As a self-proclaimed music discovery platform, you probably find yourself wondering: “How do they discover music?” Well, lucky for us sonic explorers, finding great sounds really isn’t that hard in the age of YouTube and social media. Instagram–for instance–is one of our favorite platforms to dig into musical rabbit holes for, and we always come out with a few new favorites:
Nina Cobham (UK)
Nina Cobham floats onto your airwaves with a lush, velvety tone that we find on the likes of Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. Those the voice might be on-trend, her effortless control and masterful lyrics set her experience level high. We love a budding artist who isn’t afraid to explore different identities, and Cobham does that in several languages with ease.
Marinero (San Francisco)
Like much of the music that comes out of the Bay Area, Marinero‘s tunes give off a classic, nostalgic vibe timeless enough to fit a studded film soundtrack. At times psychedelic fueled by romantic ocean-side memories, all of his down-tempo songs would fit perfectly on a lo-fi background playlist perfect for both getting work done or tuning out the world on vacation.
Malva Vela (Spain)
Sofía Valdés (Panama)
Though more well-known than some of the emerging acts on this list, Panama’s Sofía Valdés is well worth mentioning for this round-up. Her style is honest and refreshing, though always light-hearted when it needs to be. She’s sultry yet funky, quiet yet approachable, and perfect for a slow morning when you just need a soft voice to lure you out of bed.
Lila Iké (Jamaica)
Lila Iké is one of the freshest new voices on Jamaica’s music scene. As the latest addition to In.Digg.Nation Collective, a record label and talent pool for Jamaican creatives started by reggae star Proteje, the fast-rising singer is gaining attention at home and abroad with her distinctive delivery and old school sensibilities.