With 2020 off to the races, finding the best music to get that ‘new year, new me’ feeling no matter what you’re doing is undeniable. To keep this fresh, we have compiled a list of our favorite artists and songs to watch for in 2020.

 

Snoh Aalegra – There Will Be Sunshine.

Following her debut in 2017, two years later Snoh Aalegra still has us in our emotions. Her follow-up, titled, Feels, takes us on a deep dive into love. Her sound is a blend of mellow and emotional with a hip-hop influence. Give it a listen.

Conan Gray – Maniac

Following the release of Sunset Season in November, Gray’s career has skyrocketed. He opened for Panic! At the Disco, he finished his debut album and finally turned 21. With all these milestones, we have no doubt this momentum will continue on for this YouTuber.

Halima – Do Better

New York City-based R&B songstress, Halima, continues to masterfully blend together electronic music with bedroom pop and soul. Her song Do Better, is a reflective ode to self-love. This is sure to pull you out of any funk.

No Rome – Narcissist

London-based Filipino musician, No Rome, channels his creativity in a variety of ways — music is his primary form of self-expression. Today, he has shared his new single ‘Talk Nice‘. These upbeat beat and dreamy lyrics are sure to bring you into all the feels.

Aitch feat. Tyreezy – Already

This Manchester rapper is the latest star to be appearing on tracks with the likes of Stormzy to Ed Sheeran. Aitch’s flow is sure to keep him as one of the most in-demand rappers for 2020.

Lunay – La Cama

Lunay has quickly discovered what it takes to get noticed in the industry. The Puerto-Rican reggaetón and Latin trap artist is just 19 years old. He is the latest artist to be making his rounds on late-night tv and on the singles charts. I’m sure this is only the beginning of what we will see from him in 2020.

Guaynaa – Buyaka

Another Puerto Rican reggaetón artist we are watching is, 26-year old Guaynaa. This past summer, Guaynaa dropped his track, ReBoTa. This catchy tune is enough to keep us wanting to watch what he gets up to this year.

Salt Cathedral – CAVIAR

This Columbia born, Brooklyn based duo Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada, should be on your radar if they aren’t yet. This track is a wonderful blend of soft, dreamy vocals set to an upbeat dance-y track. These musicians have found the perfect way to synthesize and compose an infectious sound.

BabyJake – Cigarettes on Patios

BabyJake hails from Fort Myer’s, Florida and is one of the latest rappers to be giving us some magnetic choruses and gruff, exciting vocals. This track is one of those upbeat bangers detailing the joys of partying with your friends in adolescence.

Joy Crookes – Early

Joy Crookes has one of the most promising and hypnotic voices out there. Recently nominated for a Brit Rising Star Award, she is forging her own path. She is known for chatting about her Irish-Bangladeshi heritage and writing from the heart.

Cautious Clay – Erase

Cautious Clay is a flute-playing Brooklyn soul singer. Having recently collaborated with Taylor Swift and John Mayer, he is definitely one of our standouts for 2020. His melodic work is nothing short of brilliance, and the warmth in his voice is just what we need.

Ms. White – Jaded

Ms. White, or Marina (her off-stage name and eponymous EP title), creates music steeped in elegance and electronic perfection. Honestly, any of her tracks will send you into belligerent emotional overdrive.

Arlo Parks – Cola

At just 19, Arlo Parks has already awed audiences and music industry professionals alike with her silky vocals and jazz-infused lo-fi bedroom pop that is simultaneously melancholic and uplifting.

NSG – Trust Issues

NSG is right on top of being the afro-beats act that’s bringing vibes to the rest of the world. This six-piece act is part of a wave of artists fusing grime, road rap, bashment, and afro-beats into what is quickly becoming the effervescent sound of Britain’s youth. 

Pop Smoke – Welcome to the Party

I can confidently say Pop Smoke is the hottest new-age rapper emerging from New York. In addition to a phenomenal debut year, the 20-year old Brooklyn-based rapper has gained over 30 million streams on his iconic club anthems “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior“.

Beba – Groupie

Beba gets our attention for being one of the most prolific female artists changing the Italian trap scene. Born in Turin in 1994, Beba has become well-known thanks to a series of singles that anticipate a debut album on which Beba has been working, opting for the moment to release extremely curated tracks, both from a visual and sound aspect.

Celeste – Strange

For Celeste, making a good song comes down to honesty. She emphasizes being vulnerable, true to the “real story,” whatever that may be to you. It’s a clear-eyed approach that’s felt in her lyrics and becomes transporting with her deep, soulful voice.

Channel Tres – Raw Power

Compton producer Channel Tres makes minimalist, sensual hip-hop and house style music on his self-titled debut EP, which is out now on Godmode.

Tinashe – Save Room for Us

Tinashe is getting back to being herself again. After cutting ties with RCA Records following a rocky seven-year relationship, she releases the project, Songs for You independently. This alludes to the classic sound that made her with a mature twist.

Kaytranada feat. Charlotte Day Wilson – What You Need

Bubba is Kaytranada’s long-awaited sophomore album. In addition to Kali Uchis, Bubba features guest spots Pharrell Williams, Mick Jenkins, Tinashe, Estelle, Charlotte Day Wilson, GoldLink, Sir, and more. We are sure that this is only the beginning for Kaytranada this year.

Follow HOLR on Spotify for the full playlist