With the overflowing music industry, it can be easy to overlook or never encounter smaller artists with unique talents and sounds, unlike the mainstream. TikTok helps to push smaller artists out with their algorithm. This article aims to discuss smaller artists I have encountered and genuinely enjoy their music.
Amira Jazeera
Genre: Pop
Listen on Spotify: Amira Jazeera
Amira identifies as queer and is a proud Palestinian-American. She is a self-proclaimed pop princess which I agree on. Her song 'Still Thinkin' Bout Me' is what captured my interest from a TikTok that came on my FYP. The beat and stellar vocals were the selling point along with her being the writer and producer of her music. Other songs like 'Searching 4' and 'Werk it Bitch' are powerful with funky dance and pop beats. Residing in Chicago, Amira has performed in local festivals and shows showcasing her talent. Her latest song 'Solitude' is a notable emotional song empowering those who feel like being in solitude is a better solution than being with someone who views you as the problem or a victim. Amira is a powerful artist bringing together real issues aligning it with music. Her discography has variety of influences and sub-genres that never makes her listeners bored.
Yoonha Verse
Genre: R&B/Soul/Pop
Listen on Spotify: Yoonha Verse
Yoonha Verse was born and raised in South Korea in a small town and at the age of 13 moved to another small town but this time in Texas. She stated in her interview at VoyageLA (2020), she dreamed of moving and into prominent USA cities. She went a unique route from school to college at Princeton then relocating to San Francisco for a corporate job. She didn't fully indulge in her love for music and production until then. She and a friend learned how to produce music ultimately leading to a life changing decision of quitting their 9-5's and traveling in Southeast Asia for a few months. After this she moved to LA herself without knowing anyone and leaving her group of friends in SF. She stated that being an independent artist means doing hundreds of things at once. Her music entails ethereal and silky vocals along with R&B and pop beats. She began releasing music in 2019 and continuously evolving throughout the pandemic. Her latest album release 'YOONHACORE' features Bryn (South Korean female rapper) and hits such as 'funlittlefreakybitch', 'Angel Digits' released as a single in 2023, and 'Mood Ring'. Yoonha Verse is a growing independent artist with much to offer, I am looking forward to her continued growth.
COCONA
Genre: Electronic/House/R&B/Hiphop
Listen on Spotify: COCONA
COCONA is a South Korean based female independent singer, songwriter and producer. Early in her career prior to her debut she is credited with composing and writing for Purplebeck's 'Holiday' and Lee Hi's 'Red Lipstick'. On March 4th, 2022 she debuted with her own single 'It's All Done'. In 2024, she released 4 OST songs for Pyramid Game, Hierachy and Red Swan. Her latest single Waah (faster) was the song that initially got me interested in her. She brings back fun club dance vibes in this track along with 'You & Me' but listening to her other songs she has a unique variety of blending R&B with house and hip-hop. 'Amoo-rae-do' and 'Pick up the phone' show a distinction of her ability to write, compose and produce in various genres.
PIAO
Genre: Pop
Listen on Spotify: PIAO
PIAO is a Chinese-Canadian artist who graduated from Berklee College of Music on a presidential scholarship in 2020, her eagerness and determination along with raw talent lead her to be signed to Nappy Boy Entertainment, a label started by T-Pain. Her most popular song on Spotify 'flip phone' at almost half a million streams was the first song that attracted me to PIAO. Her vocals are truly exquisite on this track with a bridge leading into a catchy chorus. Other songs like 'tap my foot' and 'Gum' showcase her smooth vocals and crazy talent across the board. She is currently touring as an opening act for Mariana's Trench with a new song coming on 10/18 titled 'Anticipatory Grief'.
With Love,
Ryn
References:
Local Stories. (2020, August 4). Meet Yoonha Verse. VoyageLA. https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-yoonha-verse-yoonha-verse-echo-park/