Summer is here and the weather is hot hot hot! But in between going to the beach, lake and summer music festivals, there have been some amazing music discoveries that have caught my radar. From indie rock, pop, electronic, hip hop, here are some artists to watch this summer. Add these gems to your favorite playlist.
“Ignition (feat. Echonomist)” by HAAi
HAAi is an innovator of sound. The London-based, Australian-born producer, songwriter and DJ, has just shared her latest single and music video featuring Echonomist. The layered electronic embrace entitled “Ignition” is off of her upcoming and highly anticipated dance floor focused album, DIGITiSE, set for release October 9th on Mute. With “Ignition”, HAAi and Echonomist create an intoxicating dance banger filled with swirling synths, glitchy beats, deep crystalline grooves and warm vocals. The music contemplates what it means to be human in our increasingly digital landscape. The song thrives on community, collaboration and the importance of shared art, music and places.
The single arrives with a captivating and experimental music video, showing cuts of fast moving cars and HAAi covered in bright yellow post-its. The video feels nostalgic but also futuristic at the same time, mirroring the sonics of “Ignitions”.
“Juntas” by Lauren Ruth Ward
The charismatic and electrifying rock artist Lauren Ruth Ward is back with another banger. Entitled “Juntas” the single is the highlight and title track off of her forthcoming Spanish-English EP. With “Juntas”, Lauren Ruth Ward blends Latin-rhythms with psychedelic rock guitars and memorable lines for a must-hear musical escape. The single also features a viby groove-induced dance beat adding to the allure. She sings to a new love interest, “I’m afraid if I come to you / I won’t come back to LA / Can you really make some room for me baby?”
In support of the new EP Lauren Ruth Ward is set to tour Mexico for a very special “Juntas Tour”. The tour is a journey built hand in hand with the people who have supported it from the beginning, her incredible fan club. Take a listen now and add this one-of-kind new single to your playlist!
“Island” by Alfie Jukes
Heartfelt and captivating Brighton-born singer-songwriter Alfie Jukes returns with his latest single, “Island.” The emotional pop anthem explores the bittersweet experience of letting go of someone you love. Written about his sister moving away from home, “Island” pairs soaring melodies with intimate storytelling. He sings, “Hold it in / Keep it quiet / I do want the best for you,” shows this relatable narrative. “Island” features warm production complete with lush acoustic guitars, an anthemic chorus and Jukes’ signature heartfelt lyricism. The single is another standout addition to his ever-growing catalogue and a glimpse into the exciting future of one of the UK’s most promising pop artists.
“Light Show” by Zo Trapalot
Memphis rapper and hip hop riser Zo Trapalot is back with his latest single, “Light Show.” Arriving fresh off the release of “Renegade” and following the announcement that he is the first artist signed to Key Glock‘s newly launched Cutthroat La Familia label, the track finds Zo delivering sharp lyricism and slick punchlines with effortless confidence. Anchored by a hypnotic hook and hard-hitting production, “Light Show” is a bold statement of ambition, success and self-assurance, offering an exciting preview of what’s to come from the South Memphis native.
“CHASE THE RABBIT” by TwoLips
Genre-defying artist TwoLips returns with a bold new project that showcases her fearless approach to music and storytelling. Blending elements of desert-metal, rap and afro-beat, the album entitled DIE ON EVERY HILL finds the New Mexico-born artist pushing creative boundaries while drawing from her lived experience as a multi-racial Black and Indigenous (Dena’ina, Lakota) woman. Rich with emotion, intensity and cultural identity, the album is a striking statement from an artist unafraid to carve out her own lane.
“Kiss Me” by Zarenae
Los Angeles-based pop captivator Zarenae continues her rise with the release of her dreamy new single, “Kiss Me.” Blending radio-friendly melodies with R&B drenched beats, the track is a cinematic love letter to the romance many grew up watching on screen, pairing seductive vocals with playful lyricism and modern production. She sings, “You should be here with me / I love it when you kiss me kiss me,” showing her affection.
“UNDER THE NIGHT SKY” by Goodtime Greg
Los Angeles-based genre-collider Goodtime Greg returns with his latest captivating release. Called “UNDER THE NIGHT SKY”, the single is an atmospheric alt-pop track exploring love, heartbreak and the clarity that comes with moving forward. Blending conscious hip-hop with dreamy melodies, electronic textures and a warm groove, the track showcases Greg’s unique ability to merge genres, making his music feel freshly intoxicating.
“Meet Me At Yours” by Gabriella Lin
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Gabriella Lin returns with her latest release, “Meet Me At Yours,” an intimate and playful track capturing the excitement, uncertainty and vulnerability of developing a new crush. Blending warm bedroom pop with conversational lyricism, the song transforms everyday moments into a vivid portrait of early romance.
“Heavenly” by Maya Kuriel
Immersive LA-based singer-songwriter Maya Kuriel has just shared her highly anticipated new EP, A Quiet Collapse. The seven song collection explores the fragile space between falling apart and finding yourself again. Led by the standout single “Heavenly,” the EP showcases her ability to transform moments of isolation, longing and self-reflection into emotionally powerful songs.