Music’s Minors: 8 Unique Artists 20 or Younger

With music distribution changing quickly thanks to the internet and digital distribution, it’s easier than ever for young artists to break onto the scene. And okay, yeah, some of them need work. But there are tons of really fantastic emerging artists whose tracks are definitely worth your time.

Here are 8 artists 20 or younger who you should totally be listening to.

• Ella Henderson

  Age: 18
  Where to start: Her song ‘Ghost’ is on everyone’s playlist this summer. She finished 6^th place on the The X Factor in 2012 (although she was a strong favorite to win). Hate Simon Cowell all you want, but the man can recognize talent: he was blown away by Ella Henderson.

• Jake Bugg

  Age: 20
  Where to start: Bugg is most impressive live, so check out this performance on KEXP. He’s also British, so by default he’s a dreamy teen heartthrob. If you’re into that kind of thing, Google Image search him. If British boys aren’t your cuppa tea, his brilliant and soulful vocals will win you over.

• Birdy

  Age: 18
  Where to start: If you haven’t heard it already, her cover of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ is amazing, charting all across Europe in 2008 (Birdy was 12 years old at the time) and going platinum six times in Australia. But we know, we know – so far, we’ve only listed British teens and young adults. Let’s bring it back across the pond…

• Joey Bada$$

  Age: 19
  Where to start: This music video captures his aesthetic nicely. Joey released his debut mixtape “1999” in June 2012, receiving critical acclaim at the tender age of 17. Even more impressive: he got his start on YouTube (and his manager on Twitter!).

• Keke Palmer

  Age: 20
  Where to start: Well, her newest music video is seriously entertaining, but it’s also worth your time to go stream Akeelah and the Bee on Netflix and watch a younger Palmer steal the show, in the title role.

• Chlöe Howl

  Age: 19
  Where to start: It was probably her song ‘No Strings’ that got all the Lily Allen comparisons started in the first place, but Chlöe Howl has a sound all her own. She’s getting the attention she deserves, too: Chlöe was nominated for the BBC Sound of 2014.

• Lorde

  Age: 17
  Where to start: You’re familiar with all her top singles, but maybe you haven’t seen her live at KCRW. And if you were lucky enough to see her at Coachella, another music festival or in concert, you’re probably mad she’s not higher up on this list. Girl’s got serious talent (and is the youngest person on this list).

• Ariana Grande

  Age: 20
  Where to start: Like Lorde, Ariana is so Top 40 that there’s no way you haven’t heard most of her hits – however, you may not have seen her perform an acoustic set, and man, you’re missing out.

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