It's been quite the year for indie artists and although our Albums of The Year have featured big acts like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar to up-and-comers Anna of the North and Julien Baker, that doesn't mean we don’t still have our eyes on newer artists that are still paving their way and making waves in the music world. There’s so many artists that we loved this year and it’s impossible to name them all but here are some of our favorite new acts to keep up with.
Jessie Reyez
Jessie Reyez has been hugely popular this year, and “Gatekeeper” has been a defining song for 2017. She is not afraid to use some bold lyrics to get her point across “we are the gatekeepers, spread your legs, open up, you would be famous, you know we're holding the dreams that you're chasing.” In “Figures” she opens up about a rocky relationship and is so real and honest that the cracks in her voice will move you to tears.
Robinson
Robinson’s haunting voice is unforgettable and her song “Don’t You Forget About Me” was so poignant and dark, then she turned it around with “Crave You” a popping electronic song balanced by sultry vocals.
Cyn
Cyn has the most delicate and unique voice. “Together” and and “Only With You” are both so shimmering and light. She opened for BORNS in LA recently and has another booking opening for morgxn too.
Billie Eilish
It would be hard to find another artist that shot up as quickly as Billie Eilish this year. How did she get so cool? She’s so young but her lyrics are incredibly smart and she has a dark sense of humor that’s reflected in her songs. Whether you were hooked by “COPYCAT” her snarky song about someone trying to imitate her or “bellyache” where she details the perspective of a regretful psychopath. Normal girl stuff.
K Flay
Hello, K Flay is nominated for two Grammys this year and it’s well deserved. Her album is filled with modern rock songs that are so welcome in a world that seems to making less rock records every day. “Blood In The Cut” makes you feel like a complete badass no matter what you’re doing and we NEED more female rockstars.
Allie X
Allie X is a little off, which is the best thing about her. She's eccentric and weird and her music is pure pop perfection. Whether it's "Casanova" or "Paper Love" her music is so unique.
Liz Huett
Liz Huett is one of my favorite artists for sure, her writing is so sassy and you just want to be her best friend. She's a little rough around the edges in a fun way.
Merci Raines
I can’t get over how much I love Merci’s voice, it has this very distinctive smoky sound. Her songs “Moon City” and “Smoke” are witch pop at its finest. She's been previewing new work on social and at her shows and we can't wait to hear it.
Walker Lukens
Walker is one of our favorite Austin acts right now and after his recent release Tell It To The Judge, it’s clear that he has national potential. "Don't Wanna Be Lonely (Don't Wanna Leave You Alone)" is so freaking catchy.
Leikeili47
The name is tough but Leikeli47 is the what hip hop needs right now, more badass lady rappers. “Money” is insanely catchy and danceable and we’re just waiting for DJ’s to stop sleeping on her and play her when we go out.
Maty Noyes
It’s actually annoying at this point that I don’t hear “Say It To My Face” every time I turn on the radio. The song was definitely one of my most played this year and her earlier release “in my miNd.” Maty Noyes is definitely going to make a name for herself.
Northern National
Northern National brings a southern vibe to a classic rock sound but the band is constantly working on new projects and they’ve said their new music has a darker vibe. This is going to be a huge year for them.
The Band CAMINO
The Band CAMINO have an undeniable chemistry and have been gaining a ton of momentum. The band moves through dreamy electro infused songs to more classic rock vibes effortlessly.
The Wldlfe
The Wldlfe has been takin over. They've been touring extensively and after their first EPs New and I.L.Y. we're hoping for way more music from the indie-alt-pop band this year.
Jena Rose
While Jena Rose broke out with "Paper Walls" a beautiful ballad with dramatic vocals. This year, her "Sweet Love" really sounded like it could be her signature. The songstress opened for Sabrina Carpenter last year and this year will be touring with pop-darlings Echo Smith, so now's the time to start paying attention.
Why Don’t We
Even though Why Don’t We had a phenomenal year, we’re just waiting for them to skyrocket into the slot that’s been left open since One Direction broke up. The boys have been playing Jingle Balls and selling out massive shows. They’re definitely going to be huge so we’re just here to say we found them first.
Joan
Joan makes indie pop that is reminiscent of the 80s but in a cool modern way. Their song "love somebody like you" is synthy and catchy and they're kind of the new The 1975.
Kim Petras
There's something so refreshing about Kim Petras, her song "I Don't Want It At All" is glamorous and shameless. It's classic pop and it's not afraid to be. She was featured on a new Charli XCX song, she has crazy live-vocals and her style is insane. Also, the video features Paris Hilton, so enjoy.
ARIZONA
I think I had this album on loop all summer. ARIZONA truly makes the catchiest shimmery pop that gets stuck in your head so easily. At Hangout Fest people were crowded to see their tiny stage.
Daphne Willis
Daphne Willis is such an inspiring songwriter, she's so emotionally honest and really brings her poetry background into her writing and she doesn't shy away from difficult topics but confronts them head on.