Music defines my mood for the day, so for me, having good stuff to listen to is a top priority. I have dozens of playlists for different genres, moods, and times, which means I’m always on the lookout for new music. One of the things I really love about Spotify is how easy it is to get connected with new artists and their music, so when I’m deep diving through their database to find songs that will dress up my playlists, I find a lot of amazing artists that deserve to be shared. So, here’s the top 6 artists I love that I think everyone should check out!
- Hoke Kellett
-
My friend actually recommended this guy to me, and now I’m hooked. This guy has a super exciting sound, and all his songs are so easy to fall into! My favorite right now is The Fire/My Friends, it’s fun and upbeat, and it fits into how I’m feeling at the moment. All his lyrics are incredible, like listening to rhythmic poetry. He’s also got a new album out, so that means more good music! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an underrated gem.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1o6h7pSdfTCehSE170zYKs?si=OqHeW-kYT86CNJaV9MGydg
- Sons of Sylvia
-
This band, unfortunately, is no longer producing new music, but what they have is AMAZING. These guys have been one of my favorites since I was a kid, and it never gets old. Love Left to Lose is such a fantastic song that transports me directly into my own personal music video. Although new music won’t be made, what they have is worth repeating. These guys are super talented, and I think everyone should have them on their playlist.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fNfzmI5XfHHVHtS76dvMj?si=ZDcnynLmTD-wmhEvWBu7nA
- Carbon Leaf
-
This band is one of my all-time favorites! Carbon Leaf has a song for every possible mood, and their lyrics will get you thinking and jamming all at once; they have songs for good days, bad days, fast days, and happy days. Everything you could want out of an artist, they have it. Let Your Troubles Roll By is my current anthem; with midterms finishing up and all the stress of coming back from a break, this song has helped me tremendously.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4bofI6U62c9ZvTOrORFVwc?si=DO7s6u3PRIK4luaTlQJMkQ
- Madison Vandenburg
-
Some of you guys might recognize this girl! She got third place on American Idol this past season. She was my absolute favorite, and it broke my heart to see her go, but lucky for us, she’s on Spotify! She just released a new song: What I’m Looking For. This song is perfect for the morning walk to class, and I love it. She’s only got a couple of songs at the moment, but she’s set to release more music soon, so stay tuned.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1xSv5Tu9sDXouPUl0BbCSM?si=KKYDLYnFTTaQOtB61TxPFw
- Jax
-
This girl is another American Idol find, and she is SO GOOD. (She also got third place!) She gives strong, badass Elle King vibes, and I live for it. La La Land is such a hype song that makes me pumped for the day. Jax has such a unique voice, and her songs showcase her talents so well. I recommend her to anyone that loves to belt Exes and Ohs with me. One of her newest songs, Somebody’s Kid, is also one of my favorites. Give her a listen – it’ll energize you for sure.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7DQYAz99eM3Y5PkP9WtUew?si=KwkntXeFS_qbawPEPxJH_A
- Regina Spektor
-
Last but not least, this girl can SING. You might know her as the girl that sings the Orange Is the New Black theme song, but you should listen to the rest of her music. It’s eclectic, spunky, and so unique that it’s impossible not to love. Her music makes me feel like I’m living in an indie movie. It’s hard for me to pick just one (because the entire Remember Me to Life album SLAPS), but my favorite song of hers is probably Older and Taller just because it’s so sweet and melodic. Bonus for this song: it’s BPM matches my walking speed, so this is one of the best songs to bop to on the way to class.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3z6Gk257P9jNcZbBXJNX5i?si=LOVafxkTTlyvvCSiUwpCpg
Hope these amazingly talented artists give your playlist the extra boost you’re looking for!