Artists to Watch | September 2018
From viral sensations to promising up-and-comers, 2018 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.
88rising
This artists’ collective, described as “hybrid management, record label, video production and marketing company”, was founded by Sean Miyashiro in the hopes of gaining visibility for Asian hip-hop artists in America. It now includes Rich Brian, Joji, and Higher Brothers. The company not only oversees and markets their artists, but also produces a variety of video content ranging from music videos to full-length documentaries.
Their first video was of Desiigner performing “Panda” in Chinese. Since it was posted in 2016, it has 1.5M views.
On repeat: “Midsummer Madness” feat. Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers & AUGUST 08
Louis The Child
This electronic-pop duo first gained popularity with their track “It’s Strange” featuring K. Flay in 2016, which was featured on the FIFA ’16 soundtrack. The summer smash “Better Not” is duo's biggest hit to date reaching the Top 20 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
On repeat: “Better Not” feat. Wafia
Dean Lewis
This Australian singer-songwriter used to write songs for other artists before his debut single “Waves” gained major attention and reached over 122 million streams. The hit was featured on numerous TV shows such as “Riverdale,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Suits.”
His main songwriting inspiration came from listening to Liam Gallagher obsessively throughout his childhood after his dad played him the Oasis Manchester Live 2005 DVD.
On repeat: “Be Alright”
HoodCelebrityy
The Jamaican-born Bronx rapper first gained traction after her longtime friend Cardi B reposted one of her early freestyle videos in 2015. Soon after, she released “Wine Pon It,” which also went viral. She was recently newly signed by Epic Records.
Her tracks showcase elements of reggae and modern hip-hop. As she would describe, “it’s like rap infused with Jamaican urban culture.”
On repeat: “Walking Trophy”
This Wild Life
Although it first appeared on the scene as a pop-punk band, the Californian duo turned to writing acoustic songs after performing a cover of “Sleepwalking” by Bring Me the Horizon. Since then they’ve fully transitioned to an acoustic sound while still performing at punk venues.
This Wild Life will be supporting Mayday Parade on their 2018 fall tour alongside William Ryan Key from Yellowcard and Oh, Weatherly.
On repeat: “Catie Rae”
TK Kravitz
This rapper started out in a duo with CashOnly under the name TK-N-Cash, but found success as a solo artist with his first mixtape, TK Kravitz. It featured guest artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Rich The Kid, and Famous Dex, and has generated more than 1 million streams.
His lead single “Ocean” off his second album, 2.0, features his longtime friend Jacquees, and peaked at No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart.
On repeat: “Ocean” ft. Jacquees
The Interrupters
This female-fronted ska/punk band has worked some of the biggest artists in rock: Travis Barker let them record at his studio for free and put them on his festival; Musink, Rancid and Green Day have both taken them on tour.
Rancid front man, Tim Armstrong, produced and contributed to their album, Fight the Good Fight. Their latest single, “She’s Kerosene,” made it to No. 15 on the Billboard Alternative charts.
On repeat: “She’s Kerosene”
Hatchie
This Australian singer and bassist sat on “Try,” the first song she ever recorded, for a year before finally uploading it onto Triple J Unearthed, a talent scouting division of Australia’s national radio station. The song gained major attention from labels, managers, and producers.
The 25-year-old Brisbane native produces her own music, playing and creating all the parts.
On repeat: “Bad Guy”
Amy Shark
Six months after her debut single “Adore” hit the radio, this Australian singer-songwriter was signed to Sony’s Wonderlick Entertainment. Her track “Psycho” features vocals from Blink-182 bassist, Mark Hoppus.
Since being signed, she’s broken into the US Billboard chart and has had performances on The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
On repeat: “I Said Hi”
Derez De'Shon
The Atlanta rapper’s track “Hardaway” peaked at No. 39 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, has over 7 million U.S. streams, and currently has 85 million views on YouTube. The song was produced by London On Da Track.
Since his breakout in 2017, he’s worked with artists like 2Chainz, Yo Gotti, and YFN Lucci.
On repeat: “Lord Forgive Me”
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