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The Next Generation of Pop Stars Is Here
Pop music is evolving, and these women are leading the charge. Whether they’re redefining indie pop, blending genres in new ways, or bringing back the kind of theatrics that make pop exciting, each of these artists is making music that feels fresh. If you haven’t heard them yet, add them to your playlist and thank us later.
Rachel Chinouriri: Indie Pop’s Fresh Voice
Rachel Chinouriri got her first glimpse of fame when she took to TikTok saying her label wouldn’t release her song unless her post performed well. Well, it did, and ever since, she’s been on an upward trajectory. Her sound balances soulful introspection with a youthful, indie-pop energy, making her one of the most exciting voices coming up right now. She opened for the European leg of Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour, giving her the visibility she undoubtedly deserves. Beyond the music, Chinouriri’s presence in pop is refreshing — particularly in a music niche predominantly filled with white women. Black women have been notably absent from mainstream media but especially indie-pop music, where Chinouriri is sure to bring fresh perspectives and resonate with a scene of women who don’t often see themselves reflected.
Lola Young: Raw, Unfiltered Honesty
Lola Young's music hits hard — not just because of her powerhouse vocals, but also because of the raw, unfiltered honesty behind her lyrics. "Messy" was the song that blew up, but she's been making music that cuts deep since her 2023 song “Don’t Hate Me” went viral. Her energy is cool if a little offbeat — making her an artist that feels both aspirational and relatable. And people are noticing. Aside from her Coachella debut, Young has found fans in powerhouses like Tyler, The Creator. Their collaboration on his viral track, "Like Him," showcases her versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with different styles while still creating a hit. Her voice, rich and full of depth, calls to mind legends like Amy Winehouse and Adele, but she stays in a lane completely of her own making.
BENEE: Quirky Queen of Alt-Pop
BENEE's breakout hit Supalonely made her an instant alt-pop star, but she’s far from a one-hit wonder. She’s consistently delivered quirky, infectious pop with a unique voice and offbeat production that keep things fresh. Now, with a major slot opening for the European leg of Tate McRae’s Miss Possessive tour, she’s in the perfect position to cement herself as a staple in the next wave of pop. If you’ve liked her viral tracks, but haven’t dived deep into her discography, now’s the time.
Ravyn Lenae: Modern Pop with R&B Roots
Ravyn Lenae has spent years shaping alternative R&B and indie-pop behind the scenes. Before Steve Lacy and Smino became household names, she was already working with them — her ethereal vocals blending seamlessly with Lacy on “Skin Tight” and “4 Leaf Clover,” while her early collaborations with Smino on “Glass Flows” and “MF GROOVE” helped define his signature psychedelic soul. She’s been crafting beautiful, earworm melodies since her 2018 EP Crush — a collaboration with Lacy that felt like a glimpse into the future of R&B. Her latest album, Bird’s Eye, builds on that foundation with intricate melodies that stick with you long after the song ends — even SZA recently called it one of her favorite albums of 2024. Now, with features from Childish Gambino and Ty Dolla $ign — and perhaps more importantly an opening slot for the North American leg of Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour — it feels like this is finally her moment to get the mainstream love she’s always deserved
Maude Latour: Intimate yet Euphoric Pop Anthems
Maude Latour makes the kind of indie-pop that feels like a diary entry set to the most euphoric soundtrack. She has the poetic, introspective storytelling of Lorde mixed with the glitchy, restless energy of Charli XCX, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh. Her music captures the thrill of youth — late-night conversations, existential crises, and the feeling of endless opportunity. Her latest project, Sugar Water, is packed with sticky melodies, clever lyricism, and just enough experimentation to keep things interesting. What makes her stand out, though, is her ability to turn deeply personal experiences into universal anthems. Her songs feel like a conversation with your most introspective friend… except set to the kind of pop production that makes you want to dance and cry at the same time. If you miss the chaotic pop of the early 2010s, Maude Latour is your new favorite artist.
Hemlocke Springs: Bringing Theatricality Back
With a sound equal parts playful, theatrical, and a little bit strange, Hemlocke Springs is an unexpected pop star in the best way. Her off-kilter personality makes her stand out in a landscape that’s finally embracing theatricality again. Chapel Roan is bringing back camp, Lady Gaga made it legendary, but where’s the Black artist fully embracing that world-building, hyper-theatrical approach? That’s where Hemlocke Springs comes in. She’s appealingly weird, and she owns it. From her aesthetic to her music, she brings a fresh feel to her craft — and it’s sure to lead to her breakthrough.
Amaarae: Pop with a Global Influence
When Amaarae’s “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” first dropped, it felt like a perfect storm of Afrobeats, pop, and hip-hop all blended into one ridiculously addictive track. The Kali Uchis remix blew it up even further, but oddly enough, Amaarae didn’t see the immediate industry push you’d expect for a song that big. Then she dropped 2023’s Fountain Baby. And if you’ve heard it, you know. This isn’t just one of the best albums of the year — it’s already being hailed as one of the best of the decade. Pitchfork put it in their top 20 of the 2020s, and Needle Drop gave it a rare 9/10, which, if you know Anthony Fantano, basically never happens. What makes Amaarae so exciting is that she’s completely in her own lane — her sound is genre-bending and globally influenced. And instead of waiting for the world to catch up, she’s creating her own interpretation of pop music in real-time.
The Artists Bringing The Future of Pop To the Present
These artists aren’t just making great music — they’re reshaping and reinterpreting pop on their own terms. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries of genre, creating space for underrepresented voices, or bringing back the kind of star power that makes pop fun, they’re setting the tone for what’s next. So if you’re not already paying attention, now’s the time. Because soon, these names won’t just be artists to watch — they’ll be the ones running the game.
