Welcome to AP&R, where we highlight rising artists who are on their way to becoming your new favorite. Below, we’ve rounded up a handful of names from around the world who either just dropped music or have new music on the way very soon. These are the September up-and-comers, artists picked for their standout sound, from Spanish trap and rowdy emo to hallucinatory pop.
TV Star
TV Star conjure a mesmerizing sound that bridges the gap between free love ’60s rock and ’90s college radio. Though the Seattle band have roots in the punk scene (several of the members played in Regional Justice Center, Militarie Gun, and Video Prick, among others), their music adopts a hazier, dreamlike quality that’ll make you melt. That feeling flourishes on their latest EP, TV3, whose songs were recorded without ever being practiced. RIYL ghostly vocals, jangly guitars, and hooks that soar to the heavens. —Neville Hardman
Emei
At 23 years old, Chinese-American alt-pop artist Emei is already proving to be a force to be reckoned with. In just a few short years, the singer-songwriter has garnered a rabid fanbase both on social media and streaming platforms, hungry for more of her sticky but self-aware pop-rock. And with Sept. 15’s “Don’t Know About the World,” Emei’s cheeky forthcoming single, and a headline tour this fall, there’s certainly some satiation for her fans in sight. And though Emei might at first sound like pure and unadulterated pop, the new track quells any question that she’s giving us an alternative, cutting the syrup of it all with edgy hooks, honest witticism, and a lyrical eye-roll that’s nothing if not addictive. —Anna Zanes
Ralphie Choo
We couldn’t be more ready for rising Madrileño Ralphie Choo’s SUPERNOVA this week. The Spanish singer has had us on our toes since his debut in 2019, offering audiences a sound that fused flamenco with choppy internet trap, producing an undeniably unique baroque sort of ballad that felt lost in both time and space. However, as individual and stunning as our first taste of Choo may have been, his new album SUPERNOVA shows us he knows no limitations. Replete with Choo’s signature vocals — airy and transcendent — he continues to weave traditional Spanish soundscapes with R&B and electronica, while inviting new and unexpected sounds in, from acoustic guitar to what sounds like a literal kazoo. As further evidence of his artistry, Choo’s album received an eclectic mix of peer support, with features artists from Wet to Paris Texas — who, like a weird and welcome Easter egg, channel Travis Scott on “WHIPCREAM.” —Anna Zanes
Durry
Durry, the sibling duo of Austin and Taryn, began when they reunited in their childhood home during the pandemic lockdowns. There, they headed back down to the basement, jamming and creating songs that have since gone viral. Durry have been on a fast rise ever since — and possess the chops to back it up. Their debut album, Suburban Legend, chronicles growing up in Minneapolis, and all the highs and lows that come with it. From working weekends at the mall to overthinking at Taco Bell, Durry’s sardonic pop proves they’re built to last. —Neville Hardman
Common Sage
It’s been two years since Brooklyn emo/post-hardcore outfit Common Sage released their sophomore album, It Lives And It Breathes, itself a slight departure from their debut album and first EP — more polished, with an art-rock attitude. However, it turns out the group’s most fruitful period of growth was yet to come, and we’re about to receive its bounty. On Sept. 13, they will release their new track, “Hiraeth,” which features Jason Gleason of Further Seems Forever, and delves into themes of tragedy and trauma with tact and sonic aptitude that proves it’s all been worth the wait for Common Sage fans, new and old. Catch them on tour this month as well, with Further Seems Forever and the Juliana Theory, and perhaps you can hear the track live, in all its emo glory. —Anna Zanes
Equipment
Equipment are a rowdy four-piece formed around Nick Zander’s stirring songwriting. The Ohio emo outfit are gearing up to release their new album, Alt. Account, at the end of the month through their own label Klepto Phase, balancing a self-deprecating sneer with more hopeful cuts. The first preview, “LO/FO,” is a short-and-sweet banger that takes shots at internet trolls and urges you to look away from the screen and touch grass instead. Fans of Pool Kids, ’90s Weezer, and PUP are bound to love this rising band. —Neville Hardman
