TIDAL Rising: This Week’s 5 Artists To Watch

TIDAL Rising is a dedicated showcase for today’s emerging and independent artists. Curated by the TIDAL Editors, Rising highlights artists just beginning to make waves. We’re continuously updating the Rising section’s album and track lists, but each week we highlight five special picks you really shouldn’t miss out on.

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Name: Kevin Ross
Based-In: Washington, D.C.
Sounds Like: Motown-Inspired R&B

Born in the Washington, D.C./Maryland area, Kevin Ross is an up-and-comer with great promise. Shortly after graduating from Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music he found himself traveling America’s east coast, working alongside legends such as Usher, Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx and Akon. AOL named the young soul singer their “Best New R&B Artist” in 2014 and in 2016, ASCAP too took notice, presenting Ross with their Rhythm and Soul Award just last year. Ross’ brand new single, “Pick You Up,” follows 2016’s Long Song Away EP and shows that the future’s bright for this soulful songbird.

 

Name: NAV
Based-In: Toronto, Canada
Sounds Like: Hazy TrapSoul

The mysterious sensation that is Nav has been buzzing amidst Toronto’s underground hip-hop scene for just under a year now. Nav first rose to prominence through his use of Soundcloud, boasting over 250 thousand followers to date. Seamlessly layering melodic R&B vocals over his self-produced hazy, trap-leaning beats, it’s not hard to understand his appeal. As the newest signee to fellow Toronto-native The Weeknd’s XO label, Nav released his self-titled debut mixtape just last week. Following the success of both his debut mixtape and his recently released “Some Way” single featuring The Weeknd, Nav plans to put out his eagerly awaited collaboration with heavyweight producer Metro Boomin later this year.

 

Name: Sam Gellaitry
Based-In: Stirling, Scotland
Sounds Like: Cinematic, Dreamy Electronic

Nineteen-year-old electronic music producer Sam Gellaitry has the potential to be one of the best of his generation. The teenager began making music with his older brother using Acid Pro at the ripe age of 12 and has been hooked ever since. Gellaitry left school at 16 to pursue a full-time career in music, and has since toured all over Europe, Canada and the United States. The young musician’s newest single, “Jungle Waters,” is a truly cinematic and fantastical experience that demonstrates why Gellaitry ought to be on your radar.

 

Name: ThiDaniel
Based-In: Los Angeles, CA
Sounds Like: Smooth R&B/Pop

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter ThiDaniel has already made a name for himself with the release of singles “Don’t Trip Chill Vibe” and “Purple.” With a sound that reminds us of Anderson .Paak and 6lack, ThiDaniel is perfectly at home within the new R&B that seems to be taking over. Boasting smooth vocals blended seamlessly with the production of frequent collaborator Tricky Stewart (The-Dream, Rihanna, Beyoncé), we know that the sky’s the limit for ThiDaniel. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive look at his work, be sure to check out his brand new EP, Lilac, Pt. 1.

 

Name: Slow Dancer
Based-In: Melbourne, Australia
Sounds Like: Funky Indie Pop

Slow Dancer is solo effort from Australian multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Simon Okely. The former guitarist of Oh Mercy, a Melbourne-based band, found inspiration by listening to his parent’s R&B albums while on long drives through the countryside has since crafted a sound that not only sounds good but one that he believes “feels good” as well. His new single, “Don’t Believe,” incorporates elements of pop, country, funk and soul into a final product that is at once warm and yet also somewhat melancholic.