While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of new music released everyday, finding hidden gems makes the search worth it. We’re lucky to have so much local talent in Miami and we want to highlight them! Check out our list of Miami artists to watch, you’ll find artists across a diverse range of genres, and you just may discover your new favorite artist.
10 Mustard Service
Established by a group of friends in 2015, this indie rock band has a playful style. The group, who got their name from a band name generator, have maintained their laid-back ethos while leveling up their craft. They’ve released three albums since their modest beginnings, during which they amassed a passionate fanbase in their Miami-Dade area. The band’s incorporation of Latin music styles on songs like “Pleasantries With Your Lover” brings a refreshing twist to their “zest pop” style. It also serves as a celebration of all of the members’ Latin heritage. The band is set to embark on multiple tours this year, including as support for Bombay Bicycle Club. So, they’re unlikely to remain a local secret much longer.
9 Paniik
Producer, singer, jack-of-all trades artist Paniik is also a well-versed audio engineer. Be it Pop, R&B, or Hip Hop, the budding songwriter has an ear for the latest music trends. He’s worked with artists like Cardi B, London on Da Track, Clean Bandit, and more. Paniik has garnered over 7 million streams thanks to his own artist project, as well as his impressive list of collaborations. Part of the BE music and Bay Eight family, and a highly requested producer among our clients, we know it’s only a matter of time before his client list becomes exclusive. If you’d like to work with Paniik, take your chance now before it’s too late!
8 Dyna Edyne
“I started making music seriously after finding myself & simultaneously leaving a toxic relationship. I always knew since I was young that I wanted to do music but I never had the guts until this experience.” – Edyne to Wimitla
Miami raised, Haitian-American Dyna Edyne describes her music as a combination of Hip Hop, R&B, and Afrobeats. It’s perfectly suited for the current music landscape while full of callbacks to legendary artists like Aaliyah and Erykah Badu. This rising star was featured on Ones to Watch for “The Dome” off of her 2021 album “Mahogany.” She’s also opened for artists like Mariah the Scientist and Wale. Her stunning visuals and sultry voice, even her “tree woman” ethos are all perfectly aligned with her distinct brand. It’s only a matter of time before Edyne takes the world by storm. Check out her 2023 4-track EP titled “Soft Era.”
7 Cannibal Kids
Childhood friends Damian Gutierrez and Dustin Diaz have been making music together since they were kids. Their differing influences eventually converged in Cannibal Kids‘ tropical pop sound. The band takes inspiration from genres as far-reaching as Japanese City Pop, jazz, and indie rock. After establishing a modest but loyal fanbase in Miami, the band embarked on multiple tours, serving as support for artists like Chelsea Cutler and Young the Giant. While their progression was stalled by the pandemic (the band’s second studio album, Deadheads, was released in 2o2o), the band is set to have a big year. They’re currently scheduled to play number of shows in the Florida area, including Miami Indie Night on May 17.
6 Moliy
“The popularity of mainstream sound can almost make you feel like you can’t succeed if you don’t do what everyone else is doing.” – Moliy in Rare Peace
@moliymusic New feature alert 💧 @Libianca X @BlaqBonez x Wondergirl – #weightofmyshoulder #WOMS out now! #newmusic #afrobeats
♬ W.O.M.S (Weight On My Shoulder) – Libianca & Blaqbonez & Moliy
You’ve probably heard afropop artist Moliy‘s biggest hit even if you don’t recognize her name. Moliy’s collaboration with Amaarae, “Sad Girl Luv Money” became a Tik Tok sensation after the release of a remix featuring Kali Ulchis. While the song has over 400 million streams on Spotify, the Ghanaian-American is still making a name for herself. The afropop artist has been candid about the self-doubt that can come from wanting to do something different, especially with the current popularity of afrobeats. However, making the music that feels natural to her has clearly paid off.
While Moliy is still building her brand as an artist, she has served as a songwriter on projects by M.anifest, Fousheé, Boj, and more. The singer released her first full length album, “Honey Doom” in 2022. Since then, Moliy has continued to release a steady stream of collaborations. We can’t get enough of “W.O.M.S.” with afrobeat artist Libianca.
5 Daramola
I co-Produced Rasta Reggae (Jamming) by @FarrukoOfficial for the Bob Marley @OneLoveMovie —- in this video I talk a little bit about how I sampled the original track by Bob cc @Neon16_ @Tainy pic.twitter.com/R2JyoaGg9x
— daramola (@itsdaramola) February 21, 2024
Born in Nigeria to Gospel singer Gbemi Olaleye, Miami-based Daramola has been making waves in the music industry for a while now. Both a producer and an artist under his own name, the multi-hyphenate’s work with Farruko was recently featured in the Bob Marley movie “One Love.” The producer has worked with artists like Brisco, Andy Mineo, and Grammy award-winning rapper Lecrae. His collaboration with Danny Ocean and Dylan Fuentes “Bailame en los besos,” has more than 12 million streams on Spotify. In his own music, Daramola often incorporates his Yoruba heritage. This artist to watch seamlessly maneuvers between some of todays hottest genres, even venturing into what he calls “an experimental Latin/Naija mash up”, which is something we didn’t realize we needed until now.
4 Maye
@mayetogo wrote this 6 years ago should i droppppp, who should i invite to feature ?
Born in Caracas, bilingual pop star Maye‘s family immigrated to the US when she was just two years old. Her father, Latin Grammy awarded singer-songwriter Fernando Osario, worked with artists like Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, and Luis Enrique.While Maye has made a name for herself in the indie pop world, the father-daughter duo occasionally collaborate. Both wrote on pop artist Danny Ocean’s “Dime Tu.”
Maye, who is currently signed to Warner Chappell Music, is best known for 2019’s “Tu.” The song garnered more than 70 million streams after being featured on Obama’s Summer 2020 playlist. In addition to touring with indie darlings like Faye Webster and The Marias, the artist filmed a a Tiny Desk Concert during the pandemic in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Despite her long list of accomplishments, Maye is still widely considered to be an “underrated” artist, a designation we certainly hope to see change.
3 Gaby G
Formerly known as Native Youth, Miami-native Gaby Guerrero has been making music since her teenage years, after learning to DJ from her father. With influences like Alina Baraz and Doja Cat, the artist is best known for her Alternative R&B and Drum & Bass grooves. Still, she remains a singer-songwriter at heart. Guerrero had a brief stint in Los Angeles, where she partook in a VEVO DJ competition in which she placed as a finalist, but she’s since returned to Miami. She released an EP titled “Suave” with Miami-based producer Coffintexts early this year, and can be found playing sets at local favorites like Over Under Miami and Thorn Miami.
2 Musiana
By the time Viviana Baptista moved to Miami at 19, she was already a well-versed musician thanks to her upbringing in a creative family. The genre-blending singer-songwriter has written for major artists like Thalia, Leslie Grace, and Tini. She recently released her first album as Musiana, titled “Son Del Mar.” The Venezuela-born artist told The Miami New Times, “I worked on it for three years…It has different genres, lots of percussions, some bolero, some R&B, experimental vibes. It’s for my grandmother and the ancestral lineage before me.” In addition to touring with artists like The Marias and Maye, you can find her performing local shows at venues like MiamiBlocCo.
1 Lucas Home
Every once in a while, a brilliant artist comes seemingly out of nowhere. Twenty-four year old rapper Lucas Home has racked up over 40,000 Spotify listeners despite only having released five songs. Last year’s “Master / Action” garnering almost 500,000 Spotify listens. While the artists didn’t listen to rap growing up, he’s since made himself a student of the genre. He cites artists like JID, Nas, and Mos Def among his favorites. The artist and producer is a DIY musician, having previously produced and mixed and mastered his projects. His eye for visuals has even led him to direct videos for other artists. Check out his newly released sing, “17,” which was recently featured on Spotify’s “Hip Hop Fresh Finds” playlist.
