Top 10 Musicians For You To Try

Music has been enjoyed by us humans for thousands of years. It's something that has changed and adapted through the centuries. Whether you're someone who plays an instrument, carries a tune or simply listens in. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

My parents used to play a whole range of music as I was growing up, and I often credit that to the vast array of musicians I listen to today. We all have genres we tend to gravitate towards and perhaps give more of our time to explore, I'm no different. This list will either help expand your current knowledge of certain genres, or give you something fresh to listen to. Whichever it is, these are my picks of 10 musicians that you should try out.

1) Kaleo

I would argue that Kaleo are the most well known on this list, or at least their songs are. Formed in their native country of Iceland, this five piece band have taken the United States by storm and in doing so have branched out across the globe. Led by Jökull Júlíusson (JJ), they've created some waves in the new era of rock and roll. JJ has a voice that needs to be experienced, so I would certainly recommend checking out their live material on YouTube. They often use Iceland as a back drop for their live performances which I find to be a really unique touch. Inside a volcano, on a glacier sheet or next to an erupting volcano, they certainly know how to wow any viewers.

As mentioned earlier they're heavy on rock and roll, but touch into the blues as well with more slowed down and soulful songs. So, now for my personal recommendations to get you started. If you're looking for pure rock then check out No Good, Hot Blood or Alter Ego. If you prefer the slowed down with vocals being the main attraction then I'd recommend Save Yourself, I Walk on Water or I Can't Go On Without You. Otherwise, jump in and enjoy.

2) Barns Courtney

For me he's a breath of fresh air in the musical world. His personality is a show on its own. Extremely charismatic and has the musical talent to back it up with. When he's in his groove you can't help but stomp your feet in unison with him. Whether you're at a gig of his, or just in the comfort of your own home. Born in England, but raised in the United States and that's where he introduced himself to the scene.

As a personal attendee to a few of his gigs, he brings a great energy to the stage. He doesn’t limit himself to the stage if he can help it as he’s fully ready to dive into the middle and get in and amongst his fans. So, if you’re looking for real foot stomping music then I’d recommend Fire, Glitter and Gold, Hands or Kicks. He too has more heartfelt songs, so if that’s more your thing then I’d recommend Goodbye John Smith or Dopamine.

3) Isaac Gracie

A relative new-comer in my life, but his voice and his lyrics really hit home. At a time when my personal life was tough, his songs put things into words better than I could. With a voice that really punctuates your soul and makes you feel heavy. But, the softness of his guitar can give his songs a slightly rousing feel. It might be bad, but it will get better.

His library of music is small, but every song is as good as the last. However, there is a couple that I particularly enjoy. Reverie and Show Me Love (acoustic).

4) Blanco White

Possibly the most intriguing entry on this list and someone who I’ve come to adore. The man behind Blanco White is Josh Edwards. English born, but whose influence derives from Spain and South America. So much so that he received a personal education in how to play the Bolivian Charango, which is a small 10-string guitar. His life is as fascinating as his music and it’s got me second guessing how I want to live my life.

Every song feels like a journey and it takes you on the scenic route. His love for Latin America is heard in his music and it makes for a unique sound. Something I’d personally not come across myself. I could go on and on about Blanco, but my recommendations are as follows; Colder Heavens, El Búho, Sol and Olalla. Be sure to check out his Yucatan sessions on YouTube, something that deserves to be heard.

5) Rafferty

Possibly the least well known musician on this list, but we know it doesn't mean the least talented. Every song this guy produces uses different elements and has a unique vibe to it. Some tell a story, some are just plain cool. While his discography might be small, they can still make a huge impact for you.

My personal recommendations are as follows; Mausoleum, Glitter and Save Me Some Sunshine. Don't sleep on this guy, he has many a trick up his sleeve.

6) Greta Van Fleet

Three brothers and a friend formed a band to try and catapult 70's rock and roll back into the limelight. So far, they've been hugely successful in doing so. The lead singer, Josh Kiszka, has had his voice compared to that of the great Robert Plant who was lead singer for Led Zeppelin. Seriously, you have to listen to Josh and Robert side by side, it's scarily similar. By recording and releasing their first song, Highway Tune, at a very young age the critics wondered if they'd mature into a real rock and roll band. With three albums now under their belt since 2017, they're showing no signs of slowing down. With each new album, they seem to show signs of improvement in key areas. From the lyrics, to the whole feel of a song.

This band have been able to bring multiple generations together. So if you're a parent that was a fan of all things Led Zeppelin or The Who, then I'd really recommend Greta Van Fleet. The likelihood being that your children will have already heard of them and even enjoy them. Highway Tune is a great place to start, then you can navigate your way to Safari Song and Black Smoke Rising. Be sure to then check in with Light My Love and Heat Above which both feature on their latest album.

As a side note I do recommend watching them live. Josh is a huge personality on the stage and often just contorts his voice for fun.

7) Matt Maeson

Thought provoking and rather powerful are certainly ways to describe this guy's music. A voice that can really stick with you long after you've listened to it. He can make you feel a connection to his songs, even if nothing that has been sung can be remotely related to your life. Leaning towards alternative rock, he can introduce a touch of folk and blues to his work.

So on to the recommendations; Hallucinogenics (both the original and stripped back version), Put It On Me and Nelsonwood Lane.

8) Roo Panes

Taking the folk scene by storm and offering a great avenue into that world. Delivering songs that can warm you up on the coldest days. Lyrics that can help turn a negative into a positive and a voice that can soothe your inner demons. He has the potential to make the Britfolk scene his own if he continues to deliver the quality of music he has been. Seriously, if you want to calm yourself down after a bad day, he can really help with it.

My personal favourite of his is I Just Love You. My other two recommendations of his are Tiger Striped Sky (check out the live version) and Silver Moon.

9) Stealth

An up and comer in the British music scene and has been seriously impressing the critics along the way. His voice is the standout attraction to his work. It's big, bold and a lot of soul. He starts singing, you pay attention kind of voice. When you look beyond his voice though and start to look at lyrics, it actually gets even better. Those late night thoughts you have that you can't quite put down in words, well he can. You'll find yourself belting his songs out in the car, or the shower or anywhere really because they just resonate with you so much. Influenced by the beautiful world of soul, with a dash of the blues. He's the guy in the bar that will sit at the piano, start up and the whole room will fall silent. Simply in awe of what he can produce.

My recommendations do include a bonus one if you're so inclined to explore him. Other Lives, Judgement Day, Blame and Intro are very good places to start. The bonus being a YouTube video of him covering Chris Isaak's Wicked Game.

10) Chet Faker

Otherwise known as Nick Murphy, which he'll sometimes attach to his music. Nick being his birth name, he actually uses the two different names as almost two different musicians. Chet will step out of the limelight for Nick and vice versa. It makes for some extremely interesting music. His style remains as being more slowed down and incorporating different sounds. His album Built On Glass is the perfect representation of that. A rasping voice, but doesn't ever seem like he tries too hard to achieve it.

It's hard to choose recommendations given his separate persona's, but I endeavor to give you the route into his music. His cover of No Diggity, Terms and Conditions, Oh Me Oh My and To Me. Keep him for the late night drive to nowhere.

I hope you enjoy exploring these artists as much as I have and if you have any feedback with regards to any of them then I'd love to hear it.