Top 10 Rising Artists to Watch in 2024

The music industry is constantly evolving, with new voices and sounds emerging each year, offering a preview of what the future holds. Indie rock, hyperpop, and R&B are just a few genres where fresh talent is making waves. In 2024, a wave of exciting new artists is set to take center stage. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 rising artists to watch, featuring insights into their musical journey, popular tracks, and the buzz surrounding them.

1. Olivia Dean

Genre: Indie Pop / Soul
Olivia Dean is one of the most exciting new voices coming out of the UK. Born and raised in London, she first gained attention for her emotionally raw songwriting and powerful voice. Influenced by soul and pop, Olivia’s music explores themes of love, self-discovery, and heartbreak.

Olivia Dean’s Popular Songs:

• The Hardest Part
• Echoes
• Reason to Love You

Her debut EP Ok Love, I’m Sorry released in 2023 quickly gained traction, earning her a reputation as one of the UK’s brightest new artists. Olivia’s ability to blend contemporary indie pop with soul makes her stand out in 2024, and her highly anticipated debut album is set to be a game-changer for her career.

2. Glaive

Genre: Hyperpop / Pop Punk
Glaive, born in North Carolina, is one of the leading voices in the hyperpop scene—a genre that mixes electronic, punk, and pop in an explosive, genre-defying sound. At just 19 years old, Glaive has already been signed to a major label and has amassed millions of streams with his electrifying music.

Glaive’s Popular Songs:

• 1984
• I Wanna Slam My Head Against the Wall
• Crisis

Glaive’s songs often reflect the angst and emotional turmoil of being a teenager, and he has quickly become a favorite among fans of edgy, experimental pop. His debut album All Dogs Go to Heaven received rave reviews, and his upcoming projects in 2024 are expected to push the boundaries of hyperpop even further.

3. The Velveteers

Genre: Alternative Rock / Blues
The Velveteers are a Denver-based alternative rock band that blends raw blues with garage rock energy. Known for their high-octane live performances and gritty sound, The Velveteers’ music evokes a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and contemporary.

The Velveteers’s Popular Songs:

• Electric Girl
• Come On Over
• Loverboy

Formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Bonnie Bloomgarden, the group’s debut album Love and Melancholy is a raw reflection of their musical journey. With the right mix of garage rock, blues, and psych-rock influences, The Velveteers are poised to take the stage in a big way in 2024.

4. Remi Wolf

Genre: Alternative Pop / Funk
Remi Wolf is an American singer-songwriter known for her eclectic, genre-bending style that mixes indie pop with elements of funk, disco, and soul. She first made waves with her debut album Juno in 2021, which displayed her quirky, experimental approach to pop music.

Remi Wolf’s Popular Songs:

• Hello Hello Hello
• Photo ID (featuring Dominic Fike)
• Grumpy Old Man

Her bold and colorful personality shines through in her music, which is both fun and deeply reflective. With her follow-up projects set to release in 2024, Remi Wolf is expected to make an even bigger splash, thanks to her unapologetically vibrant sound and energetic performances.

5. Fousheé

Genre: R&B / Alternative
Fousheé, an American singer-songwriter, has been making waves with her smooth blend of alternative R&B and soulful vocals. Her haunting voice and emotionally charged lyrics have earned her critical acclaim, particularly with the release of her debut album, time machine.

Fousheé’s Popular Songs:

• deep end
• single handedly
• i miss you

Fousheé’s music combines vulnerability with strength, touching on themes of heartbreak, self-reflection, and healing. Her work has earned comparisons to artists like Frank Ocean and Solange, and she’s been gaining attention from major publications. In 2024, Fousheé is expected to break into the mainstream with her upcoming projects.

6. Lolo Zouaï

Genre: Pop / R&B
Lolo Zouaï, born to a French-Algerian family, creates a unique blend of French and American influences that merge R&B, electro-pop, and soul. She first gained attention with her debut single High Highs to Low Lows, which quickly went viral. Lolo’s music blends slick pop beats with sultry, introspective lyrics.

Lolo Zouaï’s Popular Songs:

• Alone With You
• Jade Bird
• Another Life

With a growing fanbase and collaborations with top-tier artists like Billie’s Eilish’s producer Finneas, Lolo Zouaï is set for a breakthrough year in 2024, with new music that is sure to highlight her versatility as both a vocalist and songwriter.

7. Ethel Cain

Genre: Indie / Americana / Alternative
Ethel Cain’s haunting blend of indie rock, Americana, and southern gothic storytelling has captivated listeners from the first note. Raised in the Bible Belt, Cain’s music explores themes of identity, religion, trauma, and self-destruction, all wrapped in atmospheric, ethereal production.

Ethel Cain’s Popular Songs:

• American Teenager
• Crush
• Family Tree

Ethel Cain’s debut album, Preacher’s Daughter, received widespread praise for its raw vulnerability and haunting sound, establishing her as one of the most exciting new voices in indie music. Expect her to be one of 2024’s biggest breakout artists.

8. LIL NAR

Genre: Hip Hop / Trap
LIL NAR has rapidly become a standout in the underground hip hop scene, with his unapologetic blend of trap beats and punk influences. Known for his catchy hooks and rebellious spirit, LIL NAR brings a fresh energy to the hip-hop genre that blends humor, youth, and vulnerability.

LIL NAR’s Popular Songs:

• I Don’t Care
• Let’s Go
• Faded

LIL NAR’s distinctive voice and experimental approach to rap make him a highly anticipated artist in 2024, and his mixtapes are already generating significant buzz on streaming platforms.

9. Nieve

Genre: Indie Rock / Pop
Nieve is an emerging indie rock artist whose mix of catchy pop hooks and melancholic rock has captivated audiences worldwide. With a focus on themes of love, loss, and personal growth, Nieve’s music feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.

Nieve’s Popular Songs:

• I’ll Be Here
• Cold Heart
• Moving On

Her emotive vocals and stripped-down approach to indie rock have earned her a loyal following, and her highly anticipated debut album, set for release in 2024, is expected to elevate her career to new heights.

10. Tobe Nwigwe

Genre: Hip-Hop / Soul
Tobe Nwigwe’s blend of soulful hip-hop and socially conscious lyricism has made him a rising star in the rap world. Based in Houston, Texas, Tobe is known for his powerful messages and storytelling ability, often addressing themes like racial justice, spirituality, and community empowerment.

Tobe Nwigwe’s Popular Songs:

• I’m Dope
• FYE (feat. Paul Wall)
• Black

Tobe Nwigwe’s unique blend of activism and artistry has earned him a dedicated fanbase, and his 2024 projects are expected to build on his success, propelling him into mainstream consciousness.

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for music, with these 10 emerging artists ready to take the world by storm. Each one brings a fresh perspective, a unique sound, and the potential to redefine their respective genres. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to carve out their place in the music industry and deliver the hits that will define the year ahead.