A new wave of trailblazing artists is set to redefine the music scene. These 20 Saints are the torchbearers of tomorrow, each bringing a fresh perspective and undeniable talent to the table. From genre-bending newcomers to seasoned innovators pushing boundaries, this list is your ultimate guide to the artists who will dominate the airwaves and shape the soundtrack of the coming year. Get ready to meet the stars poised to make waves and set the stage ablaze in 2024.
1. UPSAHL
UPSAHL is heating up the music scene this summer with her sizzling new single “Summer So Hot” and the announcement of her sprawling Melt Me Down tour. Dropping through RCA Records UK, the track blends UPSAHL’s smooth vocals with an electrifying bassline, delivering a perfect summer anthem. The accompanying music video embraces the season with vivid poolside scenes and a carefree vibe. Following her recent tour as a supporting act for Madison Beer, UPSAHL is set to rock major cities across the US and Europe in some of her biggest venues to date. Known for her dynamic live performances and past collaborations with stars like Dua Lipa and Demi Lovato, UPSAHL continues to build on her reputation as one of the most exciting voices in pop music today.
“I wrote ‘Summer so hot’ in the middle of winter in London. I was feeling nostalgic for that perfect summer day where all fucks fly out the window, you’re just being present with friends, and escaping to wherever the day takes you.”
UPSAHL
2. Lexi Anand
Pop sensation Lexi Anand is making waves with her latest single, “Summer Moment,” which has soared past 50,000 streams in just one week.Co-written with Melissa Bollea Rowe and Cliff Downs, this nostalgic track has captured the attention of industry giants like producer David MacKay, who lauded its captivating vocals and impeccable craftsmanship. The song’s lyrics evoke a sultry summer romance, blending poignant reflection with a sense of timelessness. Anand, whose musical style is influenced by the likes of Alanis Morissette and Fleetwood Mac, continues to make waves in pop with her fresh and emotionally resonant music. Currently in Los Angeles, she’s expanding her knowledge of the music industry while working on new material, including a forthcoming Christmas single. As she heads into her junior year at Vanderbilt University, Anand remains a rising star in the pop landscape, combining her artistic talents with a strong business acumen.
“I wrote ’Summer Moment’ with two people that inspire me very much: Melissa Rowe and Cliff Downs. This song explores a theme many of us can relate to when reminiscing about a special moment. It’s a song that explores nostalgia and love.”
Lexi Anand
3. Jace!
Rising Texas rapper Jace! drops his highly anticipated album Reverence 2, showcasing his expansive vision with 26 tracks that push genre boundaries. The album’s lead single, “Walk,” comes with a dynamic official music video, highlighting Jace!’s signature blend of rapping, singing, and genre experimentation. Following his impactful debut Reverence, this latest project explores a broad range of sounds and emotions, from the heartfelt “Let u Go” featuring Elscyia to the synth-driven “Check It Out” and the introspective “RIP FATT.” Known for his diverse influences and raw lyricism, JACE! continues to evolve as a genre-defying artist. With his strong fanbase and innovative approach, he’s set to make waves in the music scene this year.
4. Towa Bird
Towa Bird, the rising alt-rock/pop sensation, has just released the whimsical video for her latest single, “Deep Cut,” a standout track from her critically acclaimed debut album American Hero. The playful video, directed by Haley Appell, features Towa in a series of surreal green-screen scenarios, from a bathroom stall to a fishing lagoon, all while donning an oversized pinstripe suit. The video mirrors the track’s punk-pop energy and cheeky attitude, offering a vibrant visual complement to the song’s fierce, driving beat. Following her performance of the National Anthem at the Major League Soccer All-Star Game, Towa’s latest offering cements her reputation as a dynamic and original artist. With her album American Hero receiving praise from major outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard, and her upcoming sold-out tour dates, Towa Bird is undeniably one of the most exciting new talents in music today.
5. Highway
Seattle’s rising rap star Highway has unleashed his latest single, “keep Dat,” via Victor Victor Worldwide/Geffen Records. Produced by Basskids, the track showcases Highway’s unrelenting confidence and sharp lyricism, continuing his trend of explosive 2024 releases. “keep Dat” reinforces his reputation with its bold wordplay and narrative, blending personal authenticity with a distinctive style. The single comes on the heels of a standout year for Highway, marked by high-profile performances and collaborations with brands like Supreme. As he cements his place in the rap scene, “keep Dat” further solidifies Highway’s position as a significant new voice in hip-hop.
6. Poppy Ajudha
Poppy Ajudha has unveiled her latest single, “Girl Next Door,” a vibrant and introspective exploration of queer love and personal growth. Produced by Wes Singerman and Tyler Blake Dexter, and mixed by Mike Malichoff, the track blends pop sensibilities with heartfelt lyrics. The song reflects Poppy’s journey from her hometown to the creative energy of LA, capturing the excitement of new romance and the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Following a successful return with singles like “Ready” and “My Future,” Ajudha’s new release continues to build on her distinctive sound and artistic vision. With critical acclaim from NME, Clash Magazine, and BBC Radio 1, and a reputation bolstered by high-profile performances and fashion collaborations, Poppy Ajudha remains a pivotal voice in British music.
“This song is about falling in love with a girl who moved in next door and after a very cute first date I got into bed and had the “girl next door” lyric and melody hook in my head. I sung it into my voice memos and the next morning went to the piano to try and develop the song.”
Poppy Ajudha
7. The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays have dropped their eagerly awaited album, Made By These Moments, today via RCA Records. This new release, helmed by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, combines the band’s signature mix of rock, southern soul, and gospel across eleven introspective tracks. The album reflects on themes of faith, love, and redemption, showcasing their genre-blending style. Recent highlights include a dynamic performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and praise from critics who describe their sound as a fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, country, and Delta blues. The band is currently on a nationwide tour, with upcoming shows at prominent venues like Brooklyn’s Paramount and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. With a breakout year marked by chart-topping singles and high-profile performances, The Red Clay Strays are solidifying their position as a rising force in Americana music.
8. Amy Shark
Amy Shark, the acclaimed Australian pop artist and eight-time ARIA Award winner, has just released her highly anticipated third studio album, Sunday Sadness. This new record is a deeply personal exploration of Shark’s emotional landscape, crafted during contemplative Sunday sessions. Featuring a dynamic blend of introspective lyricism and soaring melodies, the album includes standout tracks like “Can I Shower At Yours,” “Beautiful Eyes,” and a collaboration with Tom DeLonge of blink-182 on “My Only Friend.” With contributions from a stellar lineup of producers, including Dann Hume and Kid Harpoon, Sunday Sadness showcases Shark’s evolution as an artist, solidifying her place in the upper echelons of Australian music royalty.
“I specifically wrote this album on Sundays, constantly daydreaming about the happiest moments and the worst, remembering the best people while still getting over others. I am different on Sundays, I am not sure why, but I bet you are too. I think about my life so much on Sundays, my family, my friends and probably you. I’m still learning people, I’m still trying to be a better person, Sunday Sadness has every emotion I feel, you’ll smile in some songs and feel the love – but you’ll also be sad and probably not sleep well this Sunday night.”
Amy Shark
9. Star Bandz
Star Bandz, the 16-year-old drill rap prodigy from Chicago, is making waves with her latest single and music video, “Cut Throat.” Known for her sharp lyrical style and innovative approach, Star Bandz delivers a raw, unfiltered anthem that sets her apart from the mainstream rap scene. Her knack for compelling storytelling without resorting to explicit language highlights her unique voice in the genre. With over 399k Instagram followers and a viral hit single, “Yea Yea,” she’s quickly becoming a rising star. Star Bandz’s performance on the On The Radar Freestyle further solidifies her position, and her upcoming appearances on Veeze’s “The Worst Tour Ever” suggest she’s set to become a major force in 2024.
10. Nige
Nige, the emerging singer-songwriter from Washington, D.C., delivers an emotionally charged anthem with his latest single, “Don’t Cry.” The track, produced by Supah Mario, captures the raw aftermath of a troubled relationship, with Nige’s heartfelt lyrics resonating deeply with listeners. Teased on TikTok and met with overwhelming anticipation, the song’s release showcases Nige’s ability to channel personal pain into universally relatable music. Following his impactful single “War In The Trenches,” Nige continues to build his reputation for poignant storytelling and compelling performances, signaling his rise as a significant new voice in music.
11. CloudPainter
CloudPainter, the dynamic band hailing from the Arizona desert, unveils their latest single, “Count On Me.” This track, crafted by members Liz Painter and RJ Cloud, delivers a heartfelt message of steadfast support amid life’s uncertainties. The song’s blend of acoustic melodies and harmonized vocals reflects the band’s knack for creating music that feels both personal and universally resonant. With Steve Smith’s solid bass lines, Carlos Solorzano’s vibrant drumming, and Arnie Ventura’s textured percussion, “Count On Me” weaves a sound that is both expansive and intimate. CloudPainter’s innovative fusion of rock, psychedelia, and R&B offers a fresh, comforting experience, making the single a standout in their evolving musical journey.
12. Conner Youngblood
Conner Youngblood, the Nashville-based artist known for his introspective and genre-blending sound, has just released his latest single, “Running through the Tøyen arboretum in the spring,” a track from his eagerly awaited album Cascades, Cascading, Cascadingly. The song, inspired by a reflective visit to Oslo’s Tøyen botanical garden, merges wistful melodies with vibrant vocal loops and handclaps. Youngblood describes the track as a collage of fragmented memories and emotions, designed to be more upbeat than its somber backstory might suggest. This release follows a series of captivating singles, including “Reveille!” and “Blue Gatorade,” and showcases Youngblood’s ability to blend musical experimentation with deep emotional resonance. His upcoming album promises a surreal journey through diverse sonic landscapes and languages, further cementing his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.
13. Jutes
Jutes, the Ottawa-via-LA rock/pop sensation, is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album Sleepyhead, set to drop on October 17th. Following the success of his EP of the same name, the new album promises to deliver a dynamic range of sounds, melding the nostalgic pop/punk vibes reminiscent of Linkin Park with the intense energy of nu-metal. Alongside this announcement, Jutes has unveiled his new single “Safe Word,” a high-octane track produced by Keith Sorrells and Alex Niceforo of The Orphanage. “Safe Word” is characterized by its powerful vocals, energetic guitar riffs, and compelling drum patterns, offering a fresh, electrifying addition to Jutes’ growing discography. The single follows the rapid success of “Sleepyhead,” which has already amassed over 6 million streams and continues to climb the Alternative radio charts.
14. Wes Nelson
Wes Nelson, already a major player in the global music scene with over 1.3 billion streams and chart-topping hits across ten countries, returns with his latest single, “Barcelona.” Collaborating with the dynamic production duo Billen Ted, Nelson reimagines a classic dance anthem from the early 2000s by D Kay, Epsilon, and Stamina. This fresh take, which Nelson first previewed at Ibiza Rocks, blends nostalgic beats with a modern twist, making it a perfect summer track. “Barcelona” marks Nelson’s first release since signing with RCA UK and follows the success of “Abracadabra,” which soared to #1 on Global’s Big Top 40. The single’s release is complemented by vibrant social media engagement and a buzz-worthy live debut, continuing Nelson’s impressive trajectory in the music industry.
15. Leah Mason
Leah Mason, the Nashville-based pop sensation hailed by People Magazine as an “undeniable talent,” has released her highly-anticipated debut album, HEXED. The album, which drops today across all streaming platforms, is accompanied by the music video for its title track. After captivating audiences with her debut EP, Honeydew & Hennessy, Mason took a creative leap, collaborating with Swedish producer Simon Jonasson to craft a collection of pop tracks that showcase her evolving sound and artistic depth. HEXED reflects the tumultuous yet transformative journey of early adulthood, offering a mix of edgy anthems and introspective ballads. With tracks that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, Mason hopes her music resonates deeply with listeners and provides a window into her personal experiences.
“I’ve never felt such deep heartbreak, anger, resentment, betrayal, or frustration than I have in the past year, but I’ve also never loved as deeply, felt as confident, or been as outspoken. It was so fun to create music that made me feel so creatively fulfilled. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I hope my album helps others feel seen, and I hope that it helps people understand me as well.”
Leah Mason
16. Jana Diab
22-year-old pop experimentalist Jana Diab is making waves with her latest single, “I’ll Just Say It.” Known for her fusion of raw vulnerability and bold, emotive lyrics, Diab continues to carve out her niche with this new track, following her impactful releases “So Stupid” and “Escape Plan.” With a sound that marries avant-garde pop sensibilities with a deeply personal touch, her music resonates with an authenticity that echoes the introspective prowess of artists like Lorde and Half Waif. Hailing from Cairo and raised in London, Diab’s diverse background infuses her work with a compelling, cross-cultural perspective, making her one of the most intriguing emerging talents to watch in 2024.
17. BBYx
BBYx, Dublin’s burgeoning talent is making waves with her debut single, “Like That.” This track, celebrated as the quintessential anthem of summer, has taken TikTok by storm and is capturing widespread attention. With a background in dance and musical theatre from Dublin’s leading arts institution, BBYx merges her dynamic vocal abilities with a distinctive sound that draws from influences like Artemas and Charli XCX. Her music taps into the raw emotions of betrayal and lingering attachment, delivering a fresh and compelling take on pop. As a rising star, BBYx is one to watch closely in 2024.
18. Julia Raye
Emerging pop sensation Julia Raye has just dropped her latest single, “Give You Up,” a track that explores the intoxicating allure of a toxic romance. Produced by Bret “Epic” Mazur, known for his work with Crazy Town and Prince, the song is a vibrant, radio-friendly anthem that highlights Raye’s impressive vocal prowess. Hailing from Long Island and trained in both classical and contemporary music, Julia merges her operatic background with modern pop and R&B influences to create a unique sound. With a history of performing in musical theater and a notable academic background, Julia Raye is poised to make a significant impact in the pop world with this new release.
“It’s a song about that one guy who you know is bad for you but you can’t help falling for. You can really hear the range of emotions play out in real time. It’s confident, sassy, fun, and honest.”
Julia Raye
19. Benjamin Ingrosso
Benjamin Ingrosso is back with a bang in his latest single, “All My Life,” a high-energy anthem that perfectly encapsulates the euphoria of a never-ending night out. Set to be a highlight of his upcoming fifth album, Pink Velvet Theatre, this track is an ode to youthful exuberance and adventure. With its infectious beat and exuberant guitar riffs, “All My Life” promises to solidify Ingrosso’s place as a global pop powerhouse. The single arrives as Ingrosso wraps up his Better Days Tour with a sold-out show at Stockholm’s iconic 30,000-capacity Stockholms Stadion, amplifying his status as one of Sweden’s most electrifying artists.
20. Lexa Gates
Lexa Gates, the Queens-bred rapper and singer, has just unveiled her deeply personal new single “Provider,” along with an intimate DIY music video. The track resonates with the struggles of an artist balancing their passion and the responsibility of supporting loved ones. Gates’ poignant lyrics and evocative production are complemented by a video that captures candid family moments, reflecting her commitment to her craft and family. This release follows her previous hit, “I Just Can’t Be Alone,” and marks a significant moment in her career as she prepares for a sold-out performance at Los Angeles’ Echoplex on August 14th. Gates’ unique blend of introspective lyricism and raw, emotional delivery continues to set her apart in the NYC music scene.