PLAYLIST : 21 artists to get to know in 2021

cover image : Olivia Dean
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Over the past year, the landscape of the music industry has changed completely. COVID-19 sharply halted all concerts and tours and confined artists to their homes. Many social and political issues came to the forefront of our cultural conscience, with musicians showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, raising awareness about the United States presidential election, and helping to fuel new waves of activism. Despite the circumstances of this year, 2020 was also a revolutionary year for music. A growing number of artists are increasingly discarding the prescriptions of genre, and colouring outside the lines. These artists are picking out elements from all kinds of influences and blending them together to create their own unique styles in order to authentically tell their own unique stories. 

Now, it's time to meet these artists that are forging the sounds of the future. Check out the 21 artists to get to know in 2021 below, and follow the playlist of all the artists on Spotify and Apple Music. 

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ELIO

Toronto songwriter ELIO may have only just started releasing her music this past year, but she's already crafted an undeniable pop prowess that's catching eyes all over the Internet. Exposing the modern nuances of love, social media, and connection in today's times, ELIO writes irresistible melodies that will give you faith in the future of pop.

watch out: With her sophomore EP Can You Hear Me Now already out last month, ELIO will be one to keep an eye on for more new music this year.

listen to: "hurts 2 hate somebody," "CHARGER," "LA in Two" 

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Claud

After starting out under the pseudonym Toast, American singer-songwriter Claud is now blowing up the indie pop scene—this time under their own name, embracing and celebrating who they are. Diving deep into the intricacies of personal relationships, Claud's brand of heartbreakingly catchy bedroom pop will be one to fall in love with this year.

catch up: As the first artist signed to Saddest Factory—Phoebe Bridgers' record label—Claud's debut album Super Monster was just released last Friday [12 February 2021]. 

listen to: "Soft Spot," "Cuff Your Jeans," "Gold"

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Olivia Dean

After undergoing her training at London's famed BRIT School for performing arts, Olivia Dean is letting us into her intimate world of songwriting. Her silky voice weaves honest, conversational melodies over a bed of warm alt-pop, capturing personal vignettes that offer a detailed look at the inside of a relationship.

watch out: With two successful EPs out now, Olivia Dean is hopefully on the rise towards an album soon.

listen to: "Echo," "Baby Come Home," "The Hardest Part"

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Middle Part

A few years ago, Andrew Selkōw moved to Alaska in order to focus on himself after struggling with his own mental health. Now, he's sharing these reflections under the name of Middle Part, writing songs that hold a deeply nostalgic sound, but with emotions that are firmly grounded in the now.

watch out: Following the release of Middle Part's debut EP I Wish I Was Alive in December 2020, the artist has been teasing on social media that more new music is on the way. 

listen to: "Heartbeat," "Busy," "Say Goodbye"

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Maggie Gently

Formerly of the San Francisco pop punk band The Total Bettys, Maggie Gently is candidly stepping out on her own in her new solo project. Now, she's able to tell her own unique stories, and accept them as her own, through her cathartic style of emo-tinged indie rock. 

watch out: After the release of her debut EP Good Cry in May, Maggie Gently has been back at releasing new singles since the end of 2020, so hopefully more music is on the way soon.

listen to: "Every Night," "Bitter Pills," "Alive"

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Bartees Strange

This Washington, D.C.-based artist lives outside the confines of genre. Blending everything from punk to country to rap in a way that's seamless but still allows each of his individual influences to shine, Bartees Strange is paving his own path in the indie rock world. 

catch up: Bartees Strange's debut album Live Forever was just released in October 2020. 

listen to: "Boomer," "Stone Meadows," "Mustang"

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Baby Queen

With her sharply honest observations about modern young people, Baby Queen is quickly becoming the voice of her generation. The UK-based artist writes pop songs with a witty edge, buzzing energy, and bubbly melodies, offering up emphatic social statements and relatable personal revelations. 

watch out: After dropping her debut EP Medicine in November, Baby Queen just released a new single last month, hopefully hinting at more music to come this year. 

listen to: "Pretty Girl Lie," "Raw Thoughts," "Internet Religion"

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The Rills

This UK band is bringing back everyone's favourite kind of classic indie rock in a big way. With their instantly loveable angular guitar and bouncy melodies, The Rills are infusing early-2000s indie with enough of a modern sensibility to amass almost 130,000 followers on Tik Tok. 

watch out: After a handful of successful singles this year, hopefully The Rills have an EP or an album in the works for 2021.

listen to: "Stardog," "The Angler," "Us & Them"

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Melody

At just 16 years old, Melody Caudill has a distinct ability to write songs that describe a feeling we've all felt at some point in our lives—the feeling of being an outsider. Whether you're currently in high school or you graduated years ago, Melody's uncannily specific descriptions and liberating alt-rock sound evoke a genuine emotion for listeners of any age. 

watch out: With two EPs already under her belt, and now signed to Lauren Records, Melody will definitely be one to watch for new music this year. 

listen to: "Mosquito Bites," "Teacher's Pet," "Superlame"

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Gatlin

In her mesmerizing indie pop, this Nashville artist emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-reflection in feeling emotions. Gatlin's soft vocals and ethereal melodies explore the continual growth processes of young adulthood, and exemplify the power of healing through song.

catch up: Gatlin's debut EP Sugarcoated just came out in August 2020. 

listen to: "Talking to Myself," "Grown," "Never Been In Love"

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FELIVAND

Under the name FELIVAND, Australian songwriter Felicity Vanderveen creates velvety smooth neo-soul pop songs. Her sugary voice floats over funky synths and glossy percussion, coming together to foster an immersive sound that traverses the internal conflicts and difficulties of personal relationships.

catch up: FELIVAND's sophomore EP Nerve was just released in October 2020.

listen to: "Ebb & Flow," "Trajectory," "Gone"

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RINSE

After collaborating and playing live with Hatchie, Joe Agius is emerging with his own solo project, RINSE. The Australian musician creates a 90s-inspired dream pop sound that blooms into a lush sonic landscape of nostalgia, love, and self-reflection. 

watch out: RINSE's debut EP Wherever I Am is due on 5 March 2021. 

listen to: "Tell Me Tell Me Tell Me," "Back Into Your Arms (feat. Hatchie)," "Tamaryn (Wherever I Am)"

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Gabe Goodman

LA-based singer-songwriter Gabe Goodman makes music that feels like a real, intimate conversation about life. Revealing the complications of young adulthood over an acoustic guitar, Goodman reflects on his deepest fears in a way that still retains hope for the future. 

catch up: Gabe Goodman just dropped his sophomore EP New Things in December 2020.

listen to: "Unlovable," "Immortals," "It Will Come Back"

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Phoebe Green

Just like her bright orange curls, Phoebe Green's music is bold. The Manchester-based musician puts out dark and moody alternative pop tunes that boast hyper self-aware lyricism, gritty bass lines, and all the honest remarks you've always been too afraid to say.

watch out: Now that Phoebe Green's newest EP I Can't Cry For You was released in December 2020, she seems to be firmly entering a new era of her artistry, which will hopefully lead to more music soon.

listen to: "Reinvent," "Golden Girl," "A World I Forgot"

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Sea Girls

Since the release of their debut single in 2017, UK indie rockers Sea Girls have been steadily attracting attention. Now, the four-piece is striking a perfect balance between their stadium-size guitar pop sound and their introspective lyrics about the anxieties of becoming a young adult.

catch up: Sea Girls just released their debut album Open Up Your Head in August 2020. 

listen to: "Do You Really Wanna Know?" "Ready For More," "This Is The End"

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Snarls

Although their band name might suggest a self-preserving kind of attitude, Snarls offer a surprising amount of honesty and emotional vulnerability in their music. Sitting at the intersection of dream pop and grunge, this Ohio band explores all of the confusions, fears, and unique experiences of being a twenty-something. 

catch up: Snarls' debut album Burst just came out in March 2020.

listen to: "What's It Take," "Walk in the Woods," "Better Off"

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Love You Later

As Love You Later, American musician Lexi Aviles writes songs that feel like jumping into a deep blue pool of introspection. Her soft yet captivating vocals and pensive synths deliver insights on love, loneliness, and personal growth that will make any young listener feel seen.

watch out: Hopefully Love You Later's 2020 releases of EP Heaven is Without You and three-song collection Mouthwash are leading up to more music this year. 

listen to: "Baseball," "PCH Rollercoaster," "Making Plans"

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Remi Wolf

This colourful LA artist's genre-fusing pop songs will have you shamelessly dancing around your bedroom.  Former American Idol contestant Remi Wolf is now making her own waves in the music world, and with her bold vocals and funky eclecticism of instrumentals, she's creating a category all her own. 

watch out: Following her EP I'm Allergic To Dogs! in June 2020 and the success of her song "Photo ID" on Tik Tok, Remi Wolf has hopefully been building up to the release of an album soon. 

listen to: "Hello Hello Hello," "Monte Carlo," "Disco Man"

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The Accents

Torontonian songwriters The Accents are creating an exciting electronic-infused indie pop sound. As their soaring synths take flight through expressions of love both lost and found, this duo's addictive sound is set to be the next big thing. 

watch out: After releasing their debut EP Still On Film in September 2020 and a new single yesterday [17 February 2021], hopefully The Accents have more new music to share this year. 

listen to: "Talk It Over," "Maybe Hereafter," "In My Head"

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Carlie Hanson

Rebellious pop star Carlie Hanson is turning heads with her gritty vulnerability. Her unabashed lyricism tackles many of the real things that young people are facing today, like addiction, mental health issues, and the difficulties of modern interpersonal relationships. 

watch out: Following the release of her sophomore EP DestroyDestroyDestroyDestroy in October 2020, Carlie Hanson is back at releasing new music with a new single last week [12 February 2021], hopefully signalling more to come this year.

listen to: "Good Enough," "I Hate Your Room," "Is That A Thing?"

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Luna Li

Dreamy Toronto songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Luna Li creates songs that would make the perfect soundtrack for a fairy garden. Through a forest of magical harp, glittering guitar, and enchanting violin, this artist is emphasizing the importance of self-love and self-reflection.

watch out: After releasing a couple of singles in 2020 and an instrumental jams EP earlier this month, Luna Li will be one to watch for more music this year. 

listen to: "Afterglow," "cloud castle," "Trying"

You can listen to all 21 artists in one place in the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.