“Get the Brits out!” chant Belfast rap trio Kneecap. “Jungle is back!” declares Nia Archives. “I want to be me.” Lola Young pleads, a slight crack in her voice. “Is that not allowed?”
These are just some of the many resounding statements made by new artists in 2024 – a year where breaking out has become increasingly difficult. You have cost-of-living crises that stifle time, energy and creativity, music venues dwindling by the day, and an industry which expects so much more of its artists than just music. Oh, and you’ve got to compete with thousands of voices, all fighting to be heard.
What does it take to cut through the noise? Listed below in alphabetical order, are 20 artists who have all dropped their debut albums this year and made bold, creative statements. They’ve all brought something fresh and new to the plate and shown that what they have to say is worth paying attention to. They’re also artists who have used their first shot at a full-length project to take a risk – whether sonically, emotionally, or politically – and to take a stand.
These artists are some of the brightest faces of new music today, and they have all defined 2024 in their own unique ways. Now, it’s up for us to listen.
Alex Rigotti, Contributing Editor (New Music)
