Five Artists You Should Look Out for in 2022
If you know me, you know that I listen to a lot of different music. My playlists are filled with everything from Sinatra to 100 gecs. I truly love it all. I find a lot of joy in discovering new artists everyday. Whether it be a SoundCloud rapper with fewer than 1,000 streams or an established band that I’ve just never heard, nothing compares to the feeling of finding an absolute gem. I’d like to share some of this joy with you by sharing some of my favorite recent discoveries. Here are five artists from five different genres that I’m excited about in 2022.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
NewDad: The Up and Comer
The Irish indie rock band NewDad (cover photo) is perhaps my favorite find of the year. Hailing from Galway, the group formed during the pandemic and has been gaining traction ever since. They released a succession of singles throughout 2020 and recently released two EPs titled “Banshee” and “Waves'' in the past year. NewDad’s sound is incredibly refreshing. Their releases thus far feature simple yet powerful basslines, dreamy guitar melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics nonchalantly delivered by lead singer Julie Dawson’s light and airy vocals. Their sound can be defined as a mix of post-punk/gothic rock and dream pop. If you like bands like Joy Division, The Pixies or The Cure, you’ll love NewDad. With only two EPs under their belt, I can’t wait to see how they further develop their sound in a full-length album. Favorite tracks: “Slowly,” “How” and “I Don’t Recognise You.”
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Yumi Zouma: The Underappreciated
New Zealand alternative pop band Yumi Zouma has been around since 2014, and they have yet to receive the love they deserve. Their latest album, “Present Tense,” has zero skips. If I could describe their music in only a few words, I’d use the phrase “criminally chill.” Since their formation, they’ve been able to achieve a very full sound with layered guitars, vibey synths and ridiculously catchy choruses. It’s windows down, beach-highway-drive kind of music. Their songs just always put me in a fun, easy-going mood, and they should be far more popular than they already are (Shoutout Genny Jackson for putting me on!). Favorite tracks: “Depths (Pt. 1),” “In Camera” and “Mona Lisa.”
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Zach Bryan: The Genre’s Future
In the past, I had always been pretty anti-country. I would go as far as to tell people that I listen to all types of music…except country. That is, until I found Zach Bryan. Zach Bryan’s music achieves depth with simplicity. Most of his songs just feature him with an acoustic guitar, and his lyrics cut deep; he tells tales of heartbreak, his experience with substance abuse and the wisdom he’s acquired through his not-so-easy life. He really pours his heart out on every track with beautifully written, truly poetic lyrics. About a year ago, he signed with Warner Records and is set to release his highly anticipated first studio album titled “American Heartbreak” on May 20, 2022. He’s already released two singles from the album, “From Austin” and “Highway Boys,” and it’s evident that his production quality has been elevated since his signing. I’ll boldly predict that “American Heartbreak” will be one of the year’s best country albums and will propel Zach Bryan into the spotlight. Favorite tracks: “From Austin,” “Heading South” and “Revival.”
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Montell Fish: The Void-Filler
Given Frank Ocean’s understandable absence from music after his brother’s passing, there’s been a void in soulful bedroom R&B. Although I don’t think there’ll ever be another artist like Ocean, Montell Fish fills that void. What excites me most about Montell is his production abilities. He has self-produced all his tracks thus far and has been able to easily achieve some beautiful soundscapes through complex arrangements and psychedelic movements. He complements his production with ethereal layered vocals that sound like a mix of Brent Faiyaz and The Weeknd. In the past year, he’s dropped six unreal singles, developing his sound and maturing as an artist with each release. I’m really excited to see how he continues to grow in the future. Favorite tracks: “Destroy Myself Just For You,” “Wings” and “Call U Tomorrow.”
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Yeat: The Genre Definer
For years, the trap scene, both underground and mainstream, has been moving towards a more psychedelic, punk-rock sound. For example, the instrumentals on Playboi Carti’s 2020 genre-bending “Whole Lotta Red” (WLR) are distorted, in your face and intoxicating, while Carti’s raspy vocals deliver minimal and repetitive lyrics – often relying on punchy and percussive ad libs to fill the gaps. Since WLR’s release, its influenced other trap artists like UnoTheActivist and Trippie Redd to adopt the new sound, and I’d argue that Yeat has perfected it in his own, unique way. His rise to fame has been sort of historic. In the past six months alone, he’s received a Drake co-sign and features from trap behemoths Young Thug, Gunna and Lil Uzi Vert. His two most recent projects, “Up 2 Më” and “2 Alivë,” feature intoxicating instrumentals, creative ad libs and his signature, instantly recognizable, auto-tuned vocals. I think he’ll continue to rise in the trap scene and cement his legacy as one of the most exciting trap artists of recent years. Favorite tracks: “Turban,” “Poppin” and “Off Tha Lot.”
Hope you found a few artists and tunes you enjoy!
Strike Out,
Writer: Shane Stanton
Editors: Kimani Krienke, Natalie Daskal
Writing Director: David Kramer
Blog Director: Helenna Xu
Notre Dame
