12 Musicians You'll Be Seeing More Of In 2021
Tearsheet by Cheyney Chiddick.
When it comes to music, success isn’t measured by how many radio plays or streams the artist has. Depending on the artist, success can also be a means of personal fulfillment or creative growth. For the listener, we really just care about how the song or artist makes us feel. We’ve curated our favorite up-and-coming artists that will hopefully make it to your personal playlist. These artists are rising to mainstream popularity, further solidifying their fanbase, breaking the linguistic barrier in American mainstream music, or growing their discography in the coming year. All with different paths, we are optimistic about their presence in 2021.
Check out our list below.
1. Jelani Aryeh
The 20-year-old singer and songwriter from San Diego have been making music since he was in high school. At such a young age, his emotionally mature music spans various genres such as indie rock, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. In conjunction with experimenting with different sounds, his music touches on topics regarding his Filipino/African identity, ambitions, and the expectations his parents set for him.
2. Harry Hudson
Hudson is an American folk-rock and pop artist who, after surviving his battle with cancer, shares his wisdom and personal emotions through his music. In his newest album Hey, I’m Here for You, he deviates from his folk-rock sound to pure pop. The album explores the importance of being there for yourself and others.
3. Lila Iké
The Jamaicain born Lila Iké has been gaining recent popularity at home and abroad due to her ability to blend contemporary reggae with elements of soul and hip hop. After joining In.Digg.Nation Collective, a record label started by reggae star Protoje, the artist’s EP The ExPerience features old-school beats and smooth delivery.
Los Angeles based indie-pop singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers gained popularity for her dark yet beautiful songs. Her newest album Punisher was well-received among the younger generation and solidified her fanbase.
5. Boy Pablo
The young, Norweigian indie pop music project Boy Pablo consists of Nicolas Muñoz, who writes, records, produces, and performs all of their music. As a touring act, the group include members Gabriel Muñoz, Henrik Åmdal, Eric Tryland, and Sigmund Vestrheim. Nicolas Muñoz became a bedroom pop sensation after releasing his hit “Everytime” in 2017. His solo debut album “Wachito Rico” shows his sudden success is not a one-time occurrence. When listening to the album, his songs evoke a sense of comfort and a daydream-like state.
6. KATIE
Katie Kim is a South Korean-American singer from Los Angeles. She began her music career when she placed first on the Korean reality television show K-pop Star 4. She decided to sign to YG Entertainment as a trainee, in hopes of debuting in a Korean pop group. Due to repeated delays in terms of the debut, she signed to AXIS entertainment and released her EP Log in 2019 as a soloist. With more creative control, her music explores genres such as pop, R&B, and soul. Kim’s sophomore album Our Time is Blue was released this month and is one of her most personal and vulnerable works.
7. UMI
At only 21 years old, Seattle native UMI has a unique charm that sets her apart from other R&B and neo-soul artists. By using thematic Her thematic imagery, references to nature, and warm voice creates a personal connection between her and the listener. When listening to her music, her honest lyrics and musicality is simply comforting.
8. Lexie Liu
Born and raised in China, Lexie Liu is breaking the barrier between different languages in American music. Liu’s ability to utilize elements of rap, R&B, pop, and a blend of Mandarin Chinese and English sets her apart from other contemporary artists. This is apparent in her single “Manta,” where she smoothly transitions from English to Chinese in her rap verses.
9. EDEN
24-year-old Jonathon Ng, or Eden, is an Irish alternative producer and singer-songwriter. Initially under the alias The Eden Project, he taught himself how to play the piano, guitar, and violin all in his Dublin bedroom. His latest album “no future,” offers an intimate experience for the listener through its emotion-filled lyrics and melodic beats. As he is rising in popularity, we will definitely be seeing him in 2021.
10. Yours Truly
Yours Truly is an Australian punk rock group that rose to fame early in their career with their 2019 EP I Can’t Feel. The band began selling out shows in their hometown and received many festival offers. The group’s 2020 debut album titled Self Care unveils their experience with finding success so early in their career and their struggle with imposter syndrome.
11. Gracie Abrams
Daughter of the famous J.J. Abrams, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter has amassed a cult-following with her calming, bedroom pop songs. Her singles “21” and “Stay” put her on the map, with her intimate venues in London, New York, and Toronto being sold out pre-pandemic.
12. Shygirl
Shygirl, or Blaine Muise, is a London based rapper and club DJ who used this alias as her “alter ego.” With her heavy beats and effortless vocals, Shygirl is able to playfully express her sexuality. Her newest experimental EP ALIAS features her origin story and her four personas weaved into the album: Bae, Bovine, Bonk, and Baddie.
Article by Kaylee Wilson and Jacqueline Vu, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
