The world found itself in a constant trash fire in 2018, but somehow the music game stayed consistently good in the midst of it all. Last year, Cardi B’s debut saw wigs fly (literally and figuratively), Robyn returned and gave us an album that was sweet as Honey, Kacey Musgraves had the gays living their country pop fantasy, and Troye Sivan blossomed into the queer pop icon we didn’t know we needed until now.
It was a jam packed year of new and old faces, who brought us notable bangers and playlist-worthy bops. With 2019 just getting started, we need to introduce you to a few new faces who will likely be some of this years biggest music stars.
Orville Peck
Sub-Pop Records latest signing is a blue-eyed country crooner from Toronto who rocks a fringe mask and red cowboy hat like no other. Aside from serving eye-catching looks, Orville Peck’s music is smooth and cinematic, oozing crystalline guitar licks and rich vocals that are deeply mystifying, pulling you into a film-noir like fantasy. His videos are surreal portraits that compliment his evocative storytelling, often weaving vintage vignettes into dreamscapes of motel sex and ’60s glam.
His debut album Pony comes out on March 22nd. If you like desert sunsets, dramatic close-ups, and lots of sexy babes walking around, his latest single/video “Dead Of Night” has all the right stuff.
View the rest of the Top 5 after the jump!
RahRah Gabor
RahRah Gabor is a bad bitch from New Jersey who could rap most of your hip-hop favs out of their boots. With the success of her cover of the club-rap classic “Oochie Wally,” she quickly became known for her versatility, slick word-play, and impeccable bars. The trans-femme powerhouse later made waves in 2017 with her hardcore anti-trans/queer street harassment rap anthem “Kandy.” Holding nothing back in her ferocious delivery, this track was clear indication that in a world where queer people are still targets of violence and bigotry, RahRah Gabor aims to be a voice in rap that lives her life with no fear.
After being featured on Brownsville artist Taphari’s DJ mix for The Fader, RahRah Gabor has been teasing that new material is on the way in 2019. She usually spills the tea on her Instagram, so that might be a good place to stay updated. Above, you can watch a cute interview she did for 306 Late, where she talks about her upbringing and being in a rock band called “Shades Of Amber” when she was younger.
Sir Babygirl
Sir Babygirl is the stage name of Kelsie Hogue, a Brooklyn artist with an affinity for catchy queer pop songs about being in love. Their first two songs “Heels” and “Flirting With Her” capture those first crush feels perfectly on a bed of reverb-y guitar and bustling pop beats. Each jam is sweet and heartfelt, triggering those awkward sensations that come with being honest about your feelings and turning them into joyful, carefree moments.
With lyrics like “flirting with her is like losing your keys”, Hogue manages to tackle the anxiety of love in cheeky fashion, not taking any of it too seriously. Father/Daughter Records will be home to their next album Crush On You, which fittingly comes out on February 14th.
Akua
When Canadian-Ghanian artist Akua isn’t singing back-up for big names like Solange, she’s making some of the most serene pop music you’ll ever hear. After the success of her EP One’s Company, Akua recently dropped a stunning video for her new single “Offering.”
Exploring grief, healing, and self-care in the midst of loss, Akua’s next album Them Spirits will reveal more about the spiritual journey the singer has embarked on since relocating from Toronto to L.A. Her powerful words and brilliant sound have always made her an artist to watch and 2019 will be no different.
Bambii
After a slew of successful events and touring with Mykki Blanco on a number of occasions, Toronto’s favorite DJ is looking to drop some music of her own in 2019. Bambii’s quest to make Toronto nightlife more inclusive has lead to the creation of popular events like JERK and an international appeal that keeps everyone glued to her social media and lining up for hours to see her perform.
Not much is known about Bambii’s forthcoming release, but if what she’s accomplished thus far is any indication, the next chapter in her artistry will be sure to keep us moving.
— Max Mohenu (@maxmohenu)
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