Fall is a season of change, and part of change is trying new things. If you’re like me, you usually fall into the cycle of listening to the same music over and over again. So, this season may be the perfect time to add some new artists to your library. I’ve scoured my Spotify playlists for my favourite artists. The following five stuck out to me the most. Since I find music is best when you can relate to the lyrics I made a list of some of the most relatable and talented singers you need to listen to.
- Maisie Peters
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At only 19 years old, Maisie Peters sings deeply emotional ballads. With her unique, whimsical voice, she sings about experiences many teens face in their lives. From wishes of revenge in “You to you” and doing anything for a lover in “Worst of you” to playful lyrics in “Stay young,” Peters understands the lives of modern youth. She turns real and sometimes painful experiences into beauty.
- EZI
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Former actress Esther Zyskind, now known as EZI, found solace in music at a young age and began to focus on songwriting instead of acting. In her EP AFRAID OF THE DARK, her sound is electric and lively. She also sings powerful songs regarding the perils of mental illness in “anxious” and “Be Ok.” My personal favourite, “Glad I know you,” is a wonderfully relatable anthem to friendship.
- Alessia Cara
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Twenty-three-year-old Canadian singer and songwriter Alessia Cara is another artist that many of us can relate to. She sings honestly and openly about challenging topics and mental health. “Not Today” explores the feelings of sadness and accepting that you may not feel good today or anytime soon and that it’s okay. “Seventeen” and “Growing Pains” recall the feeling of wanting to stay at an innocent age forever and being reluctant to accept the hardships of being a young adult. These songs are all catchy and upbeat, but others, such as “Out of Love,” are deeply personal and full of emotion.
- girl in red
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Marie Ulven Ringheim, known in the music world as girl in red, is a 20-year-old singer from Norway. She writes, records, and produces all of her music from her bedroom. Her songs have an extremely nostalgic sound and vibe, which is expressed in “we fell in love in October” and “say anything.” In “I wanna be your girlfriend,” she sings about being in love with a friend, and “summer depression” is about experiencing depression in a season that is supposed to be fun and happy. Like many of the artists on this list, her songs are relatable for many young adults and teenagers.
- Maggie Rogers
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Twenty-five-year-old Maggie Rogers rose to fame when her song “Alaska” was found by singer Pharrell Williams. She combines pop, R&B, and folk sounds resulting in an eclectic, quirky sound. “Burning,” “Back in my body,” and “Light on” are some of my favourites. I found myself in the lyrics. On her website, Rogers states that she loves music that makes her feel human, which is evident throughout every one of her songs.