Artist Spotlights

by Olivia Hanson Photo by Fred Siegel With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how it’s going to sound. It may be hard to top 2024’s Brat summer, but it’s looking like it could be a Y2K summer this year. The world is currently obsessing over artists like Zara Larsson, whose bright, tropical color palette shines through in her music. But there’s one duo who has truly taken the nostalgia game to the next level. After is an LA-based pop/trip-hop ban

by Rebecca Tregaskis The music scene is having a stunning year so far. From artists that have been quietly growing to ones that have just come onto the scene, some of the most creative and fresh work to come out of 2026 has been from female musicians. Here are five acts we've chosen from the UK and Ireland you need on your radar. Sade Olutola #1 Sade Olutola With her debut EP Arrow Heart released in February, Sade Olutola is already making a name for herself – earning a 5/5

by Lydia Tapias photo by Jason Kempin Released in the summertime, Blonde is a timeless staple defining the era of 2016. Blonde explores Frank Ocean presumably in his young adult years he explores loss, grief, love, heartbreak, sexuality, and at its core, duality. This cinematic, avant-garde album has dreamy production, a masterclass in minimalism. The production on this album is truly something that makes it stand out. For most R&B albums it’s not heavy in drums, featuring a

by Rebecca Tregaskis Music created by Irish artists has always held a certain uniqueness. Irish musicians have a bite to them, unflinching in their raw portrayal of identity, belonging and the individual experience. From acts like The Cranberries, whose songs have rolled through decades, to singers like Sinead O’Connor who was unapologetically bold in her art, Ireland has produced era defining musicians. Now, the country is having its moment again with a fresh wave of talent

by Lauren Chenette photo by The Cobrasnake Some artists aim for polish. Between Friends aim for feeling, and that difference is exactly what makes them so compelling. The indie pop duo, made up of siblings Savannah and Brandon Hudson, have spent the past few years carving out a colorful corner of the alternative pop world. Their music thrives in the messy middle between bedroom pop, glossy synths, and diary-level honesty. With their latest album WOW! , Between Friends double