We are officially at the halfway point of our 100 Rising Artists You Need To Listen To In 2024! In case you’ve missed any of our previous installments of the first 40 out of 100 artists you need to be listening to in the New Year, you can check them out here.
While we’ll always have our tried and true artists and bands that we revisit time and time again—the emo trinity, anyone?—it’s always so exhilarating and rewarding to discover new music and fall in love with a sound that is entirely new to your ears. Besides, we could all use a dopamine release during this time of year.
Check out the next round—50 out of 100—of rising artists you should be listening to in 2024.
Ben Lapidus
Move over Bo Burnham and The Lonely Island. Ben Lapidus is poised to be the new musical comedy king, and this time, he’s making it emo. The Pennsylvania-born singer-songwriter may sound familiar as he appeared on the 2022 America’s Got Talent stage with guitar in hand. With the same earnest vocals akin to La Dispute, Lapidus shared his original track “Parmesan Cheese” with the lyrics, “I always want more parmesan, but I’m embarrassed,” and the crowd sang along. He even made it to the semifinals and delivered a classic rock-fueled, fiery performance.
In between posting silly, cheeky, and comedic songs on Instagram and TikTok, Lapidus is releasing true-to-form pop-punk tunes, as well as one emo-country heartbreak track entitled “Better Angels.” His latest release includes tracks “AESTHETIC” and “PART OF IT,” laced with passionate hardcore screams, riffs, and timeless punk themes. From the beginning of Lapidus‘ punk career, including his early side project Kill Your Friends, the singer has tackled issues ranging from capitalism and fascism to personal grief and loss. Truly, the artist’s dark humor and punchy punk offer fresh sonics for decades-long genre lovers. —Maria Serra
Cherie Amour
Cherie Amour is bringing something to the alternative scene that we have needed for a long time. The Maryland-based nu-punk outfit is anything but a “warped tour band.” They bleed outside the lines of your typical pop-punk group, embracing their hip-hop influences and unique writing styles. You’ll find that the band leans towards heavier, easycore-fueled instrumentation. This comes from their guitar tones and rhythmic section sonic choices. It is familiar yet pushes the boundaries of quintessential metal-leaning punk. The vocals explode over the palette, switching between melodic delivery and a more rap-infused syncopation. Cherie Amour’s versatile sound blends R&B with rock on the surface, but each track offers more and more surprises.
The members have been close for nearly ten years, and their hard work and tight-knit friendship certainly paid off. They signed to Equal Vision in 2021 and have released two EPs and one full-length album. Spiritual Ascension put them on the fast track to becoming one of the most eclectic bands on the come-up. Their most popular track, “Orlando,” is a great place to start if you want to get into Cherie Amour. However, newer tunes like “702” and “Storm” might be their best work yet. —Tate Logan
Further North
You’ve heard of “Cool Dad Rock” and even “Divorced Dad Rock,” but maybe it’s time to introduce some “Sad Dad-core” onto your playlists. Enter Texas-based rock quintet Further North. Beginning in 2018 with their Under The Clouds EP, the band has managed to share a wide array of illuminating, acoustic-laden emo ballads, pulsing modern rock anthems, and nostalgia-inducing pop-punk hits. If you’re a fan of Bowling For Soup, Yellowcard, or the like, Further North should be an instant Spotify follow. With their euphoria-inducing 2023 single “Russian Roulette,” it’s safe to say we are excited to see what this emerging act has in store for 2024. After all, the band shared their impressive Spotify stats on Instagram with the caption, “You guys are amazing! So much love this year and 2024 is shaping up to be bigger than 2023 so thank you for supporting our little band.” —Maria Serra
Glixen
Glixen is redefining every corner and crevice of the alternative rock space with their out-of-this-world, ethereal releases. Having issued their debut EP, She Only Said, in August 2023 after forming in 2020, the four-piece have captured a hypnotizing, ‘90s-inspired sound complete with dreamlike pop vocals courtesy of lead vocalist/guitarist Aislinn Ritchie. Ritchie adds a layer of depth to the band’s sonic palette with her evocative delivery, drawing listeners into a world of nostalgia and emotions vividly constructed through sound. The ethereal quality of her vocals becomes the guiding force, leading the audience through a musical experience that transcends conventional boundaries yet feels familiar.
The quartet’s distinctive sound is propelled forward by a seamless fusion of elements, including a cascade of fuzz guitars, mesmerizing basslines, and driving drums. This collective sonic force is orchestrated by the cohesive unit, with Ritchie leading alongside fellow bandmates—lead guitarist Esteban Santana, drummer Keire Johnson, and bassist Sonia Garcia. Together, they synergize their individual talents to push the boundaries of genre with undeniable prowess.
Glixen‘s debut six-track EP offers a mere glimpse of the exciting sounds the tetrad has in store. Adding to the anticipation, they are scheduled to support Softcult on tour in early 2024. Talk about a match made in heaven. Here’s hoping for a captivating duet between Glixen‘s leader, Ritchie, and Softcult‘s leaders, Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn. As Glixen continues to redefine and explore the realms of their genre, their journey promises to be one filled with sonic innovation, captivating melodies, and a unique blend of ethereal charm. —Paige Owens
PSY Sound
PSY Sound defines themselves as a “Theatrical Rebellious Meta-Art Club,” and that is pretty much right on the nose. Featuring Chloe Chaidez (Kitten) and the PSY Crew, PSY Sound can be easily explained as a large collective of talented individuals in the music industry who banded together to create one large project. Some may call it a band, while others may call it a production company or a record label. They are somehow all of those things: A deeply intertwined batch of lost souls who, together, found a home. They host pop-up events all over Los Angeles and surrounding areas to showcase new and developing artists.
If you follow the group on social media, their chaotic world of artistic antics will engulf you. From skateboarding to in-studio writing sessions to live performances to straight-up weirdness. It is all a part of the brand. No one can really put their finger on PSY Sound in a simple fashion. It is a place for outcasts, weirdos, and oddballs. It is a universe that you just have to dive into and accept for all that it is—music, performance art, and strong personalities. —Tate Logan
shallow pools
Diving headfirst into shallow pools (see what we did there?). The queer Boston-based four-piece has masterfully crafted a captivating torrent of indie synth-pop anthems. Their infectious tunes not only command your attention but also serve as a dynamic catalyst for advancing LGBTQIA+ rights—a cause that has remained a landmark for the group since their inception in 2018. Their Equal Vision Records debut full-length album, I Think About It All The Time, issued earlier this year, is the perfect introduction to the group as they passionately explore the world around us with a keen and personal focus on the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Notably, the album also features co-writes from fellow LGBTQIA+ icon Lynn Gunn of PVRIS and Cameron Walker of Twin XL and The Ready Set.
Comprising Glynnis Brennan (vocals), Jess Gromada (guitar), Ali Ajemian (drums), and Haley Senft (bass), shallow pools is unwavering in their dedication to a unique fusion of pop music. Through an array of distinctive sounds, brought to life by shimmering instrumentation, mesmerizing hooks, and glistening vocals, showcases a commitment to their brand of artistic innovation. Utilizing their platform as a tool, the band channels their collective personal experiences as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, seamlessly bringing them to the forefront of their music. The outcome is a collection of queer anthems that serve as perfect soundtracks for a new generation of progressive pop lovers. —Paige Owens
Smooth Brain
Head empty, just Smooth Brain. The tri-state pop-punk, queer act released their debut EP Friendly Fire in June and knew how to encapsulate the complexities of life while tapping into a nostalgic, energetic sound. With a show slated for the new year with Pinkshift and collaborating with Nightlife vocalist/producer Hansel Romero, the band works within their community to grow the scene and create space for themselves and others. Since beginning in 2022, the development of their style has been evident while leveling up pop-punk to be more diverse. 2024 should be the year we all strive for the sleekest cranium with the five-piece as the soundtrack. —Lizzie Baumgartner
Teens In Trouble
Teens In Trouble jumped onto our radar last month with the release of “You Don’t Want To Mess With Me.” The punk project blends fuzzed-out guitars with catchy hooks and charismatic vocals. If you like surf-infused ‘90s alternative rock like Pavement or Sonic Youth, bathed in the atmospheric notion of being crafted inside a garage or basement, you’ll love this project. Birthed from the mind and heart of Lizzie Killian, Teens In Trouble is known for their direct lyricism and clarifying narratives.
Tracks like “Winter In The Trap” and “Decomposing” encapsulate a wall of sound that boasts a more “in-your-face” feeling. However, tunes like “I’m Not Worried” and “Sharon” offer a groovy and whimsical approach to songwriting. Teens In Trouble has a song for everyone and anyone who enjoys indie rock. If you need new songs to listen to while driving in your car on a road trip, look no further.
—Tate Logan
Teenage Joans
This two-piece Aussie act, Teenage Joans, can flex on everyone. Not only are they creating a punk/alternative sound that stands out, but they’ve opened for the Foo Fighters. They dropped their debut album, The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest, this year, and it boasts evocative lyrics mixed with rage for society and the everyday terrors of life. They’ve taken over their home country of Australia and can experiment with doing similar in the U.S. on the upcoming NOAHFINNCE tour. The mashing of so many elements of alternative, rock, pop-punk, and traditional punk, with a sprinkle of edge, should place Teenage Joans on any music fan’s radar. —Lizzie Baumgartner
Trap Girl
Old-school punk is one of the bases of modern alt-rock music. Trap Girl is stripping down to the basics with their raw, angry, and political sound. The queercore punk act demonstrates pointedness and purpose in their art with tracks titled “Dead Men Don’t Rape” and “Protect Yourself,” to be an agent of vigilant action in the scene. They joined label Kill Rock Stars this year and released their EP Diva’s Inferno in the summer. Dripping with delightful poison in every track, the four-piece needs to be watched because they’ll be in the next revolutionary wave of modern punk. —Lizzie Baumgartner
