1.
2. If you like James Blake, listen to Jack Garratt
There are a lot of young, ambitious artists who probably try to sound like James Blake. Not many can come close to executing at that level. It's more than just a sound, or a melody, or a voice—Blake challenges traditional song structures and still manages to sound timeless. British singer/producer Jack Garratt's new song "The Love You're Given" accomplishes the same.
3. If you like Kendrick Lamar, listen to Boogie
There's a fine line between conscious, ignorant, all the other shitty adjectives you can use to describe a rap song. It's all about perspective, and Kendrick Lamar is a master at presenting his own in a way that's compelling, intelligent, and entertaining. If you like that about Kendrick, check out Los Angeles rapper Boogie. "Bitter Raps" is a masterpiece.
4. If you like Bat For Lashes, listen to Alma Elste
If you like that sweet spot between full-blown pop and a more singer-songwriter sensibility that Bat For Lashes nails with tracks like "Daniel," then listen to Alma Elste's "Heart Melter." It's the Paris-based singer's debut song, and it's already got us itching for more.
5. If you like Death Grips, listen to NAH
Do you wish rap was less fun? Do you like rap music that sounds more like a horror movie than a club? Do you miss Death Grips? Check out NAH.
6. If you like Grimes, listen to WATERBED
7. If you like Hudson Mohawke, listen to Yung Gud
If you like Hudson Mohawke for his sonically high quality production and ability to consistently create interesting electronic music, you should be up on Sad Boy producer Yung Gud. Check out his new Beautiful, Wonderful EP below.
8. If you like Cozz, listen to Mike Strong
There's not one thing you can point to and say, "This is the good thing about Cozz." He's solid all the way around, from his lyrics to his delivery to his beat selection, and it's the combination of all these things that make him so good. Same goes for VA Beach rapper Mike Strong. Check out "Voices" below, and get his whole Bread & Butter project here.
9. If you like Earl Sweatshirt, listen to London O'Connor
London O'Connor's debut song, "Oatmeal," paints a vivid picture. He's not the lyrical word-slinger that Earl Sweatshirt is, but on his first track he captures a youthful, offbeat spirit that fans of Earl should appreciate.
10. If you like MØ, listen to Tove Styrke
MØ's music is exciting. She creates material that weaves together a playful pop hook with a fierce message. Tove Styrke's new EP only spans five tracks, but you can already hear this same infectious combination in her sound. Read our interview with Styrke here and look for her debut album sometime next year.
11. If you like Feist, listen to SPELLES
Feist has this ability to pair her powerful voice with any type of production (from slow-burning to more up-tempo) and create something surprisingly cohesive and organic. L.A. singer SPELLES has only released two songs so far, but she's already showing the same type of versatility.
12. If you like Nick Drake, listen to Eaves
If you're in search of an artist who captures Nick Drake's poetic lyricism and melancholy guitar work, then Eaves might be just who you're looking for. The Leeds-based singer's material deals with some gloomy issues, like alcoholism and death, but he delivers it in a stunningly beautiful way. Read our interview with him here.
13. If you like Mikky Ekko, listen to Aquilo
If you like Mikky Ekko for his heartbreaking, piano-driven ballads, you need to look out for British duo Aquilo.