For many people, the dream of being a musician only happens later on in life or sometimes, not at all. So It’s pretty damn inspiring when you see young people that have dipped their toes in the industry and succeeded instead of waiting till they’re old, bitter and twisted… like the rest of us.
Without any further ado, here are a whole heap of artists that are managing to make some serious waves in the music biz, and they aren’t even out of their teens yet.
Billie Eilish – Age 16
It’s incredibly hard to believe that Billie Eilish is only 16, mainly because she looks about 24 and sings with enough soul and passion for a wizened smoky jazz club performer. Her voice is seriously effortless and flows like a dream, the unique blend of pop and slow, drowsy indie is captivating. Billie’s been a busy gal since releasing her debut EP don’t smile at me last year, touring the world and seemingly working in the studio with everyone. For real, Billie deserves to cop a place in ur playlist.
Steve Lacy – Age 19
If you’re keen to get down to some of the smoothest tracks known to humankind, then ho boy, do I have a treat for you. Steve Lacy is by no exaggeration a wonderkid. He first joined The Internet as a member when he was only 15 and went on to be one of the standout performances on their critically acclaimed album Ego Death. Oh yeah, he also produced for Kendrick Lemar using only his iPhone and featured heavily on Tyler The Creator’s Grammy-nominated album Flower Boy. Last year, he released Steve Lacy’s Demo and it ended up being one of my fave projects of the year, give this guy a gander.
Rex Orange County – Age 19
Rex Orange County supplies the delightfully laid-back, summery sounds that your late afternoon so desperately craves. Like Steve Lacy, Rex featured heavily on Tyler’s latest album, and it’s there that he truly started to shine and grow a rabid fan base. His infectious blend of indie, pop and lo-fi is super easy on the ears, it’s hard to stop yourself from singing along to bops like Sunflower and Best Friend. Sit back, relax and let Rex Orange County wash over ur brain.
Khalid – Age 20
Khalid is blessed with some seriously good pipes. Like, seriously. Combined with his songwriting and ability to craft a hit, it’s definitely looking like Khalid’s here for a good time AND a long time. Alright, Khalid isn’t TECHNICALLY a teen, but he just turned 20 so he definitely has time on his side. The Grammy nominated singer can make bops that anyone can relate to. Cop a listen to Location and you’ll be wondering why he wasn’t a permanent fix in your playlists sooner.
Lil Pump – Age 17
It wouldn’t be a list of young artists without the godfather of bangerz himself, Lil Pump. If you haven’t heard of Lil Pump before, then you clearly aren’t looking hard enough. Abrasive lyrics and stupidly good beats make Pump’s songs a go-to party starter. He’s got his debut album out and by the looks of things, won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
https://soundcloud.com/wavey-hefner/lil-pump-boss-prod-diablo
Clairo – Age 19
With a defyingly smooth singing voice and a healthy dose of homegrown charm, Clairo is making music that’s really sticking with this generation of kids raised by social media. She makes lo-fi pop music that she records in her bedroom and tbqh, it rules. Her songs are catchy without being annoying and she’s a must listen if ya a sucker for a good voice.
