20 SoCal Artists To Watch For In 2016

12:24 PM PST on December 31, 2015

With NYE countdown approaching, I compiled a list of 20 artists (breakout or emerging) in SoCal to keep an eye on in 2016. From rap to indie, I hope you're able to find some of your new favorite artists. Cheers~

NxWorries (Anderson Paak and Knxwledge)

Highlights: debut single “Suede”; supported Earl Sweatshirt on US fall tour; first full-length album coming out next year

Gallant

Highlights: breakout hits, “Weight in Gold" and "Open Up”; signed to Mind of a Genius

THEY

Highlights: Nu Religion debut EP; signed to Mind of a Genius label; supporting Bryson Tiller on Trap Soul Tour in 2016 (tickets here)

A. Chal

Highlights: summer hit “Round Whippin”; debut Gazi EP coming soon; ASAP Rocky is a fan ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Cam & China

Highlights: previously of iconic jerkin’ crew, Pink Dollaz

Bricc Baby Shitro

Highlights: “Like a Hott Boyy” with Kid Ink and Young Thug; Nasty Dealer sophomore mixtape with Bromance Records & Batgang; previously toured with Kid Ink

NEF The Pharaoh (Vallejo, CA)

Highlights: massive hit “Big Tymin;” NEF The Pharaoh debut EP

KYLE (aka SuperDuperKyle)

Highlights: headlining King Wavy tour in US; latest album SMYLE, debut album Beautiful Loser (2013)

Villain Park

Highlights: Same Ol’ Shit debut EP

https://youtube.com/watch?v=VbgQauPiHxs

SIR

Highlights: first full-fledged album, Seven Sundays; has worked with Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Tiffany Gouche, Melanie Fiona and more

Pilo

Highlights: Sentimental Schematics third EP, signed to Boysnoize Records; supported Boys Noize on world tour

P. Morris

Highlights: DAYDREAM and POP.MORRIS projects; championed #goombawave back in Kansas City; co-founder of Bear Club Music Group collective; has supported FKA Twigs and Shy Girls

Harriet Brown

Highlights: New Era debut EP; “Fiction” release via Company Records (Toro y Moi’s label)

Ho99o9

Highlights: HORRORs OF 1999 sophomore EP, Dead Bodies in the Lake mixtape; headlining Europe fall tour

The Garden

Highlights: identical twin brothers who also model for Saint Laurent; haha sophomore album; haha US winter tour; signed to Burger Records; Tyler, The Creator is a fan ¯_(ツ)_/¯

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aHFdkl7dSsM

Slow Hollows

Highlights: Atelophobia sophomore album; touring west coast in 2016; another pick by Tyler, the Creator¯_(ツ)_/¯

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XgUPu4cOf_o

Froth

Highlights: Bleak debut album; signed to Burger Records; supported The Drums in west coast tour

SadGirl

Highlights: SadGirl Vol. One and SadGirl Vol. Two EPs; first show in 2016 (tickets here)

August Eve

Highlights: "Ghost" single; 18-year-old singer/songwriter, who was recruited into Grammy-nominated conductor Paul Salamunovich’s choir at age nine; debut EP coming soon

https://youtube.com/watch?v=C5Z2lwM0l_g

ALOHAHA

Highlights: comprised of Grammy-nominated producer Jake Sinclair and poet Lyndsay Thornton; “Welcome To Your New Life” debut single

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