As I hope everyone is aware of by now, I love music. Like, a lot! So, as an ambassador for lit music, I plan to share some cool tracks with everyone. Not all of these songs will be extremely current, but I’d say for the most part released in the last five years. So, for your road trips or kickbacks or even to study, here are 21 artists you should already be listening to and if you’re not you should start immediately:
1. Lady Gaga
I know you’re thinking everyone knows who Lady Gaga is, which you should. However, what you may not know is that on September 9, 2016, Lady Gaga released her new single “Perfect Illusion.” I’ve been following her since 6th grade and Gaga hasn’t released pop music since 2013, so needless to say, I may have lost my marbles. Song: “Perfect Illusion”
2. Troye Sivan
Troye is an adorable muffin from Australia. Troye began his celebrity status as a YouTuber with millions of subscribers. He makes music these days and, I must say, he is damn good at it. Troye’s debut album "Blue Neighbourhood" hit the scene last year and I must say it blew my mind. Songs: check out “FOOLS”, “WILD” and “ YOUTH.”
3. Melanie Martinez 
Since her days on "The Voice," I have been intrigued by Melanie’s uniqueness not only visually but, musically as well. If you’re into some strange alternative music with nice beats, you should totally listen to her album "Cry Baby," which dropped last year as well. Songs: “Sippy Cup” and “Alphabet Boy”
4. The 1975 
Not that I’m biased or anything but The 1975 is the best band on the planet. OK, well that’s an opinion and obviously extremely biased, but I love them. Their sophomore album "I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it" was released in February of this year and I was genuinely amazed just like with the first album. Songs: “Somebody Else”, “This Must Be My Dream” and “She’s American”
5. Wet
When I saw The 1975 in June, this is the band that opened for them. This is one of the three bands on this list that I learned about because of The 1975. Wet released their first album in January of 2016 and it’s entitled, "Don’t You." You should definitely have this band on your radar. Songs: “It’s All In Vain” and “Move Me”
6. LANY
I heard about this band on the internet, as one does when they spend all of their time on the internet. Still not 100 percent sure how to pronounce the name but the music is good. Songs: “like you lots” and “ILYSB”
7. Hailee Steinfeld 
Hailee Steinfeld is lovely sweetheart who was in "Pitch Perfect" in addition to other movies. So, as you gathered, she's multi-talented. She literally has the voice of an angel. Songs: “ Love Myself ” and “You’re Such A”
8. Tinashe
Tinashe is another sweetheart that I found via the internet. If you're into Banks, FKA Twigs or Rihanna, then you'll love Tinashe. Her beats are sick and her voice is lovely.Her debut album "Aquarius" was released in 2014.Songs: "Aquarius", "2 On" feat. Schoolboy Q, and "Cold Sweat"
9. MDWS 
Shazam is a wonderful app that can aid in your discovery of new music as it did for me in regards to this artist. Songs: “Circles”
10.The Neighbourhood
I saw The Neighbourhood live in May and it was electrifying. I liked them but I wasn’t 100 percent sold until their sophomore release last year entitled "Wiped Out." I loved that album even more than the first and it helped me fall in love with the band and the previous album. Songs: “Prey”, “Daddy Issues” and “Single”
11.Tame Impala
Tame Impala is another one of those bands that I heard about on the internet. They are literally the most secretly lit band ever. And, not to mention, that Kevin Parker from Tame Impala helped in the creation of Lady Gaga’s new single “Perfect Illusion.” Their latest album, "Currents," is mindblowing. Please please please check it out! Songs: “Eventually”, “Past Life” and “New Person, Same Mistakes”
12.Halsey 
Again, I found out about Halsey on the internet. So if you’re ever looking fro music, the internet is a great resource. Needless to say, now she’s my mom. Plus she has that really big collab with the Chainsmokers right now. Listen to her debut album "Badlands" when you get a chance if you haven’t yet. Songs: “Closer” – The Chainsmokers feat Halsey, “Control” and “Colors”
13. The Kooks ![]()
Another great place to discover music is the related artists tab on Spotify, which is where I found The Kooks. If you’re into Arctic Monkeys and/or Foals, you’ll love The Kooks. Songs: “Naïve” and “Bad Habit”
14. Michael Seary
Another great feature of Spotify is the Discover Weekly playlist that they curate for you each week. That’s how I discovered Michael Seary and I think he’s pretty cool. Songs: “Can’t Say It Back” feat. Luke Cusato.
15. Azealia Banks 
I do not approve of the things she does on social media, however, Azealia Banks is an amazing artist. She has great beats and a sick flow and she rivals many of the popular rappers in the game. After much delay, "Broke With Expensive Taste" debuted in 2014 to rave reviews. Songs: “BBD” and “Van Vogue”
16. Vincent Mango 
Again, thank you Spotify for the Discover Weekly playlist. Vincent Mango has a very distinct voice wth qualities that I appreciate. Their music is a mixture of lots of styles but it’s a nice soup instead of a messy stew. Songs: “Mint Leaf”
17. Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice is the second band on this list that I heard about because of The 1975. Wolf Alice is on Dirty Hit, the same label as The 1975 so The 1975 are avid promoters of their music. Their first LP, "My Love Is Cool," debuted in 2015. If you like pop punk then Wolf Alice may become your new favorite band. Songs: “Moaning Lisa Smile”
18. Drake 
OK, duh, I sincerely hope you listen to Drake. If you don’t, get with the times please! But his latest contribution, "Views," is one of his best albums in quite awhile. Just cherish "Views," my friends. Songs: “Too Good” feat. Rihanna, “Pop Style” and “One Dance” feat. Wizkid & Kyla.
19. 50 Cent
For those of you who don’t know, while 50 Cent is indeed a rapper but, he also acts. He stars in a show, on Starz, called "Power." I encourage you to watch the show, it’s amazing, however, viewer discretion is advised. He also created the theme song for the show. Song: “Big Rich Town” feat. Joe
20. Catfish and The Bottlemen 
This is the third band on this list introduced to me by The 1975. Matty Healy, frontman of The 1975, referenced this band in an interview once and I thought “what's a Catfish and The Bottlemen?” I listened to their music and it was so sincere, heart-wrenching and beautiful. Again, if you’re into Bad Suns, The Vaccines or Foals, you will love Catfish and The Bottlmen. Their sophomore album "The Ride" was released earlier this year and it’s a nice compliment to their debut nod, "The Balcony." Songs: “26”, “Fallout” and “Twice”
21. HAIM 
HAIM is a band of sisters: Danielle, Alana, and Este. They make some pretty groovy music so if you like The 1975, Saint Motel or Tame Impala, HAIM is for you. HAIM released "Days Are Gone," their first album, was released in 2013. Songs: “Forever” and “My Song 5 (Remix)” feat. A$AP Ferg.
