Peter Cat Recording Co.

The melodious vocals and unique instrumentals of this New Delhi-based quintet create an appealing, artistic and multifaceted sound. They successfully blend snippets of traditional Indian music and Western music to create their own distinct style. Descriptions of their sound range from ballroom waltz, to space disco to gypsy jazz to psychedelic cabaret. Each song is a surprise even within the album. Peter Cat Recording Co. fan, junior Yasmin Friedrichowitz describes her favorite aspects of their music. “My favorite thing about their music is how their singer’s bounce sounds so classic and smooth but they are able to incorporate aspects of modern music,” Friedrichowitz said. “They know how to make old jazz and old music more interesting by adding their own flare to it.”

Photo courtesy of Sanchi Kalani

Watchhouse

Since 2009, Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz have been performing as Watchhouse (previously Mandolin Orange). Their music is inspired by their experiences on the road and traveling, a way of life that helps them to appreciate their time at home and the important people in their lives even more. They advise their fans to embrace every moment and make precious memories by incorporating their background into their songs and lyrics.

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Rhine

WILLIS

Formed in Florence, Alabama, the five members of WILLIS have achieved success far beyond their hometown. The indie rock band formed in 2016 after meeting in school. Their music includes touches from many genres including surfer rock and alternative blues, ultimately creating an incredibly enjoyable and authentic sound. Their most successful single “I think I Like When It Rains” on their sophomore EP ‘Locals 2’ has over four million Spotify streams.

Photo courtesy of Calvin Tigre

Hunter Moreau

Alternative pop artist Hunter Moreau uses music to push herself outside of her comfort zone and be vulnerable, and her music urges listeners to do the same. The singer-songwriter traces her love of music to growing up in the tiny coastal town of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, where she was born and raised. Stevie Nicks, Harry Styles, and Frank Ocean are among Moreau’s musical influences. Her first song, “Drive In,” was released in November 2019 and incorporates alluring, vivid lyrics as well as a lot of passion. Moreau composed it after undergoing extensive surgery at the age of 16 years old. “Sleepyhead” and “Hazy’ are two additional singles she’s released since then.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Moreau

Redveil

Marcus Morton, whose stage name is Redveil, is a 17-year-old rapper hailing from Prince George’s County who has already made an impact in the music scene with his powerful hip-hop tracks. His music emphasizes being yourself despite the environment you are in and he strives to reflect his emotions through his music. He finds inspiration in various people and groups, one group in particular that motivates him is Lonny Starsky.

TOBi

This Nigerian-Canadian singer-songwriter’s music is a smooth blend of rap, singing and rhythm that he describes as “unapologetic soul music.” Born in Lagos, Nigeria, TOBi moved to Ottawa, Canada as a child where he began his musical career by penning poetry and song-writing. His music can be described as a mix of R&B, soul and rap. His sound is homogeneous to Frank Ocean, whom he cites as one of his inspirations along with Marvin Gaye, Gil Scott-Heron and Florence and the Machine.

KeiyaA

KeiyaA is an R&B artist who released her debut album, Forever Ya Girl, in 2020. KeiyaA takes her inspiration from various soul, jazz and alternative rock artists such as SWV and Nirvana. Similar to the music of those she is influenced by, KeiyaA’s released work all share a common thread in their powerful, raw lyrics. Her songs address various issues including race and identity.

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