Every summer needs a soundtrack. The songs for the drive with the windows down, the ones that take you straight to the dance floor, the late night R&B rotation and the tracks you put on when you’re feeling a little bit in your feelings.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of good music to get around, and I’ve rounded up 10 artists worth adding to your rotation before summer really kicks off.
From smooth vocals and late-night sounds to feel-good energy and tracks that deserve a spot on your next playlist, consider this your little guide to finding your next favourite artist. Whatever the mood, we’ve got you covered.
Add a few to your rotation, send them to your group chat and thank us later.
1. Becca Hatch
For when you’re feeling yourself.
Sometimes you just need a song that makes you feel like the main character, and Becca Hatch knows how to bring that energy. Blending contemporary R&B and pop with her own unmistakable style, she’s an artist to have in your rotation when you’re getting ready for a night out, heading into the weekend or simply feeling good about yourself.
Her latest single, Extra Time, is the one to add to your summer soundtrack.
On repeat: Extra Time
2. KSMBA
For when sitting still isn’t an option.
If your ideal summer involves a last-minute plan, a packed dance floor or accidentally turning a quick night out into a whole event, KSMBA belongs on the playlist. Bringing her own creative perspective to the mix, she’s an artist to keep close when the energy needs a lift.
Her latest single, With You, is the place to start if you’re looking to freshen up your rotation.
On repeat: With You
3. Olivia Escuyos
For when you’re in your feelings, but make it a vibe.
Not every summer moment has to be loud. Sometimes you need a song for the late-night drive, the long walk home or the moment you start overthinking a text that probably wasn’t that deep.
Olivia Escuyos is your reminder that a little introspection belongs on every playlist. Her single GROWING PAINS is the one to put on when you’re leaning into your softer side and letting yourself feel all the things.
On repeat: GROWING PAINS
4. Salty
For when you want something a little different.
We all have those songs we play so much that even our friends know every word. But summer is also the perfect excuse to discover something new and give your usual rotation a shake-up.
That’s where Salty comes in. Add The Eye to the mix when you’re ready to venture outside your usual listening habits and find something fresh to get around.
On repeat: The Eye
5. CVIRO & GXNXVS
For the late-night crew.
Some music just hits differently after dark. Think the drive home that turns into another lap around the city, the after-party playlist or those nights when nobody is quite ready to call it.
CVIRO and GXNXVS are the duo to have in your rotation when you’re chasing that late-night R&B feeling. Their collaborative sound makes them a natural fit for those after-hours moments when you want something smooth to carry the night.
Their collaboration with July 7, Body, is a great place to start.
On repeat: Body
6. Jett Blyton
For when your mood needs a plot twist.
Sometimes you want something polished and easygoing. Other times, you want a track that matches the slightly chaotic energy of your camera roll after a big weekend.
Enter Jett Blyton. If you’re looking to switch up your usual rotation, Apeshit is the track to add to the mix. Consider it your cue to turn things up and see where the mood takes you.
On repeat: Apeshit
7. Theadore
For when you’re ready to find your next obsession.
There’s always that one artist you discover, play on repeat for three weeks and then wonder how you ever lived without. That’s the energy we’re bringing to this pick.
Theadore is on our summer radar, and Alice is the track to start with. Consider this your sign to give something new a go. Your next favourite song has to come from somewhere.
On repeat: Alice
8. Zipporah
For when the playlist needs a little soul.
For the slower moments, the late-night listening sessions and the days when you want to properly sit with a song, Zipporah deserves a place in the mix.
Bringing a soulful touch to her music, she’s an artist to keep on your radar when you’re in the mood for something a little more reflective. White Flag is the one to add to your rotation for those moments when the vibe calls for less noise and more feeling.
On repeat: White Flag
9. Surely Shirley
For the soft, dreamy side of summer.
Not every summer soundtrack needs to be full volume. Sometimes the mood calls for something dreamy, a little romantic and perfect for those afternoons that somehow turn into evenings.
Surely Shirley brings that softer energy to the lineup with Heartblush. Add it to the playlist for the windows-down drives, long lunches and moments when you want life to feel a little bit like a movie.
On repeat: Heartblush
10. PASH
For when it’s time to turn things up.
Every summer playlist needs a wildcard. The track that changes the energy, gets everyone asking what’s playing and takes things in a completely different direction.
PASH rounds out our list with Tracy, giving you one more artist to explore and another reason to get out of your usual listening habits. Add it to the mix and see where the mood takes you.
On repeat: Tracy
Your summer soundtrack? Sorted.
Whether you’re chasing a little R&B, something to sing along to, a late-night favourite or your next musical obsession, these 10 artists are a good place to start.
The best playlists are the ones that grow with you, so take this as your sign to get exploring, save a few new favourites and give your usual rotation a well-deserved refresh.
Whatever the mood, you’re covered.
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