To anyone who knows me, you know that I'm a huge music junkie. The power of music is impeccable and unexplainable. It inspires you to be powerful, loving and most of all, it tells a story. I think that is maybe why I'm so moved by it. Lately I've noticed a shift in popular music in the last year, which excites me. There are also several new artists that are growing, so to me, these are the next few artists to watch out for this coming year.
1. Chloe Howl
This British artist is barely getting started in America but I'm excited to see her grow. Recently she was at this year's SXSW festival in Austin and went over to New York for her first headlining show as well. At first, when I passed by this girl's name and music I kind of shunned it off because it was not my style, but I was lying to myself.
Her music is infectious and her name alone is so odd I found myself going back to her music questioning whether or not to listen, and of course I caved in. To describe her music, she's a more electronic alternative pop or as she likes to call it "steak and kidney pop." She was signed at 16 and immediately started making music full time.
Now at the age of 19, Chloe has already sung at the Glastonbury festival, been a part of the BBC Sound of 2014, and was even nominated for a Brit Award. She released her EP and is later touring with Ellie Goulding this year. "Rumour" and "No Strings" are her current singles, but my personal favorite has been "Disappointed." She is also appeared in this month's issue of Teen Vogue along with other talented musicians I love, such as Ella Eyre, BANKS and Foxes. In my opinion, I think she's absolutely fantastic and you need to give her a listen.
2. 5 Seconds of Summer
Australian band, 5SOS, consists of four members Calum Hood, Michael Clifford, Luke Hemmings, and Ashton Irwin. You would probably recognize these Aussies from their recent radio hit "She Looks So Perfect," but these gents are no shy from experience. They just completed touring with One Direction on their last tour and plan on performing again with them on their Where We Are tour. Now I'm a huge fan of bands, so when I heard them I automatically loved them. Signed with Capitol Records, these boys actually met each other in school and soon enough started a YouTube channel. As for why they named themselves 5 Seconds of Summer, I'm not sure. It's been said Michael thought of the name at random, but hey, it works well with them! Personally, my favorite songs are "Out of My Limit" and their cover of "What I Like About You." This up-and-coming band is not one to miss, if you haven't heard their music, you'll need to immediately.
3. HAIM
Like what I said with 5 Seconds of Summer, I am a huge fan of bands. Composed of sisters Alana Haim, Danielle Haim and Este Haim, they chose their band name based off of their last name. Their sound is so unique, it has a very alternative '70s rock sound to it, and even though that's typically not my style, I got into the groove pretty quick. Growing up in San Fernando Valley in California, these girls started as a family band named Rockinhaim that covered people like Billy Joel and The Eagles. Each one of the girls had a different path and went on to become personally successful by themselves before they decided to create HAIM. The rock band soon became a part of the BBC sound of 2013, played at Coachella, and even performed on Saturday Night Live. In their newest album, Days are Gone, "The Wire" is their current single and my personal favorite along with "Let Me Go."
These are some of the people I'm obsessing over at the moment. I cannot wait to hear more from these artists and I'm sure 2014 will bring some great creations from these people. These artists are my recommendations to listen to and I hope you will enjoy listening to them as much as I did.