THE ONES TO WATCH

SOFI TUKKER, the powerhouse duo of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, is shaking up the electronic dance music scene with their vibrant, genre-blending sound. Their journey began in their senior year of college, where a chance meeting at an art gallery performance sparked an immediate and lasting musical collaboration. Sophie, fresh from Brazil and immersed in Portuguese songwriting, and Tucker, a former basketball player turned DJ and producer, found an instant artistic chemistry that led to the creation of their GRAMMY-nominated single, Drinkee. This track set the stylistic blueprint for the band, and they've been unstoppable ever since. Their ability to blend their distinct influences is evident in their music, which draws heavily from Brazilian sounds, their global travels, and the vibrant energy of club scenes worldwide. Their latest single, Hey Homie, is just a taste of the vibrant music to come. On August 23rd the duo will release their anticipated next single Woof (ft. Kah-Lo).

UMI’s music is a captivating blend of her Black and Japanese heritage, merging soulful R&B with minimalist Japanese influences. Her journey began with her debut EP, Introspection in 2019, which showcased her ability to craft deeply emotional and introspective tracks. UMI’s songwriting process is deeply personal. “I don’t overthink,” she shares. “I focus on allowing whatever wants to come through me to be expressed honestly.” Her approach involves using her emotions as a guide, ensuring that each song authentically reflects her experiences. Visual art and aesthetics play a crucial role in UMI’s artistic expression. “Every color, texture, and camera movement has a message,” she says. This integration of visual and sonic elements creates a cohesive and immersive experience for her audience. Currently, UMI is working on a new album inspired by folk tales and the stories of other people.

KiNG MALA stands out in the indie pop scene with her bold approach to blending masculine and feminine elements in her music and visuals. By pushing societal boundaries and experimenting with gender norms, she finds creative inspiration and self-empowerment. Her music often features a juxtaposition of ultra-feminine styling with masculine silhouettes, reflecting her love for contrast and her desire to challenge conventional expectations. Emotional honesty is central to KiNG MALA’s songwriting process. While she often crafts stories and characters that may not directly reflect her personal experiences, each song is grounded in an underlying emotional truth. This approach allows her to explore and express profound feelings and ideas, providing a metaphorical lens through which she and her listeners can connect with deeper aspects of their own lives. Her latest endeavor, Spilt Milk, is available on most streaming music platforms.

Asha Imuno crafts his distinctive sound by blending nostalgic influences with contemporary styles, creating a unique musical space that feels both classic and modern. His debut album, PINS & NEEDLES, showcases this fusion, with jazz and funk-inspired chords presented through a modern hip hop and R&B lens. This balance allows him to both honor and innovate upon traditional sounds. His daily musical experiences range widely—from samba to Thundercat and Bob Marley—feeding his creative process. He draws from these diverse influences, mixing them in the studio to discover new sonic possibilities. His background as a visual artist also informs his music. Asha strives to create music that is multidimensional, much like his visual art. This cross-disciplinary approach led to the creation of the WAITINGROOM live series, an event platforming upcoming artists and combining live music with art experiences.

Skylar Simone is making waves in the R&B scene with her evocative recently released EP, Shiver. Known for her striking vocal range and sultry sound, Skylar has been steadily building her musical career since her debut in 2016. Skylar’s songwriting process is deeply intuitive, starting with freestyle melodies and evolving through careful refinement. Influenced by musical icons like Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé, Skylar blends powerful vocal performances with emotional and lyrical depth. Her latest EP, Shiver, is inspired by the desire to capture both familiar and novel emotions. “There’s this sense of freedom that only music can guide us toward,” Skylar reflects. Shiver serves as a musical guide to self-expression and introspection, inviting listeners into a world of self-confidence and acceptance.

Emmy Meli's music is characterized by its raw, emotional depth and her distinctive soulful voice. She gained attention with her breakout single, I Am Woman, which showcases her powerful vocal delivery and introspective lyrics. Her music often combines elements of pop, soul, and R&B, and she’s recognized for her ability to convey raw, personal experiences through her songs. Her creative process often involves stepping outside her comfort zone to explore new artistic territories. This fearless experimentation has become a hallmark of her work, reflecting her willingness to embrace and challenge creative boundaries. Emmy says that her most significant achievement in her career so far was securing the theme song placement for Meghan Markle's podcast, Archetypes, “we made history with that one: it was the biggest podcast sync in history and it was two women, both of which overcame a lot of adversity to get to where they are now.” Emmy’s latest EP, Hello Stranger, was released in May. 

While living out of his car during his first year of college, Haiden Henderson stumbled upon a guitar and that moment changed his life. Seeking a hobby to fill his time, he discovered a profound passion for music. This encounter set him on a path shaped by a diverse range of influences, from indie artists like Sam Fender and Maggie Rogers to pop legends such as Katy Perry and Britney Spears. Haiden treats his music as a diary, translating intense personal emotions and reflections into songs. He avoids artificial themes, instead focusing on genuine experiences and insights gleaned from conversations and personal observations. This dedication to real-life inspiration ensures his music remains heartfelt and relatable. In an age where recorded music often dominates, he believes the true value of live music lies in the intimate and immersive experience of a concert. Haiden’s latest EP, lover boy, recently landed on all leading streaming platforms.

UPSAHL’s journey in music began early, with her self-titled EP released at just 14 years old. Growing up in a musically inclined family, where her father played in punk bands and the household had a dedicated band room, she was nurtured creatively from a young age. Her father’s support, including helping her record her first album, shaped her early career. Her EP, Hindsight 20/20, and the single, Drugs, reflected her experiences of moving to Los Angeles at 18. These projects captured her struggles with self-discovery, forming new friendships, and adapting to the city's party culture, marking a period of significant growth. Her musical evolution is a blend of nostalgic early 2000s pop influences, including artists like Gwen Stefani and Britney Spears, mixed with modern sounds. Her Phoenix punk roots remain a consistent element in her work. Currently, UPSAHL is focused on an upcoming album that draws from these early influences while introducing a new world for her fans to explore.

Mad Tsai is known for his distinctive blend of pop, alternative, and electronic music. His evocative lyrics reflect his view of songwriting as a form of storytelling and personal introspection. His music often serves as a diary of his experiences and emotions, capturing the essence of his moments of vulnerability and growth. His musical influences include Marina and the Diamonds, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey, artists who emphasize youth and mental health while creating vivid, immersive worlds. These influences inspire Mad to incorporate visual and descriptive elements into his music, enhancing the emotional and thematic depth of his work. Through his music, Mad encourages listeners to embrace their identities and creative expressions without succumbing to societal pressures. Mad Tsai’s new EP teenage nightmare! is slated for release later this year.

Abby Sage's journey into music began at a young age, influenced by her father who played in local bands and taught her guitar. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for her passion, but it was her own exploration and discovery of her sound that truly solidified her love for the craft. Her songwriting process is deeply personal and solitary, starting with poems that she deconstructs and rearranges into songs. This process allows her to maintain the emotional essence of her original writings, resulting in songs that feel both intimate and relatable. Abby’s ability to translate her thoughts and emotions into music creates a unique and compelling listening experience. Abby's recent release earlier this year, The Rot, delves into themes of cyclical change and the recycling of ideas. The project spans various chapters of her life, emphasizing the impact of her youth and the choices she's made about what to hold onto and what to let go.

jerry, formerly known as Hodgy Beats, has undergone a significant transformation from his days with Odd Future. Driven by a desire for change and creative exploration, he has shifted from rap to a more vulnerable, singer-songwriter style with his latest album, lovemesooner. Influenced by nature and human behavior rather than specific artists, jerry draws inspiration from personal experiences and emotional expression. jerry’s artistic evolution is also deeply tied to his personal experiences and challenges. He has spoken candidly about his struggles with substance abuse, the transactional nature of the music industry, and the difficulty of finding genuine connections within it. jerry is currently on a creative spree with his new project on poortrait.com, where he is releasing a new song every week for 52 weeks.