OnesToWatch: The Weekly Recap
New music from Benson Boone, Boyish on the pod, meet Rae Khalil and more.
Welcome to the OnesToWatch weekly newsletter, the best way to discover your new obsession and keep up with all things OTW.
FROM THE BLOG
Benson Boone Has All the Makings of a Household Name in 'Fireworks & Rollerblades'
In the years since its inception, many artists have emerged from the popular reality TV series American Idol. However, one could argue that, in terms of career longevity, the show can be more a curse than a blessing. Yet, for one Benson Boone, not winning was the best thing that could have happened to him. The loss has been a springboard for his blossoming musical career. Since his appearance on the show, Boone has spent the last few years writing music and winning (more) hearts. Fans have been salivating for a full album ever since his first ultra-viral track, "Ghost Town," dropped almost three years ago.
The Marías' "Lejos de Ti” Speaks to the Painful Chill of an Absent Lover
If one thing is true, The Marías are faithfully devoted to their Latin fanbase. “Lejos de Ti” is yet another gift to their Spanish-speaking audience, a melancholic plea for a lover far away. Dreadfully indie, The Marías have managed to speak to the weight of love from every angle and perspective. Whether it’s burning with passion or subtly blooming, they know just how to encapsulate the feeling and deliver it in a flawless, alt-pop bow. “Lejos de Ti” darkens those shades, speaking to the despair born from love’s absence.
Lizzy McAlpine’s 'Older' Is to Be Handled With Care
Lizzy McAlpine’s highly anticipated third studio album, Older has arrived and honestly, I cannot find the right words to explain the whirlwind of emotions it has left me with. If there is one sentence to define the project, let it be from one of its first lyrics, “I think we can make it, I hope that I’m right.”
Wisp's 'Pandora' Is a Vulnerable, Lush, and Necessary Addition to Shoegaze
The release of Wisp's debut EP, Pandora, is the satisfying waypoint of a remarkable journey that kicked off with the soaring viral success of her breakout track "Your face." Picking apart shoegaze tropes and touchstones, Wisp seized on the genre's essence, sonics at their most indescribable, composition at its most liminal, while blending it with modern production techniques. From her bedroom to the world, Wisp blended a noted intimacy with evident openness and a desire to communicate. The six-track body of work hinges on matters of the heart while teasing out various aspects of Wisp's work as a producer and songwriter.
Sekou Gives Himself Time to Move on in the Heartbreaking "let go of me slowly"
Rising 19-year-old artist Sekou comes through to break our hearts yet again with his passionate new single, "let go of me slowly." The track is a new heart-shattering anthem that centers around the breakdown of a romantic relationship and sees a return to his earlier balladeer offerings. His robust yet synonymous track showcases his rich tone laid over minimalistic production, offering a wellspring of emotional expression and relatable sentiments.
Malcom Todd's 'Sweet Boy' Is a Coming of Age Triumph For the Rising Star
LA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Malcolm Todd has finally released his highly-anticipated mixtape Sweet Boy. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists such as Steve Lacy, Smino, and Dominic Fike, Todd seamlessly blends groovy production with intricate vocal layers to create his unique R&B sound. Including a new arrangement of tracks filled with some of his most beloved tracks, Sweet Boy is an album's worth of previously released fan favorites and newly released soon-to-be favorites.
NEWS
CHEF’S CHOICE PODCAST with Abby Kenna
Boyish and the Sickest Riff You’ve Ever Heard
ARTIST DISCOVERY
Meet Rae Khalil, the Rising R&B Star Who Is Staying True to Her Art
One of the newest talents on Def Jam/Anderson .Paak's label APESHIT, Rae Khalil is one of R&B’s most promising rising stars. A native Californian, Khalil exudes an ease that could only stem from someone objectively talented and absolutely sure about who they are, with no worry about being validated by the world. She makes music that she likes and the world just so happens to be grooving too.
NOW WATCHING: PLAYLIST
Listen to our NOW WATCHING playlist featuring Maggie Rogers, Noga Erez, Nia Archives and more.
NOW WATCHING: ARTIST CHART
Rising stars our team has their eye on this week 🔥