7 Niche music artists to freshen up your taste

If you’re looking for something new to listen to then these sub-genre or crossover music artists on the rise could be the answer

Looking for something new to listen to but don’t know where to start? Maybe it’s time to mix things up with seven sub-genre or crossover acts that are all making waves within their respective scenes, or starting to achieve mainstream recognition.

Proof that long-distance relationships work when it comes to musical collaborations, the duo At 1980 gave wings to their third studio album Forget to Remember, flying the flag for synth wave and electronic music, in 2024.

Spaniard Adrian Quesada Michelena, and Brit-born, Nashville-based Josh Dally found each other on social media in 2019 and never looked back.

“Eighties nostalgia meets a soaring modern twist on classic synth wave instrumentation”

Think neon-lit graphics, Eighties nostalgia meets a soaring modern twist on classic synth wave instrumentation, and you’ll have an idea of what to expect from this album, but there are a few instrumental surprises too.

Slick and memorable singles “Still in Love” and “Pieces of Me” have been laying the groundwork for an “electronic” summer, and we can’t wait!

Forget to Remember is out now, and available on all streaming platforms, and other formats (via Bandcamp).

Welsh-born, Yorkshire-based Kat Eaton has an impressive CV, and with her new album Honestly looks set to unleash an exciting chapter in the jazz-soul story. Kat’s credits include BBC Radio and European radio play, a support slot for Jools Holland, and co-writes with Caro Emerald.

Honestly is pitch perfect for production values, with a mix of chilled tracks, and toe-tapping sing-alongs that are sure to soar on her June UK tour.

Standouts include the gospel-tinged, a cappella clapping vibes of “Aint No Mardi Gras”, “Saturday Night at the NBT”, which has a Sixties feel, and the nostalgic “Frequency”. This album will draw you in and have you hitting the repeat button.

Honestly is out now and available on CD, vinyl and digital platforms.

Hailing from the birthplace of radio in Essex, The Jackson Line knows where it’s at when it comes to vocals. Whether it’s that Nashville-tinged lead, harmonies, or backing vocals, this trio are on point, and it shows.

In recent years they’ve caught the attention of country music radio, editorial streaming playlists, and played some bucket-list venues and festivals, with more to come. Their storytelling and modern country twang cross the spectrum of tempo and style.

Previous release “Shade of the Pines” is an uptempo earworm you can’t help but respond to, while their forthcoming single is a less acoustic tune. Slow down and stream The Day That I Held You from April 12.

See The Jackson Line at Speedfest Country, Brands Hatch on June 8, 2024.

What do you get when an international group of musicians meet in the reggae capital of the UK (Birmingham)? Friendly Fire Band. If you don’t recognise the name, you may have heard their anthem “It’s a Brum Ting”, which played out over BBC coverage of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, sending them soaring into the mainstream.