In light of recent events, it’s become inherently evident that 2016 has been labeled as a very unpopular year.
But as this year comes to a close, we can’t overlook the great things t0 came out of this year, as well. The music industry produced a new generation of artists that brought a fresh take to their work while simultaneously revolutionizing their genres. Here are 15 of the best new artists that broke out this year, giving 2016 a good name and making this year, their year:
1. Anderson .Paak
After the release of his second album Malibu, Anderson .Paak gained immense popularity, first within the afro-punk community then on a mainstream level. Now, the 30 musician has been nominated for two Grammy awards and has gained rapid success with both his album and through features with big names like Mac Miller. .Paak is an amazing talent and I can’t wait to see what more he’ll bring to 2017.
2. Cub Sport
Australian natives Cub Sport have had a really big year, topping Australian charts this past fall and trending for their amazing performance on Triple J’s Like A Version with their cover of Kanye’s Ultralight Beam. While the indie band hasn’t made as big of a splash in the States yet, it’s only a matter of time. 2017 is ready for you, Cub Sport!
3. Marshmello
EDM rockstar Marshmello was practically no one this time last year, but now his iconic helmet and addictive sound has made him a household name in the world of electronic music. As someone not particularly fond of EDM music, I can proudly say that he is definitely one of my favorite musicians right now. Keep doin’ you, my guy.
4. Ra Ra Riot
I had the utmost privilege of seeing this beachy indie rock band live back in September as they opened up for Young The Giant on their Home of the Strange tour and I was blown away by their stage presence and overall talent. Let me tell you, these guys are good. They’ve slowly made a name for themselves in the alt-rock world and it can only go up from here.
5. Jon Bellion
I have too many great things to say about Jon Bellion that I have no idea where to start. He’s a humble visionary that sells out shows faster than the time it takes to get your food at McDonald’s and his album The Human Condition is one of the best to come out of 2016. This was the year of Jon Bellion and I strongly believe he will only keep getting bigger.
6. Khalid
This sultry R&B star has come from the woodwork only recently but has really proven himself worthy of a spot on this list. His hit “Location” has been topping r&b and hip-hop charts this winter, proving that there is a place for alternative r&b in the mainstream world.
7. KAYTRANADA
This iconic DJ has had an insane amount of influence on the modern view of hip-hop, bringing a new electronic sub-genre of hip-hop music to the forefront. His album 99.9% is debatably one of the best of it’s kind, and seeing “Prod. by KAYTRANDA” next to a song title on Soundcloud makes it a guaranteed jam.
8. Majid Jordan
This sensual duo got their initial fame with their Drake collab on their hit single “My Love” but gained real success with their self-titled debut album released earlier this year. Majid Jordan is a definitieve album for the year of 2016 and I can’t wait to see what they do next. 2017 is their oyster.
10. ZAYN (a.k.a Zayn Malik)
This is a given, but when so many solo careers fall flat, Zayn Malik really delivered. His album Mind of Mine topped charts as well giving hit singles like “PILLOWTALK” and “LIKE I WOULD.” He quickly became an overnight star, completely independent of his One Direction image. Little Zayn is all grown up and he made that inherently clear by closing this year with a Taylor Swift collab for the new Fifty Shades of Grey movie.
11. Aminé
Moroccan rapper Aminé made it big this year with his hit “Caroline,” sweeping radio stations around the country with his old-school vibes and catchy hooks. “Caroline”‘s success and Aminé’s talent tell me 2016 was just the beginning for this young star.
12. Jack Garratt
This British native showed his true colors this year with his debut album Phase, an indie masterpiece of romantically moving ballads and synthetic, electronic beats. His style is refreshing and his aura is warm, fitting him perfectly among those on this list.
13.Roy Woods
Roy Woods has taken r&b to new heights this year . Following in similar footsteps of Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, the young artist has fully embraced the dancehall and Jamaican style by strategically incorporating it into his music in a way that’s subtle yet alluring. His smooth vocals and addictive beats on his two project this year, Waking at Dawn and Nocturnal, will have you hooked. He could easily be the next PARTYNEXTDOOR, no doubt about it.
14. Blood Orange
Called “the Prince of our generation” Dev Hynes, also known as Blood Orange, has been making music for years but was mostly an underground name for the indie and afro-punk genres until this year. His album Freetown Sound gained rapid popularity for its socially progressive tones that support the black and LGBTQ communities through a feminine perspective. Basically, he’s doing everything right. Love you, Dev.
15. DNCE
Joe Jonas is all grown up and, not unlike Zayn Malik, shedding his Disney image and proving himself worthy of real, substantial work. His band DNCE has accumulated an insane amount of fans this year with their hit “Cake by the Ocean” and now “Body Moves” (to show off their sexier side). So far, we like what we see, and Joe Jonas has reclaimed our attention and respect. We hope you guys have big plans for 2017 because we are as ready as we’ll ever be.
Who was your favorite act of 2016? Let us know in the comments!
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