The Best New Alternative Artists for 2024
The Alternative music scene is always changing, and each year a bunch of new artists take centre stage as they launch their careers. This list will look at some of the best new alternative artists shaking up the scene. From indie rock to dream pop and everything in between, these up-and-coming artists are redefining what it means to make alternative music.
As a precursor, these artists may not be brand new, and some may already have established fanbases, signed record deals, or received serious accolades, but I believe they are on the cusp of the next level! So, let’s skip the small talk, let’s meet the best upcoming alternative artists.
The best Upcoming Alternative Artists
Jean Dawson
If there’s any name you should remember from the list, Jean Dawson would be it (that’s if you don’t already know him). Jean Dawson is the stage name of artist David Sanders, and he has amassed a significant amount of hype thanks to his Genreless approach to his music. This means you can shuffle all of his music and move from alternative rock-led songs such as “Three Heads” and then immediately be met with the rap vibes of “Starface*”. His newest release EP BooHoo is a great example of this fluidity.
With an upcoming UK tour supporting Lil Yachty, I believe he will open his music to a new audience, 2024 is already looking like a big year for Jean. If there is anyone I would have faith in delivering an album of the year candidate, it would be Jean Dawson. The reason, despite his relative size, Jean is on here is I suspect he is still rising, I think we may be looking at the next great alternative artist. If you crave artists who push boundaries and keep them guessing from track to track, Jean Dawson is a must-listen.
Check out Jean Dawson here: Spotify
Winona Fighter
Winona Fighter may be the next big punk band. With a high-octane sound featuring fast-paced guitars, driven drum beats, and a female vocalist that sounds unique while also delivering all the punk rebellious charm you need, they have the recipe to be a household name in no time. Having just signed with Rise Records, they have the backing they need to cement their name in both pop-punk and alternative rock.
The track that first drew this band to my attention was “Johnny’s Dead”, mainly due to the song’s energy, and killer opening riff, and if this is a sign for anything to come, I think we should all be excited about where this band are going. For those looking to throw arms and mosh, Winona Fighter is a band you need to start listening to.
Check out Winona Fighter here: Spotify
NewDad
NewDad are here to continue the legacy of My Bloody Valentine with their blend of textured and atmospheric shoegaze. Founded in 2018 the band have released two EPs one in 2021 and one in 2022, before starting this year off strong with their debut album Madra, which has been released to positive reviews, with my favourite track being “Sickly Sweet”. This album set the band up to follow with a UK tour and I expect them to add festival and possibly US dates to this.
If you’re looking for a band that will take you on a sonic journey, drenched in distortion and packed to the brim with sombre feeling, then look no further than NewDad. They get my seal of approval either way.
Check out NewDad here: Spotify
saturdays at your place
Midwestern emo lives on with saturdays at your place. The alternative emo band from Kalamazoo, Michigan (where it’s always cloudy apparently) describe their unique sound as a combination of heavy and twinkly guitar parts, group vocals and heart-on-sleeve lyrics, and I would say that is the perfect description. Emotionally charged in the best ways the band showcases alternative rock and emo elements to their best.
Their song “Tarot Cards” has received over four million streams on Spotify and it is clear why. The band seem to have a knack for blending youthful outlooks on life with reality, this results in a refreshing new lease of life on the emo genre. Saturdays at Your Place deliver relatable anthems that capture the ups and downs of youth.
Check out saturdays at your place here: Spotify
Dead Pony
Scottish band Dead Pony deliver a blend of grunge-inspired alternative rock, with thick heavy rock tones taking centre stage alongside aggressive lead vocal lines that have a pop sensibility. Signifying the musicians that grew up listening to grunge Dead Pony gives a fresh take on Scottish alternative rock but still showcases similar elements to other Glaswegian bands such as VUKOVI.
This year will be the year Dead Pony finally turn the heads of many and make their presence heard, this is going to be thanks to their debut album IGNORE THIS which releases on the 5th of April. To say I am excited for this band to take a leap is an understatement, I have been aware of their potential since when they were called CRYSTAL back in 2019. 2024 is the year to put everyone on notice!
Check out Dead Pony here: Spotify
bby
bby as a band may only be a year old, but they have been making waves in the UK underground music scene. The melodic alternative indie poppers blend a unique number of influences which results in Marr-like jangly guitar lines, 2000s indie lead lines, and modern pop vocal lines. The one thing that is clear is the band know how to create a loyal and ravenous fanbase running all operations out of their London HQ.
The band have already gotten onto a couple of festival bills, but I’m certain they will be on more soon. If they can head into 2024 and ride the hype they have created with the absolute bop that is the song “hotline” then there’s a lot this band can achieve.
Check out bby here: Spotify
junodream
Junodream may have been releasing music as a band for five years now, but with the release of their debut album in January 2024, they made a statement. The band have this weird combination of tones, the most prevalent being Britpop, but there are elements of Pink Floyd and AIR. The glaring inspiration here however is Radiohead.
The track “Kitchen Sink Drama” sounds like it could belong on the album In Rainbows, this is an absolute testament to the band’s technical and songwriting ability. A captivating blend of beauty and melancholy, junodream is the perfect soundtrack for contemplating life.
Check out junodream here: Spotify
Really Big Really Clever
Really Big Really Clever may be the biggest unheard gem on this list, but after the Brighton rocker’s debut self-titled album, they’re a name that should be on your radar, especially for 2024. Starting from the embers of the band Gender Roles, Really Big Really Clever possesses the same high-octane guitar-playing and songwriting prowess with a new fresh spin.
The band are kicking the year off with a UK tour and I think we will see their faces out on the road again in no time. If tracks like “hu hurt u” and “it’s changed” are anything to go by, we should expect more bangers from RBRC in no time!
Check out Really Big Really Clever here: Spotify
Blondshell
Blondshell had a massive 2023, and while she may be one of the more established artists on this list, again like Jean Dawson, I think the sky is the limit. Blending the grunge aesthetic with that of artists like PJ Harvey and Kathleen Hanna, and even including aspects of Britpop in there. Her self-titled debut album is full of emotion, as most of it was written in lockdown after getting sober, using her struggles to create a deep and textured intimate album.
With a Glastonbury appearance in the pipeline, as well as, a multitude of other festival appearances you can only imagine that 2024 will solidify Blondshell as one of the biggest players in the alternative rock genre. If you crave the raw energy and emotional catharsis of classic 90s alternative rock with a modern twist, then Blondshell will be your new favourite artist.
Check out Really Big Really Clever here: Spotify
Give them a listen
I’m certain in the ever-changing world of alternative music there will be some artists that come out of nowhere to surprise us and claim 2024 for their own, but these are the artists I expect to see make some serious moves this year.
I recommend giving one or two a listen, because who knows? You might just stumble upon your next favourite band or artist.
See more alternative lists here!
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