If listening to music could be my full-time job, I’d sign up in an instant. I’m plugged in all day, and I have a playlist for every mood, moment, and vibe. Here’s a peek at my current life soundtrack. These aren’t all the artists I listen to, far from it, but they’re a mix of rising stars and hidden gems. Ready for some fresh tracks to dive into?
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean’s music feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, soulful, honest, and effortlessly comforting. Songs like “Lady Lady” and “It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be” capture the beauty in imperfection, reminding you that growth and love are messy but so worth it. “Man I Need” brings that playful, confident energy that makes you want to dance around your room, while “Nice To Each Other” feels like a soft plea for kindness in a world that often forgets it. And “The Hardest Part” with Leon Bridges? It’s heartbreak wrapped in velvet; it’s tender, nostalgic, and deeply human. Olivia Dean is the sound of emotional clarity in cozy, golden tones.
Paige Fish
Paige Fish is becoming an artist to watch with her raw, relatable, and ready-to-break-through words. “Family Reunion” captures that mix of nostalgia and heartache, painting vivid pictures of growing up and growing apart. “Skeleton” dives deeper, exposing the vulnerable parts of ourselves we try to hide from the outside world, while “Wishful Thinking” wraps longing and hope together in her signature emotional honesty. With her new album coming soon, Paige’s sound feels like it’s on the edge of something big, authentic, soulful, and meant to be played on repeat during those quiet, reflective moments that say more than words ever could.
Madison Ryann Ward
Madison Ryann Ward’s music feels like soul and serenity intertwined with rich vocals, honest lyrics, and a sense of grounded reflection that lingers. “That’s Me, Lately” is intimate and self-aware, like a quiet journal entry turned into a melody. “On Me” radiates strength and faith, a reminder to trust yourself even when the world feels heavy. And “Prodigal” (with Benji) carries a powerful, redemptive energy, a song about returning to grace, forgiveness, and purpose. Madison’s sound is timeless yet fresh, the kind that fills the room and your heart all at once.
Sleep Token
Sleep Token’s music is a mesmerizing, emotional journey — dark, ethereal, and cinematic, blending metal, R&B, and ambient pop into something wholly unique. “The Night Does Not Belong to God” opens like a sacred ritual, exploring devotion and surrender, while “Give” lays heartbreak bare with every aching note, and “Rain” washes over you with its mix of melancholy and release. Their songs dwell on love, loss, inner struggle, and obsession, pulling listeners into a world that feels both intimate and otherworldly. With crushing heaviness balanced by delicate vulnerability, and the band’s mysterious masked persona adding a layer of mystique, Sleep Token doesn’t just make music; they create a feeling you can’t quite name but never forget.
Abby Powledge and Bebe Stockwell
Abby Powledge’s music is effortlessly introspective and emotionally honest, capturing the highs and lows of love and self-discovery. “Spoiling Me” radiates intimacy and longing, while “I Still Check Your Playlists” perfectly captures the bittersweet habit of holding onto someone through small reminders. “Benefits” dives into the push-and-pull of modern relationships, blending vulnerability with a subtle sense of empowerment.
Bebe Stockwell brings a sultry, confident energy to her music, balancing sensuality and emotional depth. “Love Me Back” is a bold declaration of desire, “Want Me” oozes playful seduction, and “Speak Too Soon” (with Hans Williams) is a tender, contemplative duet about miscommunication and vulnerability. Both artists explore love in its many forms, offering listeners music that is intimate, relatable, and impossible to ignore. PS: If you have heard of Hans Williams, listen to him too!