Artists to Watch | August 2019
From viral sensations to promising up-and-comers, 2019 is producing an incredible crop of new artists that remind us why we listen to music at all. Here are some of our favorites so far.
Katori Walker
The upcoming Pasadena, California, rapper first gained attention with his video for "Ormoni," named after his brother who was killed in 2017 in a gang-related activity, and which hit over 4.2 million views. His music and accompanying visuals are often political, touching on issues within the black community in America, with lyrics that are frank and provocative. He released his third project, Stubborn EP, in March and recently toured with Vince Staples on his Smile You're On Camera Tour. He hopes to collaborate with bigger artists such as Kendrick and J. Cole for his debut album.
On repeat: “Dolla Save Me"
J.S. Ondara
The Kenyan-born folk singer-songwriter moved to the United States in 2013 with a dream of making music and singing. Heavily inspired by Bob Dylan, he moved to Minnesota (the country legend's home state) where he taught himself to play guitar and started playing open mics. After gaining attention in the local Minneapolis scene and subsequently from labels, he started working on his debut album, Tales of America, which was released this past February.
On repeat: “Television Girl”
Nicole Bus
Before signing to a major label, the half-Dutch half-Curaçaose R&B singer had a multifaceted musical journey - she won a national artist competition in the Netherlands, toured an album, attended the Conservatory of Amsterdam, and competed in The Voice of Holland. In another songwriting contest in Amsterdam, she met her current producer, Needlz, who has previously worked with Drake and Cardi B. She is currently signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation and is expected to release her debut album soon.
On repeat: “You”
JAMESDAVIS
The Inglewood, California, siblings consist of twins Jess and Erika, and their younger brother Auston. Although Jess signed to a label at a young age, she quit after a negative experience with the industry. Her and her siblings formed a band instead, making alternative R&B music that caught the attention of the Motown label. They released their latest EP, Masterpeace, in May and supported Leikeli47 on her Acryclic Tour in North America.
On repeat: “Something To Talk About”
Joy Crookes
At just 20 years old, the London-based singer-songwriter has already released two EPs with her latest, Perception, released in June. She started playing the guitar and songwriting at the age of 12, using it as an escape for her emotions. Of Bangledeshi and Irish descent, she draws on her dual identity and borrows from both cultures for many of her songs . The video for her single "Don't Let Me Down" has over 1.1M views.
On repeat: “Hurts”
Stay on the pulse of the most recent news in music. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
