From the Site
The Best of 2021, According to the Ones to Watch Staff
December 27, 2021
This is 2021, as we experienced it.
Author:
Staff
Sadie Jean Wears Her Heartbreak on Her Sleeve on the Viral "WYD Now?"
December 24, 2021
"WYD Now?" forces listeners to reflect on their own personal journies of love and heartbreak.
Author:
Nathan Ahamed
MEYY Conjures Up the Ethereal World of 'Neon Angel' [Q&A]
December 17, 2021
<i>Neon Angel</i> is a celebration of love and all of its contours.
Author:
Ruby Scott
Swansea Skag Trades Addiction For Connection on 'you'll be dead before you know it'
December 17, 2021
Swansea Skag is experimental, raw, and refreshingly authentic.
Author:
Nathan Ahamed
Imad Returns to His Roots on the Samia-Assisted "Makan"
December 17, 2021
"It's through these moments where you learn the most about yourself, your craft and appreciate the small things in life."
Author:
Joe Beer
Oliver Tree Taps Trippie Redd & Ski Mask The Slump God For Ruthless "Life Goes On" Remix
December 17, 2021
Life goes on and on and on and so do the remixes.
Author:
Arielle Lana LeJarde
Making (Not Raw) Fried Chicken With payton | Bone Apple Tea
December 16, 2021
payton may have a knack for racking up fans in the millions but can he cook chicken all the way through?
Author:
Ruby Scott
Tierra Whack Is Once Again Proving Herself a Genre-Spanning Visionary
December 16, 2021
Whack consistently delivers on a multidisciplinary vision in a way that few of her peers can match.
Author:
Carter Fife
Meet Yu Su, the Multicultural Electronic Artist Blending the East and West
December 15, 2021
Born and raised in Kaifeng, China, Yu Su (è‹çމ) is creating electronic music all her own.
Author:
Natalie Lei
MYKA's "gucci bloom" Is a Bittersweet Ode to Sudden Heartbreak [Q&A]
December 15, 2021
"Anyone who listens to my music and relates, I call them 'unknown' because that's how it feels. That's what the fear is."
Author:
Chloe Liz
MICHELLE Falls Into a Surreal Post-Breakup Spiral in "Cathy"
September 3, 2024
"'Cathy' is a soft indie song about being alone after a breakup and leaning into all the thoughts and patterns you know you shouldn't."
Author:
Alessandra Rincon
Zinoleesky Spices it Up With Debut Album 'Gen Z' [Q&A]
April 29, 2025
With his sophomore album, ‘Gen Z’ Azeez Shina Oniyide aka Zino effortlessly mixes serums of divergent genres in a way that is truly impressive & immersive.
Author:
DJ Connor
Asha Maclean Stretches Into the Spotlight in "Yoga"
May 21, 2025
At its core, "Yoga" explores the emotional ebb and flow of a relationship.
Author:
Chloe Robinson
The Hellp Set Out on Their Own With "Caustic"
August 30, 2024
The Hellp are cult indie icons are for a reason.
Author:
Alessandra Rincon
julie Lean Into the Noise in Debut Album 'my anti-aircraft friend'
October 10, 2024
julie deliver a stunning entry into the shoegaze and experimental rock scene, blending lush soundscapes with raw, emotional vulnerability.
Author:
Alessandra Rincon
Rachel Chinouriri and sombr Reignite the Initial Spark of “All I Ever Asked”
February 12, 2025
A great song stands the test of time and can take many forms.
Author:
Giselle Libby
DE'WAYNE's Love Is A Part Of His DNA In New Single "Biological" | THE NOISE
March 20, 2025
The title reflects the song's exploration of love's instinctive nature, embodying humanity's duality and harnessing divine femininity through music full of soul, sex, sweat, and style.
Author:
Alessandra Rincon
Gilanares Explores Self-Destruction On Stimulating Single "F33D TH3 B3AST"
March 26, 2025
"I want this song to encourage people to explore their own 'beast," explains Gilanares
Author:
Ally Rincon
Boy Jr. Turns a Social Media Dig Into a Queer Anthem on "Zitty Stardust"
March 29, 2025
"Zitty Stardust" is the latest chapter in Boy Jr.'s evolution as an artist, further demonstrating why their identity will always be a cornerstone of the art they produce.
Author:
Grace Holtzclaw
Let Izora's 'Vertigo' EP Pull You Into A Blissfully Disorienting Spiral [Q&A]
June 4, 2025
The songwriter walks us through her Indian roots, storytelling instincts, and alt-pop production.
Author:
DJ Connor