From pop’s new visionaries to country’s gatecrashers — and everything in between — these are the amazing young artists to keep your eye on this year and beyond. In no particular order.
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Grace Mitchell
Given her gift for moody and striking pop songs that belie her young age, it's no wonder this 17-year-old from Portland is already drawing comparisons to another big-haired teen heroine. Mitchell appeared seemingly out of nowhere in 2013 with an improbably canny cover of Hall & Oates karaoke classic "Maneater" that appeared on the soundtrack of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty of all places. A promising, but little-noticed, 4-track EP for Republic Records followed, including the searing and self-assured gem "Broken Over You." In 2015, we're holding out hope for more Grace in our lives.
Listen To This: Grace Mitchell, "Broken Over You"
Corbin (f.k.a. Spooky Black)
16-year-old Corbin, formerly known as Spooky Black, captivated cool kids far outside of his native St. Paul suburbs last year with dark pop and R&B characterized by its hypnotic dirge. Along with The Stand4d, his crew of likeminded rappers and producers, Corbin's appeal comes from the clear sense of perspective in his music, his ability to make every vocal, lyrical, and aesthetic choice feel suggestive of a larger, shrouded universe. With rumors of a record label bidding war swirling, we're expecting big things from Corbin in 2015.
Listen To This: Corbin, "Worn"
Spooky Black.
Seinabo Sey
Seinabo Sey is one of those artists who does so many things so well that stardom almost seems like a foregone conclusion, the ending of a story that was written into the start. But the Swedish singer/songwriter hasn't crossed over yet. Sey's best known songs, including "Younger" and "Hard Time" sound both timeless and timely, effortlessly uniting soul, pop, and electronic music in blessed matrimony. Following a 5-track EP, For Madeleine, released in October, a full-length album is expected this year.
Listen to This: Seinabo Sey, "Hard Time"