Written by: Nuance Editorial Team

Happy New Year! We hope 2024 is treating you well so far, and that resolutions are all still intact. One of our goals at NUANCE is to keep you in the loop of the best new artists to watch as the year unfolds and keep up with the outstanding artists we’ve gotten to know so far.

So first, we wanted to look back one last time and share our Favorite New Faces from Last Year.

Alicia Creti 

Alicia Creti has a spectacular voice. After being discovered suddenly through Tik-Tok covers and landing a deal with Atlantic, the Montreal native has proven her natural talents and songwriting prowess through a series of standout singles like “Congratulations.” 

The hair-raising track “Strange” pairs Creti’s ethereal vibrato with melancholic piano chords, slowly building to a climactic chorus of swelling choir harmonies, classic church organs, and booming 808 percussion. Her most recent release, “Crazy,” sees Creti’s soulful vocals anchoring a blossoming, throwback R&B cut. With an unteachable gift and a diverse range, we can’t wait to see what Alicia Creti has next in store. 

To read Alicia Creti’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Fresco Trey

R&B artist Fresco Trey is ready to be the next star out of Memphis by bringing a different sound to the forefront. While the city’s hardcore hip-hop scene is having a moment, Trey swerves down a more scenic, emotional lane with his heartfelt R&B ballads on his breakout projects Heartbreak Diaries 1 and Heartbreak Diaries 2 with tracks like "Fresh Off A Heartbreak" and "Need You."

Displaying his versatility on his latest EP, Detour, Trey confidently holds down a more upbeat, optimistic sound on tracks like “Bad Bitches” and “Passenger Princess (feat. NLE Choppa).” With Heartbreak Diaries 3 on the way, we at NUANCE expect big things from Fresco Trey in 2024. 

To read Fresco Trey’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Knox

Nashville-based singer/songwriter Knox steps into the spotlight with his debut album, I'm So Good At Being Alone. Infused with the catchy pop sensibility seen in his earlier EP, How to Lose a Girl in 7 Songs, the album explores Knox's ability to navigate love and solitude. Influenced by Ed Sheeran and Fall Out Boy, Knox strikes a balance between vulnerability and dynamism, which is evident on standout tracks like "Not the 1975" and "Love Letter."

Having earned his stripes as a songwriter in Nashville, Knox's distinctive voice, complemented by Cam Becker's production, defines this musical journey. With the promise of more to come, I'm So Good At Being Alone marks Knox's evolution into a compelling solo artist, expanding on the sonic landscape introduced in his debut EP.

To read Knox’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

BIIANCO

BIIANCO, the boundary-breaking non-binary DJ and artist, emerges as a must-watch talent this year, bridging the gap between London club music and LA's underground dance scene. Their unique blend of UK bass, multi-instrumental mastery, and throwback breakbeats on tracks like “I like to listen to music when I’m sad”  breathes new life into the electronic landscape dominated by Big-Room House.

BIIANCO also displays their gift for collaboration with each new release. "Been Right Here,” featuring Carly Wilford and Lea Lea, showcases an uplifting gospel-dance anthem, while their most recent hit single, “Against the Wall” with 1111, absolutely sets the club on fire with its vibrating retro synths and pulsing beat. With a versatile discography and an impressive live performance, BIIANCO is set to revolutionize the music scene on both sides of the Atlantic.

To read BIIANCO’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Femi Tahiru 

 Hailing from Northampton, UK, Femi Tahiru captivates with his distinctive brand of alternative R&B, seamlessly blending soulful vocals, lo-fi drums, and saturated guitars. Tracks like "Comfortable" showcase his unique sound, weaving intriguing lyrics over a punchy beat and lush guitars. With a notable discography already to his name, including the viral hit "Signs" and acclaimed EP Obsidian, Tahiru establishes himself as a talented curator of cross-over alt-R&B hits.

Inspired by the West Coast vintage soul movement and artists like Steve Lacy, his debut project, M.A.S.T.E.R.S., unveils a promising fusion of songwriting and production, marking him as one of Nuance's standout new faces of 2023.

To read Femi Tahiru’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Corook

corook, the nonbinary indie sensation from Nashville, captivates with whimsical melodies and clever lyrics, swiftly gaining local acclaim. Their two-part project, serious person (part 1) and serious person (part 2), unfolds a mesmerizing journey of self-discovery. Balancing reflective tracks like "natalie" with the vibrant energy of "haircut," corook proves to be a dynamic songwriter with an impressive range.

The project has even made an impact outside music, with their hit single "if i were a fish," with Olivia Barton not only a musical success but also transformed into their debut picture book. With a distinctive recording style, Corook emerges as an artist set for recognition beyond the boundaries of Music City.

To read corook’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Deux Visages

The recently emerged Deux Visages, an indie band hailing from Miami, has quickly garnered attention in the music scene. Despite being newcomers, they have managed to captivate audiences with their unique fusion of indie, shoegaze, garage, and surf rock. Striking a balance between contagious accessibility and analog imperfections, their music features captivating melodies and passionate instrumental performances that beckon a live experience. 

Boasting just two singles, "Cheetah" and "Tethered," Deux Visages already showcases a vibrant indie sound with the potential for broader mainstream success. Their compositions blend satisfying melodies and polished production with a spontaneous, homemade feel. 

To read the band’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Aqyila

Aqyila emerges as one of Nuance's Favorite New Faces of 2023, showcasing her vibrant talent in anthemic R&B. Hailing from Toronto, her breakout track "Vibe for Me (Bob for Me)" garnered a Juno Awards nomination, setting the stage for her unique blend of R&B marked by upbeat production and glossy vocals.

With the release of her debut EP, For the Better, Aqyila continues to captivate with infectious optimism and catchy melodies. Aqyila's evolution as a rising R&B star makes her an artist worth watching for those seeking uplifting and refreshing vibes.

To read Aqyila’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Tennis Courts

Brooklyn-based indie rockers Tennis Courts have seamlessly transitioned from Charleston to New York, embedding themselves in the city's vibrant music scene. Founding members Pat Walsh and Andrew Clark, alongside Brian McKenna and Spencer Brigman, craft catchy rock music that resonates with a diverse audience.

Their debut album, You Won’t Find It On Your Own, navigates transient emotions with a surfy vibe marked by dynamic vocal interplay. The album is a collaborative effort drawing from folk, shoegaze, and indie-rock influences. The move to NYC posed challenges, but Tennis Courts is evolving. The band's deliberate approach and dedication promise a significant impact on the City’s influential indie scene. 

To read the band’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Reggie Becton

PG County native Reggie Becton unveils a cinematic musical vision with his mixtape Sadboy, Vol. 1. His smooth vocals, reminiscent of Tank and Miguel, fuse with atmospheric production, creating a unique R&B sound. Influenced by The Dark Knight trilogy, Becton describes his music as "for the people of Gotham City." 

The mixtape, accompanied by visually striking music videos, presents a conflicted romantic narrative within a surreal world. Reggie Becton's early exposure to diverse musical genres shapes his experimental nature, incorporating elements from rock, neo-soul, and classic hip-hop. Inspired by 90s R&B production, Sadboy, Vol. 1 delivers an R&B Bounce. With his cinematic approach, Becton establishes himself as a visionary artist with a promising future.

To read the Reggie Becton’s interview with NUANCE, click here. 

Archy Moor

Archy Moor, a burgeoning MC born in Nigeria and raised in Dublin, proves to be a natural talent in the hip-hop arena. Within a brief period of embracing the mic, Moor showcases impeccable lyricism and a sharp ear for production, evident in singles like "I’ve Been” and “Have It In My Hands." 

His debut EP, Bonnie Hill, encapsulates the most enthralling elements of his sound—lush instrumentation, cinematic atmospheres, and seamless flows. Moor soon followed up with his sophomore EP, Cosy, featuring standout tracks like “The Imposter” and “Holly.” Collaborating with producers such as Earl Saga and Nick Mills, Moor's creative alliances span the globe, resulting in a dynamic and introspective project that distinguishes him in the hip-hop landscape. 

To read Archy Moor’s interview with NUANCE, click here.

Lily Williams

British-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Lily Williams emerges as a captivating voice in the music scene with her debut project, How The Story Ends. Infused with cinematic details, the EP beautifully captures the complexities of love, from yearning to heartbreak.

Williams, influenced by classical and pop genres, skillfully marries orchestral movements with classic melodies. Her songwriting carries a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of classic Disney movies and old Hollywood expressions. Her recent Holiday EP, Overallidays, created with Daniel Leggs and gnash, showcases her versatility and musical range, solidifying Lily Williams as a rising star to watch in the industry.

To read Lily William’s interview with NUANCE, click here.