Every month we select 6 artists that we are stoked about, and this month we're back with 6 more that we think you should keep tabs on. With no further introduction needed, here is the lineup of March 2024.

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Elias Hix

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Recommended Tracks: "Mud-Stained Dress," "Empty June," and "Stones & Waves"

Spotify Monthlies: 139,573

Raised on a South Carolina cattle farm, Elias Hix was immersed in nature's influence, which sparked his passion for music. Surrounded by fields and changing seasons, he drew inspiration from nature's beauty, channeling it into songs about love and life's twists and turns. Among his influences are artists like Hoizer, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Bon Iver. Every strum of the guitar and every lyric sung transports you to a world of vivid imagery and emotion.

As he honed his craft, Elias's music began to resonate with audiences far beyond the borders of his hometown. The haunting melodies of "Mud-Stained Dress" and the poignant introspection of "Empty June” have made waves in the folk community. As he continues on his musical journey, Elias Hix remains true to his roots, taking ideas from the landscapes of his youth and the experiences that have shaped him. With each new song, he invites us to join him on this journey, reminding us of the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite us all. Elias recently released a new song, “Fathers Coat”. Give it a listen! – Samantha DeCarlo

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Nick Folwarczny

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Recommended Tracks: "Long, Long While," "Drive Slow," and "The Weatherman"

Spotify Monthlies: 25,828

Nick Folwarczny creates a sound that evokes feelings of comfort and warmth. Picture sitting around a bonfire, feeling the heat of the fire on your hands while listening to the strumming of a guitar. A Columbus, Ohio native, Folwarczny establishes his warm, familiar atmosphere in his music that resonates with many folk singer-songwriters, old and new. From more popular songs like “Drive Slow,” a slow-tempo acoustic plea of a lullaby, to newer singles, “Long, Long While” a song that deserves its credit with its more upbeat sound declaring his love—Folwarczny conveys a sound you’ll lean in towards. 

Crafting music is no easy feat, especially when you're doing it on your own. Nick Folwarczny manages to write, sing, and produce most of his own songs with apparent ease. The question is how does he make it look so easy? – Julia Falcone

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HALFnHALF

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Recommended Tracks: "Isle of You," "Bad News," and "You"

Spotify Monthlies: 31,437

If you're into the vibes of The Internet, Planet Giza, or Cruza, then HALFnHALF is a must-listen. This LA-based band, with Malcolm Huss on guitar, Daiela Simon-Seay on drums, Taj Cove on keys, and Myles Anderson on bass, flawlessly blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. Their track "Bad News" immediately caught my attention with its smooth vocal harmonies and soulful instrumentation. And their latest single, "Isle of You," took me on a nostalgic journey, perfect for those laid-back summer days.

I'd absolutely love to see HALFnHALF release a live album or perform on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series and see them showcase their talent. Their fusion of blues, funk, and alternative pop shines through on every track. "You" stood out to me with its slow tempo and romantic lyricism, drawing me in with its heartfelt emotion. I highly recommend giving HALFnHALF a listen as they are ones to watch on the rise. – Marissa Duldulao

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Marlon Funaki

Hometown: Redlands, CA

Recommended Tracks: "She Knows How To Say My Name," "runnin away," and "Red Hearts"

Spotify Monthlies: 313,614

Marlon Funaki is a So-Cal native who makes some of the most transcendent music you will ever hear. He has a southern drawl that peaks between lyrics, alongside guitar tones that feel like they could be the score of an up and coming A24 film. Funaki has also been selling out shows all across California, and has been reaping the benefits of his work with a significant spike in streams over the first quarter of the year. It’s about time we give Marlon his flowers, and you can expect to see more coverage on him in the rest of the year to come. – Riley Furey

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Willow Avalon

Hometown: Athens, GA

Recommended Tracks: "Gettin' Rich, Goin' Broke," "Drivin," and "Honey Ain't No Sweater"

Spotify Monthlies: 299,968

Willow Avalon is giving a new voice to a classic sound. When she posted one of the lead singles - “Getting Rich, Going Broke” - from her latest album, “Stranger,” it amassed over 2 million views on TikTok. Viewers were quickly enamoured by the unique vocal styling she possesses as the music industry has been missing it for a long time. Willow sings with a controlled, trembling vibrato that can often be heard in traditional Country music. Her voice, along with the use of pedal steels and fiddles throughout the record, thoughtfully pays homage to the roots of Country music and is comparable to the likes of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. 

But Willow isn’t just replicating the sounds of the past - she’s creating her own too. On the album, Willow explores Pop, Americana, and Rock as well as Country throughout the 24-minute runtime. The traditional Country sound she offers is juxtaposed beautifully with the sounds of electric guitars and drums. Fans of Kacey Musgraves and Sierra Ferrel are bound to appreciate the unique styling that Willow Avalon offers. As she works to create a new space at the intersections of so many genres, the artistry she brings is sure to make even the biggest of Country music haters intrigued by her work. – Tawnie Vickers

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Cece Coakley

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Recommended Tracks: "865," "Cliché," and "Whatever"

Spotify Monthlies: 94,879

There is nothing like the clarity and empathy that radiates from the storytelling found in folk adjacent genres. Driven by strong narratives and poignant proses, to successfully deliver a good ‌indie folk song is no small feat. Despite all of these factors, 22 years old Knoxville native Cece Coakley has quite the grip on the craftsmanship that makes or breaks an artist in the crowded genre.

As she explores the waves and through of life through songwriting, Cece Coakley's discography is filled with gut-wrenching and relatable songs sure to soundtrack your best, or worst, experiences. Her single, “865” serves as a solid introduction to her sound. A track that speaks on the pieces of ourselves that we lose, either by physically leaving places that are close to us or personal growth, “865” is incredibly affirming. Backdropped by fuzzy and mildly gritty guitars, with a pinch of twangy flavors, “865” makes a case for Cece’s star power. – Olive Soki

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