Artists to Watch | February 2019

From viral sensations to promising up-and-comers, 2019 is producing an incredible crop of new artists that remind us why we listen to music at all. Here are some of our favorites so far. 

⏯?

Empress Of

• The Honduran L.A.-based artist was first inspired to get into music by her father, a salsa pianist. She attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she spent her time learning how to make beats. She The Honduran L.A.-based artist was first inspired to get into music by her father, a salsa pianist. She attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she spent time learning how to make beats. She wrote, produced, and recorded her first album, Me, and has recently released her sophomore album, Us.

On repeat: “I Don't Even Smoke Weed”

Bri Steves

• This up-and-coming Philadelphia rapper met with G.O.O.D. Music, Top Dawg Entertainment, and Atlantic Records before deciding to sign with the latter. She engineers, produces, and writes her own songs. Since independently releasing tracks in 2016, she's performed on stage with Kendrick Lamar in 2018 and is expected to release her debut album this year.

On repeat: “Jealousy”

Lucky Daye

• Born and raised in New Orleans, this R&B singer grew up strictly listening to secular music as his mother belonged to a religious cult. He left New Orleans for L.A. to pursue his career and was barely scraping by when met Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II, a producer who has worked with Janet Jackson, Ty Dolla $ign and The Carters. Daye is now signed to RCA Records and has released his first major EP, I.

On repeat: “Roll Some Mo”

Conan Gray

• Originally a YouTuber, this 19-year-old Texan amassed over 20 million streams with his self-produced Idle Town in 2017. It was this traction that caught the attention of labels - he was signed to Republic Records later that year. His debut EP, Sunset Season, was released in November 2018 and he is currently on tour in North America.

On repeat: “Crush Culture”

Whethan

• The 19-year-old Chicago-based producer and DJ has been selling out shows across North America following the release of his debut EP Life of a Wallflower Vol. 1. He first gained attention from electronic producers like Skrillex and Flux Pavilion. At such an early stage in his career, he has already collaborated and produced for big names like Dua Lipa and Portugal. The Man.

On repeat: “Superlove (feat. Oh Wonder)”

Alec Benjamin

• The 24-year-old singer songwriter was inspired to get into music by Eminem, whose album he bought when he was ten years old. In 2016 he went to Europe for a "self-booked" tour, performing for crowds standing in line outside Shawn Mendes and Troye Sivan concerts, handing out business cards. His dedication and hard work paid off - in 2018 he was an opener for Camilla Cabello's Never Be The Same Tour and his songs have garnered over 50 million streams.

On repeat: “Let Me Down Slowly”

Roddy Ricch

• The Compton rapper's breakout single, "Die Young" has racked more than 19 million streams and was produced by acclaimed producer London On Da Track. He was recently featured in Meek Mill's album, Championships, who brought him out for his show at Powerhouse in Philly. He's garnered co-signs from rappers like Nipsey Hussle and Vince Staples.

On repeat: “Can't Express”

Young Nudy

• The East Atlanta rapper was first recognized after the release of his Slimeball mixtape in 2016. He opened for both 21 Savage and Playboi Carti on their respective tours, and has worked with numerous A-list rappers like Offset and Lil Yachty. Many of his beats are inspired by cartoons and video games from his childhood.

On repeat: “Friday”

RÜFÜS DU SOL

• The Grammy-nominated Australian trio has two platinum albums and have played at major music festivals around the world, including Coachella. They are currently a part of ODESZA's Foreign Family Collective and the independent Australian dance/electronic label, Sweat It Out. Their third album, Solace, which was released in late 2018, has received critical acclaim.

On repeat: “No Place”

Robinson

• The 21-year-old from New Zealand signed with Sony in early 2018 and her first single since, Nothing To Regret, reached over 300,000 streams within two days. She started to play piano at age 14 and learned the guitar through video tutorials. Despite her career kicking off very recently, she has already toured in Europe and is now headlining shows in Australia.

On repeat: “Medicine”

Stay on the pulse of the most recent news in music. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.