There’s nothing better than something new and new music is always “music to my ears”. (A phrase coined to describe news that is pleasing.) Music, too, should be pleasing to the ears in the same way that good news is when someone uses that phrase. If you feel the radio waves are not delivering the best right now, like we do, here are some up-and-coming artists whose music will definitely bring fresh sounds of pleasure to your ears. Here are five artists on the rise to add to your digital playlist, now!
1. B.J. the Chicago Kid
B.J. the Chicago Kid has been in the music industry for a while but has always been in the background as a back-up and songwriter. Finally the South Side Chicago-bred guy is now at the forefront. Signed to Motown shortly after being featured on some Kendrick Lamar records and releasing his debut album Pineapple Now-Laters, B.J. the Chicago Kid seems to have a promising future. Download Pineapple Now-Laters and other tunes from B.J. the Chicago Kid on iTunes orAmazon.
2. Marian Mereba
Marian Mereba is an Ethiopian-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has been honing her artistry in Atlanta, GA. She’s gained a diverse fan-base from her fresh sound and intimate presentation. With production assistance from Berklee College of Music graduate John Key and Wondaland Arts Society‘s young prodigy Roman GianArthur, Marian has created a one-of-a-kind sound with the Room for Living EP. This is the first release from the independent artist, and was recorded entirely in her living room! These are the type of albums that will resonate with music lovers across the world. Download it on her Bandcamp!
3. Joey Bada$$
Joey Bada$$ is young and talented. Born in 1995 and raised in Brooklyn, New York the rapper has been described as “nice.” He is an independent artist and producer who is also a member of the hip hop collection Pro.Era. With the release of his mix-tape 1999, released in June of 2012, Joey Bada$$ received a lot of recognition and offers from record labels. He is still independent but with all he has his hands in we can expect to see much happen in 2013. Download 1999 on DatPiff.
4. Ab-Soul
Top Dawg Entertainment signee Ab-Soul is just that; Soulful in the way he delivers lines. From Carson, California he is ¼ of the Black Hippy movement. You’ve probably heard Ab-Soul, who calls Kendrick Lamar one of his inspirations, on Kendrick’s Section.80. Download Long Term and Long Term 2 on DatPiff. Download Control System on iTunes.
5. Jhené Aiko
This Los Angeles based artist has been seen opening for Nas and Solange for some time now. She considers herself a writer, a singer, and a student of life. Aiko was signed by a record label at the age of 12, but is coming into her own and garnering support in her early twenties. Her Facebook page reads, “sailing soul(s) is my first of many offerings to any and everyone who will listen and pay attention.” Download her offering on her official website.
Have you been playing any of these artist in your ear buds? Who are some new artists you have been listening to lately?
