Within the endless current of new music, it’s difficult for anyone to keep up with all that’s coming out. To combat this ongoing influx of sound, we publish our “Best New Artists of the Month” articles in the hopes that you never miss out on the outstanding new artists emerging in recent times. Beatenberg [track id="00947635" artist="Beatenberg" title="Pluto"][track id="00947637" artist="Beatenberg" title="Cape to Rio"][track id="00947639" artist="Beatenberg" title="The Prince of the Hanging Gardens"][track id="00947638" artist="Beatenberg" title="Cavendish Square"] Each year, we tend to see at least one band that appears out of nowhere with an absolutely phenomenal, totally unexpected album, and Beatenberg is definitely this year’s shining example. Before dropping their work, they accumulated a small buzz about themselves by dropping off “Rafael”, and through that effort, the band's sheer excellence was showcased and solidified. We definitely weren’t expecting for that single to be followed by an album as good as The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg, but, as it turns out, we were absolutely enraptured by the fresh indie-pop sounds expressed. Featuring one of our favorite efforts of the year in “Pluto”, along with several other exceptional offerings, Beatenberg’s debut places the South African trio high up on our list of indie-pop bands this year, and we couldn’t be happier about that fact. - written by Cole Ryan Raury [track id="00947740" artist="Raury" title="Superfly"][track id="00947741" artist="Raury" title="Amor"][track id="00947742" artist="Raury" title="Cigarette Song"] There's no question Raury is one of the next musicians to blow, and we don't need a picture with Kanye West to tell us that. The 18-year-old is the kind of creative that comes around once in a generation, and just seems to see the world through a different, entirely artistic and uninterrupted lens. His unique, unwavering vision transfers seamlessly into his music through unconventional songwriting and sonic engineering, and surely, the man's many talents (rapping, singing, and incorporating any and all instruments), will project him into a kind of stardom that is both exciting to get into, and able to be admired in the critical sense. - written by Chad Hillard Jafunk [track id="00947764" artist="Jafunk" title="Why Would You"][track id="00947765" artist="Jafunk" title="Dazed"] When we saw the name “Jafunk” pop up while we were sifting through songs online, our expectations were immediately set very high, simply because his name is so excellent. Even with our lofty expectations, the Perth-based producer still managed to blow us away with his innovative blend of house music, and, in doing so, he’s immediately become one of our favorite house acts we’ve heard all year. Jafunk conveys a kind of unprecedented vibe through his work—often through some grooving synth chords, deep percussion, and pumping drum kit—and although summer is coming to a close for many of us, the sunny vibes will definitely persist for us at HD with Jafunk's sonic assistance. - written by Cole Ryan Grace Mitchell [track id="00947715" artist="Grace Mitchell" title="Broken Over You"][track id="00947716" artist="Grace Mitchell" title="Your Design"] In a sea of up-and-coming talent, Grace Mitchell stands head and shoulders above the rest. So far, she's only released two songs on her SoundCloud page, but already, you can hear the immense talent she possesses. It's really hard to put your finger on it (and you can laugh at us for what we're about to say), but Grace's music sounds like it was made from a place of pureness. Where most music is made as a hobby (and never seems polished enough), or a product (and feels fake as a result), Grace's sounds like it comes from a deep passion for her craft. We feel like that is evident enough in her mature sound, and certainly, there's a big, big future ahead for the teen if her dedication keeps up with her skill. - written by Chad Hillard Shannon Saunders [track id="00947680" artist="Shannon Saunders" title="Sheets"] We're currently within an era of YouTube success stories, and though the vast majority of singer-songwriters on the site might be mediocre at best, there are also the Shannon Saunders' of the world, who have cleverly utilized this free form of publicity to showcase their incredible talent. Her social media-fueled strategy paid off, and what began as covering decently popular songs on the aforementioned platform has turned into “Sheets”, Shannon Saunders’ brand-new single that's being released independently. The infectious house track features elegant vocals from the London-based songstress, and they ride brilliantly atop some production from HD-favorite, Pablo Nouvelle. The song's fresh, catchy feel is something we’re very excited about, and we think it's one that will propel Shannon down a path of excellence as far as her art is concerned. - written by Cole Ryan Troves [track id="00947648" artist="TROVES" title="Youth In Decay"] With only one song out, Troves is kind of a dark horse here, but based on its quality, we can say with the utmost confidence that the Brighton-based newcomers are in for big things. "Youth In Decay" is their lone track, and it's the kind you could toss on the radio and have it reach #1 on the charts based on its catchy nature alone. You don't need any lofty comparisons to realize Troves is a shoe-in to be a successful band, and we think that once their music is released through the proper channels, you'll be seeing the act selling out theaters across the world. - written by Chad Hillard Sam Sure [track id="00947797" artist="Sam Sure" title="Hunger"] Sam Sure, a UK-based singer-songwriter, exploded onto the scene earlier this month with his irresistible, self-assured debut, "Hunger", and after a debut on BBC Radio 1 with Zane Lowe, the track quickly became a hit with the music blogosphere. That much seems to have been fated when you tune in to the extraordinarily soulful voice and an impressive range in Sure's possession, though. It's one that's distinguished him as an artist of exceptional promise, and may (somewhat inevitably) draw comparisons to similarly named and sonic-natured Sam Smith. Don't get us wrong, though—Sure's music surely stands out on its own, and after just one listen to "Hunger", you'll have reason to believe that the man has what it takes to be a successful pop artist. Keep your eye on him. - written by Mikey Enwright Black Honey [track id="00947582" artist="Black Honey" title="Teenager"][track id="00947084" artist="Black Honey" title="Sleep Forever"] Black Honey is bringing rock back. Forget all the other bands out there sustaining the sound, because BH is all you need to get your updated fix in the genre. With tracks like "Teenager" and "Sleep Forever", there's simply nobody else out that can touch them. Usually when bands dabble into the slightly psychedelic rock sound that BH possesses, it can be polarizing for some, but Black Honey pulls it off ever-successfully. "Teenager" personifies this with its pop-sensible song-writing and sing-along chorus, and, as a result, it's been one of our favourite songs of the year. We suspect that when the band continues to release more new music, there's going to be more addicting tracks to come, so stay glued to band, and be ready to embrace whatever extraordinary direction they decide to take their sound. - written by Chad Hillard
Best New Artists of the Month