Pandora Music Releases Artists To Watch In 2018 List
Pandora Music has gazed into its crystal ball and predicted a diverse group of artists that could dominate the recording industry in 2018.
This group of 25 musicians represents an eccentric group of pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, indie rock, and EDM artists.
Jaden Smith Leads The 2018 Hip-Hop Class
A familiar face was featured in the Hip-Hop Class of 2018. Actor-rapper Jaden Smith has made his name in films such as The Pursuit of Happyness where he co-starred with his father, Will and mastered karate in the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid.
While Smith's personal life made headlines earlier this year by breaking up with Sarah Snyder and posting a rant on Instagram regarding failing his driving test, the actor has focused on his music. He is about to release his debut album, SYRE.
Other Hip-hop artists that are making waves include South Florida rapper Wifisfuneral, Drake's former security guard Baka Not Nice, and Kanye West protégé, Cyhi The Prince.
Pop And Electronic Music's New Voices
"When it comes to Pop, everything is fair game," wrote Tiana Lewis, Pandora's lead pop curator. "So really understanding where the Pop scene currently is, but where it's heading is key."
Lewis stated that it was important to find artists that listeners would be interested in after listening to music from Beyoncé, Calvin Harris, and Demi Lovato.
San Francisco Bay Area artist Lauv, who co-wrote Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato's "No Promises," which peaked at #2 on Billboard's U.S. Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, was a significant name on this list.
Epic Records signed pop artist Morgan Saint, who has amassed fans through opening for Banks and Goldfrapp and her nationwide tour, is also included. Canadian boy band PRETTYMUCH, which was formed at America's Got Talent creator Simon Cowell's insistence, could be considered a healthy alternative to missing-in-action One Direction.
Producers Illenium and Petit Biscuit are the only EDM artists that made it onto the list. Illenium's arena-sized sounds have caught the attention of music lovers after opening for The Chainsmokers. Meanwhile, 18-year-old DJ and Producer Petit Biscuit brought a new twist to electronic music in his debut album: Presence.
The Future Of R&B
"We analyzed street cred, crew love, industry insights social data, and plenty of vibe to pick our favorites for 2018," wrote Justin Boland, Pandora's lead hip-hop & R&B curator.
Pandora expects Daniel Caesar's retro-soul sound to resonate with listeners. London soul artist Ella Mai, who has collaborated with DJ Mustard, Kehlani, and Ty Dolla $ign, is expected to represent British blue-eyed soul next year. Kelela's experience working with Solange and Gorillaz might also help her carve her path in 2018.
Other artists that made this list include H.E.R., $ki Mask The Slump God, FKJ, Sabrina Claudio, Jesse Reyez, Cigarettes After Sex, Greta Van Fleet, and Harry Hudson.
