I'll See You In New York

Moon Kissed

IYL: Um, Jennifer?, Telescope Club, Kid Sistr

NYC’s Moon Kissed is that once-in-a-blue-moon band that creates their own community as they rise in the musical ranks. With every show they play they cultivate a new era of gritty and provocative New York City partying—one where anyone is free to be themselves, gender isn’t real, and the person you’re dancing next to may your best friend but also could be your next makeout partner. With Emily Sgouros on synth, Elijah Scarpati on drums and guitar, and Khaya Cohen on vocals, Moon Kissed generates an infectious energy that, if you are lucky enough to enter it, feels like a secret and an escape, powerful and precious to behold.

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Chasing Nostalgia

Telehope

IYL: LOYALS, Drew Winters, Y O U T H F O O L

Life is a constant and inevitable stream of choices we make that shape who we are and who we want to become. We have the choice to face issues head on, but we also have the choice to shy away from them and hide where it’s comfortable. Our lives will progress if we confront problems (and people) rather than avoid them and stay in our comfort zones. It doesn’t mean it won’t hurt for a bit; growth is painful. But consequences aren’t always negative. Ultimately, the consequence of honesty is rewarding. And although we cannot always control the consequence, we always have the power to start the conversation. - Telehope

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Parasite

Lemon's

IYL: Ben Spiegelman, Jombi, The Hypocrites

Yes, lemons are a fruit. However, Lemon's (with an apostrophe 's) is a Memphis-based indie rock band. While their sound is heavily characterized by catchy guitar riffs and thoughtful instrumentation, just as much, if not more, thought goes into the lyrical content of their music. They often draw inspiration from life experiences, such as family trauma, romantic and familial relationships, and their own introspective journeys. Lemon's stepped into the music scene in February 2021 with hopes to one day tour the world and be the force behind the song you get sick of hearing on the radio.

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Pink Lemonade

Sub-Radio

IYL: The Strike, Arrows in Action, Moontower

Few independent bands have had a career as varied and unpredictable as the indie pop quintet Sub-Radio. Founded in Washington DC by a group of childhood friends, the band built a following in their hometown of Washington, D.C. on the strength of ecstatic live shows and a stream of releases. The band’s first release, 2016’s Same Train // Different Station, was recorded as the guys finished college, blending the pop-punk they grew up on with the indie-pop stylings of WALK THE MOON and The 1975.

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JOCELYN

The Beaches

IYL: Dear Rouge, The Last Dinner Party, Arkells

Named after the neighborhood they grew up in, The Beaches comprises lead vocalist/bassist Jordan Miller, guitarist Kylie Miller, keyboardist/guitarist Leandra Earl, and drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel. On their latest album, Blame My Ex, the group melds gritty, groovy instrumentals with sharp, specific lyricism as they explore the triumphs and disappointments of mid-20s growing pains. Sometimes funny, sometimes caustic, but always authentic, Blame My Ex is a satisfying mashup of anthemic bops and tender, introspective tracks that touch on heartbreak, transition, and growth

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Sante Fe

Bo Staloch

IYL: Jackson Harshbarger, harf., Nick Folwarczny

Hey everyone! My name is Bo Staloch (pronounced stah-low.. I know it’s weird). I am petrified of jellyfish, and I hate pickles. I’m born and raised in Austin, Texas, and I’m excited to be sharing my thoughts, emotions, prayers, feelings, and stories with you through music. Love y’all🫶

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Willfully Blind

Max McNown

IYL: Eddie Flint, Dylan Gossett, Sam Barber

Max continues his momentous year with his breakout hit “A Lot More Free” re-surging on the viral charts after a recent Grand Ole Opry debut, triumphant performances opening for Wyatt Flores, Billy Currington, The 502s, Luke Combs, Blake Rose, Briscoe, Wynonna Judd, and critical acclaim for his debut album 'Wandering'

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Last I Love You

Christian Hayes

IYL: Dionya Marie, Lucie Tiger, Johnny Dan

Raised in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, Christian Hayes grew up surrounded by southern storytelling. His grandfather — a poet by profession — encouraged him to begin writing in a journal at 7 years old, sparking a habit that would eventually take Hayes to Nashville. A veteran of the US Navy Reserve, Hayes began applying the discipline of his military training to his work as a songwriter, amassing more than 900 original songs by his mid-twenties. Five of those songs appear on Last I Love You, his debut for Capitol Records available now. Produced by Lukas Bracewell and steeped in Hayes' unique version of American roots music, Last I Love You features the viral single "LILY" (which racked up more than 3 million streams before the EP's official release), the anthemic "Black Gold," and a mix of effortless melodies, cinematic folk and rowdy, barn-burning Americana.

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Sophie's House

half•alive

IYL: COIN, Weathers, I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

we’re a band from Long Beach, CA

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CHOCOLATE PRETZELS

SPENCER BARNETT

IYL: X Lovers, Gavin Haley, Rence

Beyond presenting a living and breathing musical hybrid of indie/alternative, pop, and psychedelia, Spencer Barnett fashions an entire world of his own design. He anchors his ever-evolving vision in expressive live instrumentation, evocative lyrics, and emotionally charged vocals. As such, his songs invite total immersion, fitting as comfortably as your favorite jacket. Spencer’s world welcomes all.

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You Might Be Closer Than You Think

LAURENCE GUY

IYL: Hidden Spheres, Tell, Patrick Holland

Music’s power is in creating community, and this is the essence of Laurence Guy’s work. The London-based DJ and producer’s motto is ‘music to make you feel feelings’: whether that’s comfort, nostalgia, bittersweetness or melancholy. His sound has an unmistakable warmth while being squarely aimed at the dancefloor: samples fit into sprawling keys, and dusty drums thud under lush chords.

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SHE’S THE WHOLE WORLD

SUNSETTO

IYL: moosecanfly, JAX, Atay

NOVA SCOTIA BOY

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Always Here

Trampled by Turtles

IYL: Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, Old Crow Medicine Show

Trampled by Turtles are from Duluth, Minnesota, where frontman Dave Simonett initially formed the group as a side project in 2003. At the time, Simonett had lost most of his music gear, thanks to a group of enterprising car thieves who'd ransacked his vehicle while he played a show with his previous band. Left with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, he began piecing together a new band, this time taking inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and other genres that didn't rely on amplification. Simonett hadn't played any bluegrass music before, and he filled his lineup with other newcomers to the genre, including fiddler Ryan Young (who'd previously played drums in a speed metal act) and bassist Tim Saxhaug. Along with mandolinist Erik Berry and banjo player Dave Carroll, the group began carving out a fast, frenetic sound that owed as much to rock & roll as bluegrass.

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Autumn Nocturne

Samara Joy

IYL: Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jazzmeia Horn, Esperanza Spalding

A native of the Bronx, Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a child and cut her teeth as a singer in her church’s gospel choir. And while her family history is deeply musical — her grandparents helmed the Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and her father, the musician and songwriter Antonio McLendon, has produced, composed and arranged his own astounding original work — she didn’t delve into the jazz tradition until college at SUNY Purchase. During her studies there she won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, which introduced her to the larger jazz scene as a rising star to watch.

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12 NOTES (DELUXE) [16 NOTES]

ALEC BENJAMIN

IYL: Anson Seabra, Sasha Alex Sloan, Cavetown

Having come a long way from the days of promoting his music in parking lots of concert venues, singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin ended 2021 by playing to sold-out crowds across North America. With him, Alec brought on the road an already impressive resumé. The self-made storyteller looks to continue to prove himself as, what TIME calls “a pop storyteller for the next generation.”

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Vices

JJ Wilde

IYL: MONOWHALES, The Glorious Sons, Dear Rouge

With over 36 million global streams, Wilde continues to captivate a diverse global audience, consistently establishing herself as a dominant voice in the rock music scene. Wilde etched her name in the history books as the first female artist to simultaneously hit #1 on all three Canadian rock charts with her debut SOCAN Award winning single “The Rush,” holding the slot for 10 weeks in addition to spending a whopping 21 weeks atop the Rock Big Picture chart. She quickly followed with two more #1’s: “Best Boy,” an unapologetic anthem challenging societal norms for women, and her hit “Mercy,” a modern rock powerhouse weaving a tale of revenge. Her reign as Canada’s Queen of Rock n’ Roll didn’t end there; in 2021 Wilde took home the JUNO Award for ‘Rock Album of the Year’ for her album Ruthless (2020), becoming the first woman to do so since Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill in 1996. Wilde has shared the stage with a who’s-who of acclaimed acts including Incubus, Pearl Jam, The Glorious Sons, Scorpions, Kiss and more, and her magnetic stage presence at renowned festivals worldwide, including Bottle Rock, Firefly, Nova Rock, and BST Hyde Park, have solidified her reputation as a captivating live performer.

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Talker

Wilderado

IYL: Sumbuck, Mt. Joy, Houndmouth

Wilderado is an OK band