Luna's Picks: Artists For Your 2024 Radar
☆ By THE LUNA COLLECTIVE STAFF ☆
FEW THINGS BEAT THE FEELING OF FINDING A NEW ARTIST YOU SOON BECOME OBSESSED WITH. Whether you're navigating the intricate algorithms of streaming platforms or relying on the musical wisdom of a friend, the thrill of uncovering fresh sounds is incomparable.
In the realm of emerging artists, 2023 introduced us to a spectrum of talents that left us eagerly anticipating what comes next. Now, as we step into 2024, we find ourselves at the intersection of anticipation and discovery once again. Our collaboration with a myriad of up-and-coming artists has given us unique insights into the musical landscape, making it both a pleasure and a challenge to curate a list of names deserving of your attention.
Join us as we unveil the artists who have captured our ears, hearts, and imaginations—those destined to be the main characters in the symphony of 2024. From genre-defying sounds to lyrical poignancy, these musicians promise a sonic journey that transcends the ordinary. Read on to discover the rising stars that will undoubtedly shape the musical narrative of the year ahead.
julie
Review by Aleah Antonio
Earlier this year, the band julie announced they would play a house show that garnered so much attention that fans lined up while the sun was still out and filled the house to its capacity. A friend recently drove 8 hours by himself to see them play The Constellation Room in Santa Ana (a sold-out show, in which he paid three times the face value price of a ticket). People go crazy for this band, and they don’t even have an album out yet. Their popularity is not only hype: julie is one of the most promising nu-gaze bands of the modern canon. Alex Brady, Dillon Lee, and Keyan Pourzand mix no-wave elements into heavy shoegaze that reinvents their sound into something completely addictive. Other than their roots in Orange County, CA and their shared love for 90s rock, the band is completely mysterious. For now, they share their music out of a vacuum. julie’smost recent release, “catalogue,” is a taste of what’s to come from their full-length debut.
Wednesday
Review by Aleah Antonio
This year, North Carolina band Wednesday graced the indie rock world with their breakout album Rat Saw God, released under their new label, Dead Oceans (Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski). Continuing their streak of brilliance off of 2021’s Twin Plagues and 2020’s I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone, Wednesday earns rightful titles of gifted songwriters and holy musicians. When you put your headphones on and press play on Rat Saw God, you enter the haunted house that is Asheville, NC. The air is stuffy-hot and smells like cigarette smoke and gasoline. Rat Saw God contains lead singer Karly Hartzman’s memories and personal stories, some vile and some shocking, told through lap steel guitar and teeth-gnashing screams. The boldest song and the album’s first single “Bull Believer” is an eight-minute climax, Hartzman crying out and laughing like she’s got blood between her teeth. Wednesday leaves a burning impression if nothing else, opening doors to the multitudes the band is capable of.
Asha Imuno
Review by Patu Ong
I’ve done my fair share of gushing over hip-hop/R&B/soul vocalist and producer Asha Imuno this year, but I wouldn’t do so without merit. Even with only dropping three songs throughout 2023, he’s developed a lot, dug deeper than ever, and unearthed a significant amount of heart. Listeners can hear a range of emotions in a single verse or hone in on a single thread throughout the entire song.
All this isn’t to say Imuno’s music isn’t fun as hell. For every hard look in the mirror, Asha balances it out with an amusing tidbit, like his bridge/outro on “DID I CALL IT A BAD TIME?” where he belts “Next /Everything to the left” and squeezes in a “Beyoncé” adlib just in case you didn’t get the reference. The tone shifts and flow changes pair well with the production, largely laid out by Imuno and Zach Ezzy. Even if Imuno’s vocals captivate you, it’s tough not to note a striking melody or a well-placed riff in the instrumental.
2023 was most listeners’ introduction to this music mosaic. Thankfully, this past year was just the warmup. With his debut album PINS & NEEDLES dropping sometime next year, there’s no better time to get acquainted with Imuno than now. We’re set for tipoff, the show’s about to start, and 2024 is right around the corner. Asha Imuno is about to put up some career-high numbers.
Nick Wagen
Review by Faith Luevanos
Love is difficult, but Chicago based singer/songwriter Nick Wagen is here to guide you through it. With the release of his latest album, “Whatever Helps You Sleep at Night” and even newer single, “my bad”, he’s created a distinctive sound for himself that merges introspective lyrics with eclectic melodies, creating a genre defying experience. He has created beautiful songs to fall in love to, while also lending a musical shoulder to cry on whenever you need it. Each song on the album reflects on different personal journeys, marked with poignant storytelling and a unique fusion of musical influences.
His most recent release, “my bad”, captures the misguided guilt and heartbreaking confusion when the person you fell in love with no longer exists. With a genuine and emotive delivery, Wagen creates a sonic landscape that resonates with listeners, allowing them to reflect on their own personal experiences with love, remorse, and growth.
With an upcoming tour opening for indie-pop duo Mickey Darling, the new year promises growth and exciting changes for Nick Wagen as he tours the US to show off his incredible musical talents to win over the hearts of many new fans.
Nico Days
Review by Faith Luevanos
As 2023 comes to a close, there has been a whirlwind of attention circling Austin Medrano, the voice and brains behind indie rock artist, Nico Days. Labeled as his side project, he allows himself to creatively explore different themes such as self reflection, heartbreak, and finding true love once more. With the release of seven new singles this year, including collaborations with artists such as Dafna and MyKey, almost all produced by himself, his fans have been blessed with an incredible mix of storytelling. With a penchant for introspective lyrics, Nico Days crafts songs that show true authenticity and vulnerability, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his soul.
His latest single “LIAR”, is a raw and emotional track that explores themes of deception and broken trust. A dreamy soundscape, paired with Days’ ethereal vocals, showcase a world of vulnerability on top of creating a haunting atmosphere to enhance his emotional lyrics.
With the release of tons of new music from him this year, it’s extremely hard to pick a favorite, but we can guarantee that Nico Days will be at the top of your radar after just one listen.
Mae Krell
Review by Sophie Gragg
Mae Krell, a rising star in the indie music scene, weaves powerful narratives through their music, a delicate balance of vulnerability and empowerment. Hailing from New York, Krell's introspective songwriting explores themes of identity, love, and resilience.
Their discography, including standout tracks like "garden," "colorblind," and "monster," reflects a poignant journey of self-discovery. Krell's emotive vocals and relatable lyrics resonate with audiences, creating an intimate connection that transcends the music.
Navigating themes of mental health and queerness, Mae Krell stands at the forefront of artists breaking barriers and challenging norms. With a rapidly growing fanbase and a commitment to authenticity, Krell is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the evolving landscape of indie music.
Okay Coleman
Review by Tiffany Le
To tie us over for the upcoming year, multi-hyphenated R&B musician okay coleman! released his latest 6-track project titled AM I IN CONTROL? this past November, having been dropping music under the moniker since the tail end of 2020.
“On-the-come-up” isn’t a label I’d stick on the artist when (in my humble opinion) he’s already brought what it takes to be there; AM I IN CONTROL? plops coleman on the map not only as a refreshingly familiar presence among today’s new waves of R&B and Hip-Hop, but for the level of talent and dexterity presented by his very first and self-produced EP.
True to the soul of classic R&B hits, his clever lyricism and sneaky earworm melodies explore growth, love, lust, and straight-up having a good time, all with the production quirks that redefine ever-evolving Alternate R&B.
Fans of artists in the neighborhood of Smino, Saba, Jordan Ward, and Isaiah Rashad (among many others)— do yourself a favor and lock into what okay coleman! has to bring in 2024.
Estevie
Review by Charlotte Isidore
Hailing from Beaumont, CA, Estevie is a dazzling singer who mixes modern pop sounds with old-school cumbia rhythms. With her mesmerizing vocals, Estevie brings life to a cumbia renaissance sparked by the growing Regional Mexican scene. Alongside a talented team of songwriters and producers — including Alan Vega, Frank Rio, Sarah Silva, and the incredible Ricky Reed — Estevie released her enchanting EP Cumbialicious this year. While the tracks range from emotionally-rich ballads like “como yo,” to more experimental songs like “miami,” there is an overarching theme of nostalgia. She is reminiscent of a young Selena Quintanilla with her intoxicating voice and complex, yet cohesive instrumentals. Like the iconic Selena Quintanilla, Estevie is multifaceted and involved in every aspect of her artistry — she conceptualizes and writes her songs, styles herself, and even helps design her clothes alongside her close-knit team of family and collaborators. Her alluring stage presence makes her all the more engaging. Whether dancing to her music at backyard parties or watching her and her band live, Estevie is an artist to dive into in 2024.
Hannah Jadagu
Review by Sophie Gragg
Hailing from Mesquite, Texas, Hannah Jadagu infuses her music with a breezy and optimistic quality, creating a sonic experience that feels like a warm embrace.
With tracks like "Think Too Much" and "What Is Going On?," Hannah effortlessly blends elements of indie pop, bedroom pop, and R&B. Her introspective lyrics explore the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the nuances of everyday life, resonating with a diverse audience.
Jadagu's rise to prominence has been swift, marked by a unique ability to capture universal emotions in her melodies. As she continues to hone her craft and share her musical sunshine, Hannah Jadagu stands as a bright star in the indie pop constellation, offering a soundtrack to moments of joy, contemplation, and everything in between.
