If you’re anything like me, you enjoy discovering new artists, whether they’re from right here in the states or across the world. It doesn’t matter as long as they make good music.

Below are five up-and-coming artists who will release new material by the end of the year.1. Sam Smith 
 Who: 21-year-old British singer and songwriter  

When: First appeared in Disclosure’s single “Latch” in 2012. In 2013, he was  featured in Naughty Boy’s single “La La La.” His debut album, In The Lonely Hour, is set to release on June 17.  

Why: With songs like “Safe With Me,” “Money on My Mind,” and “Nirvana,”  Smith proves he is more than just backdrop in others’ singles. The more you know: He is singer Lily Allen’s third cousin and has stated he suffers from OCD in a recent interview.  

Photo courtesy: Facebook.com/samsmithworld

2. Banks Who: 25-year-old singer from Los Angeles  

When: In 2013, she released a few songs on Soundcloud. Months later, she was touring internationally with The Weeknd. In 2014, she performed at Coachella, and her debut album “Goddess” is expected September 8, 2014. 

Why: Songs like “This Is What It Feels Like,” “Change,” and “Goddess”  showcase Banks’ powerful songwriting and vocal prowess. The more you know: Although claiming that social media ‘overwhelms’ her, she put her real phone number online. “I still really want to be able to  connect with people and have people make connections through my music, so I figured, 'What a better way than to give out my number?'" 

Photo courtesy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/farfetchedfuture/6831756047/ 

3. G-Eazy
Who: 25-year-old singer, rapper, and producer from Oakland 

When: After various mixtapes, he began touring with Shwayze in 2011. In  2012, he toured with Hoodie Allen. In 2014, he is expected release his first major label album, These Things Happen, on June 23.  

Why: G-Eazy has previous experience collaborating with relatively known  artists and definitely has his own musical style as seen in “Tumblr Girls,”  “Lady Killers,” and “I Mean It.” The more you know: He is heavily influenced by the past, resembling icon  James Dean and remixing the 1960s hit “Runaround Sue.” 

Photo courtesy:http://www.bradymills.com/spotlight/music-artist-s...

4. Sam Hunt 

Who: 30-year-old singer and songwriter from Georgia 

When: He’s been writing songs for Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Keith Urban and other country stars for years, but Hunt decided to start singing in 2013. 

Why: New talent is always welcomed into the country music scene. Songs  like “Ex To See” and “House Party” illustrate why he’s been writing for big names. His EP was released earlier this year. The more you know: Hunt is a former quarterback for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

Photo courtesyhttp://musicwithoutlabels.com/2014/01/20/astr-vars...

5. ASTR 
Who: New York City musical duo 
When: Their six track EP was released earlier this year, and their mysterious aura has their fan base growing fast. 
Why: It’s difficult to put this pair into one genre – they like to combine many different musical styles into one, as seen on “Operate,” “We Fall Down,” and “Blue Hawaii.” The more you know: The two met in yoga class, and they discovered they had a love for “Miami Vice and urban landscapes.”