8 Up and Coming Music Artists to Keep an Eye Out For

A 24-year-old alternative-pop artist accused of being an industry plant, a title he wishes were true, Jean Dawson is bringing new life to the music scene. Releasing his first album, Bad Sports, in 2019 created some buzz for him, but not like his newest drop. As an exploration of sound and color, Pixel Bath, his second album, is being revered by music enthusiasts for its experimental nature. Dawson enjoys blurring the lines between music genres and doesn’t limit himself to any one category. Currently unsigned, Dawson is now getting record label offers that he is considering carefully. He is excited to keep producing music in his own unique way.

2. Danger Incorporated

Danger Incorporated is a hip-hop/rap duo from Atlanta that has been making music since 2015. Boothlord and Louie Dufflebags are elementary school friends who have always had a goal to make music together. Danger Incorporated entered 2021 with newfound success and buzz unlike any they’ve experienced before. After continuous effort over five years through four different tapes, Danger Incorporated have released their first album, Hackers of the World Unite, with a major record label. They have cultivated a loyal fanbase and are now seeing a surge in new fans after the album’s release. With nearly 750,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, this duo is only going up.

3. Kacy Hill

Kacy Hill is a 26-year-old model and singer-songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona. After going viral in 2014 with her single “Experience,” it was trial and error for Hill to get back on the map. Going on tour with Kanye West during the Yeezus era allowed her some exposure. While touring, she had the realization that she wanted to work seriously on her music. In 2020, Hill released Is It Selfish If We Talk About Me Again, her second album. IISIWTAMA received far more praise than her first, Like A Woman. She experiments with synth-pop and early 2010’s R&B to make for a visceral experience for the listener.

4. ericdoa

18-year-old ericdoa is quickly building a name for himself as a no-budget SoundCloud gem. With songs like “likewise” and “thingsudo2me” with chorus’ that sound like TikTok’s next big, ericdoa is on the way to huge fame. His 2020 album release, COA, is dripping with angsty lines inspired by bigger names like Bladee and Lil Peep, as nearly every song is about an ex he can’t get over. Like others on this list, ericdoa’s name is becoming well known in the hyper-pop scene which was made popular through groups like 100 gecs and producers like Umru. Being so young and so successful, with 205,000 monthly Spotify listeners, is a huge sign that this is just the beginning for ericdoa.

5. daine

daine is a 17-year-old innovator from Melbourne, Australia, with big names on her team. Mentored by pop icon Charli XCX herself, daine is on her way to huge success as she only released her debut single, “Picking Flowers,” in May of 2020. The Filipino-Australian artist’s music is deeply personal and often rooted in heartache and longing, with midwestern emo and lo-fi influences. With such support from Charli XCX, fans speculate that the pair will release a song together this year and send daine into a whirlwind of success. Her instantly recognizable voice is unique and new, and her talent is clear.

6. Fraxiom

Fraxiom is already a huge star within the somewhat tiny hyper-pop universe. Having already gained the support of genre giants 100 gecs members Dylan Brady and Laura Les, Fraxiom admits to having stanned them before their meeting. Fraxiom’s music is almost an extension of their gender identity and sexuality and allowed them an outlet to explore themselves safely. Through pop music and nightcore, Fraxiom found true love and a place to create. The artists in Fraxiom’s circle all have a similar sense of humor and style of music which cultivates incredible collaborations. Most notably, Fraxiom collabed with good friend Gupi to form food house, their duo that put out hit “Thos Moser” in 2020. With new projects on the way in 2021, Fraxiom will not be limited to the small circle of hyper-pop fans for much longer.

7. Deb Never

Deb Never started her music career as a bedroom artist and has since created compelling work that is finally getting recognition. Her way of genre-bending and mixing is impressive and fresh, as she takes inspiration from lo-fi beats, alt-rock, and pop. Also, like others on this list, Never has worked with genre giant Dylan Brady of 100 gecs to produce her 2019 single “Ugly.” Her latest single, “Someone Else,” is gaining traction with many reputable publications like NME, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. Deb Never is on the rise and with help from bigger names, she will soon become huge.

8. Mk.Gee

Michael Gordon, who goes by Mk.Gee, is a 23-year-old New Jersey native with an airy, groovy sound. He has already toured with some incredible artists like Dr. Dog and Omar Apollo, but his newer work is getting the buzz it surely deserves. His latest mixtape, A Museum of Contradiction, takes inspiration from artists like the Black Keys, and genres like funk and R&B to produce a healthy mix of slow jams and psychedelic bops. His delicate approach to music makes it effortless to listen to and sets him aside from others in the genre. A few years back, Mk.Gee’s track “You” was even handpicked by Frank Ocean for his Blonded radio show. Mk.Gee’s independent approach to creating music allows for authentic ballads and is launching him to stardom.