As we dive into the vibrant realm of 2024, the musical landscape is already buzzing with anticipation for the promising releases scheduled for the year. Alongside well-established artists, there’s a cohort of rising talents catching our attention across genres. Get ready to discover new sounds, styles, and stories that will undoubtedly leave an imprint on your musical journey.
1. BRITTI
New Orleans-based Brittany Guerin, known as BRITTI, is set to make waves with her debut album, Hello, I’m Britti, produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach. The album, blending New Orleans R&B and new Nashville spark, showcases BRITTI’s sneaky-great voice, reminiscent of a fusion between Corrine Bailey Rae and Yola. Her journey into the music scene, fueled by a transformative breakup, infuses the album with an energy akin to a bright starburst. With a release date of Feb. 2, BRITTI is poised to captivate audiences with her retro-soul sound and candid confidence.
2. Chanel Beads
The electronic pop project Chanel Beads, spearheaded by Shane Lavers in collaboration with Maya McGrory and Zachary Paul, gained attention in early 2023 with genre-bending singles. Chanel Beads playfully explores the boundaries of instrumentation, weaving dreamy melodies with microtonal notes. Recently signed to Jagjaguwar, an upcoming album is on the horizon. Keep an ear out for this New York-based project as they continue to push the boundaries of sound.
3. Peter KingKing
Peter KingKing, a multifaceted artist hailing from Los Angeles, California, intertwines his musical prowess with entrepreneurial flair, marking his journey with a deep connection to music since childhood and successful ventures in the business world managing multiple car dealerships nationwide. His music reflects authenticity and raw emotion, with lyrics painting vivid pictures of love, longing, and life’s complexities, while his melodies evoke movement and appreciation for rhythm. Through tracks like “Sweeten Than,” “True (You) Pt. 1” and “True (You) Pt. 2,” Peter showcases his versatility as an artist, exploring the nuances of love and heartbreak with soulful compositions that invite listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. As he continues to captivate audiences with his infectious energy and heartfelt tunes, Peter KingKing leaves an indelible mark on the world of music.
4. Carpool
Carpool, a band at the forefront of the rising emo/pop-punk scene, is ready to reach new heights in 2024. Hailing from New York, Carpool combines classic emo elements with pop sensibilities, indie undertones, and a punk edge. With their first SideOneDummy release, My Life in Subtitles, set to drop in March, Carpool is poised to make a mark in a genre labeled as “alternative” these days. Watch out for their single featuring Briana Wright of Cliffdiver, as Carpool gears up for an explosive year.
5. Margo Cilker
Raised in California and now based in the Pacific Northwest, Margo Cilker is a songwriter who intricately weaves tales of the natural world and family history. With comparisons to Gillian Welch, Shelby Lynne, Lucinda Williams, and John Prine, Cilker’s 2021 debut, “Pohorylle,” earned her acclaim and nominations. Her latest release, “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” showcases wit, tunefulness, and a touch of Dixieland jazz. As Margo Cilker embarks on a headlining tour in March, she promises an enchanting musical journey.
6. Deezy Baby 971
Deezy Baby 971 is making waves in the contemporary rap scene, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like 2Pac and Biggie and his cultural roots in Guadeloupe. With a passion for music cultivated since the age of 2, Deezy’s journey has led to the creation of three mixtapes and an eagerly anticipated album. His music embodies a fusion of authenticity and innovation, reflecting his diverse influences and personal experiences. Beyond his own artistry, Deezy has established Black Water Records, providing a platform for like-minded artists seeking creative freedom. His upcoming single, “Tell Me,” set to release on June 21st, offers a taste of what’s to come, following the success of tracks like “It Ain’t Personal” and “Don’t Fuck with the Kid.” These songs showcase Deezy’s lyrical prowess and unwavering dedication to his craft, serving as a testament to his resilience and authenticity in the rap game. As Deezy continues to push boundaries, his music promises to offer listeners a unique perspective and an electrifying journey through contemporary rap.
7. Melody English
Melody English, also known as the General Director of Brooklyn’s Chamber Orchestra, is not your typical alt-pop artist. Her 2020 EP Melody showcases a range that conjures calmed-down Fiona Apple and Mazzy Star, with a touch of ’90s fuzz-crunch. Her 2023 appearance on an NPR Tiny Desk show and a sold-out concert with Beach Fossils indicate a rising trajectory. With a third EP nearing completion, Melody English’s immense range is set to captivate audiences in 2024.
8. Epilogio
If the post-1966 Beatles, Seals & Crofts, and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker joined forces, the result would be Epilogio‘s “Cromo Rx.” Hailing from Puerto Rico, the band’s second album exudes a potent antidote to winter blues. Tracks like “Pirámide,” “Agente Fuentes,” and “Platicar” deliver sexy vibes with psychedelic videos to match. After a home country album release show, Epilogio will grace the U.S. in the spring, including an appearance at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.
9. Willi Carlisle
Willi Carlisle transports us to another time with his free-rambling approach to folk music. His new album, Critterland, offers traditional song forms accompanied by banjo, acoustic guitar, and squeezebox, while navigating modern life’s challenges. Carlisle’s tales of generational trauma and societal issues, delivered with the sincerity of a young Conor Oberst, make Critterland a compelling journey. Aligning himself with the outlaws and the lonely, Willi Carlisle’s empathetic storytelling is a standout in the folk scene.
10. Latin Mafia
Latin Mafia, an indie pop trio consisting of producer Mike de la Rosa and twin brothers Milton and Emilio, has achieved arena-selling success in Mexico without a formal album or record label. Their limitless sound explores dream pop, R&B, hip-hop beats, and reggaeton. With soulful voices tying their diverse genres together, Latin Mafia is set to go global with performances at Coachella, Lollapalooza Argentina, Lollapalooza Chile, Estéreo Picnic in Colombia, and Tecate Pa’l Norte in Mexico. Anticipate their debut album later this year.
