Artists You Didn’t Even Realize You Need

By starrymag | January 23, 2016

By: Cielito Pareja

 

There are so many bands, singers and all around talented people that it can be difficult to pick and choose who to spend your time with. Thankfully, I’ve done some of the work for you! Here’s my list of 8 artists from all different types of genres that you should look out for this 2016!

 

1. Alessia Cara – This R&B Ontario based singer released her debut Album Know-It-All in November of 2015.  Cara, 19, started out doing acoustic covers on YouTube and has since gained rapid popularity. “Here” is one of my favorite songs from her. It perfectly explains the struggles of being introverted!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKp2CrfmVfw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbIaPaB9LDk

 

2. Shamir – Shamir is the young genderqueer artist that is there for you when you need something fun and playful to dance for. If dancing isn’t for you, don’t worry! His music videos have enough going on to entertain you for hours!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp9GgdCgMXk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XoGrh9eL9Y

 

3. Scott Helman – This Canadian singer/songwriter is only 20 years old and is definitely going to get bigger in 2016. His EP Augusta was released in October 2014 and since then he has opened for artist like Tegan & Sara and Shawn Mendes. Check out my favorite song “Bungalow”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYA5tReVNmE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMuCiKvdk18

 

4. The Big Moon – I’m a sucker for girl bands and this London Based band has wiggled themselves into my heart and ears.  How could I not fall for a group that describes their aesthetics as “trying to seduce, but stepping in dog poo” in a interview for Nylon Magazine?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQCY-7_SY6Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCMGIiUJgAE

 

5. Kayleigh Rose – This Missouri born singer is a breath of fresh air. She released an original song in October in early 2014 that caught the attention of many, including Troye Sivan. She was a hauntingly beautiful voice that will keep you coming back for more. She was recently signed with Atlantic Records so most of her videos on YouTube are gone, with the exception of one of her original song “Die Young,” check it out!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1mGN6OUFf0

 

6. Mackenzie Johnson – Mostly known for her bedroom covers of the latest hits, Mackenzie Johnson has a magical voice and a killer fashion sense. Her vocals are clear, her songs are beautifully composed and she will have you replaying her music for hours. Here is one of her original songs “Test of Time.”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4kYJDWHJVM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO3o_v56ixE

 

7. PWR BTTM – These queer rockers from New York are ready to show the world what it means to be young and have an open mind about all types of people and experiences. Songs by guitarist Ben Hopkins and drummer Liv Bruce not only have interesting and fun titles, but speaks about gender identity, sexuality and relationships while maintaining a catchy tunes.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA2OUJtGuUo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7v7OhkBFTg

 

 

8. Nimmo – Straight out of London, this 5 person band started out playing for small pubs, but they’ve come a long way since then. When asked if they were scared about gaining popularity, the members said that since they played in pubs for 7 years and that no one cared about them then, fame wouldn’t make them bat an eyelash.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH1y0FrCgv4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUjRtTMT6hM