I listened to a lot of music in 2023 and it was extremely hard to narrow this list down to just 11 artists. My only criteria for this list is that I had to listen to the band in 2023 but as I had started the elimination process, it came down to artists that perhaps moved me the most.
In alphabetical order by the artist, the 11 artists that rocked our world in 2023.
- Adult Leisure – they held the top EP of 2022 and I was thrilled to see them making a mark in 2023 too. The band just knows how to craft infectious dancey jams and yes, their current EP, Present State of Joy and Grief snags a spot in 2023.
- American Anymen – in 2022 they put metal back into my heart and continued to do so with their May 2023 release Rain Falling Up.
- The Amity Affliction – I’ll be honest, if TAA is putting out music, there’s a 100% chance I’m going to love it. That said, their latest album Not Without My Ghosts was a highlight for 2023.
- Arkona – didn’t know pagan metal existed until I discovered Arkona. Their album Kob’ was probably the best of 2023.
- Baby Schillaci – pronounced their name wrong for a good part of the year, but I learned the error of my ways and their EP Physical Only was played until my ears bled.
- Eighteen Visions – I’ve been a fan of the band for 19 years, if they release something, I’m going to love it. While I didn’t write a full review of their 2023 EP Purgatorio, it is divine.
- Kip Moore – Kip released a handful of singles and a brilliant album in 2023. Damn Love was top notch writing and once again proves he is more than just a country artist.
- Krooked Tongue – another 2022 discovery that just kept on the hard work and grind in 2023. They also once again snag a spot on the EP list. This time for their EP Deathproof.
- Lord of the Lost – Blood & Glitter should have been on my top albums of 2022. It was definitely one of the most played in 2023 as was everything else by the band. I discovered LOTL at the end of December and have been a fan since.
- Qveen Herby – when I first stumbled on Qveen Herby on Instagram, there was something familiar about her and it was when I looked into the Qveen’s herstory, is when I realised I knew her from her days in Karmin. I was super excited to see that she and the hubby were still creating magical music together. The legend also put out not one, but two EPs that are smart, sassy, and fun.
- Ren – discovered Ren via an Instagram story and was kind of intrigued by his sound. “Hi Ren” still manages to bring me to my knees in tears. I’ve loved watching Ren disrupt the system in 2023 and cannot wait to see what he does in 2024.
Listen to the selected tracks on VOLUME UP! SERIES: Issue 48 :: Volume 01 (Artists of 2023)
- Listen on Apple Music
- Listen on Spotify
