The new year is officially upon us, which means all kinds of excitement on the horizon, including new artists to watch in 2023. So, we want to point you in the direction of a few extra talented artists we’ve been keeping an eye on. We’ve got music experimentalists, groups going viral on TikTok, and highly talented performers who’ve wowed us on The Voice and American Idol. We just know there’s more ahead for these amazing musicians. Here are five artists we think you should be keeping up with this year.
1. NEONE the Wonderer
First up on new artists to watch in 2023? NEONE the Wonderer. The music experimentalist has a gift for fusing sounds together to create something that feels so tangible, so catchy, so….well, you’ll have to listen for yourself. We’re hoping the artist has all kinds of new songs on the 2023 horizon after his recent London residency (which included a little creative break for a new tattoo, and a jam session with more than 60 other artists). For now though, take a listen to his track, “Headphones On”.
2. Dana Harper
We’ve been darn-right dazzled by Dana Harper since her season 11 performance on The Voice (ya know, where Alicia Keys, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine all turned their chairs), but honestly, the Dallas, TX artist just keeps getting stronger and stronger. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead this year for her, but also, we’re still floored by her recent Sofar performance of “Daydreaming”.
3. Hohnen Ford
Next up in our artists to watch in 2023 is Hohnen Ford. The North-London artist has just one EP under her belt, but it left a giant mark on us. The four tracks dubbed Infinity are both wistful and melancholy, classic and new. They’re just the artist and her piano in her childhood room, and all the intimacy and time passed in the space is folded right into the songs. It’s the kind of music that feels so darn honest it can floor you. We can’t wait to see what Hohnen does in 2023.
4. Manny Torres
There’s something about Manny Torres’ optimism within his music that feels downright contagious. The Chicago, IL based artist, American Idol competitor, and cancer survivor brings so much resiliency and buoyancy into his songs, like on his new single “Celebrate My Life”. We just kinda have the feeling it’s gonna be a good year for him. In the meantime though, we’ve got this Sofar performance to keep on repeat.
5. Tiny Habits
Last up on our Artists to Watch in 2023? If you haven’t come across this powerful trio yet, you surely will in 2023. The Boston, MA based group the kind of harmonies that just melt you, like on their quick cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”, which has clocked more than 4 million views on TikTok. You actually might’ve caught them supporting other artists, like Lizzy McAlpine for her recent NPR Tiny Desk performance, but Tiny Habits is bound to take the center stage this year. For now though, check out their recent Sofar performance.
Words by Sofar Editorial Team
Photo credit: Dana Harper performing Sofar Dallas, photo by Sarah Bibb
