20 Artists Set to Make Their Mark in 2020
Updated: Nov 10, 2022
Every year comes with fresh and innovative artists motivated to add their image and personality to the various genres, and 2019 is no different.
This article looks at some of the artists who are set to take the next step in their musical careers by taking the world of music by storm.
1. Billie Eilish
Although being only 17, she has already garnered a somewhat cult following with her releases drawing hundreds of millions of streams on streaming platforms. Her whispery and sweetly tearful voice portrays a persona that is vulnerable, passionate, but also somewhat treacherous. Her debut album When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go has been a commercial success and a hit with critics.
2. Anteros
Led by singer Laure Hayden, Anteros is a quartet from London describing their music as disco with a side of rock. They dropped their album When We Land in March this year.
3. Pardison Fontaine
Everyone has heard of Cardi B and Kanye West, but how many can claim to have co-written with them? Pardison was credited on twelve of Cardi's Invasion of Privacy's thirteen songs and also worked with Kanye on his last album Ye. His single reached number 65 on the Billboard 100, performing it at the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2018 alongside Cardi herself.
4. Rosalia
Latin music has been gaining more attention within the global music scene, and guys can't wait to hear who's next on the long list of Latin artists. This could be the year for Rosalia's catchy and addictive songs to take the genre by storm.
5. Jade Bird
Signed to Glassnote; home to bands like Mumford And Sons, 21-year-old Jade Bird with a sound that implements elements of Indie pop and Americana strung together by her tremulous mezzo-soprano, has shown that she is no pushover.
6. Lauren Jenkins
Everyone gravitates toward a relatable artist. This country singer's songs deal with drinking, disappointment, and holding on no matter what, all relayed with a voice carrying the resemblance of the Stevie Nicks rasp.
7. Cassia
2018 saw Cassia shortlisted for the Best Live Act award at the AIM, they then went on to perform sold-out shows at the O2 Ritz and The Garage in Manchester and London respectively. This year is only set to get better with the release of their debut album.
8. Nakhane
Modern-day artists don't seem content with just being one thing. Apart from being a songwriter, Nakhane is also an actor and novelist. Dealing with faith, exile, and belonging, his music fuses neo-soul, hymns, EDM, and South African pop backed by his falsetto voice.
9. Chappaqua Wrestling
Chappaqua Wrestling is a Manchester-based duo of Jake Mac and Charlie Woods who have been writing since they were 14 years old. When asked to describe their music, they refer to it as sweet Americana with a twist of electronic swooning.
10. Louis Cole
Stamped by his funk-pop fusion and falsettos, the singer and drummer released his album Time which Thundercat makes an appearance.
11. Bathe
Tackling toxic masculinity faced by today's black man, their debut 2018 single Sure Shot was smooth and cinematic; the theme addressed by their glimmering vocals and airy instrumental. The Brooklyn duo fuses R&B with surf.
12. Easy Life
With the freewheeling vocals of their lead singer Murray, Easy Life has made laid-back beats and honest lyrics a specialty. Their first single Pockets hit the right cords with crowds.
13. Sam Fender
From having his first single Play God streamed more than a million times on Spotify, to signing a major label deal in 2018, and winning the award for the BRITs Critic's Choice, Sam Fender's 2019 is set to see him continue his upward trajectory.
14. Ten Tonnes
Officially known as Ethan Barnett, Ten Tonnes was born into a musical family; having The Maccabees' Hugo White as a mentor. He independently released his LucyEP which led to him being picked up by Warner Bros.
15. Kiana Ledé
With her viral covers on YouTube, she is not new to the spotlight. Borrowing elements from R&B, indie, soul, and pop, Ledé's style of music has given her an edge among pop today's artists.
16. Nicola Cruz
Nicola Cruz is one of the artists ensuring that EDM keeps forging new boundaries. Coming from Ecuador, his tracks include improvisations from ancient instruments such as percussion and wood flutes. It's no secret where his influences come from, even naming his second album Siku, after an Andean panpipe.
17. Masego

A singer, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist, Masego describes himself as a 'trap house jazz' artist with a unique approach to soul. Check out his album, Lady Lady.
18. Maliibu Miitch
With a co-sign from Nicki Minaj, she is one to look out for. Her delivery and content have got her more recognition, with some comparing her to female rappers like Lil' Kim, Nicki Minaj, and Foxy Brown. Her voice control, husky tone, and rather impressive inflections have made her one to look out for.
19. Deundita
With her honey vocals, this Puerto Rican-American singer addresses love, heartache, and healing in her music. She was featured on Odunsi (The Engine)'s album, later releasing her EP direct line to My creator.
20. Melii
After releasing her cover of Bodack Yellow, Cardi B's massive hit, she went on to land a record deal with Interscope. Also being of Dominican descent, just like Cardi, she has peaked not only the public's interest but the industry pioneers' as well. In a Fenty Beauty promo video, Rihanna played her Icey single, and later, Meek Mill gave her a feature on his Championships album.
Learn More About the Artists Who Made Their Mark in 2020
2019 saw a lot of artists leverage their social media activity into nationwide recognition. However, it's all down to the quality of your music. A track properly mixed and mastered is the difference between innovation and a complete mess.
The right balance of vocals, adlibs, and instrumentation is essential for the consumer's listening experience. Give them a great listening experience, and they will be hitting that replay and share button over and over again; give them a bad one, and they will never press play again.
Don't take your track's mixing and mastering lightly, contact Mike's Mix & Master for professional class mixing and mastering for all your records.