Various CDs The Xavierite
Over winter break, I decided to take some time to liven up my music and create a new playlist. In my pursuit of new music, I discovered some wonderful gems which gave me the idea to help those in a similar music rut.
Below I’ve gathered some mainstream artists and looked for smaller artists with a similar vibe. Hopefully this list can help spruce up your playlists and broaden your musical horizons.
- Taylor Swift – Maisie Peters
To die-hard swifties, this one will be a no-brainer. Maisie Peters sang as an opener during Taylor Swift’s era tour, and for good reason. Swift’s influence is quite clear in her sound, yet it still remains unique enough to be refreshing.
Anyone who appreciates Swift would adore her music. Her album, “The Good Witch,” is a great place to start; I highly recommend “Coming Of Age” and “You’re Just A Boy (And I’m Kinda The Man).”
- SZA – Iyla
Iyla is a deeply underrated artist with an intoxicating voice that I think any SZA enjoyer would love. She is an R&B singer who previously went viral for her song “Strings.”
I think this song absolutely deserves its popularity, but my personal favorite song of Iyla’s is “Bad Side.” It’s a more stripped down song that shows off her charming vocals in a way some of her other work doesn’t.
- Tyler, The Creator – Perry Maysun
Perry Maysun is an artist I discovered a few months ago who instantly reminded me of Tyler, The Creator in the best ways. After diving deeper into his discography, I love his sound more and more.
I rarely find someone whose music pulls in my focus like Maysun’s—listening to his discography feels like being invited into his world. I highly recommend listening to his album, “Roll With The Punches.”
- BTS – BOYNEXTDOOR
Though these two share a label (HYBE), they are actually quite different. I find BOYNEXTDOOR to be reminiscent of BTS more so in creativity and charm rather than sonically.
They have that upbeat and passionate energy BTS carries in their sound that just pulls you in. Of BOYNEXTDOOR, I highly recommend “But Sometimes” and “ Earth, Wind, & Fire.”
- Frank Ocean – Yoandri
I guarantee that if you like Frank Ocean, you will absolutely love Yoandri. I first found out about Yoandri a few years ago through a recommendation and have loved his music since.
His popular tracks, such as “It’ll Be Ok” and “Bravo” are so reminiscent of Ocean to me. What made me love Yoandri, though, are his spanish tracks. They have a distinct vibe compared to his English music, especially “VIENE Y SE VA.”
- Charli xcx – Slayyyter
Slayyyter may be familiar to those who are heavily into Charli xcx’s hyperpop sound. Her biggest song is undeniably “Mine,” which went quite viral and was frequently remixed during its peak. Slayyyter’s music is unfamiliar to me otherwise, but I have to say she pleasantly surprised me.
Hyperpop isn’t one of my top genres, but I could see myself adding a few of her songs to my own playlists. I think Charli xcx fans would love most of her discography, but I recommend starting with “No Comma” or “James Dean.”
- Hozier – Lennon VanderDoes
Lennon VanderDoes was a contestant on “The Voice” season 23 who captured hearts with his cover of “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron. He has a folkier sound compared to Hozier, but one I think his fans would appreciate. VanderDoes’ music has a light and delicate quality to it that completely melts your heart. Of his discography, I recommend “Falling Slowly.”
Hopefully this list has inspired you or introduced you to a new favorite. These are only a few examples, but I highly recommend searching for others on your own based on your musical interests.
It takes a lot of time and trial and error to find music you really like, but I find that the effort is worth it in the end.
Have patience and good luck expanding your playlists.