Finding new music is a struggle. As someone who listens to music for at least four hours a day and gets sick of music really quickly, I’m constantly on the search for new music. Because of my obsession with discovering music, I, like many people, spend hours combing through Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music. I’ve stumbled across many talented artists, who are out of the mainstream, and below I have listed a few that I love. I hope you like them too!
Tom Misch
London-native artist Tom Misch’s chill, familiar, and colorful sounds are unique to him. Growing up in the cosmopolitan city of London, Misch’s musical influences are vast, including disco, funk, R&B, and soul. In his latest song “South of the River” Misch infuses a funk bassline with violin, bass guitar and a beat. The simplicity of the song, with a distinctive beat and melodic vocals, creates a rare combination of catchy and relaxing music. The song is zesty and fresh, but its frictionless flow puts it on par with waves as perfect background music.
Genre: Modern spin on chill 70’s funk
Songs to listen to first: Crazy Dream (feat. Loyle Carner), South of the River
Best time to listen to his music: On the bus, doing homework, in the morning
Jain
French artist Jain’s music is a celebration of multiculturality. Growing up in France, Belgium, Dubai, and Congo, Jain blends African and Arabic beats with French techno to create bouncy and exciting rhythmic music. Her song “Dynabeat,” from her album Zanaka is a great representation of Jain’s music. The song has her signature African-inspired percussion, but builds atop of it with 70-80’s pop synthesizers. Like most of Jain’s music, “Dynabeat” is self-confident, vivid, and most importantly, danceable.
Genre: French pop
Song to listen to first: Come
Best time to listen to her music: In the car with friends, when you need some positivity
Until the Ribbon Breaks
Until the Ribbon Breaks, like the other artists on the list, creates music particular to them. With outstanding and velvety vocals meshed with dauntless electronic alternative rock, their music ranges from the spunky rock song “Taste of Silver” to the luscious, cool song “Persia.” Their most recent song, “Here Comes the Feeling,” is sophisticated and profound. Mixing alternative rock, electronic, 70’s-80’s synthesizers, and sounds particular just to Until the Ribbon Breaks, “Here Comes the Feeling” is excited, impassioned, and silky. The song sounds optimistic, but creates an interesting contrast for the listener with references to the lead singer’s, Pete Lawrie-Winfield’s, struggle with alcoholism.
Genre: Alternative, indie
Song to listen to first: Romeo
Best time to listen to their music: Feeling sad or pensive (staring out the car window)
