Artists to Watch | July 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.
Yuna
The Malaysian pop/R&B singer has been singing since she was seven years old and first started sharing her music via MySpace. After signing with Fader Label and moving to Los Angeles, she was mentored by and worked alongside Pharell. Her album, Rouge, features Tyler, The Creator, and G-Eazy.
On repeat: “Forevermore"
Mabel
The Spanish-born, UK-based R&B singer was recently nominated for Best British Breakthrough Act alongside Ella Mai and Jorja Smith. Her breakout single, “Don’t Call Me Up,” peaked at no.3 on the Billboard Top 40 Pop Chart. As the daughter of Neneh Cherry and Massive Attack producer Cameron McVey, she grew up surrounded by musicians which nudged her to follow suit. Her debut album, High Expectations, comes out this month.
On repeat: “Don't Call Me Up”
YK Osiris
Named after the Egyptian god (Osiris), this up-and-coming rapper from Jacksonville, Florida first went viral with his song “I’m Next (Freestyle)” which has over four million streams to date. He recently signed a deal with Def Jam with co-signs from Drake and Meek Mill, despite only having made music for a year. He was chosen as an artist on the XXL 2019 Freshman Class, and his debut album Love Hate is set to release in the next year.
On repeat: “Worth It”
AJ Mitchell
Born in Illinois and now based in Los Angeles, the 18-year-old singer-songwriter first gained a following through Instagram, where he would share covers and original songs. Through his social media following, he briefly worked with marketing agency Team 10 before focusing exclusively on music. His most recent single, “All My Friends” reached the Top 40 chart and his debut full-length album is set to release soon.
On repeat: “All My Friends”
Anna Clendening
Despite struggling with anxiety and depression, the singer-songwriter performed an acoustic rendition of “Hallelujah” on America’s Got Talent in 2014 and received widespread praise. Through social media and viral videos, she has amassed an online following of two million fans. Her latest EP, titled waves, was released in February and touches upon her real-life struggles.
On repeat: “Anxiety”
Calboy
The 19-year-old Chicago rapper taught himself to record and mix his own music in middle school via YouTube tutorials. He formed an independent imprint with his mother called Paper Gang Inc. through which he uploaded his music. Two years later, he caught the attention of Polo Grounds Music and signed a deal in October. His hit song, “Envy Me,” reached the Billboard Hot 100 and he recently dropped his debut mixtape, Wildboy, featuring rappers like Meek Mill, Young Thug, and Moneybagg Yo.
On repeat: “Caroline”
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