Take a look back at the most influential artists of the year on Alternative Lately!
By Jacklyn Lipscomb, Mari Washburn, Chantel Malin
Lyrah
Crippling criminal organizations and stealing snacks, deeply personal dreamscapes, and love songs for people who have always loved you- that is the content of Lyrah's music that has impacted this year for Alternative Lately. Her sound is the music you'd find at a club in a fantasy world, her complex ethereal vocal is often met with a kaleidoscopic electric dance beat. The drive in Lyrah's music is perfect for clearing your mind on a midnight ride with the windows down. Hello, main character energy! Each release has truly felt different than the last and her growth as a writer, producer and performer has been evident. She even has caught the ears of internet streaming producers as 3 of her tunes got spots backing Netflix's Original Series The Sex Lives of College Girls closing her 2022 chapter on a win.
Our favorite late night drive song of the year: "Leaves"
Moe The Natural
Instead of trying to stand out in the crowd, Pittsburgh based singer, songwriter, and record producer Moe The Natural takes a more subtle and quiet approach. Moe lets his music do most of the talking for him as he uses life’s struggles and heartbreaks to fuel the songs that he creates. The genre-bending, multi-instrumentalist released a brand-new album in 2022 titled I Am Who I Am, putting his unapologetically raw and authentic personality on full display. Complete with his signature raspy vocals and embracing grungier rock tones that detail darker material related to toxic relationships, the album is one to remember this year and it’s only a matter of time before Moe the Natural gains mainstream attention.
Our favorite head banger song of the year: "Too Late"
Sam Dimitrius
Boston based singer, songwriter, and producer Sam Dimitrius became a prominent voice in the local community during 2022. From professionally busking on the streets of the city to releasing a full length album titled Window, Sam is staying true to his DIY approach while making sincere connections with the people of Boston and beyond through sharing his music. With influences from chill indie folk to acoustic rock sounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the record that was 12 months in the making. Accompanied by his faith on his side and a knack for writing lyrics that portray his life experiences and inspirations, Dimitrius’s authentic spirit and humble song crafting skills will no doubt take him far in the new year.
Our favorite local pick song of the year: "open up to you"
Mauvey
Avant Garde, more like Avant Art… but in mauve. If you've yet to hear Mauvey's music, one may describe his sound and lyricism as authentic, evocative and anchored with endearment. His outspoken bold nature paired with his optimistic take on song creation and performance feels like an exceptional preaching of love and light through a unique transnational lens. Half English and half Canadian raised, Ghanaian born Mauvey has captivated audiences globally by launching this monumental year off right with his single "THE KING". As the king himself, there was no stopping there, 2 more singles ("CURFEW" and "PROVE IT") and a prologue EP to boot were only the launching pad to his recent successes. After garnering particular attention from the Canadian industry giants Amazon Music Canada, Spotify Canada and BBC introducing on his 'BEFORE THE ALBUM: a love letter to the moons of Mars', this can only be a prequel of accomplishments for this impending album. Regardless of what 2023 holds for Mauvey, you can expect even more dripping violet ensembles, ultra forward thinking alt pop earworms, and above all else, a feeling of love and hope.
Our favorite the future of pop song of the year: "YOU KNOW YOU'RE MY FAVORITE"
Aimee Vant
If you have not yet heard the name Aimee Vant, now is the time to get yourself acquainted. The alt-pop singer songwriter originally hailing from Reading, Massachusetts is about to become one of the next biggest names in mainstream music. Aimee captured the attention of many from all over the world by starting the year off with the release of her anthemic breakout single “Airbnb.” Identifying the rises and pitfalls of relationships, breakups, personal identity, and even the difficulties of self acceptance, the Berklee College of Music graduate and now Los Angeles based powerhouse is refreshingly real, allowing fellow introverts and extroverts alike to relate to her shared experiences. Follow up singles such as the brutally honest “Trash” and gut-wrenchingly relatable breakup tune “Tylenol” only continue to serve as proof of how Vant outdoes herself with every single release. Ending the year with a special performance in London with fellow creatives and music industry icons for Stemdrop, we can only imagine what Aimee might accomplish in 2023 and are excited to support every step of her journey along the way.
Our favorite breakout single of the year: "Airbnb"
Mark Diamond
Mark Diamond is not a new name to the music scene. Releasing his first independent album War (The Lost Recordings) back in 2016, Diamond found success by catching the attention of major labels and quit his day job to pursue music full time. Although he chose to remain independent after a brief stint signed with a major label, Mark flourished more than ever this year releasing his most introspectively creative album yet. Starting the year off by announcing a summer tour in support of Laura Marano and coincided by a steady stream of single releases nearly every month of the year, is what finally lead up to the official release of the album, Fell Asleep in Paradise - an extensive body of work featuring 20 songs by the Seattle native singer songwriter. An artist that undeniably soundtracked not only most of our year, but many others as well, provided soothing, honest, and sonically complex soundscapes to accompany any of the emotions we might have been feeling.
Our favorite simplistically beautiful song of the year: "Lighthouse"
Chris Pierce
If your favorite kind of music is the type that puts a smile on your face, gets you dancing around your kitchen when nobody is watching, and instantly washes away all of the negativity when you’re feeling down, look no further than Chris Pierce. The young independent pop artist is making the world his dance floor and is empowering the LGBTQ+ community along the way. Pierce had a monumental year debuting his live performances with a spot in 2022’s Sunfest lineup alongside big names like Lil Wayne and Adam Lambert. From the release of new singles “BY MYSELF”, “JUST DANCE”, and “BOUNCE”, to the uplifting lyrics, irresistibly groovy beats, and elaborate choreography thrown into the mix, Chris has an unwavering fire ignited within to do whatever it takes to follow his dreams. You won’t find any negative vibes here- only passionate optimism from the budding artist who showed he has what it takes to become the nation’s next biggest pop star!
Our favorite main character energy song of the year: "JUST DANCE"
DBMK
Mix Neon green slime, silver spiked goggles and some epic combat boots and you've got Colton Ward and Kyle Knudsen, together known as DBMK. The duo sucker punched their listeners right in the feels with the release of "Chains" an uplifting existential anthem at the start of 2022. The alternative rock-pop duo kept the fire going, selling out shows all across U.S., including supporting acts like PHANGS and moontower, DIY mini tours, and headlining a tour across over half of America. Their success is bolstered by their fan group the KULT, a devoted bunch that connect directly to the band members through popular gaming and communication app, Discord. It's not only these loyal followers that help fill the pit, their electric energy is sure to draw in the masses upon first listen to any of their releases. Once DBMK steps onstage you feel as if you're at an emo rock concert meets chaotic theater performance meets therapy session. Kyle not only serenades his way into your soul with his charming vocals, his performance quality between high kicks and jump stunts is eclectic yet heartwarming. While at the backbone, the heartbeat - to be cliche about it- is Colton, exuberating energy that surpasses his drum set. Their second, just as iconic single of the year "Shut my Mouth", released halfway through year was followed by a live experience performance of their latest single, along with KULT favorite "I Heard That You Had a Girlfriend". It's no wonder their fan base has grown larger and stronger day by day in 2022 as at each of these thrilling shows and experiences, both artists make sure you know once it's time to leave that DBMK is for everyone.
Our favorite on repeat song of the year: "Chains"
Carver Commodore
Nobody makes alternative rock and roll tunes quite like Carver Commodore these days. Carver Commodore, an indie rock band from Alabama, have been popping up all over the country this year performing live and spreading their music in an atmosphere where it truly gleams in the eyes, and ears, of concert goers. Upon the release of their latest EP “Too Much?” the band has showed us that there is never too much energy in a room when it comes to experiencing their music live. Between anthemic choruses, shredding guitar licks and intricate solos, to enthusiastic crowd participation, Carver Commodore feels at home under the stage lights. Their rather small, yet extremely dedicated fan base is growing rapidly with every new city they get to visit. As we also were lucky enough to experience this year, it only truly takes witnessing one 4 minute song performance by the band to be converted into their new biggest supporters and be yearning for another show that can even compete with their level of pure skill and invigorating proficiency.
Our favorite high energy track of the year: "Good Idea"
Tninety + Ajhani Azure
Making 2 of the biggest comebacks of the year, perhaps only matched by each other, are fellow Aquila Forever members, Alt Lately interviewees, and friends Tninety (Tim) and Ajhani Azure (Jhaz). Collaborating on 2 major releases together in 2022, Jhaz and Tim's work proves to be stronger together. Tim, the 24-year-old Clarksville, Tennessee native is known for not only his superior producing skill set, but also his songwriting capabilities and style that cannot be confined to a single genre box. While Jhaz, the 21-year-old pop artist of Brampton, Ontario brings summer vibes and bright light energy into the world as a person and musician. Nearly two years after Ajhani's last song, the first collab of the two independent artists was on his single "Sparkz"; Excitement and determination to create the song led him to send sample after sample to Tim for engineering, where he admits he learned how to sing during the process. His sunny unique tone and signature vibrato carries through giving the song its ultimate shimmer, while Tninety's feature just barely scratches the surface on his true talent, as his entire verse is completely freestyled, how cool?! Later in the year, in fact on a rather important anniversary for Tim on August 26th, he put "Coffee" into the world exactly one year after his album release "Meliora" in 2021. Stepping out of his beginnings as a rap artist, he went for a synth pop moment this time around, while Ajhani's harmonies blend deliciously with Tninety's beat. As of late you can find Jhaz playing guitar live onstage backing up fellow musician friends and taking the stage for himself performing his original content. Meanwhile, Tninety may keep a bit quieter, he is always grinding, connecting, and working on a project, behind the scenes or at the forefront. Regardless, it's clear that both young artists made waves in the DIY music scene and their hard work has not gone unnoticed in 2022!
Our favorite collaboration of the year: "Coffee"
Our favorite Roadtrip! song of the year: "Sparkz"
Ellevator
Festivals, USA tours, a debut album release years in the making, and a major Canadian tour has solidified Ellevator's significant impact on 2022. The Words You Spoke Still Move Me (T.W.Y.S.S.M.M) is a collection of deeply personal songs in their distinctive crescendo-ing style and complex storylines delivered emotionally by front woman Nabi Sue Bersche. In the live setting, Nabi Sue is practically hypnotic, while her aesthetic remains simple and organic- her performance calls for your attention. This magic-like quality is enhanced by husband Tyler shredding it on guitar and Elliott holding the baseline and jangling the keys. T.W.Y.S.S.M.M. album touches on complex relationships with religion, her mother, the feelings of social anxiety and young love. These creators and 12 anthems are ones that are meant to be played and heard in stadiums. As they mention in a recent Instagram post, "Songs are Prayers in the wind until your listening makes them real" Their audience across the border has grown exponentially since their first release in 2016 and with content that continues to command the attention of listeners worldwide, they are bound to thrive for years to come.
Our favorite song storyline of the year: "Slip"
Headrush
Massachusetts native Jack Warren, also known as Headrush, had a busy year for releasing new music. Jack started off 2022 on a high by dropping “not my job”- a track that took on a different, more ambitious sound compared to prior releases. The songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist is establishing his own alternative rock style one single at a time, with each song showcasing a different side to the budding artist. Tracks like “blank slate” brought us more of the modern pop undertones, while Warren’s most recent release “WORTH IT” leans heavily into the indie rock realm. The most impressive element to Jack’s music is his adaptability and words of sincerity threaded into each song as he relives some experiences we all wish we didn’t have to go through as humans, but keeps us tapping our feet to the beats along the way. If all of this new content is anything to judge by, Headrush is certainly a name to watch out for in 2023.
Our favorite mainstream ready song of the year: "WORTH IT"
Callen
Sometimes the thoughts and feelings that are the most difficult to speak out loud are the ones that also have the most power to inspire change. For singer, songwriter, and producer Callen, these are the thoughts that shape his signature sound and style as he uses music as a means of addressing love, loss, mental health, and all of life’s anxieties. When speaking with the Nashville based artist earlier this year, his quiet and humble demeanor was refreshing to witness from such a gifted lyrical mastermind on the rise. With the release of his full-length debut album Ghost Reflections, Callen’s ability to capture the deepest and darkest emotions in a positive, upbeat, and irresistibly catchy way is showcased like never before. Tracks like “Personal Hell,” “Love Myself Alone,” and “Grew Up In My Head” give listeners a sonic shoulder to lean on as they come to grapple with their own struggles of self-acceptance, coming of age, and social anxiety. A true pioneer for the fellow introverts of the indie music scene, Callen’s honest and relatable approach to songwriting is sure to resonate deeply in the hearts of supporters and makes him yet another big name to watch out for in 2023.
Our favorite existential anthem of the year: "Grew Up In My Head"
BLÜ EYES
It takes a lot of courage to open up to the public about personal trauma, but Los Angeles based songwriter BLÜ EYES is overcoming all of the obstacles placed in her way to turn her pain into art that inspires others. This year was perhaps BLÜ EYES’s most ambitious year yet, as she spread messages of hope and positivity and brutal honesty to all who needed to hear it. From what might appear on the outside as just another collection of breakup anthems, actually lies the singer’s recountment of chronic illness and the struggles that plague her actions every single day. BLÜ EYES has been extremely open and vulnerable by sharing her experiences on TikTok, being a voice to encourage others to share their own journeys with her songs. Singles like “wish we never happened”, “my body hates me”, and “you’d never know” are captivating reminders that we all are dealing with more than what may be visible on the surface. Finally releasing her debut EP “healing hurts” is truly only the beginning of BLÜ EYES’s story as she continues to pride herself in her ability to find beauty within the brokenness.
Our favorite break up anthem of the year: "wish we never happened"
Andrew McMahon
Andrew McMahon’s career has spanned over 20 years, across multiple bands (Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness) and genres. After a few less than stellar years for us all, he dove back into nostalgia for the good old days, for both himself and some of his longtime fans who grew up with him, by hitting the road this past summer on the Hello Gone Days Tour with longtime friends and label-mates Dashboard Confessional. Every night the Wilderness played a set steeped in gems and rarities from the early 2000’s Something Corporate days while still looking towards the future with a hopeful lens - including four new singles before the end of the year and a new album expected in the first quarter of 2023. He ended the year with the annual Dear Jack Foundation benefit concert on November 11, wrapping up the foundation’s annual fundraising campaign of raising a quarter million dollars for their programs serving young adult cancer patients and survivors.
Our favorite New Year's resolution song of the year: "Skywriting"
Mansionair
Australian indie electronic trio Mansionair made their mark on 2022 with the release of their sophomore album Happiness, Guaranteed. With shows in Australia and a lengthy tour spanning the east and west coast across the U.S., the band spread their euphoric sounds and visions of escapism through their new record to all who were willing to soak it all up and listen. Mansionair as a whole encapsulates an other-worldly sonic experience, as their music appeals to fans of EDM, pop, subtle rock, and even chill acoustic indie realms. You never know what might come next for the experimental trio, and that proved to be true as they presented fans with one last unexpected gift to finish off the year: Their unique reimagining of favorites during The Saha Sessions providing special insight to how they craft their songs in a one-take live setting. Jack, Lach, and Alex continue to amaze us with every release, showing music lovers all over the world time and time again that their creativity and passion for art transcends any and all predetermined boundaries.
Our favorite instant serotonin song of the year: "Mirror Me"
Noah Richardson
Philadelphia based indie pop solo artist Noah Richardson has swapped the intense Pre-Med track for Mp3 tracks. Combining his top singles since his debut in 2021, alongside brand-new originals, this collection of music took Noah from local talent to independent artist on the rise this year. Amidst epic funeral music videos, live shows across the northeast, magazine spots and tons more it's clear his chill but warm, friendly demeanor and write-what-you-experience mindset is clicking with his listeners. Noah's sound and style ranges throughout his Dead To Me album, however groove-heavy baselines, and an effortless level of cool, string the summer road trip feeling throughout. When you hear a Noah Richardson song, you are listening to a snapshot into his lived experience, no fiction, just complete and honest stories to connect to. This surely is a means of creating that will take him even farther in wherever his journey takes him next!
Our favorite Groovy track of the year: "Painful"
Chillhum
There is nothing quite as special as indie pop music that seems to transcend all genre barriers, and one artist who continued to master that craft throughout the year was Chillhum. The solo project of Ethan Bedell specializes in making sounds that feel nostalgic, mixing elements of new and old together to blend genres of electronic, rock, and even 90’s alternative. At the very heart of it all, Chillhum’s main goal is to just create music that is special to him. The second half of the year brought us two new singles, “Calypso” and “Never Land,” both eventually leading up to his latest EP also titled “Never Land.” Chillhum promises new content at some point in the future, but for now, we’ll keep enjoying the tranquility of his latest productions.
Our favorite genre bending song of the year: "Calypso"
Low Lying Sun
England based band Low Lying Sun seemingly came out of nowhere this year, taking the indie rock music scene by storm as they introduced their music to the world. Following the release of their debut single “Car Crash” in late 2021, came a generous collection of new singles in 2022 including a special alternate version of the ear-catching debut single. The band found success in many popular outlets like BBC Introducing and Spotify’s New Noise editorial playlist. Ending the year with one last single “Heaven Knows” following the release of their debut EP, there is no predicting what Low Lying Sun will come up with next, however, we can almost guarantee that their youthful indie rock inspired anthems will be blasting in the car radios of many.
Our favorite Alternate Version is as Good as the First Version of the year: "Car Crash - Alternate"
WHALES•TALK
Alternative rock outfit WHALES•TALK became a prominent new band to watch in 2022. Originally formed by Clay James, and joined by band mates Alex and Trey, much of his inspiration comes from his Canadian roots and times of self discovery and expansion. With every continuous release, he shows us a different side to his story. The Los Angeles and Arizona based band kicked off the year with their single “Hypocrite” before releasing their groovy end-of-summer rock anthem “SWAYZEE.” If 2022 has taught us anything about the band, it’s that they only keep getting better and better at what they do, and we are so excited be witnessing the journey.
Our favorite mood booster song of the year: "SWAYZEE"
Noah Kahan
While considering the biggest new names to emerge from the indie music scene during 2022, it would be impossible not to mention the now world-renowned artist, Noah Kahan. Originally hailing from a small town in Vermont, Kahan lived a relatively quiet life, creating songs and performing frequent Instagram livestreams during the pandemic with only an acoustic guitar and a couple of white claws by his side. In what felt like a case of true overnight success, Kahan’s world was quickly turned upside down this year upon his highly anticipated single “Stick Season” achieving viral fame on TikTok. The groundbreaking single, which was only known amongst a handful of dedicated supporters who knew the song from some early livestreams, was suddenly being sung back to Noah from all across the globe. With the drop of his experimental folk album named after the single, to extensively touring across the country to sold out crowds, and even 4 back-to-back dates in South Burlington Vermont, Kahan’s year has been anything but ordinary. Tickets are already selling out in a flash for his next tour in 2023 and we can’t wait to see how his well-deserved fame and success evolves into the new year.
Our favorite viral internet song of the year: "Stick Season"
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