Pop’s Next Gen: 10 Breakout Artists to Watch

Prepare to be transported to the cutting edge of pop music. We’ve curated a list of the hottest rising artists, a diverse group hailing from far-flung corners of the globe. Forget generic pop – these artists are bringing raw honesty, captivating stories, and sounds that defy categorization. These artists are not just shaping the future of pop, they’re redefining it entirely. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of these future superstars, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.

1. Annabel Gutherz

Hailing from Montreal, Annabel Gutherz‘s rich musical background and innate storytelling prowess shine through, solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry. As she continues to captivate audiences with her authentic artistry, “Shame” marks yet another compelling chapter in her musical journey, promising more captivating music to come in 2024.

“Shame” is about the ruminations that can arise about your partner’s former relationships and the invasive fears that often emerge as a result.

Annabel Gutherz

2. Nini Iris

My music is inspired by my personal experiences, and I hope it resonates with listeners. I aim to create a connection with my audience, showing that vulnerability and emotional expression are strengths, not weaknesses. Through my music, I hope to inspire openness, empathy, and self-acceptance.

Nini Iris

3. Elijah Woods

Toronto’s versatile sensation, Elijah Woods sets hearts ablaze with three soul-stirring tracks. Featuring his recent hit single, “Losing a Friend,” alongside poignant additions like “Second Guessing” and the titular track “Silver Lining,” the EP delves into the intricacies of human connection and the journey of self-discovery. With his infectious melodies, vivid lyricism, and signature production finesse, Elijah solidifies his status as a multi-platinum pop artist, singer-songwriter, and producer. Fresh off a sold-out Canadian tour, Elijah now embarks on a highly anticipated headline tour across Asia, promising captivating performances and a magnetic stage presence that will resonate throughout the region.

I wrote this project as a means of navigating the grief that comes with losing someone dear.

Elijah Woods

4. Nicky Youre

Nicky Youre, the acclaimed RIAA-Platinum singer-songwriter, unveils his latest single, “Mile Away,” taking audiences on an emotional journey through love and longing. With over 2 billion streams to his name and a devoted fanbase, Youre’s newest release promises to resonate worldwide. “Mile Away” delves into the complexities of forbidden passion, as Youre candidly explores the exhilarating yet tumultuous pursuit of a love destined for heartbreak. Accompanied by his highly anticipated debut headline tour, Youre In Luck, Nicky Youre solidifies his status as a musical powerhouse, captivating listeners with his raw emotion and compelling storytelling.

“Mile Away” is about chasing someone that you know is 100 percent not the right person for you, but you want to make it work anyways. I get a gut feeling when I know I should probably stop talking to someone, but sometimes I choose to ignore that feeling to see what happens (and because it’s fun). This song is about giving things a try for the hell of it, even if it all inevitably comes crashing down.

Nicky Youre

5. Crystal Starr

Crystal Starr, a powerhouse vocalist known for her electrifying stage presence, has just dropped the music video for her latest single “Too Late.” Produced by Grammy-nominated duo Bizkit and Butta, the track delves into themes of love and self-discovery, resonating with audiences through Crystal’s emotive delivery and infectious beats. As Crystal gears up for the release of her forthcoming album, Pop Starr, “Too Late” serves as a compelling preview of her evolving artistry solidifying her position as a rising star in the pop music scene.

Your gift is the fuel for your purpose.

Crystal Starr 

6. Caroline Romano

Caroline Romano, the versatile alt-pop singer and songwriter, unveils her latest single, “Doesn’t Matter,” showcasing her distinct blend of indie-pop and alt-rock. With dreamy vocals floating over mesmerizing synths and a driving groove, the track embodies Caroline’s captivating lyricism and emotive storytelling. At just 22 years old, Caroline has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with, seamlessly transitioning between misty-eyed ballads and fiery anthems. “Doesn’t Matter” captures the essence of a relationship’s double-edged nature, exploring themes of love and heartbreak with raw honesty. As she continues to captivate audiences on her tour supporting Smallpools and Grayscale, Caroline’s artistry shines through in every note, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music scene.

“Doesn’t Matter” is sort of a ‘choose your own storyline’ song. I wrote it about a relationship that felt like a double-edged sword; a relationship that had me thinking that maybe the inevitable heartbreak would be worth it. It’s a song about falling, all too carelessly, for someone on a rainy evening with the car radio playing. It’s simple and convoluted and all too accurate, at least from my personal experience.

Caroline Romano

7. Tylan

Hailing from the vibrant cultural hub of Washington D.C., Tylan emerges as a distinct voice in today’s music scene, blending his rich family heritage with personal experiences to create soulful anthems imbued with raw honesty. His latest release, “Won’t Get It…,” delves into themes of trust and vulnerability, stripping away pretense to offer listeners an unfiltered glimpse into his inner world. Through melancholic choruses and introspective verses, Tylan navigates the complexities of human emotion with striking authenticity, inviting audiences to connect with his journey of resilience and self-discovery. Tylan’s mission is clear: to bring an authentic experience to his listeners, defying the superficiality often found in modern music and ensuring his place in the industry for years to come.

8. METTE

Mette, a rising sensation with an Ivor-Novello nomination under her belt, unveils her latest single “Bet” as a testament to her artistic evolution and introspection. Born from a moment of personal vulnerability and longing, “Bet” transcends its origins to become an anthem of self-love and empowerment. In collaboration with co-writer Lauren Aquilina and producer Zhone, Mette channels her experiences into a captivating blend of sound and emotion, solidifying her status as a boundary-pushing artist to watch in 2024. With previous successes like “Darling Drive” and her acclaimed debut EP Mettenarrative, Mette continues to captivate audiences worldwide, earning accolades and widespread acclaim. As she gears up for performances at prestigious festivals and stages globally, Mette’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, promising an exciting journey ahead for fans and critics alike.

9. Debbii Dawson

Singer-songwriter Debbii Dawson embarks on a new chapter with her latest single “Happy World,” marking her debut release with RCA Records. The track, a vibrant fusion of ’70s rock and disco influences, offers a peek into Debbii’s inner world, portraying a vivid contrast between its upbeat melody and the underlying sense of longing and isolation. Drawing from her personal experiences and dreams of finding solace amidst chaos, Debbii’s introspective lyrics resonate with authenticity, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in her imaginative musical landscape. With upcoming performances supporting Orville Peck and headlining dates across Europe, Debbii Dawson continues to carve her own path in the music industry, captivating audiences with her distinct sound and heartfelt storytelling.

10. Lauv

Lauv, the multi-platinum artist known for his candid songwriting, introduces a new era with his latest single “Potential.” In this heartfelt track, Lauv’s introspective lyrics explore the excitement and uncertainty of budding romance, accompanied by simple yet captivating guitar strumming and a laid-back drum beat. Directed by Luke Orlando, the accompanying music video is a visual treat, showcasing Lauv’s first-ever fully-choreographed performance. “Potential” also marks Lauv’s debut release under his partnership with AWAL, reflecting his commitment to independent artistry while achieving significant success. Following a remarkable touring year in 2023, Lauv continues to captivate audiences worldwide with upcoming live dates across Asia, including stops in Singapore, China, and South Korea.