Does midterm season have you in a rut? Does the Chicago winter have you struggling to leave your dorm? Are you tired of hearing the same five Tiktok audios over and over again until you start to seriously fear the power of the algorithm? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be seriously in need of some new music recommendations. For me, finding new artists and songs to love is highly therapeutic, and it helps me regain a sense of peace after a stressful week. Whether they be underrated masters of their crafts or young newcomers, these seven artists are all perfect new additions to your winter playlists.
- Holly Humberstone
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For Fans Of: Taylor Swift
My Top 5: Scarlett, The Walls Are Way Too Thin, Overkill, London is Lonely, Sleep Tight
For three years, Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” has been my undisputed most played song on Spotify. In 2022, however, the crown was finally turned over to a new track: “Scarlett” by British indie-pop singer Holly Humberstone. Ever since Humberstone opened for Olivia Rodrigo in 2021, I have been seriously addicted to her xxx sound. Humberstone alternates between loud, dance-worthy anthems like “The Walls Are Way Too Thin” and quiet melodies such as “London is Lonely,” showing that she can truly do it all. Her emotional realism and delicate way of storytelling makes her the perfect candidate for your next musical obsession.Â
We go together like bad British weather and the one day I made plans/ So go hell for leather and know that it’s out of my hands
“Scarlett” by Holly Humberstone - Maude Latour
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For Fans Of: Lorde
My Top 5: One More Weekend, Furniture, Trees, Block Your Number, Starsick
The first time I heard Maude Latour’s ethereal voice was on TikTok during the lull of the early 2020 lockdown, and I knew that she would be a popstar. From recording acoustic demos in her Columbia University dorm room to signing a record deal with Warner and playing Lollapalooza in 2022, Latour is definitely one of the next big artists that needs to be on your radar. With her first full-length album, “001,” Latour shows that she can hold her own against industry veterans. With her cohesive, dreamy sound, she builds her own sonic world for listeners to explore, and her relatable lyrics can resonate with listeners across all stages of adolescence and adulthood.
Suddenly the trees are breathin’ like my lungs are too/ And it occurs to me that I’m forever changed by you
“Trees” by Maude Latour - Blood Orange
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For Fans Of: Frank Ocean
My Top 5: You’re Not Good Enough, I Wanna C U, Saint, Happiness, Something To Do, Benzo
In case you’re like me and still mourning the fact that you won’t be able to see Frank Ocean headline Coachella this summer, here are some new tracks to tie you over until Frank drops some new music (Seriously, it’s been seven years too long, and I’m starting to go into withdrawal). Jokes aside, though, Blood Orange is by no means a newcomer to the industry, but they are, in fact, criminally underrated. Experimenting with all genres from Alternative R&B to Jazz, Blood Orange truly has something for everyone.
I had to see you live for more/ You said it before/ You wish I’d seen the saint you were before
“Saint” by Blood Orange - Wet Leg
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For Fans Of: The 1975
My Top 5: Chaise Lounge, Wet Dream, Ur Mom, Supermarket, Being In Love
For fans of The 1975’s earlier discography, Wet Leg’s alternative post-punk sound is just the flashback you need. Both bands are quintessentially British and are not afraid to get silly with their lyrics from time to time (Compare Matty Healy’s recent iconic lyric: “I like my men like I like my coffee — full of soy milk and so sweet it won’t offend anybody” with Wet Leg’s: “Would you like us to assign someone to butter your muffin?”). With only one album released, the band has already won two Grammys for Best Alternative Music Performance and Album. Wet Leg is, personally, one of my favorite new artists, and I am anxious to hear what direction they go in next.
Is your mother worried?/ Would you like us to assign someone to worry your mother?
“Chaise Lounge” by Wet Leg - Blu DeTiger
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For Fans Of: HAIM
My Top 5: Blutooth, Cotton Candy Lemonade, Elevator, Figure It Out, Blondes
If I had to describe Blu DeTiger in one word, it would have to be “cool.” Besides having one of the sickest names in the industry, her rock-influenced indie pop is a voice for the new generation of rockstars. Her lyrical and vivid imagery creates a truly unique feeling that paves her own path. Similar to the vibe of HAIM, DeTiger’s bravado and bass creates an atmosphere that is both fresh and nostalgic all at once.
Cotton candy skies in my eyes/ When they open wide/ Fountains full of lemonade
“Cotton Candy Lemonade” by Blu DeTiger - Adam Melchor
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For Fans Of: John Mayer
My Top 5: Angel Numbers, Last Time, Turnham Green, What a Damn Shame, Joyride
Are you a Swiftie who wishes they could simply enjoy a John Mayer song without feeling guilty? If so, I have an even better substitute for you, because indie-folk singer-songwriter Adam Melchor never had the most killer song on Midnights written about him (Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve supremacy). I recently saw Melchor’s “Here Goes Nothing” Tour at Thalia Hall, and his genuine nature and musical talent truly shined. Melchor’s laid-back style combined with his deeply earnest lyrical musings are like a warm blanket in the cold winter months. Â
Angel numbers, phases of the moon/ Right now I’d take any sign to prove that I should stay with you
“Angel Numbers” by Adam Melchor - Ethel Cain
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For Fans Of: Phoebe Bridgers
My Top 5: Songs: American Teenager, Crush, A House in Nebraska, Gibson Girl, Sun Bleached Files
Ethel Cain is one of the biggest breakout artists of last year, with her critically-acclaimed concept album “Preachers Daughter” becoming a fan-favorite among fans of indie-pop with a dark twist. The album’s story line follows a fictionalized version of Ethel who flees her rural hometown and eventually meets a fatal end at the hands of a cannibalistic monster. Plus, former president Barack Obama loves her, so there’s that. Cain’s ability to experiment with macabre themes and mix genres highlights her own versatility and creativity in an industry that all too often celebrates vagueness and recycled themes. I see “Preacher’s Daughter” as Phoebe Bridgers’ “Punisher,” amplified to an extreme, and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of experiencing this album for yourself.
Say what you want/ But say it like you mean it with your fists for once
“American Teenager” by Ethel Cain