Boombox Blitz: Four new artists you should be listening to

Welcome to Boombox Blitz, an artist spotlight series showcasing overlooked singers, songwriters and musicians who are quietly taking over the world.

More often than not, talented new artists are never given a fair chance to show the world how gifted they really are. Burning embers of promise get extinguished before a flame can flourish, leaving a dull light that exists only for those who know where to look. But every now and then, a newcomer comes along who possesses an undeniable spark that can’t be contained.

Case in point, these four spectacular new acts have proven early into their careers that they have star quality waiting to spread like wildfire. If you haven’t heard of them, (especially if you’re headed to Lollapalooza), it’s about time you press play.

Dean Lewis

For fans of: Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons, Niall Horan

Well on his way to becoming the next iteration of a certain carrot-topped crooner, Dean Lewis is currently working the press circuit promoting his debut album, A Place We Knew. Pensive and brooding, the Aussie bares his bleeding heart on his sleeve, swirling themes of love, heartbreak and regret with frothy, guitar-led instrumentals that will have you deep in your feelings, but too busy dancing to care. Lewis’ abilities as a songwriter give him an upper hand over many of his peers, and he seems to effortlessly capture his torrid stream of consciousness on paper, molding his lyrics into captivating and anthemic vocals. Only time will tell if his current success will solidify him as a mainstream force to be reckoned with. His single “Be Alright” has already reached number one in his homeland and is slowly climbing the charts around the world, thanks partly to his abilities as a songwriter. If you find yourself humming his melodies after the first couple listens, don’t worry ⏤ you’ll know the words soon enough.

Pink Sweat$

For fans of: Khalid, Frank Ocean, The Weeknd

In a recent interview with Billboard, Pink Sweat$ admitted that he never wanted to be a singer; he was perfectly content songwriting behind the scenes. Fortunately for him, he would quickly discover that his talents extended far beyond pen and paper. The first thing you notice about the Philadelphia native on his Volume 1 EP is the velvety smoothness of his voice, drizzling over soothing strings like warm honey. Every song on his six-track debut is masterfully crafted but never formulaic; he glides over dreamy acoustics and hits each note with a relaxed precision that makes it look easy. His follow-up singles, “I Know” and “Coke and Henny, Pt. 1,” incorporate a southern twang, roughening up his sound ever so slightly, like an impeccably distressed piece of furniture. This gentle shift in sound shows that he has a distinct vision for his latest release, Volume 2, and will likely evolve as an artist in subsequent releases. It’s evident that singing comes all too naturally to Sweat$ ⏤ and it makes you wonder why he ever had hesitation to pick up a microphone in the first place.

Lennon Stella

For fans of: Lorde, Julia Michaels, Sigrid

Lennon Stella has come a long way from her days on YouTube. Alongside her sister Maisy, Stella found viral success in 2012 with their cover of Robyn‘s “Call Your Girlfriend,” leading to a wave of attention the pair rode straight into starring roles on ABC’s Nashville. After the show’s conclusion, she shed both her sibling and aesthetic to embark on a career all on her own. Reinventing yourself is no mean feat, even with impressive credentials and social media clout. But Stella’s solo work is pure pop bliss: synths and trap drums infuse her Love, me EP, as well as her latest track “BITCH” ⏤ a sound that’s a far cry from her country roots. The songstress strips her music of any frills, showcasing her sweet and salty voice and embracing vulnerability like a former lover. With upcoming gigs supporting Anne-Marie, The Chainsmokers and 5 Seconds of Summer on tour, Stella is one step closer to establishing herself as a full-fledged pop star. At this rate, she may one day be searching for her own opening acts.

Omar Apollo

For fans of: Justin Timberlake, Prince, Tame Impala

Omar Apollo makes his music like he’s baking a cake with no recipe: mixing together ingredients he finds in the fridge and popping the batter in the oven without hesitation. The final product could be a complete mess – but in Apollo’s case, the end result is nothing short of confectionary perfection. Few artists, especially freshmen in the game, can weave a patchwork of funk, R&B, pop, and alternative and create something cohesive and compelling. His debut, Stereo, bounces in every direction like a rubber ball, but somehow aligns into a singular collection of work that draws influences from across genres. The psychedelic “Lucky” fills your head with clouds of smoke, while “Hijo De Su Madre” drags you to the cantina and pours tequila down your throat. The sonic shifts throughout are abrupt but never jarring. Nothing exemplifies this musical ADHD more than Apollo’s latest release, “Ashamed.” It’s boisterous, brash, and at times delightfully weird; but much like the rest of his work, it’s completely amazing.

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