15 ARTISTS TO LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW

Whatever else you're doing can wait, really.

One of life's simple pleasures is discovering new music that you instantly connect with. The very thought of there always being something new to fall in love with is unparalleled. It's really up there with the thrill of new love or let's face it, a good-ol' poop.

Needless to say, music is a rather subjective and even personal thing so the artists I'm about to mention may not be for everyone, but a 'don't knock it 'til you try it' approach is the best thing you can do for yourself when it comes to music. Maybe you've heard of them before and I'm just being hipster trash or whatever, but enjoy!

(Sidenote - the artists mentioned are international but I plan to focus on South African artists soon)

15 ARTISTS TO LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW:

1. Ambré

Genre: R&B/ Soul

Smooth, great production and overall VAABZ, this Roc Nation artist is severely underrated. Her EP, Pulp, should be a good indication of this.

2. Avalon Lurks

Genre: Pop/ Neo Soul

You may recognise her as the hottie from Father's Heartthrob video, but turns out this young lady has some musical talent of her own. Transitioning from grunge to a more alternative pop sound, this artist is one to watch.

3. Bane's World

Genre: Bedroom Pop/ Alternative

For your dreamy, sunny afternoons - Bane's World feels like a trip minus the substances.

4. Baro Sura

Genre: Hip-Hop/ Rap/ Alternative

Quite honestly my top 3 artists I've discovered over the past year, Baro Suro's tunes are an absolute delight. Amazing flow, an alternative edge, great production, lyricism and a feature on Mac Miller's Circles? Get this Melbourne rapper on your playlist immediately.

5. Biig Piig

Genre: Hip-Hop/ Neo-Soul/ Alternative

With quite an eclectic sound, this Irish musician makes the perfect music for a good hang. The best piig since Peppa.

6. ELIZA

Genre: R&B/ Soul/ Alternative

Another personal favourite and my damn queen, ELIZA makes music for the carefree girls. Her raw, demo-like sound (which she prefers) and interesting visual identity proves that her

artistry goes far beyond her music.

7. Jakob Ogawa

Genre: Alternative/ Indie/ Ear sex

For more information, please refer to genre 3. Seriously though, this Norwegian artist will have you hooked from the first listen.

(Shoutout KM for putting me on)

8. Jayla Darden

Genre: R&B/ Soul

Jayla Darden is really giving us early 2000s nostalgia and I think that's really kind of her. With many comparing her music to the likes of Aaliyah, she brings something traditional to new-wave R&B.

9. Joy Crookes

Genre: Neo-soul/ Alternative/ R&B

A London cutie and fellow suffering Arsenal fan with some serious talent, Joy Crookes is simply it. This may be a bold statement, but sometimes her voice reminds me of Amy Winehouse. Top-tier lyricism too. I can't shut up about her.

10. Omar Apollo

Genre: Alternative/ Indie

Try not to swoon a little while listening to Omar Apollo's music. You failed, didn't you?

11. Raveena Aurora

Genre: Alternative/ R&B/ Soul

It's hard not to instantly fall in love with both Raveena and her music. Her songs tell stories and the visuals accompanying them never fail to leave me in awe. She really does it for the 'love & light huns' too.

12. Sebastian Roca

Genre: Alternative/ Indie

Sebastian Roca definitely seems like the type of white guy to bring an acoustic guitar to a house party but trust me, his music totally makes up for it.

13. ¿Téo?

Genre: Alternative Pop/ Hip-Hop/ Rap

If they're a MSFTSrep member, you can't go wrong, really. ¿Téo? is not your average artist and his music may just pleasantly surprise you.

14. Yeek

Genre: Alternative Pop/ Hip-Hop

Obscure sounds accompanied by a unique voice, Yeek makes some catchy shit for sure.

15. Yellow Days

Genre: Alternative/ Indie/ Soul Pop

The voice, the guitar, Harmless Melodies. Just - pure genius and one of my favourite artists.

I take music suggestions very seriously, so please share if you have any good artists to add to the list :)

Well, happy listening folks!