2024 brought us many “new” artists, quickly exploding into fame and the spotlight, including Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla and Gracie Abrams. Let’s just say the “Best New Artist” category at the Grammys will be an interesting one to see unfold.
And with these new fresh faces, there’s hope that the music industry will continue to expand and adopt new artists as 2025 unfolds. Here’s some of my predictions (and hopes) of artists to make their big break this year.
Lizzy McAlpine
While Lizzy certainly isn’t underground, with popular songs including “ceilings,” “doomsday” and “Pushing it Down and Praying,” she hasn’t made her breakthrough yet. And it’s about time.
My favorite thing about her is her voice – it’s nothing vocally extraordinary, but it’s so real, raw, not auto tuned and beautiful to listen to. She’s not forcing the oh-so-popular nasally sound employed by many artists today – I have faith her voice perfectly matches her regular speaking voice.
Her lyrics are emotional and heart wrenchingly honest, adding onto the “realness” of her singing. Go ahead and listen to more than the TikTok popular “ceilings.” I promise you won’t regret it.
Abby Powledge
You may recognize this name from the social media famous song “the way that i am.” Abby Powledge, without even an album or EP out, has become one of my new favorite artists. She only has 5 singles out, but I absolutely love them.
In particular, her singles “spoiling me” and “to be held” have been on repeat on my Spotify for the past few weeks. With an endearingly adolescent vibe, she draws all of her single covers herself, a process that she details on her social media.
As much as I want the most success for her, I love being part of such a delightfully small fandom. For example, with presaving her upcoming single and entering your address, Abby will send personalized postcards to as many fans as possible, creating a feeling of deep appreciation between artist and listener.
Doechii
In recent weeks, mainly through the power of social media, the female rapper and hip-hop artist Doechii has been blowing up for her quirky lyrics and hilarious personality. Detailing her experience as a bisexual woman, she’s added some beautiful diversity to the rap and hip-hop scene.
She employs a delightful humor in her songs, in particular “Denial is a River,” with hilarious spoken sections, with some laugh-out-loud bantering back and forth with another voice.
Her most recent album “Alligator Bites Never Heal” is a delight, and she is 100% unapologetically herself in a way reminiscent of the much loved (or hated) Doja Cat.
Leon Thomas
You may know this name from being the actor for André in the Nickelodeon show Victorious. Even in Victorious, Leon proved himself to be a strong voice and potential mainstream artist. Hopefully he gets a similar treatment to fellow co-star Ariana Grande who played Cat Valentine.
With a mix of RnB and hip-hop, Leon’s music is moody and feels like a cup of coffee while getting ready (may or may not be from personal experience.) His newest album, “MUTT,” which has received the majority of his recognition is a must-listen, shining through with its diversity, moody beats and honest lyrics.
Rex Orange County
Rex Orange County has experienced his dose of popularity, particularly with songs such as “AMAZING” and “Pluto Projector” blowing up on TikTok, but I wouldn’t consider him as having entered the mainstream spotlight – and he deserves it.
With a delicate, dreamy voice and killer lyrics, Rex Orange County brings a stunning diversity among his albums. His 2022 album “WHO CARES?” is an overwhelmingly positive record, full of reassuring tracks, while his newest release, “The Alexander Technique” is much deeper and honest to his struggles with mental illness and being an artist.
Whatever kind of music you’re in the mood for, he has it.
Well, there it is. Hopefully I can look back at this a year from now, seeing that these underappreciated artists have stepped into their well-deserved spotlight, but who knows?
