Indie Artists to Keep An Eye On In 2019

Hatchie

What is Shoegaze and What Does Hatchie Have to Do With It?

What if the hooks of shoegaze gems weren't buried under reverb, but bursting loud and proud on the surface? Australia's Harriette Pillbeam -- aka Hatchie -- tested her hypothesis on last year's Sugar & Spice EP, which evoked turn-of-the-90s dream-pop, as well as the Cranberries at their brightest. Most importantly, it didn't feature a single track that would've sounded out of place on the Clueless soundtrack. Hatchie, which is also a family nickname, which is very cute, can play a number of instruments, including guitar, bass, piano, and even clarinet. Plenty of artists related to Hatchie are leaning into pop, but few are doing it this whole-heartedly, or this well.

Houses

Singer-songwriter-producer, (yes a three name title) Dexter Tortoriello has been releasing music as Houses since the start of the 2010s, alongside production and composition for a wide swath of artists including Lil Yachty, Kali Uchis, and Martin Garrix. How's that for diversity? On alternative radio, his solo work is starting to have a moment: "Fast Talk," the entrancing lead track from his drum-and-bass-influenced EP, titled  Drugstore Heaven, has held strong on Billboard. Dexter has stayed right beneath the limelight for many years now, but with Houses coming about, this may soon change.

The Man Behind the Scenes of House Music Hits

J.S. Ondara

Wait, How Good Is He Really?

Black and white. Ten gallon hats and snakeskin. The Kenya-born, Minneapolis-based Ondara owns a compelling singing voice, which ranges from a velvety croon to an immaculate upper-register. Really, you’ve just got to hear it yourself. Ondara is a longtime Dylan devotee whose modern take on Americana ultimately formed his album, Tales of America. Which is quite unique having it come from a Kenyan. DThat alone is enough for me to listen in and see what stories he has to offer. Don’t be surprised to hear Ondara all over Triple A radio soon. And oh, did we mention this guy can sing? ​

Jade Bird

​With two Adult Alternative Songs top five hits already to her name, Jade Bird's debut album that dropped April 19 on Glassnote Records is charting. Something American indeed reflects U.S. country-folk tradition; on those two early hits -- “Lottery” and “Uh Huh” -- the 21-year old singer-songwriter belts like Dolly Parton and tells it like it is similar to Kacey Musgraves. (“Uh Huh” in particular just goes so hard.) And side note, along with indie-rock comes indie-folk and if you're not on that wave yet, you have to board that train before it leaves you out of the loop on social media.

​
Young Musicians That Have Sprouted Up In 2019

Continue to Next Page

Freelance Photographer Takes Seriously Innovative Approach to Get A Retro Look