Artists to Watch | May 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.
Tayla Parx
This 25-year-old Dallas native has songwriting credits on some of today's major hits, including Ariana Grande's "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings," and Khalid's "Love Lies." Since being signed at the age of 19, she has also written for Janelle Monae, Majid Jordan, BTS, Mariah Carey, and Demi Lovato. She is currently on tour with Anderson .Paak in Europe and will be touring alongside Lizzo this spring. When she's not doing music, you can find her acting in movies and shows like Hairspray and Gilmore Girls.
On repeat: “Slow Dancing"
Mabel
The London-based R&B singer was featured on Jax Jones's "Ring Ring" with Rich The Kid which reached the top of the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs in August. She was nominated for Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Brit Awards and supported Harry Styles on his European tour. She attended the prestigious Rytmus music school in Sweden where Robyn and Tove Lo also studied.
On repeat: “Don't Call Me Up”
Nafe Smallz
The UK rapper has opened for artists like Future, Rich Homie Quan, and Migos on their respective tours.
On repeat: “Wouldn't Believe It”
Koffee
The 18-year-old Jamaican reggae singer/rapper started her musical career at a young age in a church choir, practicing melodies and harmonies. Her breakout single "Toast" was produced by Walshy Fire of Major Lazer. Before the recent release of her Rapture EP, she signed to Columbia UK and had already released five singles.
On repeat: “Throne”
070 Shake
This New Jersey native is Kanye West's latest signee, a standout vocalist on his latest project Ye as well as on Daytona (Pusha T), Kids See Ghosts (Kanye & Kid Cudi), and Nasir (Nas). She signed to G.O.O.D. Music after a friend played Kanye one of her tracks. She supported The 1975 on their tour in 2016 and is currently working on a debut album.
On repeat: “I Laugh When I'm With Friends But Sad When I'm Alone”
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
When South Korean Big Hit Entertainment debuted this 5-piece boy band, the website crashed within seconds of going live and their introduction video garnered over 6 million views within 15 hours. Their debut music video for "Crown" broke the record for most viewed K-Pop music video debut within 24 hours. They are the fastest K-Pop group to appear in the Billboard 200 with their album debuting at No. 140 and No. 1 on the Emerging Artists chart.
On repeat: “CROWN”
Fletcher
The 24-year-old New Jersey pop singer has already performed at several festivals including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Life is Beautiful. She started classical vocal training at five years old and played the piano, clarinet, and flute before writing her own music at age 14.
On repeat: “Undrunk”
Miya Folick
The half Japanese, half Russian L.A. native was initially interested in acting before discovering songwriting and singing. Not knowing how and where to meet other musicians, she resorted to Tinder where she formed her current band. Since 2015 she has released two EPs and her debut album, Premonitions, in October.
On repeat: “Stock Image”
Ben Platt
Best known for his supporting role in Pitch Perfect, this actor, singer, and songwriter began his career in Broadway at the age of 9 and has won a Tony Award for his role in Dear Evan Hansen. His debut album, Sing to Me Instead, touches upon his experience as an openly gay artist and was inspired by Ellen DeGeneres for being honest with her sexuality.
On repeat: “Temporary Love”
Yola
The British Americana singer-songwriter was noticed by Black Keys singer/guitarist, Dan Auerbach, who co-wrote and produced her latest album, Walk Through Fire. As a teen, she would sneak out of her house to perform at clubs and for studio sessions while most of her friends were sneaking out to get drunk. Early in her career, she was associated with the electronic group Massive Attack and was a backup vocalist for Katy Perry.
On repeat: “Faraway Look”
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