Another year in the books means another year full of unforgettable new music.
With all of the many changes to both the entertainment industry and the world at large in the last several years, there has never been a more exciting or more innovative time for artists and listeners alike.
Here at Music Mecca, we’ve been lucky enough to cover and showcase hundreds of these incredible musicians fighting through the proverbial static.
Many of these talents are in the early years of their music trajectories, either releasing impressive debut singles or dropping only their second or third tracks etc. I’ve been lucky enough to cover many of these exciting releases and musicians, so on that note, here is my list of the Top 10 Emerging Artists of 2023.
10. Taxiway
When Mike Aurand decided to form Taxiway, it was merely a simple idea for a bedroom pop outlet. By the spring of 2021, it had become a full-fledged indie band ready to stake its claim in the Nashville scene. Following the release of their debut album Absence in 2021, this pair of husband-wife duos dropped This Is Permanent earlier this month, (which we reviewed) that effortlessly blends dream pop, post rock, and Americana for a memorable listening experience reminiscent of artists like Jeff Buckley and The National. If their current releases are indicative of their future work, we’ll all have something to look forward to.
9. Evanthia
Beginning her career as a commercial actress, Evanthia has grown accustomed to the spotlight; the confidence that came with these early experiences onstage has led her to pursue a music career in Nashville. Back in May, we covered Evanthia’s debut single, “The Deep End,” an honest and relatable track that depicts the fears and challenges that come with being vulnerable in romantic relationships. It’s Evanthia’s rawness and integrity that makes her a name to lookout for as a rising starlet of the Nashville pop scene.
This fun indie group brings all the summer vibes to the forefront of their sound. Mainland Break, a quintet based out of Denver, dropped their debut album, One Way Ticket to Midnight, this summer following a string of singles and EP releases. With hints of legendary artists like Morrissey and The Cure, Mainland Break blends classic jangle-pop instrumentals with simple yet fun lyrics that are packed with vitality and nostalgia. While their sound is effervescent and inviting, their creative approach is both fresh and authentic.
7. Kara Cole
After dropping a series of singles over the course of the past year—one of which we covered back in June—Kara Cole has recently released her self-titled EP. This Indianapolis-born Americana songwriter is a powerhouse; her voice is the perfect blend of buttery-smooth with an enticing hint of rasp, and her authentic lyrics are as relatable as they are haunting. Everything about Cole, from her presence as a musician to her raw and beautiful sound, can best be described as completely genuine.
6. Ida Mae
Following the release of their third album, Thunder Above You, back in August, the acclaim it seemed to garner might make them exempt from a list like this. They are definitely above the radar. This husband-and-wife rock duo composed of Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean have taken the rock n’ roll scene by storm with their electric, passionate sound and intensely raw lyricism. Ahead of their album release, they dropped their single “My Whispers are Wildfire,” which caught our attention among many others. Ida Mae’s sound is consistently evolving to reach new depths of skill and emotion, and this British duo’s success this year seems to be just the beginning of what’s to come.
5. JAXXEE
Jaclyn Hull, or JAXXEE, is a prime example of pure passion and musical talent. Hailing from Victoria, British Columbia, JAXXEE seamlessly blends soul, jazz, R&B, and blues through her powerful and unique sound. Her vocals drip with emotion and authenticity, and this can be heard clearly on her newest release, “so tired,” which we covered back in October. Her collaboration with producer Neil James Cooke-Dallin has allowed her to create a sound that is as strong and impressive as both her voice and her raw lyricism. Hopefully we’ll hear a lot more from JAXXEE in the future.
This vivacious mother-daughter duo dropped their debut album, Blood Harmony, this summer, and with their unique familial story, dazzling vocals, and inherent musicianship, we’ll undoubtedly be seeing more of them in 2024. After releasing a series of singles this past year, O.N.E the Duo has carved out a niche path in the music industry; Tekitha Supreme, half of the Duo, was the female lead on the legendary Wu-Tang Clan albums, and Prana Supreme, the other half, is her daughter with Wu-Tang frontman RZA. Despite their position as hip-hop royalty, O.N.E the Duo has stepped into a musical world where country pop meets soul meets Americana, and making waves in the process.
3. Katie Cruel
We may be breaking the rules a bit on this one, but not including the incredible Katie Cruel on this list would be a crime. After years of successfully performing under the name Kate Boothman, she reemerged with a stunning debut single as Katie Cruel this summer. Since then, Cruel has dropped her new album, Lost Vagus, an “intoxicating collection of tainted love songs” chock full of dreamy and relaxed melodies as well as timeless production by acclaimed producer Mark Howard. So, while Cruel may not be entirely new to the industry, her reinvention is certainly worthy of a spot on this list.
Matt Glickman, a New England-based singer-songwriter and keyboardist, is no stranger to the music industry; he has collaborated with members of renowned groups like Yardbirds, Further, and The Wallflowers, and this work has carved out his place as a distinguished talent tickling the ivories. Glickman dropped his debut solo album, Live from Starks, Maine 10.1.22 back in November, and this release embodies his seasoned talent and impassioned sound. His sound bends genres and manages to be both technically impressive and sonically enticing, and this live album is hopefully an appetizer of what’s to come.
1. Jax Hollow
This Berklee College of Music graduate and Nashville native may be new on the scene, but she has the chops to cement herself as one of Music City’s brightest rising talents. We got to cover the release of her video single, “Wallflower Girl in Bloom,” earlier this year, and since then, she has dropped her debut LP, Only The Wild Ones. With each release, Hollow has grown into her unique and powerful sound more and more, earning her an opening slot for Melissa Etheridge at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this summer; following her performance—which earned her a standing ovation—Etheridge said to the crowd, “I wanted to be the one known for discovering Jax Hollow first.” If that doesn’t sell you on this budding artist, I don’t know what will.
