twenty twenty four

In the name of music discovery, top 100 songs of the year by yours truly, all conveniently packaged for your enjoyment. No repeat artists allowed. Tidbits and musings throughout at my choosing. YouTube links as my words pale in comparison to your beautiful eyes. Playlist is linked at the top of the post (bottom to top) so you can skip through the songs as you scroll (or click on the Spotify logo to open it up in Spotify on your computer/phone which makes for easier skipping). Let me know if you enjoy or think this list is an abomination and should be deleted from the interweb immediately. Have fun!

Honorable mention (mostly songs I discovered after making the list):

Slowly – Beach Vacation
LOST SEASONS – Miami Horror, RAC
Top Bins – KiLLOWEN, Tommy Villiers
TEARDROPS – Mild Minds
Cigarettes And Lipstick – Obed Padilla, Eddie Zuko, Austin Sexton
So Cold – Balu Brigada
give me a reason – bad tuner
Sugar On My Tongue – Tommy Newport
Oh, I’m Alarmed – Men In Love
Rymden – Dirtytwo
Pull the Rope – Ibibio Sound Machine
Love Ride – Jordan Lee
RALLY FUNK – prod. DTM
Crocodile – Goth Babe
Under Fire -Marlon Funaki
razrblade – Brevin Kim, Godly the Ruler
hello ! – Martin Luke Brown
Divine – Blair Muir
The Only One – MUNYA, Kainalu
Vampyr – Mica
What’s the point of house? – Galcher Lustwerk
Hearts Working Overtime – Born At Midnite
I’ll Go With You – La Luz
Plug – Sideluv
Cross The Street – Junior Varsity
Thank You for Leaving – Sports, Gus Dapperton
Love Me Not (feat. Rex Orange County) – Ravyn Lenae, Rex Orange County
Grin – BAYNK
Tell Me How – Tokyo Tea Room
What Do You Want From This? – Peach Fuzz

Now for the list, fuck yeah

100. Let The Cool Come Off – T.J. Wilkins

Album: Yesterday, Today, Forever
Released: October 11

Found this, too strange not to share, probably starting off on the wrong foot by including it, please don’t leave yet

99. Oontz – MICHELLE

Album: Songs About You Specifically
Released: September 27

See also: “Sunrise” mentioned in my 2020 post

98. LASSO THE MOON – Tiger La Flor

Album: NA
Released: November 22

Seattle native who went on Love Island awhile ago. Nice lil slow dance song.

97. Avoid The News – Hana Eid

Album: I Exist Because You Say So
Released: February 23

96. Flea – St. Vincent

Album: All Born Screaming
Released: April 26

Saw her at the Thing festival without really being a fan, but she puts on quite a show. She’ll be strutting her stuff again at Kilby Block Party 2025.

95. Can’t Hide My Love – mei anima

Album: NA
Released: February 9

Probably should be higher but I am on the n-th hour and too lazy to critically find a worthy spot, probably gets more attention up here anyways. Shoutout Vancouver!

Listen if you like: Jungle

94. Flowers – Real Estate

Album: Daniel
Released: February 23

Will also be at Kilby Block Party 2025! Sunday recovery sesh.

Listen if you like: Death Cab for Cutie

See also: “Somebody New”, “In Mind” album from 2017

93. Neon River – Pond

Album: Stung!
Released: June 21

Known for being long term collaborators with Tame Impala, once having Kevin Parker amidst its lineup. Also Australian so they have to be decent. One of many artists I got to see this year, shoutout Rotter for being the only person impressionable enough to skip Dayglow for them.

Listen if you like: Tame Impala

92. Get Wid Lemonade – [Kyle Davis]

Album: NA
Released: February 15

91. Pretending – JW Francis

Album: SUNSHINE
Released: October 11

90. Billabong Babe – Royce Fisherman

Album: Guava Jelly
Released: May 9

A soundcloud-esque poppy rap/RnB song with some cool beats from Oahu native Royce Fisherman.

Listen if you like: Cool Company, bbno$

See also: “Nova Scotia 500”

82. If Our Love Is Dead – Royal Otis

Album: PRATTS & PAIN (It Ain’t Over Till It Ends Edition)
Released: October 2

One of indie-rocks hottest acts in the past couple of years, the Australian duo followed up last years debut with “PRATTS & PAIN” in 2024, go see them if you can.

Listen if you like: The Cure, 2010s indie rock

See also: Their cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor” “Sofa King”, “Kool Aid”

81. Jealousy – RUBII

Album: Change & Remain (EP)
Released: July 31

Birmingham based rapper/RnB artist raps over an eerily similar Isaiah Rashad type beat.

Listen if you like: Isaiah Rashad, Yaya Bey

80. Eyes on my baby – BETWEEN FRIENDS

Album: Eyes on my baby (EP)
Released: February 16

A synth lovers dream from sibling band BETWEEN FRIENDS.

Listen if you like: Crystal Castles

79. Love Again – Moon Soul

Album: NA
Released: May 15
The only artist on this list for which I couldn’t find an actual picture of, Moon Soul combines jazzy beats with soulful RnB vocals. Only releasing music as recent as 2023, stay tuned for more from this London based artist.

Listen if you like: Pale Jay, SAULT

See also: “Baby I Wont”, “Don’t Change”

78. Tanlines – Famous Friend

Album: Tanlines (EP)
Released: April 10

A fun California jam, with washed out guitars and poppy drum beats.

Listen if you like: The Drums, Vacations
See also: “Time Machine“

77. U Should Not Be Doing That – Amyl and The Sniffers

Album: Cartoon Darkness
Released: October 25

Shoutout Ryan the Roommate for being ahead of the scene compared to most of us. This is the first song (of a couple!) on the 2024 list which arrives from one of many Ryan’s “Hey, I bought this record” conversations circa Saturdays at 3pm, well in mate. Keep them coming.

Listen if you like: Ryan, or Ryan’s music

See also: The remix by Chris Lorenzo (a Garrett and Ryan compromise)

76. Maria (Believe Again) – Dana and Alden, Masa

Album: Coyote, You’re My Star
Released: June 21

Oregon natives and brothers Dana and Alden make easy listening indie music with a touch of jazz. They will be opening for Remi Wolf during the first half of 2025.

See also: “Coyote, You’re My Star”, “Serrano”, “Bound”

75. Big Dawgs – Hanumankind, Kalmi

Album: NA
Released: July 9

A 2024 viral hit from an unlikely source in India based rapper Hanumankind, catchy and kinda hard.

74. SIN MIEDO – JPEGMAFIA

Album: I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU
Released: August 1

NOISE!!!! The signature, strange Peggy sound.

Listen if you like: Peggy is pretty unique but let’s say experimental hip-hop

See also: “Don’t Put Anything On the Bible”, “JPEGULTRA!”, “1539 N. Calvert”

73. Hangman – West 22nd

Album: NA
Released: July 31

Great start for Austin, TX based indie-rock West 22nd whose members all graduated from UT Austin this year amidst touring, playing festivals and recording new music.

Listen if you like: The Backseat Lovers

See also: “Sweet!”, “Sunburns”

72. This Isn’t You – Archer Oh

Album: NA
Released: August 15

A relatively unknown garage surf rock band from the greater L.A. area in California. Shoutout to Greyden for showing me them. Fond memories of chancing upon them randomly at Conor Bryne Pub in Ballard at Freakout Fest. There was probably 15 people in the crowd, three or four of them moshing by themselves.

Listen if you like: Surf Curse, The Frights

See also: “Sophomore City”, “Easy Eyes”, “Dianthus”, “Passiflora”

71. AMAMA – Crumb

Album: AMAMA
Released: May 17

Indie psychedelia FTW, big fan of them who I hope to see soon.

Listen if you like: Alice Phoebe Lou

See also: “Sleep Talk”, “Ice Melt”, “Faces”, “Locket”

70. One More Time – Shiba San

Album: NA
Released: March 28

In my uninformed opinion, an underappreciated producer and DJ. He has been consistently releasing house music forever now with most of his stuff finding its way into my head via late night deranged work seshs or when I’m running slightly longer than I probably should. What else can keep you going both at the laptop at midnight on a Tuesday or when you think you’re David Goggins on a Sunday besides mindless house.

Listen if you like: House music at its stripped down roots

See also: “Okay”, “Burn Like Fire”, “My House”, “Rock Da House”, “Back to Funk”

69. Mahal – Glass Beams

Album: Mahal (EP)
Released: March 22

The second Austin City Limits weekend one artist on the list (of 14! that festival was really great), the obvious Khruangbin comparison is apt here. Glass Beams make acoustic psychedelic jam music with large Indian influences, its different and worldly. Would be good spa music.

Listen if you like: Khruangbin

See also: “Mirage”, “Black Sand”

68. Anything For You – Jordana

Album: Lively Premonition
Released: October 18

First came upon Jordana with their collaborative EP in 2021 with TV Girl, “Summer’s Over”. This song has a bit more country spice added to it than the stuff I have heard from that yet still enjoyable.

Listen if you like: Clairo

See also: “Summer’s Over” a highlight being “Better in the Dark”

67. Everybody Spies – Men In Love

Album: NA
Released: May 22

A new band from Sweden who makes self-described “sweet and slightly psychedelic music”. Should be releasing a new album in 2025.

Listen if you like: Above artist Welcome John

See also: “Oh, I’m Alarmed”, “Toes”

66. On Again – Mau P

Album: NA
Released: April 30

Dutch DJ who recently won EDMA’s (Electronic Dance Music Association) 2024 Song of the Year for his “Drugs From Amsterdam”. Since that song was confusingly released in 2022 its not eligible for my esteemed list, so “On Again” takes its place.

Listen if you like: Fisher, Dom Dolla

See also: “Dress Code”, “Gimme That Bounce”, “Drugs From Amsterdam”

65. Defense – Panda Bear, Cindy Lee

Album: NA
Released: October 15

Famed for being one fourth of the powerhouse indie electronic band Animal Collective and being its most recognizable voice, Panda Bear has also had an extensive solo career since 1999. Animal Collective has one of the most unique sounds I’ve ever heard, shaping my dominant musical taste in my teenage years into its weird indie-pop/experimental final form along with the likes of STRFKR, Discovery, Vampire Weekend and Neon Indian. Be sure to catch him on tour with Toro y Moi this spring or listen to his new album releasing in February 2025 in anticipation for him also being at KBP 2025. Saturday groove sesh.

Listen if you like: Animal Collective

See also: “Merriweather Post Pavilion” 2009 album from Animal Collective, one of the best

64. $10 Cowboy – Charley Crockett

Album: $10 Cowboy
Released: April 26

His “$10 Cowboy” album appeared on a lot of year end lists that I saw out there, it was well-received enough to recently earn a Grammy nomination and land him numerous appearances on late night television. I’ve personally been a fan of his since my Canadian induced 2021 country renaissance.

Listen if you like: Sturgill Simpson

See also: “Ain’t Done Losing Yet”, “Jamestown Ferry”, “Welcome To Hard Times”

63. How You Feel (feat. Leven Kali) – ANOTR, Erik Brandt, Leven Kali

Album: NA
Released: April 19

ANOTR, pronounced No Art I think?, was a favorite 2024 discovery for me. Their songs that got me hooked were released in late 2022 so I felt obliged to throw them a spot on this list. This song doesn’t quite hit like “Relax My Eyes” but it is a worthy inclusion. It’s another dance track if that wasn’t apparent, sorry if you’re already tired of them.

Listen if you like: Disco inspired house music

See also: Special shoutout to “Relax My Eyes” my most played song of 2024 according to Spotify, “Vertigo”, “Canvas”

62. Firefighters – Being Dead

Album: EELS
Released: September 27

Another Ryan plug, from another Ryan purchased album. Will also be at KBP 2025.

Listen if you like: Previous Ryan plug Amyl and the Sniffers, future Ryan plugs down the list
See also: “Muriel’s Big Day Off”

61. Foolmuse – Peter Cat Recording Co.

Album: BETA
Released: August 9

Peter Cat Recording Co. is a five piece band from Delhi, India that makes alternative rock with heavy influences from traditional Indian music, jazz, and psychedelic rock. Big up to my Indian friends. Representation matters.

Listen if you like: Drugdealer

See also: “People Never Change”, “Memory Box”, “Soulless Friends”

60. Lover Boy – Diamond Cafe

Album: NA
Released: November 15

Gen-Z White Canadian Michael Jackson. Gets impressively close, kind of, it is Michael Jackson. See him at Barboza in March.

Listen if you like: Michael Jackson, Q

See also: “What I Want the Most”, “What Ever It May Be”, “Body Weak”

59. Rodeo Clown – flipturn

Album: Sunlight (EP)
Released: November 21

The first of three ACL artists in a row, I am a bit late to the flipturn hype. Before ACL, I only knew of “Chicago” from their 2017 album “Heavy Colors”. They have evolved in the years since then, amassing fans along the way. Now an established indie-rock staple, “Rodeo Clown” is their lead single from their new album coming out in January 2025.

Listen if you like: Hippocampus

See also: “Chicago”, “Vanilla”, “August”, “Savannah”, “Glistening”, and my favorite “Space Cowboy”

58. crooked the road. – Mon Rovia

Album: NA
Released: August 23

Named one of Spotify’s folk artists to watch in 2024, Mon Rovia has had an atypical journey. Born into war torn Liberia and once a child soldier, he was adopted by Christian missionaries in 2007. His new family moved frequently across the U.S. living in places such as Montana, Florida, and the Bahamas before finally settling in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His past never escaping him, self proclaiming his music as “Afro-Appalachia”, his songs are about hurt and his hope for a better future.

Listen if you like: Labi Siffre, John Vincent III

See also: “Rust”, Labi Siffre’s “Bless the Telephone”

57. Kimbara – Barry Can’t Swim

Album: NA
Released: April 30

Kimbara! A rising star, Barry Can’t Swim had a big 2024, coming into mainstream prominence. He performed at festivals like Coachella and ACL, and earned numerous nominations in the British music space, his 2023 album, “When Will We Land?”, being nominated for the 2024 Mercury Prize (best album from UK-Ireland artist). His music is colorful, danceable and euphoric containing jazz and afrobeat influences. He supports Everton though, bad guy.

Listen if you like: Jayda G, Disclosure

See also: “How It Feels”, “Sunsleeper”, “Sonder”

56. Starbuster – Fontaines D.C.

Album: Romance
Released: August 23

Another entry that garnered critical acclaim, “Romance” was listed as The Independent’s best album of 2024 among placing on many other year end lists. Fontaines D.C. is an Irish rock/punk band based out of Dublin. Their lead single off of “Romance”, “Starburster” is a haunting, Brit-pop reminiscent, punk track that was inspired from a panic attack riding in the London tube.

Listen if you like: IDLES, KNEECAP

See also: “Bug”, “In the Modern World”, “Liberty Belle”

55. We Are God – Childish Gambino

Album: Bando Stone and The New World
Released: July 19

Not my favorite Childish Gambino album but as a devoted fan I still listened to completion. Sad to see the Childish name go, supposedly this is his last under the moniker. This song stuck out to me though, a bit different from the rest on the album, its dreamy and samples some of his earlier stuff which is kind of cool.

See also: “Steps Beach” almost made the list instead, “Survive”, “Lithonia”, “Got To Be”, “No Excuses”

54. Tell Me What You Want – Oden & Fatzo, Poppy Baskcomb

Album: NA
Released: June 14

Oden and Fatzo is Parisian trio that makes upbeat, poppy, infectious house music. They’re new to the scene, amassing popularity in late 2022 with the release of a house remix of Men I Trust’s “Lauren” followed by “Lady Love” in 2023. They’ve now performed across the globe at various festivals and DJ rooms. Their newest song “Tell Me What You Want” is bolstered by the vocals of Portsmouth, UK native Poppy Baskcomb. I’ve always thought that a house track with female vocals is superior to anything a dude could do, there’s just something about it. They should be releasing a full album in early 2025, stay tuned.

Listen if you like: Peggy Gou

See also: “Lady Love”, “Lauren (I Can’t Stay Forever)”

53. misses – Dominik Fike

Album: 14 minutes
Released: May 3

Another massive hit from 2024, probably the shortest song on this list coming in at only seventy four seconds long. Efficiency is key, the entire album is only fourteen minutes!

Listen if you like: Declan McKenna

See also: Global hit “Three Nights” from 2018

52. Come Find Me – Caribou

Album: Honey
Released: October 4

Caribou, a mainstay in indietronica, released his newest album “Honey” in 2024. FIFA fans will probably first heard him when playing FIFA 11, his song “Odessa” intertwined with my memories of winning the champions league with Stoke City (Kenwyn Jones and Peter Couch a fearsome front two). He has impressively been releasing music since 2000 under three different names, Caribou, Daphni, and Manitoba (an ode to his Canadian roots).

Listen if you like: Hot Chip

See also: “Honey”, “Got To Change”, “Odessa”,

51. n.h.i.e – 21 Savage, Doja Cat

Album: american dream
Released: January 12

The first album of 2024 that I listened all the way through. Love 21 Savage and his adlibs. I chose this song off the album over others simply because Doja Cat.

See also: “redrum”, “sneaky”, “pop ur shit”, “nee-nah”

50. Witchy (feat. Childish Gambino) – KAYTRANADA, Childish Gambino

Album: TIMELESS
Released: June 7

Kind of breaking my rule of no repeat artists allowed but I’ll let it slide since its a feature. A combination of KAYTRANADA’s production and Childish’s vocals make for a hypnotic dance anthem. And who doesn’t love Childish’s dance moves.

See also: “Feel A Way (feat. Don Toliver)” and rest of his new album “TIMELESS”

49. Fetish – Solardo, it’s murph, ero808

Album: NA
Released: June 7

Rising star it’s murph teams up with Manchester based Solardo and Boulder, Colorado based eor808 with “Fetish”. A blood pumping track, its nonstop from start to finish, backed by a gritty thumping bassline.

Listen if you like: Chris Lake

See also: “High and I Like It”, “Youthful Kids”

48. City Lovin’ – Jermango Dreaming

Album: Heaven FM (EP)
Released: November 20

It’s simple but catchy, a true pop lovers recipe for a good time. Sydney based Jermango Dreaming makes heavily 70s inspired laid back groovy pop. Will probably be stuck in your head.

Listen if you like: Conan Mockasin

See also: “Breeze”, “La-Dee-Da”, “Butter Bath”

47. Jamproof – Sean Henry

Album: HEAD
Released: August 30

The third Ryan plug, guess that’s what happens when you live under the same roof as someone. This one made it’s way onto my Spotify wrapped 2024 so it only felt necessary to include.

Listen if you like: Alt-rock, grunge, lofi music

46. No Problems – Ginger Root

Album: SHINBANGUMI
Released: September 13

Ginger Root makes a pretty unique brand of music that can only be described as a strange combination of Japanese inspired pop and “elevator soul”. What the hell does that mean? I agree and the only way to really find out is to listen for yourself. Frontman Cameron Lew is an insanely talented musician (see his Youtube playlist “Toaster Music” that consists of him covering all kinds of songs while hilariously cramped into his 2004 Honda) but also has a great eye for creative visual storytelling. Accompanying their past two albums are self-created mini universes and storylines that are shown through a series of music videos. Both humorous and technically excellent, they make for a really fun visual component that goes hand in hand with their music. They even made a 20 minute short film that concludes the most recent “SHINBANGUMI”. Synopsis is copied below if you’re curious:

“After being fired from media conglomerate, Juban TV, due to creative differences, Cameron takes it upon himself to start his own TV company. Thus, the birth of Ginger Root Productions. “No Problems” is the first single from Ginger Root’s upcoming full length album: “SHINBANGUMI”, set to release on Sept 13th on Ghostly Int. Over the course of 8 music video chapters, come along as Cameron tries to make a name for his newly founded TV network in the hustling and bustling Juban District. 2 questions arise: Will he make it? And what will he make?”

To add, their live shows are top tier. Saw them at Kilby in May of last year and it was a total blast. Did not know anything about them going in and they shattered my non-existent expectations. On top of their music, again Cameron’s creativity is amazing, as they had a dude running around with a video recorder that would be relayed back onto the screen behind them, making it seem like you were watching a music video in real time. Can’t recommend to go see them enough.

Listen if you like: A pretty unique sound making this hard but they have said inspirations have come from Toro y Moi (+1), Vulfpeck and Metronomy

See also: from “SHINBANGUMI“: “There Was A Time”, “All Night”, “Giddy Up”, “Better Than Monday”, from earlier stuff: “Loneliness”, “Holy Hell”, “Loretta”, “Fly Too”, “Over the Hill”, “Nisemono”

45. May Ninth – Khruangbin

Album: A LA SALA
Released: April 5

Off Khruangbin’s fifth studio album, “A LA SALA”, you know what you are going to get with Khruangbin at this point but that doesn’t make their worldly sound any less enjoyable. Somehow got nominated for Best New Artist this year among the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Doechii.

Listen if you like: World music

See also: off the new album, “Hold Me Up”, “Pon Pon”

44. Under the Rug – Arcy Drive

Album: NA
Released: November 1

Check under your rug? Does it need cleaning? Is it dirty? So is this four piece band from New York. A recent favorite of mine, check out their other stuff, specifically, “Desert Song” and “Time Shrinks” from 2023.

Listen if you like: Cage the Elephant, above Archer Oh

See also: “Desert Song”, “Time Shrinks”

43. Bota Bota – Chris Lorenzo, MC Buzzz

Album: NA
Released: June 14

Chris Lorenzo remixes? samples? Brazilian born trap artist MC Buzzz’s 2019 song “Bota Bota” resulting in a silky and sexy banger that I simply cannot understand. I did my research, threw the lyrics into Google Translate and my suspicions were confirmed. They were raunchy, but, whenever in the future I decide to visit South America, I now know how to get an STD. Get in.

“Vem sentando no meu pau”

Listen if you: haven’t grown tired of the previous house songs on the list

See also: “Take Me As I Am”, aforementioned remix of “U Should Not Be Doing That”, remix of “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This”, “Fly Kicks (Wax Motif Remix)”, “Pump”

42. KARMA – SiR, Isaiah Rashad

Album: HEAVY
Released: March 22

Had to throw in an Isaiah Rashad track on this list even if it’s only a feature. My favorite rapper. SiR is also pretty great.

Listen if you like: Masego

See also: An acoustic live take on “Cilvia Demo” put on by Spotify for it’s ten year anniversary, only four songs but its cool to hear them in a different way.

41. SHELL (OF A MAN) – Saya Gray

Album: NA
Released: October 10

A fun little acoustic bop released for the upcoming 2025 album “SAYA” from high school dropout and ex-homeless Japanese-Canadian newcomer Saya Gray.

Listen if you like: St. Vincent

See also: “IF THERE’S NO SEAT IN THE SKY”

40. trespass coat – Niko B

Album: dog eat dog food world
Released: May 24

Big up to Greyden. Niko B is a 24 year old rapper from the UK who makes pretty relatable songs detailing the mundane everyday life of small-town Britain. Some humorous excerpts below.

“I’ve smoked weed 9 times and have had one good experience”:

But I get anxious easily and the weed man is mean to me
I just citizens arrest mysеlf, I had one toke and I coughed
I’m on GOV.UK and they should make this more illegal
I’m stood here with three mates and I’ve cured all of my knee pain
But my mouth’s gone all dry and my heartbeat is delayed

“what counts as fine?” :

I’m on PS playing COD, I’m tryna win this PVP
Got speakers playing MP3, I keep my phone on DND
Can you just leave me be? I just got killed on Black Ops 3
I’ll write a message, Control+C and send to you with Control+V
I’m wearing dungarees that are a couple sizes too big for me
I’m playing FIFA Street, I just rainbow-flicked the referee
Last night I had a dream, I took 14 tabs of LSD
I drank bare herbal tea
Then was standing there like an NPC

“it’s not litter if you bin it“:

I’m in the club lookin’ two out of ten
I got twos off a blem, off a bouncer named Ben
Small pack, I smoked like two out of ten
And I’d do it again
I’m stood with a friend of a friend
And I’m tryna pretend that I heard what they said
But I’m too anxious to make them ask me again

I don’t wanna be rude but me and this girl got opposing views
She just loves starting feuds with random dudes and it’s half past two
And now I gotta fight some guy that I sort of like, ’cause I think he’s nice
We’ve spoken a couple times on random nights and he bought me pints
He’s even sold me white, there’s numerous times we’ve snorted lines
We’re having a gorgeous time but he rocked my jaw, now I’m on my bike

There’s an endearing Gen-Z element with the blandness and honesty in his lyrics that I enjoy. It’s like a feeling of contentedness.

Listen if you like: the U.K. version of Joey Valence and Brae

See also: “what counts as fine?”, “it’s not litter if you bin it“, “I’ve smoked weed 9 times and have had one good experience”, “Why’s this dealer”, “Who’s That What’s That”

39. Neverender – Justice, Tame Impala

Album: Hyperdrama
Released: April 26

A big powerhouse collab between Justice and Tame Impala from Justice’s critically acclaimed fourth studio album “Hyperdrame”. The album has picked up two Grammy nominations, one for best electronic/dance album and “Neverender” for best electronic/dance recording. Will be headlining Sunday at KBP 2025.

Listen if you like: The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem

See also: Rest of “Hyperdrame” esp “Generator”, “Afterimage”, “One Night/All Night”, “Dear Alan” and “Explorer”

38. Wither – Fat Dog

Album: WOOF.
Released: September 6

“Wither” is in your face right from the start. Off English punk rock band Fat Dog’s 2024 album “WOOF.”, the band likes to combine aspects of punk, metal, and dance music into their songs. Making their US debut in 2024, not something I would usually listen to but hard not to include if based on pure energy alone.

Listen if you like: Viagra Boys, artists further down the list Getdown Services, The Bug Club

See also: “King of the Slugs”, “Running”

37. Vent – NOIT

Album: NA
Released: March 1

“Have you – ever – been – punched – in your – mother – fucking – face!?”

A nonstop energetic track from the 20 year old German DJ, NOIT, that was a hit in dance/electronic music this year helped on by a Cara Delavigne TikTok.

Listen if you like: Dr. Gabba

36. Wait on You – Washed Out

Album: Notes from a Quiet Life
Released: June 28

Excellent release after a 4 year hiatus from the acclaimed “godfather of chillwave”.

Listen if you like: STRFKR, Neon Indian, Craft Spells,

See also: The quintessential chillwave song “Feel It All Around”, “It All Feels Right”, “Burn Out Blues”, “The Hardest Part”

35. Monolith – Twin Tribes

Album: Pendulum
Released: January 26

Twin Tribes are able to perfectly replicated the sound of the 80s goth/post-punk scene with “Monolith”. Filled with synthesizers and dark. Shoutout fellow Allenite, Tyanna, for putting me on and recognizing my love for 80s music.

Listen if you like: Depeche Mode

See also: “Shadows”, “Heart and Feather”, “The River”, “Fantasmas” and Sextile, a more in your face electronic band with a similar dark 80s synthesizer sound

34. Kids Go Down (孩子们的时光) – Chinese American Bear

Album: Wah!!!
Released: October 18

Based out of Seattle, aptly named Chinese American Bear is a married duo that makes experimental indie-rock, blending both Chinese and English into their songs (interesting that they’ve started to put the English names of their songs first). Their music is extremely groovy, hope to catch them in 2025 as they gain more traction.

Listen if you like: TV Girl

See also: “Magic Number (魔法数字)”, “Take Me To Beijing (一起回北京)”, “Feelin’ Fuzzy (毛绒绒的感觉)”, “饺子 (Dumpling)”, “好吗 (Hao Ma)”, “爱的大巴 (Love Bus)”

33. Homie Don’t Shake – Fcukers

Album: Baggy$$
Released: September 6

Fcukers comes from three musicians who were “tired of making some nimby kimby indie rock bullshit”. Called out, don’t pay attention to the rest of this list. That energy is carried through in their debut EP “Baggy$$” especially with “Homie Don’t Shake”. It’s a real bop with some IDGAF undertones.

Listen if you like: Bratty chic attitudes

See also: “Bon Bon”, “UMPA”, “I Don’t Wanna”

32. Excalibur – Good Morning

Album: Good Morning Seven
Released: March 22

A tame, calming track from Australian-duo, Good Morning. Really enjoy the harmonious vocals during the chorus.

Listen if you like: Small Forward, Peach Pit, Mac DeMarco

See also: “Soft Rock Band”, “$10”, “Warned You”, also if you like this, check out Small Forward’s 2020 album “Small Forward“, esp. “Most of You”

31. Leaving – STRFKR

Album: Parallel Realms
Released: March 1
An unassuming track from STRFKR’s newest album “Parallel Realms”. There is definitely more poppy and catchy songs i.e. “Together Forever” and “Always/Never” that may deserve a spot however this song stuck with me the most. I really enjoy the warm drawn out ending with the repeated three guitar notes, I awoke to it playing in my dream one morning after falling asleep the night before with headphones on, it was quite pleasant. Been a fan ever since. Great way to end the album.
Special shoutout to one of my favorite artists of all time who I got to see for the first time live in the summer of 2024. They were super fun and quirky, everything you would expect, nothing like the old guys you see in the below video.

Listen if you like: Me 🙂

See also: Rest of “Parallel Realms” highlights being “Always/Never”, “Together Forever”, “Running Around”, “Holding On”, “Armatron”, “Carnival”

30. Just us – Rinjin

Album: NA
Released: April 26

A melodic dream-pop/electronic groove with a killer base line from new Norwegian duo Rinjin (neighbor in Japanese, a nod to how they initially met). As of writing this is their only music available anywhere (very exciting!) so stay tuned for more!

Listen if you like: Crumb, SALES

29. Be Your Man – Almond Milk

Album: NA
Released: December 13

A fantastic surf-rock love song from a new three piece band out of Hong Kong. Starts off mellow and easy-listening until it escalates to it’s climax with a dirty guitar solo at the end. Certified milk drinkers.

Listen if you like: Summer Salt, Babe Rainbow, Her’s, DOPE LEMON, Allah-Lahs, any surf rock band
See also: Their self-titled debut album released in 2023, “Fond of You” and “You, Me, Dance”

28. Weak – Vintage Culture, Maverick Sabre, Tom Breu

Album: Promised Land
Released: May 24

In my head this is the perfect après-ski song ala Longhorns at the bottom of Whistler. Smooth, and buttery much like me on the slopes (jk I only run blues). I moved this song up after some thinking to a much more fitting spot. Also if you haven’t experienced après-ski at Whistler, go now. Shame Whistler Weekend just passed.

Listen if you like: RUFUS DU SOL

See also: “This Feeling”, “You Give Me A Feeling”, “I Will Find”

27. A Survivor’s Guilt – Yaya Bey

Album: A Survivor’s Guilt
Released: November 22

A bit different from previous stuff I enjoy from Yaya Bey, this song is lacking her usual soothing RnB backing beats, being replaced with some emotional piano keys as she revisits thoughts about her hometown of Queens, NY. The background of this song is quite sad, her dad and source of inspiration for pursuing music, dying in December of 2022 while she was on tour for her album “Remember Your North Star”. That led into 2024’s “Ten Fold”, an album that was made with her father’s death in the background. Instead of wallowing in grief she has stated that getting back to music has helped her heal and feel closer to her dad.

“Making music reminds me of my grief,” she says. “It reminds me of my dad, it reminds me that I won’t be here for ever – that nothing is here for ever. It reminds me to be alive while I can be.” She pauses. “But it’s also a comfort, to have a place to go, to make sense of it all.”

“A Survivor’s Guilt” isn’t off “Ten Fold” but it does carry that same cathartic emotion. It deals with an increased sense of responsibility for oneself, especially after losing a support system like a parent. She sums it up better than I can so here’s another quote:

“I went through this fear I wouldn’t be able to sustain my success, and experienced a lot of survivor’s guilt. I grew up in poverty, and I came up in a time when a lot of people in New York – a lot of my father’s generation, a lot of my elders – did not make it. Where I come from, turning out the way I did is rare. My life taking the turns it has … a lot of people don’t get that. There’s a grief that comes with that.”

Listen if you like: Sza

See also: Her excellent 2022 album “Remember Your North Star”

26. Lonsdale Slipons – The Bug Club

Album: On The Intricate Inner Workings Of The System…
Released: August 30

The fourth and penultimate Ryan plug is one of Seattle based record label Sub Pop’s newer signings, UK based The Bug Club. They released their debut album with the label, “On The Intricate Inner Workings of The System…”, filled to the brim with high energy garage rock tracks. Their sound, similar to other Ryan plugs, is both catchy and punchy, their witty lyrics sung in a rapid and direct fashion making for quality romps. One to see live for sure.

Listen if you like: Wet Leg
See also: “Quality Pints”, “A Bit Like James Bond”

25. Rainy – PawPaw Rod

Album: Doobie Mouth (EP)
Released: August 9

PawPaw Rod is a RnB/funk singer and rapper from the great state of Oklahoma. Most famous for his 2020 single “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS”, he’s released three EPs since then, all carrying that same 70s era funk and soul.

Listen if you like: Bill Withers

See also: “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS”, “Glass House”, “Is It Magic?”, “Lemonhaze”, “Shadow”, “Love On You”

24. No One Noticed – The Marias

Album: Submarine
Released: May 31

Another one of the biggest viral hits of 2024 that found it’s way into multiple year end lists that I unabashedly crossed referenced. The song’s success was helped by opening for Billie Eilish for the U.S. west coast portion of her current tour.

Listen if you like: Men I Trust

See also: “Run Your Mouth”, “Clueless”, “Carino”, “I Don’t Know You”

23. Lucky Star – Marlin’s Dreaming

Album: HIRL
Released: August 16

A really pleasing love song, with each listen I enjoy this song, from New Zealand based rock band Marlin’s Dreaming, more and more. First heard them circa ~2018, a couple of their songs (“Cheeky Kids”, “Mixed Up and Confused”) being played relentlessly via my surf rock playlist. Growing from their surf-rock/psychedelic roots, this song in particular gives me strong Strokes vibes. Something about the guitar and the vocals especially I think.

Listen if you like: The Strokes

See also: “Earnestly” , “Every Single Time”, “Cheeky Kids”, “Mixed Up and Confused”

22. DENIAL IS A RIVER – Doechii

Album: Aligator Bites Never Heal
Released: August 30

A complete bop. Her rhyming is so good, kind of reminds me of a sped up Notorious B.I.G. ala “Hyptonize”. Love the completely unhinged ending as well. Haven’t had the chance to listen through the rest of the album but I’ve heard murmurs of people talking about her here and there, so if I wanna stay cool and relevant, its a must.

Listen if you like: Notorious B.I.G., Doja Cat

See also: “NISSAN ALTIMA” an equally infectious bop, her feature on Tyler the Creators “Balloon”

21. Heaven – Toro y Moi, Kevin Abstract, Lev

Album: Hole Erth
Released: September 6

Probably my second favorite artist of all time, (think STRFKR edges due to its early impression on me), but definitely the top artist in terms of the amount of music I can listen to without growing tired of it.

(According to my phone wallpapers I got it right actually, STRFKR gracing the lockscreen, Toro banished to hide under the apps.)

My words won’t be enough to justify my love for this guy. Everything he does oozes cool. His music that he puts out, his style, his videos, his art. Wow. Musically he is the ultimate genre bender, covering everything from chillwave to country, progressing his sound with each new release. With “Hole Erth” he tackles some emo rap alongside more typical Toro tracks. It’s not my favorite Toro album (see “Outer Peace”, “Anything in Return” and “Boo Boo”) but it does have some great songs. He is a soft spoken, chill guy who from the looks of it just really enjoys making cool music and art for the people to enjoy. Anything else I say will tarnish this man’s image. Very blessed to see him live for the first time in 2024 and very excited to see him again at KBP in May.

Trigger warning: shitty concert videos, jk free version of wordpress doesn’t allow video upload. You’ve been spared. Cool pic of setlist that I got my hands on after he threw it out to the crowd instead.

VEVO doesn’t allow hosting on third party websites so can’t link the music video so in retaliation I’ve linked 42 minutes of him painting a wall that will probably crash this page (skip to 34:35 for “Heaven”). Sike again. Also hosted by Vevo. Rather enjoy this short film for his previous album “Mahal”:

Listen if you like: Not an option, must listen

See also: Everything he’s ever done, hard to pick favorites but from new album “CD-R”, “Hollywood”, “Tuesday”, from other albums some crowd favorites “Freelance”, “Laws of the Universe”, “Rose Quartz“, “So Many Details”, “Girl Like You” and some deep cuts “Day One”, “Mirage”, “Labyrinth”, “Blessa”, “Magazine”, “Millenium”, “New House”, “Fading”, “Lilly”, “New Beat”, “First Date”

20. meet the grahams – Kendrick Lamar

Album: NA
Released: May 3

The most disgusting, unhinged, disrespectful and therefore greatest diss track of all time. This one generated tons of hilarious reactions of people with their mouth open and head in hands in horror on that fateful night. Completely obsessed with exposing Drake, through a haunting six minutes Kendrick personally addresses Drake’s family one by one; Drake’s seven year old son Adonis, his mom Sandra, dad Dennis, a mysterious hidden daughter, and finally Drake himself. Kendrick effortlessly accuses Drake of the following things as he floats like a menacing ghost through his verses: being an absent father, fat, a psychopath, gambling addict, pedophile, sex addict, closet homosexual, involved with prostitution and human trafficking, narcissism, misogyny, drug addiction, greedy and money obsessed, having peter pan syndrome, artificially acting up his blackness, and using ghostwriters (in order). This diss track is made all the better by the fact that Kendrick released it mere moments after Drake released “Family Matters” a song directed to Kendrick about his own family. He knew what Drake had and responded instantly and infinitely more devastating.

Listen: with the lights on probably

See also: Kendrick’s newest album, “GNX”, released in late 2024

19. The Largest – BigXthaPlug

Album: TAKE CARE
Released: October 11

A strong resemblance to Notorious B.I.G., this time in terms of size, BigXthaPlug, is a newcomer to the rap scene out of Dallas, TX. His lyrics are raw and gritty but they’re catchy enough to grab the attention of the rap world. Everything is bigger in Texas.

Listen if you like: That Mexican OT

See also: “Change Me”, “2AM”, “Law and Order” for him rapping over the famous theme

18. Dog Dribble – Getdown Services

Album: Your Medal’s In The Post
Released: November 14

The last Ryan plug, the picture should tell you what you’re getting into when listening to this new band from England. Unapologetic, humorous, pale, British men rocking out.

Listen if you like: Above artists the Bug Club, Fat Dog, the Black Keys?

See also: Similarly infectious “I Got Views”, “I Wish It Didn’t Bother Me”, “Get Back Jamie”, “Come On”

17. Houdini – Dua Lipa

Album: Radical Optimism
Released: May 3

Produced with the help of Kevin Parker, “Houdini” is Dua Lipa’s most popular single off her third studio album “Radical Optimism”. The song started off as a demo by Kevin Parker upon which Dua wrote accompanying lyrics. His presence is strongly felt, some very Tame Impala esque guitar riffs feature throughout the song. Less well received than her second album, “Future Nostalgia”, the album is carried by four strong singles listed below. Soft spot for “These Walls”, almost beat out “Houdini” for a spot on this list.

See also: “Illusion”, “Training Season”, “These Walls”, “Falling Forever” from new album

16. Cinderella – Remi Wolf

Album: Big Ideas
Released: July 1

A high energy funky summer anthem from Remi Wolf’s second studio album “Big Ideas”. It’s fun, its bold, its colorful, the music video has a Mac DeMarco cameo. Lots to like about this song and the rest of the album. She’s on tour in late spring this year, coming to a city near you.

Listen if you like: Chappel Roan

See also: “Toro”, “Soup”, two remixes from her “We Love Dogs!” album which is just full of remixes? “Hello-Polo & Pan Remix”, “Woo!-Panda Bear Remix”

15. Midnight Ride – Orville Peck, Kylie Minogue, Diplo

Album: Stampede
Released: August 2

A fun, catchy country-dance crossover from the trio of Orville Peck, Diplo and Kylie Minogue (couldn’t find a picture with all three that was cooler than this one). The shared chorus between Orville, deep and smooth, and Kylie, high and tight, backed by Diplo’s thumping beat, will make you stomp in your boots and toss out an imaginary lasso. I should buy a belt buckle.

Listen if you like: fun country bars, pretending to be a cowboy (or cowgirl)