At some point in all of our lives, we will become bored with the music we listen to. We will grow tired of songs and albums we once listened to on repeat, calling them “old” or “overplayed.” If you are currently experiencing this musical lull, here is your opportunity to rejuvenate your music taste and give these five artists a chance!
1. DNCE
The Jonas Brothers may have broken up, but fear not! Two of the three (sorry Kevin) are still making music. DNCE, a pop-rock band consisting of guitarist JinJoo Lee, drummer Jack Lawless, guitarist/keyboardist Cole Whittle, and of course, lead singer Joe Jonas. You’ve probably heard their single, “Cake by the Ocean,” but the rest of their debut EP SWAAY contains three other tracks similar, but even better, to the hit.
MUST-LISTEN TO TRACK: “Jinx”
2. Hoodie Allen
Steven Markowitz, better known as Hoodie Allen, is a unique, independent, American rapper. What makes him so unique is the amount of success he’s gained despite producing this music all on his own. Although he’s been making music since 2009, Hoodie just recently released his second album, Happy Camper. The album is full of upbeat hip-hop tracks, and features a few guests, including Blackbear and KYLE (Super Duper Kyle).
MUST-LISTEN TO TRACK: “Champagne & Pools”
3. Tinashe
This R&B princess can do it all. Tinashe not only has a beautiful singing voice; she is also a songwriter, actress, producer, and an extremely talented dancer. You may not know this about her, but she’s the voice of one of the main characters in the beloved holiday movie, The Polar Express! Tinashe’s first full-length album, Aquarius, was released in late 2014, and has a perfect mix of pump-up party songs and slow R&B ballads. Her second album, Joyride, will be released very soon!
MUST-LISTEN TO TRACK: “Cold Sweat”
4. Troye Sivan
Troye is a 20-year-old YouTube sensation from Australia with the voice of an angel. Since he was a child he has always known he wanted to sing, but never began to professionally produce music until 2014. That was when he dropped his first ever three-song EP: TRXYE. A little over a year later, Troye released his first album, Blue Neighbourhood. I’m sure you’ve heard his single “Youth” on the radio, but give the rest of his songs a listen! They’ve all got amazing beats, angelic vocals, and inspiring lyrics.
MUST-LISTEN TO TRACK: “Bite”
5. The 1975
Now I’m sure you’ve all heard of the beloved Manchester, UK-based alternative band by now, and have fallen in love with the songs “Chocolate,” “Sex” or “Girls,” but hear me out. Their new album, I Like It When You Sleep for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It, may be a mouthful to say, but is a masterpiece nonetheless. Their sound has transformed a bit since the release of their debut album – the majority of the tracks are reminiscent of 80s synth-pop, yet still have Matty Healy’s unmistakable vocals and those lyrics that just resonate in your bones.
MUST-LISTEN TO TRACK: “A Change of Heart”