Image Credit: Steve Johnson

7 emerging artists making new pop music to get excited about in 2021.

Last year commercial pop music went full disco with icons like Dua Lipa putting out joyful, party-ready anthems. What will be this year’s trend?

From mainstream bops to creative indie-pop, check out these seven new pop music artists primed for the big leagues in 2021.

Oxlade

Blending RnB and pop with Afro-fusion, Nigerian artist Oxlade generated a buzz last year with breakout single “Away.” He’s already won Drake as a fan, and 2021 will see him expand both his bright, innovative sound and his international reach.

Dylan Fraser

Atmospheric pop with a dark edge reminiscent of Lorde, inviting you in to listen but pushing away at the same time. Signed to Atlantic Records, in 2021 Fraser will be looking to build on the strength of his EP The Storm which featured singles “Vipers” and “Face Tattoo.”

Finn Askew

Despite hailing from a little market town in Somerset, UK, Askew’s music is a melting pot with elements of indie-pop, hip-hop and RnB. He just dropped his debut EP, so look out for the waves generated by that release.

Claudia Valentina

19-year-old Valentina has put in the work to set herself up as a perfectly-packaged popstar– see “4:15” with its TikTok-ready music video and big, supremely catchy chorus. She sounds like Rosalía, despite coming from the island of Guernsey. 2021 might well see her complete her rise to the top.

Keep Dancing Inc.

Keep Dancing Inc. have a knack for making music to get you moving – as the name suggests. The band make Parisian electro-pop with an indie sheen, set to make you bounce your way through 2021.

King Hannah

Last year they signed to City Slang and put out intriguing debut EP Tell Me Your Mind and I’ll Tell You Mine. The Liverpool duo’s creeping alt-pop plays with dynamics and textures through moody vocals and slinking guitars.

Tulliah

Australian songwriter Tulliah lends her rich, shivering voice to melodic, sincere indie-pop tracks. Keep an eye out for the release of the 19-year-old’s debut EP Fresh Hugs.

We’re at least starting the year reluctantly accustomed to dancing to tracks aimed at the club inside our own houses instead. There’s plenty of new thoughtful alternative pop on the cards as well, to sway along to if working from home.

If you’ve got a pop banger in the pipeline remember RouteNote distibution can get it out to the waiting world, for free.