The Playlist of My Year
Every year, my instagram feed gets flooded with Spotify Wrapped Reports, and Apple Music Replays. While I’m not someone who gets too caught up in my own replays, I do enjoy reflecting on the artists who have influenced and shaped my year. So, in the spirit of reflection and discovery, here’s a rundown of the top 5 artists who had the greatest influence on my year in 2024.
Noah Kahan
July 19th, 2024
Location: Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
I remember lying in bed, scrolling through instagram, when I came across a cover of “Growing Sideways.” That's when I came to know Noah Kahan’s music, a unique blend of folk, indie, and pop influences. While most artist have hits, only a few create chart-topping albums that continue to resonate long after its release. Kahan’s third studio album, Stick Season, is an example of his ability to tell a story with lyrics, capturing the beauty and complexity of emotions. It’s no surprise that this album has touched so many people. His connection to his hometown of Strafford, Vermont, and his deep roots in folk music have made his transition from pop to folk feel authentic. The more I listened to Noah Kahan’s music over the past year, the more I found myself exploring new writing styles, and immersing myself in the folk genre. Though Kahan has introduced many, including myself, to folk music, he is only part of a larger movement of reintroducing folk into mainstream media.
Majo Aguilar
May 31st, 2024
Location: Teatro Metropolitan in Mexico City, Mexico
Many know her as part of “ The Aguilar Dynasty,” but I know her as two-time Latin Grammy nominee Majo Aguilar. Her journey began with a cover of Ana Bárbara’s 2004 hit “Lo Busque,” which she performed with Leonardo and Ángela Aguilar in 2015. Since then, Majo has explored various genres, including pop, cumbia, ranchera, and mariachi, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Recently, she collaborated with Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan on “Luna Azul,” blending new style’s into Regional Mexican music, something that many artists have yet to explore. One of my favorite songs, “Cancion para Olvidarte,” combines the traditional mariachi sound with her unique style, distinguishing her artistry within the genre. It is exciting to rediscover the beauty of the Regional Mexican genre through Majo Aguilar’s musical journey, as she continues to build her own legacy.
Tate McRae
July 5th, 2024
Location: Cowboys Music Festival in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Tate McRae has made a name for herself not only as a renowned dancer, but also as a singer-songwriter. I’ll admit, the first time I heard her music on TikTok, I thought she might be a one hit wonder. But she’s proven me and the rest of her doubters wrong. After listening to her last two albums, I can confidently say she is a pop star. In an era where not many western artists incorporate choreography into their performances like the early 2000’s, Tate McRae has delivered some of the most show stopping performances, giving life to pop music. And she’s just getting started. A year after the release of her second studio album, Think Later, McRae is set to release her third studio album, So Close to What, on February 21, 2025. Many are calling her the new Britney Spears, but Tate McRae is paving her own way, creating a new generation of pop in her own right.
HUMBE
June 15th, 2024
Location: CUM in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Discovering Humbe’s music has been one of the highlights of my year. It’s hard to describe his music to new listeners, but I can say it’s not artificial. In a time when many artists are driven by record labels, it’s rare to discover music that feels raw and genuine. Even in the short time I’ve been listening to Humbe, I can immediately recognize his unique sound. It’s a mix of acoustic instruments, catchy melodies, and alternative elements. While many may know his song “Fantasmas” from its popularity on social media, “Te Lo Prometo” stands out as one of the most moving tracks from his 2023 album, Esencia. Already a Latin Grammy nominee at just 24, I am excited to see how his music continues to evolve in the future.
Carin León
April 26th, 2024
Location: Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California
Hands down, one of the best artists of the year is Carin León. While he is known for his Banda and Norteño music, he’s paving his way into country, R&B, and soul. It’s fascinating because, although these genres share many similarities, it’s only now that we are seeing artists truly explore them. León has been changing the game for Latin American artist, and earning respect from artists across various genres. This past year, he had a successful Coachella debut, being one of five Mexican artists to perform on the main stage. He also delivered an impressive performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and even graced the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage. It’s not everyday Latin American artists are given the opportunity to showcase their music on such big stages, but Carin León has represented his culture with pride. Versatility is rare, and that is what makes Carin León special.
