-signed by legends like Juicy J, Project Pat, and DJ Paul, and has collaborated with rising stars like Duke Deuce, Key Glock, and Young Dolph.
The song to listen to right now: "F.N.F."
RIYL: Hard-hitting beats, catchy hooks, Memphis rap history, being your own boss
Grace Ives
Who they are: A Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter who makes minimalist but catchy pop songs with a DIY aesthetic. ¹
Why they're so exciting: Grace Ives has a gift for crafting melodies that stick in your head and lyrics that capture the essence of modern life. She's released two albums, 2nd and Popcorn & Wine, that showcase her talent and charm. She's also a captivating performer, who can captivate an audience with just her voice and a drum machine.
The song to listen to right now: "Mirror"
RIYL: Lo-fi pop, bedroom recording, texting your crush, dancing in your underwear
Hagop Tchaparian
Who they are: A Lebanese-Armenian oud player who blends traditional Middle Eastern music with jazz, rock, and electronic elements.
Why they're so exciting: Hagop Tchaparian is a virtuoso of the oud, a pear-shaped stringed instrument that is widely used in Arabic music. He's been playing since he was six years old, and has mastered various styles and techniques. He's also an innovator, who experiments with different sounds and genres, creating fusion music that is both authentic and original. He's released several albums, such as Oud Fusion Experiment Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, that showcase his skill and vision.
The song to listen to right now: "Oud Rock"
RIYL: World music, instrumental music, oud solos, rocking out
These are just some of the coolest up and coming musicians to look out for in 2023. There are many more that deserve your attention and support, so don’t be afraid to explore and discover new sounds and styles. Music is a universal language that can connect us, inspire us, and make us feel alive. So go ahead and treat yourself to some of the best music that 2023 has to offer. You won’t regret it.
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