Well it’s the end of the year (again?!) and time to look back at my favorite artists of 2024. In fairness, most of these are perennial favorites, and it’s not like all of these artists just burst on the music scene this year. It’s more like these were the artists I kept returning to throughout the year for musical inspiration and that mystical fulfillment you get from listening to music that truly resonates with your musical soul.
So in no particular order, here are my top 5 faves, along with one of my favorite tracks of each artist:
Harry Manx (Blues/Folk/Indian Fusion)
Harry Manx is a Canadian musician blending blues, folk, and Indian classical music. He is known for playing the Mohan Veena, a hybrid guitar/sitar. His music is deeply meditative, often described as “Mysticssippi” blues.
Here is my favorite track of his:
Foals (Indie Rock/Alternative)
Foals is A UK-based rock band known for their energetic and danceable yet atmospheric sound. Their music shifts between math rock, indie, and post-punk, evolving with each album.
I really dig the energy on this song:
Los Amigos Invisibles (Latin Funk/Disco)
Los Amigos Invisibles is a Venezuelan band known for mixing Latin rhythms with funk, disco, and electronic dance music. Their music is super groovy, blending party vibes with musicianship.
I can’t get enough of this track:
Chris Thile (Bluegrass/Classical/Folk)
Chris Thile is a mandolin virtuoso known for pushing the boundaries of bluegrass and classical music. He has played in bands like Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers as well as had an amazing solo career.
Love this song he does with Nickel Creek:
Polyphia (Instrumental/Progressive Rock/Fusion)
Polyphia is a Texas-based instrumental band that fuses progressive metal, math rock, hip-hop beats, and even elements of pop. Their sound has evolved from metal-inspired shredding to a more groove-heavy, genre-blurring style.
My fave track of theirs is:
Taj Mahal (Blues/World Music)
Of course, we can’t let the year slip by without a bonus track. Taj Mahal gets played year-round in our household. Taj Mahal is a pioneering American blues artist who incorporates Caribbean, African, Hawaiian, and Indian influences into his music. His work spans Delta blues, country blues, and even reggae-infused blues.
Every track is amazing, but I could listen to this one on repeat:
Happy New Music Year y’all!