Music is one thing in our lives that we can control. We can have it at our sides on our phones, in our cars, or in the comfort of our own rooms. We can also choose what music we’d like to listen to and how it can dictate our moods. The bands on this list may not appeal to you especially but I’d highly recommend trying a few of them to figure out what few ones you may want to continue to listen to. It’s always fun knowing some more obscure bands! Sure, you may have heard a song or two before, but all of these artists have remarkable work that not many people know on the rest of their album. Check out a band and the songs I recommend, and if you like them, try the rest.
1. Broods.
This sibling duo from New Zealand has a soft tone that can ramp up and down depending on the song, beautiful melodies, and good song meanings. There is a soft power with an Indie, electronic pop base. I've seen them in concert, and her voice is just as beautiful as the albums sound. They also write all of their own songs. Try their most popular song “Bridges” for a pretty good feel of their type, or “L.A.F.” for a more upbeat song of theirs. If you’ve heard “Bridges” before, I’d recommend still trying the rest of their album “Evergreen.”
2. Huntar.
Huntar is a 21-year-old anonymous singer who is becoming increasingly more popular in South London. There are similarities to songs by James Blake, if you’ve listened to him before (which if you haven't you should – he would have been on this list if he weren't already becoming increasingly popular). Huntar has perfect pitch in his songs, an amazingly high range, and a really good back beat to his songs. It has a bit of an electronic-pop sound, depending on the song, but his voice is true. It can only be described as different, and perfect for any time of the day or night. He is truly in it for the music, not the fame, and he is truly someone who you should know. Try “Bitter” for an example of his angel voice, or “Love I Know” for more of his spooky feel.
3. Zella Day.
Zella Day is a singer from Los Angeles (Arizona originally) who has a unique pop-indie-bohemian style. With deep lyrics and a romantic voice, the bohemian feel gives her an edge that some other singers don’t have. She was inspired by Joni Mitchell, and you can tell from the inflections in her voice. If you are a fan of beautiful voices and a girl with a different flair, she is your girl. She happens to be a recent personal favorite of mine. I've seen her in concert and yes, she is just as good and just as inspiring. I’d recommend beginning with one of her two most known songs, “East of Eden” or “Hypnotic,” and if you like the sound of either of those, check out “1965” off her beautiful album “Kicker.”
4. Indiana.
Indiana is a singer-songwriter from Nottingham, England. She has an edgy electronic-pop feel, with good beats and catchy choruses. To me, she closely resembles Banks the singer (who would’ve made this list but she is now somewhat well known…if you don’t know her look her up too), but Indiana is more upbeat and moody. “Heart on Fire” or “Solo Dancing” would be good introductory songs to get to know Indiana’s style.
5. Oh Wonder.
Oh Wonder is a duo that was created in Amsterdam. Every month, for a year, they have been releasing one song. On September 4, their first album will be released. Honestly, the first time I heard them, I was captivated. Every one of their songs has the same feel but is distinctive, and each is very catchy. I had no problem singing along the second time I heard their songs. “Technicolour Beat” is their most known song, and it is really good, but I’d also recommend “Dazzle” and “Body Gold.”
6. ZZ Ward.
ZZ Ward has been one of my favorite singers for a while now. She is from Oregon, and her songs have roots in too many genres to allow her to be categorized. She incorporates blues, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and neo-soul into her sassy songs. You have to listen to understand. Along with playing multiple instruments and writing all of her own music, she can rarely be found without a signature ZZ-style hat. I've seen her live twice, and she has an amazing presence, voice, and personality. A song by her you may have heard in the background of a movie trailer or a TV show is called "Put the Gun Down," and "365 Days" also illustrates her power and style. "Last Love Song" is Adele-like, slow and heartfelt. My personal favorite however, would be "Move Like U Stole It."
7. BØRNS
BØRNS is a singer/songwriter from Michigan, and he brings a combination of genres to the table, similar to many of these artists. With an electro-pop background, he uses his dreamy falsetto to create songs that are fun to dance to, along with pulling rock and folk roots in. With no full album out yet (just an EP) we are ready to hear some great things from BØRNS. My first recommendation would be to listen to "Electric Love," then "10,000 Emerald Pools." He is as cool as he seems in person, I've met him!
8. Sylvan Esso
9. Linus Young
10. Ryn Weaver
Now that you have been overwhelmed by 10 new bands, I will stop myself from continuing. However, I have plenty more artists that I'd like to share so if you enjoyed this, look for a second addition to this article next week! I hope you enjoyed reading and learning, and you like what you hear! Share this article and these bands with your friends – they deserve recognition. Happy listening!
