Adam Bosarge, Alex Banin, Alex Pattle, Amanda Bergman, Ax and the Hatchetmen, Being Lifeless, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, BIRTHE, Davis Gestiehr, Deacon, Dion Berardo, Doechii, Elephante, fantasy of a damaged coronary heart, Freya McKee, Hemlocke Springs, Iress, Isabella Storm, Jordaan Mason and the Horse Museum, Kneecap, Letters Despatched Dwelling, Lucy Kruger & The Misplaced Boys, Magdalena Bay, Maudify, Medium Construct, Melissa Aldana, Mk.gee, Polaris, Ratboys, Sly Jr., Sone, Supreme Particles, Th&o., The Caretaker, The Cassette, Vaticanjail, Wisp
From all of us right here at Atwood Journal, we want you a cheerful and wholesome new yr!
2024 has been an inspiring yr for music. Dwelling legends have additional solidified their legacies, while contemporary faces have change into new favorites.
Atwood Journal has at all times had at its core the mission to have a good time music of all genres, and this yr we continued our aim to be an area of inclusivity and illustration by consciously highlighting artwork and artists from around the globe. The yr in music was made all of the extra thrilling due to the broad vary of music we featured and centered on – from these acquainted names within the Prime 40, to creatives in probably the most underground, indie, and various of circles.
For therefore many of those artists, music is greater than a mere technique of self-expression; it’s a vessel stuffed with superior potential. In recent times, it has felt more and more necessary to acknowledge and elevate those that use their artwork as a voice for the disenfranchised; the oppressed; the underrepresented; and the underprivileged. This yr, we proceed to acknowledge those that communicate for extra than simply themselves, whereas on the identical time indulging within the acquainted, timeless themes of affection, loss, hope, connection, braveness, change, and the endless pursuit of happiness.
Because the yr involves a detailed, our employees took a step again to honor the songs, albums, EPs, concert events, and artist discoveries that had the best affect on our lives. With out additional ado, Atwood Journal is proud to current our curated checklist of 2024’s Artist Discoveries of the Yr, in alphabetical order by artist.
From Doechii and Mk.gee to Wisp, Medium Construct, Magdalena Bay, Th&o., Freya McKee, Amanda Bergman, and so many extra, these are our favorites – the brand new (to us) acts whose music and artistry influenced us probably the most. Please be part of us in celebrating 2024’s contributions to the music world!
Mitch Mosk, Editor-in-Chief
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Atwood’s 2024 Music of the Yr
Click on on the artist’s title to skip proper to their entry!
Adam Bosarge, Alex Banin, Alex Pattle, Amanda Bergman, Ax and the Hatchetmen, Being Lifeless, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, BIRTHE, Davis Gestiehr, Deacon, Dion Berardo, Doechii, Elephante, fantasy of a damaged coronary heart, Freya McKee, Hemlocke Springs, Iress, Isabella Storm, Jordaan Mason and the Horse Museum, Kneecap, Letters Despatched Dwelling, Lucy Kruger & The Misplaced Boys, Magdalena Bay, Maudify, Medium Construct, Melissa Aldana, Mk.gee, Polaris, Ratboys, Sly Jr., Sone, Supreme Particles, Th&o., The Caretaker, The Cassette, Vaticanjail, Wisp
A reoccurring, musical blessing has befallen me this yr time and time once more, and that’s the prevalent serendipity of the YouTube algorithm. The YouTube algorithm is your buddy. It needs to present you gems you’d have by no means uncovered from the heaving amalgam that’s the platform’s deepest annals. It is a sentiment shared by Adam Bosarge himself, who made certain as an instance his gratitude, albeit a confounded one, after I interviewed him earlier this yr. His catalogue is a myriad of wonders, a plethora of mysteries, a gauntlet of adventures, a gamut of quick tales to peruse, be amused by, be enamoured by their particular person personalities and whimsy, earlier than being swept up within the subsequent charming vignette.
“Constructions With out Rooms” is a private favorite; it’s an arcade of inventive liberation and folly. It by no means takes itself critically, but it surely provides such a scope of musical bounty. It handles percussion in a very mesmerising method. Adam Bosarge is a musician with a persistently distinctive catalogue. No matter he makes subsequent will probably be as much as him – and that’s superbly thrilling.
The most intimate, ambient, and susceptible report I heard this yr was, surely, Alex Banin’s achingly dreamy sophomore EP, Since Winona. “And to be someone’s somebody; to really feel like I used to be one thing for as soon as…” she trails off within the EP’s opening minute, her voice a lightning rod of uncooked emotion in a sea of seductive drum work. “I can’t keep concerned with your decisions. I can’t afford what you do in boredom these days.” It’s a spine-chilling introduction, and one that completely units the tone for the subsequent fifteen minutes because the Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter pours her coronary heart out, bringing listeners into her interior sanctum with soul-stirring finesse. Private highlights have included the intoxicating, totally mesmerizing “Doc Whiler,” the tender and turbulent “IN FEAR, ETC.,” the loss and longing-fueled “FKA Passat,” and the superbly gut-wrenching, hypnotic, and heartrending “From a Completely different Life, It Appears” – every of which stands by itself, however is made higher by the songs round it.
Whereas she’s been lively for 5 years, this EP served as my gateway into Banin’s oeuvre – and it’s opened me as much as an entire world of splendidly atmospheric, brooding, and alluring alternative- and (at occasions) pop-adjacent music. Like all the perfect information, the true energy and power of Since Winona comes out if you take heed to the report in full, permitting Alex Banin to take your thoughts, physique, and soul on a sweetly spellbinding journey that, whereas fleeting, proves immediately memorable and irresistibly transferring.
Partwork of Alex Pattle’s attract is the thriller he’s shrouded in. He appears to be very new to the indie scene, however the music is curiously developed. A trifecta of tracks is all that exists below his title, although all are sure by a shared lore – which conveys a life story of heartbreak, dislocation, and haunting recollections. My favorite observe of his is Pears And Ghosts, wherein he describes “choosing pear timber” with a ghost. There are many references to locations throughout his work, together with “Berlin,” “Rome,” and “Heathrow,” which in some boards has generated hypothesis as to the place his roots actually lie. I’ll get pleasure from sticking with this artist, listening to him develop, and hopefully having fun with extra additions to the sound; comparable to some gritty electrical guitar work.
Ever since I first pressed ‘play’ again in June, Amanda Bergman’s sophomore album has change into a relentless companion to my every day comings and goings. It’s a soothing, soul-stirring, infinite lullaby; a spellbinding set of candy serenades that envelop the ears whereas warming the guts and nourishing the soul. Calm but cathartic, charming but charged, Your Arms Endlessly Checking on My Fever is a breathtakingly stunning triumph of the human spirit. It’s without delay tender and dramatic – an infectiously catchy, all-consuming assortment of radiant reveries, intimate interior reckonings, and susceptible reflections on life and loss of life, goal and place – what it means to reside, and what it means to reside effectively.
Bergman is not at all “new” to the music scene – she launched her debut LP Docks in 2016 – however Your Arms was her first launch in a number of years, and a bona fide “return” to the highlight for the Swedish singer/songwriter. Bergman has described music as “the reply to life,” and this album definitely feels just like the full-bodied realization of that philosophical assertion. From the smoky, scintillating seduction of album opener “Wild Geese, Wild Love” and the heartrending romantic ache of “I Love Him Til I Love Him Proper,” to the exhilarating propulsion of “Day 2000 Awake,” the cinematic, ethereal exhale of “My Arms within the Water,” the light, tranquil ebb and move of “The World Is Bored with You” and past, Bergman unpacks life itself – the world round us, in addition to her very personal existence – by way of songs stuffed with gentle, love, and an intimate, plain sense of awe. Like a waking dream or a fantasy fulfilled, Your Arms Endlessly Checking on My Fever feels otherworldly, but comforting. It’s the musical blanket we didn’t know we wanted, able to tuck us in each evening. – Mitch Mosk
Some of the perfect music finds you if you least anticipate it. In my case, I found Chicago’s Ax and the Hatchetmen purely by happenstance earlier this month when the band stopped by my college’s radio station for a studio session. It wasn’t supreme, as I used to be anxiously operating forwards and backwards to arrange studio lights, tripods, and double-checking digital camera settings, priming the area to correctly accommodate a six-piece band of two guitarists, a bassist, trumpeter, saxophonist, and cajon participant. Because the chaos subsided and the band began enjoying, nevertheless, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I discovered myself caught between the roles of the top videographer and an awestruck first-time listener.
Simply if you assume the whole lot’s been accomplished, Ax and the Hatchetmen enterprise into uncharted sonic territory and rightfully declare it their very own. Having six individuals in a self-identified rock ‘n’ roll band needs to be calculated and intentional, particularly inside a style that tends to cap bands at 4. Ax and the Hatchetment fuse jazz and blues with catchy various rock, providing a dynamic and refreshing listening expertise certain to pique ears and hearts. In any other case easy and sunshiney indie rock is made intricate with wealthy layers of horns and heat percussions, because the band combines formal jazz training with rock ‘n’ roll propensities to maintain spirits excessive and stress low.
Nihilism has by no means sounded extra jovial than on Being Lifeless’s Eels. The Texas-based indie trio explores the surreal humor of residing in a actuality of crushed goals and unrealistic expectations, spinning tales of mundanity with the charisma of a sunscreen commercial. Being Lifeless approaches their music with a storybook-like attraction, layering their difficult sentiments below a easy, nostalgia-laced guise, and like every memorable story, Being Lifeless thrives on unpredictability. Gritty storage rock to 60’s pastiche, impressionistic bed room pop to haunting avant-garde folks, the band seemingly does all of it. However Being Lifeless will not be impervious to transient moments of melancholy. “There’s nobody to depend on … there’s no map left to information us” they sing on the somber “Dragons II”, pausing to lament the lack of a fairy story innocence (although it doesn’t take lengthy to proceed the rager). Showcasing a formidable aesthetic of expertise, intelligence, and flexibility, Being Lifeless’s artistic drive is to not be trifled with, making for considered one of, if not the brightest younger acts within the indie rock.
A discovery that originated in 1971! A lot occurs on TikTok earlier than it occurs anyplace else. Or, on this case, earlier than it occurs once more? An off-the-cuff scroll can result in probably the most nice locations up to now. As an illustration, the transferring music of Beverly Glenn-Copeland, who recorded a self-titled sophomore album in 1971 to observe up a debut launched below his earlier title, Beverly Copeland, recorded previous to the artist’s gender transition.
The story of adversity saved me, however the tune stopped me. “Color of Anyhow” evokes the whole lot that I bear in mind as a ’70s youngster falling in love with the simplicity of singer-songwriters possessing wealthy, hypnotic voices thickened by triumphs (and the troubles that initiated them.) For followers of Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell, and Judy Collins.
Earlier this yr, I found BIRTHE, a rare songstress whose sound is a melting pot of Soul, R&B, Pop, Funk, and Jazz influences. Presently getting ready to a exceptional breakthrough within the music scene, BIRTHE’s artistry shines by way of her intricate use of strings and wind devices, weaving a wealthy, evocative soundscape. Her capability to steadiness consolation with vulnerability is nothing wanting mesmerizing, a stand out single this yr from her is “Strangers,” serving as a testomony to her dynamic vary. A darkish Latin pop observe with a danceable groove, The tune captures the tumult of a poisonous relationship with an introspective lens, delivering each heartfelt depth and irresistible rhythms. BIRTHE’s uncooked ardour ignites each second of the tune, leaving listeners enthralled by her authenticity and depth. “Strangers” is a sensory journey that underscores her dedication to inventive integrity. Together with her forthcoming album promising to delve additional into this deeply private but universally relatable narrative, BIRTHE is undoubtedly an artist to observe.
Nashville artist Davis Gestiehr will not be a brand new artist, however in 2024 he definitely made a splash, releasing a plethora of tracks (and an EP!) that caught my consideration. Most notably was “Cool With It,” a single which I believe completely sums up who the artist is. For followers of The Strokes and different early 2000’s New York artists, Gestiehr captures that very same uncooked edge and gritty tone, taking music again to the fundamentals. A typical theme all through his songs are the driving guitars and crashing percussion, which set the backdrop to his confessional lyrics.
By no means failing to supply uplifting, feel-good anthems, it’s to no shock that Gestiehr has amounted to over two million streams and counting. He has even carried out with Billie Joe Armstrong at a Inexperienced Day live performance, who said it was “probably the most memorable second of [his] complete life”. If that isn’t proof sufficient that Davis Gestiehr is an artist to observe, then I don’t know what’s!
An unbiased artist whose beats and sound mixtures show his ardour for music and manufacturing, Deacon makes use of music to seize listeners and make individuals really feel good. Together with his music profession as a mission for others greater than for himself, his artwork takes an autobiographical essence, largely overlaying concepts, feelings, and ideas about life and love. With airs of synth-pop, digital, and pop music, Deacon has made two albums (A NEW EARTH and JUSTAKID), and has additionally collaborated with artists comparable to Nina Nesbitt, Loren Grey, and Jack Rucker. Not solely is Deacon the kid of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe, but additionally and extremely a younger singer and producer who’s tries to find sounds and share love and emotions by way of his thriving music profession.
I made an actual push to find new jazz acts this yr, and after attending the festivals in Montreal, Burlington and Washington, DC— to not point out a number of additional venues in New Orleans, Boston, Paris, and different cities— it’s honest to say I had already managed to reach that regard by the point December got here round. Nonetheless, I’m very grateful to have squeezed in one other nice jazz artist discovery within the last month of the yr: Dion Berardo! He’s a real Mediterranean native, having been born in Campobasso, Italy and raised in Megara, Greece. He now’s based mostly in New York Metropolis, although, and has been acting at a number of venues round city there these previous few weeks (Pi Bakerie, the Zin Home, and the Rum Bar) for the needs of constructing anticipation for the discharge of his new LP, All in My Head, which lastly got here out on December seventeenth.
All I can say is: The anticipation was definitely justified! All in My Head options 12 pleasant preparations of assorted lengths, every considered one of which showcases Berrardo’s spectacular abilities on the electrical jazz guitar. He’s additionally accompanied by his backing organist, Tommaso Perazzo, and drummer, Marcello Cardillo, who’ve lengthy carried out collectively as a trio. Their seasoned in-studio chemistry shines all through— as I write this, with the observe “Gone With the Wind,” Dion’s delicate guitar enjoying has simply given approach to Marcello’s masterful work on the drums; spectacular stuff! I’m very completely satisfied to have encountered Dion Berrardo’s work simply in time to incorporate him in our piece on the “Greatest Artist Discoveries of 2024” piece and hope to see him carry out in live performance some day— if he makes it somewhat bit north of his present hometown of New York as much as my present hometown of Boston, you possibly can positively depend me in for that one!
I had heard about Doechii a number of months in the past, however didn’t actually take heed to her music till I noticed her efficiency on Colbert. It is rather thrilling to see an rising rapper who places a lot effort into her reside present. To be clear, Doechii will not be a brand new artist. She has been releasing music for years, however has just lately acquired a considerable amount of recognition for her mixtape, “Alligator Bites By no means Heal.” Doechii’s lyrics are concurrently uncooked and intelligent, sustaining a eager sense of recent relevance with out ever attempting to be too fashionable. Her music is nice by itself, however its genius is elevated by way of her reside choreography. Her current performances on Colbert and Tiny Desk present Doechii’s dedication to her artistry each by way of her musical efficiency and stage presence. Her innovative lyrics mixed with 90’s impressed hip-hop preparations create an extremely contemporary sound, which I hope continues to develop in 2025.
Originally from Michigan and of Taiwanese descent, Elephante is now based mostly in Los Angeles and pursuing a profession as a DJ/producer after a earlier stint within the company world turned out to be not his calling. He’s now a number of years and albums deep into his music profession – his first LP got here out in 2016 and he’d made loads of remixes for different artists earlier than then – but it surely’s honest to say that he’s hit as nice of a artistic stride as ever earlier than with the discharge of his newest album, COPE.
Because the title suggests, this album has primarily been made for therapeutic functions (“Every of the songs is a special strategy to coping,” Elephante explains). However regardless of how issues are going in your life, there’s lots to understand throughout this 10-track package deal launched final month. Heck, right here I’m, fortunately having fun with my winter trip in Lake Tahoe, and I discover myself lots impressed by all the encouraging messages Elephante has tucked into right here for these whose spirits may have somewhat uplifting (“When the world is at its finish and the darkish’s about to win, all will not be misplaced… ’trigger I acquired you,” as an example). His work as a beat-maker impresses again and again, and all the indie singers he’s introduced aboard (Olivia Ridgely, Linney, Amber Liu, babyidontlikeyou, and many others.) flip in mesmerizing vocal work, one after the opposite. Ultimately, I can “say it like i imply it” (to paraphrase the opening observe’s title) after I say that COPE represents a significant emotional journey and a serious inventive assertion on Elephante’s half.
This band fell into my lap out of the blue, and I’m so grateful (shout out to Tom Avis from Terrorbird Media). Their debut album, Feats of Engineering, launched in September, is so delightfully obscure in each method. My preliminary impression felt like I used to be in a dingy basement, enjoying low-quality fantasy pc video games, listening to one thing my ears mustn’t expertise. Bailey and Al have a playful relationship, creating their very own universe and ensure you are aside of it. Their debut report is vivid, buoyant, and an ideal soundtrack to bounce or sulk into insanity.
Freya McKee has a tender melodic voice that actually captures the messages she conveys by way of her music. She has really perfected a fragile steadiness of the whimsy, shoe-gaze like dream pop sound – which I like. I’ve personally been swept away by the flawless method wherein McKee is ready to intersect each her love for vogue and music. In actual fact, the discharge of her first EP, Lychee Juice, coincided with the discharge of her SS24 assortment.
My private favourite tune from the EP is “Lychee.” The tune itself has such a coronary heart wrenching vulnerability, with lyrics about life that I personally am ready relate to. That is in a method comforting to me. Which is why I’m at all times trying ahead to McKee’s releases; whether or not that be vogue, music or each.
Hemlocke Springs is a type of TikTok success tales that I hope we are going to proceed to listen to about. Others embrace Corook and FLYANABOSS. After the North Carolina-based artist posted what she known as “the weirdest bridge you’ll ever hear in ur complete life” in late October 2022, she rapidly realized that six million individuals discovered the snippet of her tune “girlfriend” bizarre in the correct method.
Being instantly thrust right into a music profession didn’t shake Springs from her capability to put in writing these bizarre (and really catchy songs) at will, which embrace “Sever The Blight,” a 2023 single that I didn’t spend time with till this yr when its rightfully costly music video was launched. I didn’t know if Hemlocke might deliver the synthy, digital beat-driven rock that helps her completely raspy pop vocals to a different degree. Good luck getting away from the refrain on this one!
Iress’ newest album, Sleep Now, In Reverse, perfects the artwork of captivation. Slowly sinking, the doom-infused rock soundscape surrounds you, swallowing you entire as you give up below its weight. Heavy, pulsing drumming maps a sonic path as a refined, haunting voice navigates her method by way of layers of textured noise throughout the heavy, brooding environment.
Regardless of my current discovery of their existence, the LA-based outfit is way from new to the scene. Launched earlier this yr, the 10-track report is a end result of their earlier work, originating again to their 2010 formation by frontwoman Michelle Malley. The 4-piece welcomes newcomers and longtime followers alike to let go, totally immersing themselves within the expertise that’s Iress.
Hailing from Yorkshire, UK, Isabella Storm is a powerhouse artist that made waves in 2024 with the discharge of her fiery and unapologetic single, “CryBaby.” Giving listeners a style of what’s but to return, the artist has revealed that there will probably be a brand new EP this yr, that’s set to be the proper soundtrack for anybody going by way of heartbreak. Her sincere and candid lyrics are refreshing, oozing with confidence and sass. Storm’s music is empowering and motivating, as she reminds listeners of their price and encourages them to reside their most genuine, badass selves.
Having already confirmed herself as a drive to be reckoned with, she is the proper new artist for a technology craving authenticity. Isabella Storm isn’t afraid to say it how it’s, and “CryBaby” demonstrates simply that. Described as an “aries scorned,” be ready to witness extra of her daring, passionate and brave anthems.
Jordaan Mason and their ensemble of musical horses have one main album launch to their collective title – ‘Divorce Attorneys I Shaved My Head’. It’s a powerful hear. A very powerful hear. Not as a result of it’s trite, or options lacklustre performances, however as a result of it’s brutal. It’s an album uncooked from crying, hoarse from screaming, bloody from bludgeoning itself out of frustration time and time once more. Thematically, it tackles the bewilderment and despondency of trasngender residing, from the desperation to be identifiable as something, to the dread and battle of intimacy. There are lyrics that ground you with how candid they’re, and there are others that swell with profundity and double-meaning; ‘I wish to have a phrase with you’, or ‘our our bodies will probably be avalanches’ ring round my head usually. I believe it’s an extremely necessary album. It sheds gentle upon not only a mode of residing that calls for extra discourse, but it surely proffers, with out reticence or forgiveness, a perspective on it that’s unfamiliar, and totally awkward to cope with. I’d advocate it to anybody for that motive, however with the caviat that it ought to be approached with warning – ensure you your self are in a very good place earlier than trying ‘Divorce Attorneys I Shaved My Head’, you may be flummoxed by unbated feeling.
While the Belfast rap trio has been making music for someday now, 2024 was really a breakout yr for Kneecap. Along with their new album Superb Artwork, a biopic depicting the early days of the Irish rap group helped enhance their picture much more. Kneecap’s use of the Irish language is revolutionary, being among the first to rap in Gaeilge, whereas additionally inspiring a brand new technology of Irish youth and other people with Irish heritage to begin studying the native language.
Whereas Kneecap’s existence and choice to rap in Irish is inherently political, the songs themselves are whole bangers. It’s arduous to take heed to one thing like “I’m Flush” or “Love Making” and never need to social gathering. Even songs which have extra simple messages, calling for a united Eire, like “H.O.O.D.” or “Responsible Conscience,” are good for moshpits and banging again pints.
One day, I wrote an inventory of recent bands to look into. Typically I play a roulette recreation and decide ones that I believe could also be cool, and, it simply so occurs, I turned out to be proper about this one. Letters Despatched House is another rock band from Germany consisting of Emily Paschke on vocals, Lara Ripke on bass, Robin Werner on guitar and Louis Schramm on drums. They play a extremely dynamic mixture of rock with huge, infectious melodies, introspective lyrics and hard-hitting manufacturing. They launched their debut album, “Endlessly Undone,” this spring, and it’s stuffed with dynamic, atmospheric tones that shift between ethereal rhythm and gritty, distortion-laden reverb.
What’s so compelling about this band is its capability to volley between tender, softer moments and driving, full-throttle rock. Tracks like “Request Denied” showcases Letters Despatched Dwelling’s knack for relatability and depth in the identical package deal. It’s a tune that, to me, seems like being shocked that you haven’t been granted sure loss of life, particularly if you’ve been depressed sufficient to begin begging for it. Paschke’s voice is such an fascinating juxtaposition to the band’s music. She seems like she might be a straight-up pop singer; she’s so clear, vivid and melodic even when she’s singing lyrics that make it’s important to hear twice as a result of they’re so starkly totally different from the tone in her voice. This band deserves recognition past the German rock scene they’re shaking up. “Endlessly Undone” is a improbable debut album from a band with an already-clear id and sense of goal.
An intense, sonically charged environment fueled by noise-infused rock, ambient pop and playful experimentation makes Lucy Kruger & The Misplaced Boys ever so addictive. Whether or not you ache for tender, finger-picked confessions or lengthy for the discharge of gritty, guitar catharsis, the Berlin-based outfit provides a remedy.
Kruger’s songwriting holds the occasional love letter awaiting postage and at different occasions a puzzled roadmap to make sense of. Fall in love as intimately as her and shortly you’ll fall for her; longing to put in writing her songs, ship her books, do something to make her hear and make her look deeply in direction of you (“Heat II”). Each phrase escaping Kruger’s mouth tastes like poetry, leaving you greedy onto each syllable, each sound – till it’s gone.
Thriving throughout the area between familiarity and obscurity, their six LPs navigate shifting soundscapes in just below 4 hours of listening. Launched earlier this yr, A Human Dwelling dives into their newest exploration (and departure) of sound. By no means realizing precisely what’s to return leaves you anxiously awaiting your subsequent repair.
When a buddy of mine despatched over Magdalena Bay’s album, Imaginal Disk, I used to be instantly sucked into the world the synth-pop duo (Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin) had been creating simply off of the album cowl alone, a younger lady (Tenenbaum) willingly and curiously trying up in direction of a determine, some alien, ghostly-like creature inserting a disk into the lady’s head. What lied earlier than was some of the fascinating and dynamic artists that I’ve come throughout in current reminiscence. I assumed I had heard what futuristic pop needed to provide, however Magdalena Bay’s discography is trip-inducing and transferring in a method that I haven’t seen many artists efficiently obtain. Tenenbaum’s ethereal, floaty vocals solely strengthen the duo’s lyricism that unpack’s all types of points that include the human expertise and Lewin’s expertise in musical engineering are in contrast to something I’ve ever heard. I hope this group will get the credit score they deserve for creating distinctive musical masterpieces as they transfer ahead within the business.
More music got here out on any given day this yr than throughout the whole coke-fueled binge of the Eighties. As somebody who can’t appear to seek out something higher to do with their Saturday than troll Goodwill for CD jewel instances, this tidbit ought to deliver me pleasure. However streaming has sucked the enjoyable out of discovering new artists in 2024. Even when YouTube grooved a fastball into my rose-colored emo wheelhouse, I couldn’t assist however really feel manipulated.
Fortunately, we will nonetheless benefit from Spirit Airways’ enterprise malpractice. Again in June, I flew to Chicago for Bummer Summer season, a proudly DIY emo fest hosted by tenmonthsummer, who simply dropped their first EP. Full disclosure: I’d stan for this band even when they sucked. I think about their singer/Twitter mouthpiece a very good buddy, worthy podcast opponent and even higher Mario Tennis companion. However destiny strains kicks ass, so please, give them your cash. Each artist on the Bummer Summer season invoice was definitely worth the worth of an all-expenses-spared flight, however my favourite was the one who challenged what I’ve come to anticipate from this scene.
Maudify calls herself Midwest emo’s reverse UNO card and I’m choosing up what she’s placing down. MAUDSTYLE filters the subgenre’s trademark twinkles by way of an upside-down prism that’s coloured by hyperpop, cloud rap and queer rage. Maude actually flips into scorched earth mode with her band Splitjaw, however on “Marble Studios”, she lets her softer aspect inform the bullshitters to stay it the place the solar don’t shine. “You’ll be able to take that concern and you’ll f* proper outta right here“. Her sticky sing-raps sync in good concord with the meteoric bathe of breakbeats and a riff that loop-de-loops just like the tail of a comet. Not even the almighty algorithm might suppress her star energy.
It’s wild for me to consider how, again in January of 2024, I had no thought who Medium Construct was – particularly contemplating simply how a lot I lined his music this yr! But as I wrote again in late March – across the time he launched “Realizing U Exist” – the enjoyable factor about discovering an artist a decade into his profession is that there’s a number of hours’ price of Medium Construct music to dive into. Coming throughout him by way of Holly Humberstone’s Instagram web page (he opened for her throughout her European tour in February and March, and later featured on an alternate model of her tune, “Cocoon”), I used to be immediately enraptured and brought aback – and rapidly discovered myself falling for his candid and cathartic songwriting model.
So dive, I did – headfirst, and all the best way again to Nick Carpenter’s musical beginnings. 2016’s debut Falling Aside proved to be the beginning of one thing very particular, and subsequent information softboy (2018), roughboy (2018), and Wild (2019) all discovered him evolving as a author and performer, whereas persistently spilling his aching soul by way of a slew of catchy, comforting, compelling songs. Then got here the main label signing, and in 2023 he launched Well being, his first multi-track providing by way of slowplay/Island Data.
Whereas all the above music is phenomenal in its personal proper, I’d be mendacity if I stated his 2024 work wasn’t my favourite – as a result of it’s, and unequivocally so. I used to be telling the entire fact earlier after I wrote that each one of many twelve songs off Medium Construct’s breathtaking 2024 masterpiece Nation might (and will) be on Atwood‘s Greatest Songs of 2024 checklist. It’s a testomony as a lot to Carpenter’s abilities as a singer and songwriter, as it’s to his (and producer Laiko’s) talents as a world-builder: Nation is a report of uncooked humanity, honesty, vulnerability, and connection, and these traits shine particularly vivid on songs like “In My Room,” “Reducing Via the Nation,” “Realizing U Exist,” “Seaside Chair,” and “Stick Round.” Nation is an intimate, unfiltered, and unapologetically uncovered folks rock report that highlights and embraces Carpenter’s id in a method that his previous information, whereas private to him in their very own rights, by no means fairly achieved. It’s an album stuffed with actual, uncooked highs and lows – moments of heartfelt confession, human connection, non secular launch, interior reckoning, soul-searching.
After which got here November’s five-track Marietta EP – an outstanding fifteen-minute coda to what has, surely, been one of many busiest – and most fun – years of Medium Construct’s profession. Named after his first hometown again in Georgia, the five-track shock launch is a good, turbulent, and masterful work, dwelling to the hard-hitting “Triple Marathon,” the haunting “Yoke,” the dynamic and dramatic “John & Lydia,” and a lot extra.
Medium Construct’s music has been my private soundtrack to numerous 2024’s highs and lows; past making for some nice driving singalongs, his songs ache superbly, authentically, and relentlessly – bringing out the perfect in me as he brings out the perfect in himself. Two interviews this yr – considered one of which discovered us connecting over our shared love of The Workplace, the opposite of which noticed him giving me some strong, much-needed home-buying recommendation – sealed the deal in making him considered one of my favourite individuals within the business in the present day. For sure, the artist I hadn’t even heard of a mere twelve months in the past will without end be my “high” artist discovery of 2024.
One have a look at the lineup for the 2024 Pageant Worldwide de Jazz de Montreal, and it’s clear that there’s loads of new artist discoveries to be achieved at such an occasion. One artist I’m going to offer a shout-out to in that regard is Melissa Aldana, who delivered considered one of my favourite units of the whole pageant together with her band, the Crash Trio, at Place des Arts on June thirtieth. On high of her spectacular expertise on the saxophone and chemistry together with her supporting gamers, I additionally admire how she helped to justify the phrase “worldwide” within the pageant’s title, by delivering some Latin-tinged jazz charateristic of her native Chile. ¡Felicidades por una gran interpretación, Melissa!
For me, 2024 was the yr of Mk.gee – a singular artist whose abilities can’t be overstated. Experiencing him and his music reside was a spiritual expertise; his debut LP Two Star & The Dream Police (launched in February) is a drive to be reckoned with, and has rapidly change into considered one of my favourite albums of all time – even when I did sleep on it for the primary half of the yr. All these months after I lastly first heard it, the report nonetheless appears like one immersive tune, chopped up into twelve elements. Certain, every observe has its personal lyrical and melodic contours; its personal emotion, depth, and which means; however for me, this breathtaking album is supposed to be skilled in a single complete listening session – not damaged up into elements. A singular and gorgeous triumph, Two Star & The Dream Police‘s magic – and, I believe, a lot of its success – lies within the overarching journey it delivers as a full-length listening expertise, and within the soul-stirring world Mk.gee deftly crafts for his viewers.
In actual fact, I’ve discovered that each Mk.gee tune – from those on this album, to his newer tracks “Lonely Flight” and “ROCKMAN,” and all the best way again to 2020’s A Museum of Contradiction and 2018′ Pronounced McGee – comprises multitudes, and each second is price revisiting 5, ten, and twenty occasions, as you are taking an increasing number of away from Mk.gee’s cryptic, cathartic, and all-consuming artwork.
I have change into a child metalhead over the previous two years. I discover myself voraciously consuming metallic music and its subgenres; there’s something so unexpectedly calming about listening to it. I believe as a result of it permits me to channel and cathart the chaos in my thoughts into one thing extra manageable. Polaris has been serving to me do this in 2024. The Sydney-based heavy metallic band has been round since 2012, and I’m so sorry I solely listened to them for the primary time this yr.
Polaris has an electrical steadiness between arduous rock and metalcore that’s broadly accessible to greater than only a metallic viewers. Their most up-to-date album, 2023’s Fatalism, is each sonically intense and emotionally reducing; the tune “Nightmare,” my favourite by them, exemplifies this steadiness in the easiest way. It’s lyrically dextrous in describing themes of social indifference and the implications of apathy. There may be an added layer of disappointment to this tune because it was the final recorded with Polaris guitarist Ryan Siew earlier than he handed away unexpectedly. That information makes this observe resonate all of the extra. Polaris is a beacon of resilience inside metalcore proper now, adept at channeling their private and collective challenges into highly effective songcraft.
Once once more, the ability of the web impacts my life in significant methods, and I used to be formally launched to Ratboys by way of a video gushing about their discography. Having heard this discography now, I can safely say that the gushing was warranted. I’m tremendous impressed at how basic but fashionable they sound, with their highly effective indie rock mixing all varieties of sounds from emo, Americana, punk, various nation, and so many different disparate issues in-between. One other nice asset to their artistry? Their character. Every tune carry a lot life-like power, from euphoric rock-outs to slow-burning comedowns. Guitarist/singer/songwriter Julia Steiner’s lyrics maintain tales from all kinds of locations starting from childhood experiences (on tracks like “Anj” off of Printer’s Satan and “Elvis is within the Freezer” from GN) to later-in-life snapshots (comparable to “The Window” from The Window or “Management” off of GN), whereas the remainder of the band – Dave Sagan on lead guitar, Sean Neumann on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Marcus Nuccio on drums and percussion – rips by way of them together with her with tons of pleasure, ardour, and synchronicity. Significantly, it’s spectacular how effectively the four-piece gell collectively, with their layered songs coming alive in such different methods. It’s tremendous arduous to not fall in love with Ratboys, whose origins in underground faculty rock scenes give them the aura of chill individuals that you just’d love to hold with. It has change into considered one of my life objectives to fulfill the quartet. My sincerest apologies for catching wind of them this late, however I’m completely satisfied to be aboard!
The complete Sly Jr. challenge appears like a particular deal with for the actual followers – not least since you truly needed to be being attentive to even know this music existed! The solo challenge of Sir Sly’s Landon Jacobs finds him channeling his band’s signature angst-fueled sound into new terrain as he unpacks his life’s present chapter – exploring themes like marriage, fatherhood, sobriety, and religion with a fine-toothed lyrical comb and soul-stirring, emotionally charged melodies. He’s launched a formidable, veritable trove of music since debuting with the stunningly susceptible “piggy financial institution” in January – placing out a debut album, the ten-track procreation, in July, and much more singles this fall.
Fortunately, a nonexistent advertising finances couldn’t hold me from discovering – and subsequently falling in love with – Jacobs’ breathtaking, brutally intimate new songs. Sly Jr. is an achingly uncooked triumph of the guts and the soul, and when you had been ever a fan of Sir Sly, then I’m assured that, like me, you’ll fall headfirst in love with its son, Sly Jr.
Meet Sone, a boundary-blurring singer-songwriter whose journey from the colourful streets of New York to the cultural heartbeat of Hamburg has formed her into a very distinctive artist. Rooted in her classical opera coaching but unafraid to embrace alt-indie sensibilities, Sone’s music brims with uncooked emotion and an uncanny capability to seek out magnificence in life’s shadows. Her newest single “Joyful” is a testomony to her present for storytelling – a cathartic anthem that navigates the darkness however in the end celebrates gentle and happiness. With a voice as versatile as her influences and a knack for crafting melodies that linger, Sone is an artist destined to captivate hearts worldwide.
I would as soon as once more wish to commend my buddy, my non secular shaman of a few years now, the YouTube algorithm. There are some recondite depths that I’d by no means have the ability to traverse unassisted. There are some troves of jewelry that my arms merely are usually not lengthy sufficient to scour the underside of. However in these most recluse vertices, the brightest, most flawless gems reside. The probability of me having found Supreme Particles by my very own selection is innominate, however very low. This one is one other blessing.
My understanding is that Gentle as Pores and skin was composed to be used as looped incidental music for the tunnel connecting terminals A and B at Frankfurt Worldwide Airport, which is smart. It’s a work that travels, and doesn’t. It’s a collage of soundscapes: birds warble, chimes glimmer, chimeras of synth dialogue drone, glide, and bleet; motions blur, full landscapes envisioned seen, however fleeting, melting into each other. Each gesture is evocative – it’s absolutely some of the redolent ambient information I’ve ever encountered – alluring, but liminal; the album is at all times simply past exact description. It’s a dream, and one I uncover one thing new in each time. I ponder if individuals holidaying from Frankfurt Worldwide Airport would have had journeys that lived as much as how enchanting their stroll to their terminal would have been.
All all through 2024, I managed to find proficient musicians from many elements of Africa. That features the Nigerian group Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, who I noticed on the Burlington Jazz Pageant; a Malian/Senegalese/Ivorian trio on the Somerville Theatre; and the Namibian rapper Lioness, whose album If Not In This Life was considered one of my favourite indie discoveries for Atwood this yr. One act I definitely have so as to add to that checklist earlier than the yr Th&o. (pronounced “Thando”) of Johannesburg, South Africa, who simply put out his newest report, Emlotheni, final month. “This album to me is a collection of tales from my coronary heart to yours,” he says.“Tales of unrequited love and burned hearts.”
Placing the half-hour into listening to these tales being advised throughout 9 tracks is completely price it. Alongside the best way, you’ll be uncovered to Th&o.’s elegant vocals and the multi-textured instrumentals he’s laid beneath them– R&B and funk are given a definite African taste and digital contact when blended collectively right here. The extra artistic merchandise he’s hooked up to this launch are price testing as effectively – they embrace the quick movie to “Esuku,” and the music video to “Night time Until Daybreak” – in all my years of watching music movies, I can’t say throughout too many clips that include a collection of pen drawings mapping out the tune’s lyrics. Nifty idea! I may give Emlotheni a heat and heartfelt suggestion.
There’s a lot I might say about Leyland Kirby’s alias, often known as The Caretaker. Concurrently, there’s a lot I might say that already proliferates music boards and journalistic publications throughout the web, so I’ll endeavour to not reproduce any beleaguered factors. The Caretaker’s fame has burgeoned into unfathomable acclaim and imponderable swathes of critique. That is majorly resulting from ‘All over the place at The Finish of Time’, an assiduous challenge that strives to signify the ravaging decline of Alzheimer’s by way of music. By means of this, and all of the commentary that turned arduous to disregard on YouTube and the like, I averted this album and artist for a really very long time. Movies of individuals cradling their heads, or breaking down into tears reside on digital camera, or essayistic unsolicited opinions scattered right here, there and in every single place actually put me off. Furthermore, it struck me as one thing I’d have to be really prepared to fulfill. Alzheimer’s is, clearly, a deeply distressing matter. Having identified of and witnessed individuals struggling with dementia, I used to be intimidated. Finally, the fame overcame my hesitancy – I used to be going to wish to take heed to it in some unspecified time in the future, as a ceremony of passage.
I’d advise these piqued to begin with ‘An Empty Bliss Past This World’. It’s an accessible entry level that additionally offers an perception into the digital manipulation, sampling, and turntablism to anticipate from The Caretaker. With this preparation, I lastly embarked upon the trek that’s ‘All over the place at The Finish of Time’. Firstly, it’s gargantuan, encumbered by a run-time of six-and-a-half hours. I actually tried to take heed to it in a single go, however I needed to concede and break it into manageable chunks. To maintain this transient, was it as terrifying and life-altering as individuals made it out to be? Possibly. Basically, it’s fantastic, daring ambient music. The usage of leitmotif and reiterative melody are compelling and genuinely generate emotions of loss and longing. The gradual descent into skittish, clipping, guttural cacophony, earlier than bleak abyssal vacancy is poignant. It’s undeniably efficient, but it surely didn’t break my yr. I might sleep afterwards. I might brush my enamel with out falling right into a pit of destitution and ennui. I believe the efficiency of the album has been laboured, however that’s not the fault of the composer. It’s an excellent album, that achieves what it wished to successfully. I believe it’s one other essential composition, I’d merely advise individuals to not concern it as a lot as I did.
One of my predominant objectives this yr, so far as music discovery went, was to immerse myself on this planet of Southeast Asian various rock, a wealthy and burgeoning scene in its personal proper, but seldom acknowledged by its abroad counterparts. That was after I found The Cassette, a Vietnamese indie rock four-piece out of Đà Nẵng, a verdant, coastal metropolis in Central Vietnam. Very similar to the town they’re based mostly in, the band’s sound is dynamic and ever-evolving, unearthing a lush, musical treasure trove hidden in plain sight.
The Cassette launched their sophomore LP, Từ Vực Thẳm Đến Rìa Ánh Sáng (which roughly interprets to From the Abyss to the Fringe of Gentle) in April of this yr, showcasing a various 10 tracks infused with basic rock and pop ballad influences. Guitarist-vocalist Trần Hoài Thân’s wealthy and soulful voice effortlessly traverses the sentimental and somber throughout punchy drama and heat, downtempo melodies. There’s no denying that The Cassette has carved a distinct segment for themselves domestically, and we will solely hope that their future continues increasing as some of the riveting new indie rock acts out of Southeast Asia.
Another TikTok scrolling session introduced the music of Vaticanjail into my life. Her TikTok submit was captioned, “producing my very own music so it sounds precisely how I imagined it in my head” and the Chilean-born, Dublin-based artist’s tune “Angel” (launched Nov. 29, 2024) sounds as intimate and international as she describes.
Possibly not this globe, nevertheless. Assume Ariana Grande’s vocals filtered by way of the lightheaded dream of a cartoon membership scene. It’s barely intimidating by way of its insistent pulse however immersive and heat concurrently. I don’t like being intoxicated, however I like being tipsy. “Angel” introduced me to that place.
Wisp is one other artist I’m completely satisfied to have found this yr. The 20-year-old singer has such a haunting and whimsy voice that pairs particularly effectively with the rock instrumentals that appear to be attribute of her sound. I believe it’s why she has continued to develop such a gentle and powerful base of listeners. My private favourite tune is “Your Face.” Once more one other tune that’s each emotional, and coronary heart wrenching. As I’ve been coping with grief, I’ve discovered consolation within the dreamy, and melancholic voice and lyrics by Wisp.
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