From the Site
The Top 101: Celebrating Black Excellence
February 23, 2026
Celebrate Black History Month with a few of the voices that shaped OnesToWatch.
Author:
Ones To Watch Staff
Bella Litsa’s “Drasticism” Is Mysterious, Inevitable and Undoubtedly Your Next Obsession [Q&A]
February 20, 2026
I sat down with Bella on a lovely December day to unravel the secrets of "Drasticism" over coffee, understanding the passionate journey that went into creating this incredible debut record.
Author:
Giselle Libby
Novulent’s VOL. 3 Is A Feature Film with A Carefully Crafted Script [Q&A]
February 20, 2026
Novulent captures the essence of intense attachment, heartbreak, and ultimately finding and bettering oneself in the wake of a prolific relationship.
Author:
Noah Wade
Inside Ally Evenson’s “SPEED KILLS” Short Film Debut at Brain Dead Studios [Q&A]
February 20, 2026
Minutes before her moment, we chatted with Ally about the genesis of the film, its inspirations, and of course, her Letterboxd Top 4.
Author:
Giselle Libby
Sports Hits a Career-Defining Home Run with their First Fully Self-Produced Album
February 20, 2026
Written, recorded, and entirely self-produced in a home studio they built themselves in Tulsa, the self-titled record Sports marks a creative reset for the duo, returning back to the spark that first defined them as artists.
Author:
Polina Cherezova
Welcome to Paracosm: Absolutely’s Universe of Limitless Childlike Wonder
February 20, 2026
Absolutely, a member of Ones To Watch’s class of 2026, has released her second album Paracosm, a meticulously crafted universe of whimsy that blends pop, electronica, jazz, and R&B.
Author:
Chancey Stefanos
Punk Meets Alt-Pop Meets Metal Guitar Riffs in Noshows' Double Single [Q&A]
February 20, 2026
Including tracks "FOMO" and "Last Resort," the band explores anxiety, addiction, growth, and everything in between.
Author:
DJ Connor
Genre Bending Gomeroi Artist Rox Lavi pushes boundaries to find his sound.
February 18, 2026
Raised on mum’s singing, Rox Lab has become an artist who moves between rap and indie rock with ease, carrying his story in every line.
Author:
Caitlyn Sinclair
Getting the Car Started: How Marfa Is Driving Toward Stardom
February 18, 2026
Indie rock/Americana duo Marfa, made up of Bryce Menchaca and Kellen Wall, is steadily building both a catalog and a nationwide fan base since their 2025 debut.
Author:
Taylor Brooks
Oliver Malcolm Reflects on the Dark Side of Fame With "Outside"
October 5, 2020
Malcolm channels the larger-than-life failings of rock idols into a striking stripped-back track.
Author:
Maddy Quach
Shayhan's "Godspeed" Is a Celebration of Love's Existentialism and Euphoria
June 14, 2021
Shayhan has a voice that sounds like D'Angelo and Earthgang had a baby.
Author:
Carter Fife
With 'DSM,' Van Buren Records Is Looking to Put Brockton and Themselves on the Map [Q&A]
September 12, 2022
"It’s the album of the year."
Author:
Jazmin Kylene
Op-Ed: Punk Rock Was Never Meant To Be Cool
March 25, 2022
Punk rock music was created as an outlet to escape popular trends like Top 40 radio. So what happens now?
Author:
Jimmy Smith
Rosie Darling Enters Her ‘Golden Age’ With New EP [Q&A]
August 12, 2022
Darling's sophomore effort keeps her emotions at the forefront as she navigates the isolation of a two-year pandemic.
Author:
Alessandra Rincon
glaive's "the car" Is an Infectious Joyride Through Imagined Deception
July 6, 2023
Having first teased the song on Twitter in late 2022, "the car" arrives as a bombastic tale of what if.
Author:
Alessandra Rincon
Etta Marcus Embraces Winter, Buries Summer in Her Latest Mini Album
January 31, 2024
'The Death of Summer & Other Promises' is a masterpiece of emotion and depth.
Author:
Laura Reyes
Chance Peña Embraces the Journey in 'Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming'
September 16, 2024
'Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming' delves into themes of personal growth, overcoming internal struggles, and finding strength in adversity.
Author:
Alessandra Rincon
UMI Lets Her Inner Child Run Free in "whatever u like"
May 2, 2022
"whatever u like" is the perfect soundtrack for sunnier days and minimal responsibility.
Author:
Jazmin Kylene
Frost Children’s “FLATLINE” Is the Only Thing Keeping My Blood Pumping
February 1, 2023
“FLATLINE” is simultaneously high-energy, hypnotic, and brimming with Yoshi sounds.
Author:
Carter Fife