As the worldwide popularity of drum & bass increases, so too does the diversity within the genre. Singer/songwriter and producer Kenya Grace brandishes an incredibly unique style of liquid drum & bass that sounds completely original. She sings on her own tracks, adding a lighter, almost pop-like component while still stretching the limits of liquid drum & bass. Kenya Grace is leading a new wave of internet drum & bass producers and doing it unconditionally her own way.

The pop world is about to see the meteoric rise of another big star, in the shape of Chappell Roan. With her distinctively powerful voice and effortless stage presence, we wouldn’t be surprised if 2024 is the biggest year yet for the 25-year-old singer. Roan has gained attention for releasing a run of consistently great singles ever since she traded in her life in Missouri, six years ago, for a go at the music world in LA. Her career trajectory took a massive upturn with the September 2023 release of her debut album, The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess, and with her disco-infused sound and celebration of queerness, Roan has attracted a deluge of fans, more than earning her the top spot on this list of artists to watch in 2024. Her unique stage presence is unfalteringly energetic yet calming, and she’s quickly managed to curate a safe and joyfully chaotic environment with her live shows. Roan’s colourful world is about to expand even further as she prepares to open for Olivia Rodrigo in the new year. Get ready to see the star’s bejewelled stage corsets and mane of red curls take the North American leg of the GUTS World Tour by storm!

Teezo Touchdown is a game-changer, introducing a distinctive sound that sets him apart. Having shared stages with Travis Scott and earned a feature on Drake's album, he's making waves in the music industry. With the recent release of his album, How Do You Sleep at Night? Teezo Touchdown isn't just here for a moment—he's here to stay. Get ready to experience a new musical era with Teezo, as he continues to redefine the landscape with his innovative style and undeniable staying power.

Mexican American 19-year-old singer-songwriter Xavi (born Joshua Xavier Gutiérrez) kicked off 2024 with his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart thanks to his romantic corrido “La Diabla,” which crowned the Hot Latin Songs chart on Jan. 6. The song also currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200 Excl. U.S. and at No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Born in Phoenix, the artist has become a bright new name in regional Mexican music thanks to his authentic and romantic approach. And with his unique, vibrant vocals and charming humbleness, he has connected perfectly with Gen Z through TikTok. Plus, unlike most of his counterparts, his biggest hits have been solo numbers, not collabs. He is all set to embark on his first tour later this year and has signed with WME for global representation across all areas. — I.F.

Embracing more of a stripped-down, understated aesthetic of vulnerability in his music, Khamari has benefited from an incredible breakout year. Deriving influence from an eclectic bunch of genre-elevating artists — The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Frank Ocean, Kid Cudi and Mac Miller — to name a few, Khamari has inherited his signature style that is just as relatable as it is refreshing. Withdrawn from gratuitous gimmicks, Khamari’s graceful yet simplistic approach to music is aptly reminiscent of fellow newcomer Leon Thomas and a young Frank Ocean. Thoroughly indulgent in the blissful nature of acoustics and warm melodies, Khamari will become much more prevalent within the modern-day R&B scene as time progresses.

Wisp’s third single “Once then we’ll be free” is intimate, intoxicating, and inescapable: A fever dream of shiver-inducing shoegaze that stirs the soul, soaking the body in a thick and heavy sound.

The dynamic French duo has emerged in the wake of Fred again..’s cultural impact. The siblings have taken a unique, unfiltered approach, producing their own video using 360° cameras and eye-catching AI visuals. They recently filmed their own Boiler Room-esque video in their Parisian apartment, highlighting their DIY persona and bubbling personalities. Already making waves in the French electronic dance scene, Jersey is poised to capture the hearts of international fans in 2024.

Hailing from Nigeria, Ayra Starr emerges as a name destined for global recognition. Her achievements include a debut Grammy nomination, signifying the impact of her artistry. Notably, her track "Rush" resonated strongly, spending an impressive 13 weeks in the UK Top 40 earlier this year. Ayra Starrs ascent exemplifies the power of her music to transcend borders and captivate international audiences. Keep a close eye on this rising star, as she continues to make waves in the music industry with her undeniable talent and unique sound.

It’s only taken one song – the exuberant, fantastic ‘King of the Slugs’ – and a series of hype-building live shows to turn London four-piece Fat Dog into bonafide ones to watch for 2024. Vocalist Joe Love has the same sardonic delivery as most of the post-punkers who defined the last five years in British guitar music, but the band behind him takes things in a very different direction. There are hints of klezmer, gabber, dance and more in there, all defined by a sense of unhinged chaos. If this is a sign of what’s coming from the offspring of The Windmill generation, we should all be very excited. (WR)

The 28-year-old dancer-turned-singer released his current album “FORWARD” back in March 2023 following it up months later with a deluxe album “moreward (FORWARD)” giving fans exactly what they wanted. His popular song “FAMJAM4000″ starts funky yet upbeat with lyrics that give a true family jam session vibes. The track discusses the importance of family and maintaining relationships despite disagreements.

With opening spots for Willie Nelson and backup work for Carrie Underwood, vocalist Brittney Spencer is on a straight line to country success. But the making of her upcoming debut, My Stupid Life, wasn’t so straightforward. “I’m breaking away from my need to feel or present myself as close to perfect as possible,” she says in a recent interview with TIDAL. “I’m really leaning into my feelings and spontaneity, and leaning into the things that drive me as a person. I like to be pretty spontaneous. I like to have a routine, but so much of my life is someone being like, ‘Hey, come over and let’s do this thing,’ or ‘Have you ever done this before? No? Cool. Let’s do this.’ That’s a lot of my life, and I’ve also brought a lot of that into my artistic process.”

When it comes to breakout success for British bands, 2023 no doubt belongs to The Last Dinner Party, whose four singles to date have seen them rise from London’s gig circuit to BRIT Award winners and soon-to-be Roundhouse headliners. Well look out for their recent tour support, Picture Parlour, next year. Fronted by charismatic crooner Katherine Parlour, whose penchant for unfurling her hands resembles Alex Turner of The Car era, they’re not far behind their recent tourmates by any means.

It seems risky to try and identify any one “trend” in new music for 2024, but from this list alone we’ve noticed that emerging artists seem particularly enamoured by a darker, rock-leaning sound. Among them is Aziya, a London-born singer and producer whose single “atomic” thrives on a Cure and Killing Joke-indebted bass line and sullen vocals that question the existence of love in the modern age. You might have spotted her among the dubiously crowned “English Roses” in a profile by Tatler back in 2017. Make no mistake, though: Aziya’s no wallflower. Roisin O’Connor

King Isis had a big year 2023, and promises more in 2024. Refusing to be defined by any one genre, they masterfully mix R&B, alternative rock and indie-pop with sprinkles of jazz and punk, and their wide array of influences – and deep adoration for Erykah Badu – are clear as crystal on their 2023 EP, scales. The Californian talent fuses an eclectic sound with vulnerable lyrics, with their tracks jumping with ease from angsty to wistful to tongue-in-cheek. With a performance at Brighton’s Great Escape Festival already announced for May, and their latest single hinting towards a potential follow-up to scales, the self-professed “punk rock fairy” is certainly among the most exciting artists to watch in 2024.

Reneé Rapp isn’t a name that should be new to you unless you’ve managed to hide under a rock all of 2023. And that’s exactly why she’s one of our “Ones to Watch” in 2024! From her powerful and vulnerable lyrics to her equally insane and moving voice, Reneé is here to leave a legacy in her path. We still haven’t moved past the beauty that is Snow Angel. Don’t even get us started on the Deluxe version she dropped later in the year too…there’s simply nothing ‘Messy’ about it! So pull up a bean bag, grab your favorite snack, and get ready to keep your eyes peeled on Ms. Rapp this upcoming year. She’s guaranteed to leave you satisfied!