Growing up, I thought I was “normal.” Whatever that means.
Basically, I thought I was a heterosexual cisgender female.
My parents discouraged dating until I was serious about it potentially resulting in marriage. I had no desire for marriage; therefore, I did not see the point in dating. Oftentimes, my friends tried to pressure me and my male friends to confess that we had feelings for one another; and over time, I started to believe that I actually did. I believed that I wanted to grow up, fall in love with one of these boys, and get married. That’s what happened in the movies, so I thought it was real.
Most of the time, kids think dating and kissing are gross; but by the time puberty hits, everyone seems to only care about dating, having their first kiss, or losing their virginity. Well, the opposite thing happened to me. When I was a teenager, I realized I didn’t care about boys as much as the girls around me did. However, I also did not care about the girls.
While I started to realize not just an indifference but almost a repulsion towards intimacy, my friends were letting their hormones get the best of them.
My guy friends would attempt to find any socially-acceptable way to get close to me; whether it was through hugging or casually brushing up against me. I avoided this as much as I could and vocally expressed my discomfort. Many told me that I would have to get used to it if I was ever going to get married. I insisted that that was not going to be a problem because I did not want to get married. Their response? You’ll change your mind.
After conversations with people who were convinced that no man could survive being a virgin, I was provoked to research well-known, accomplished individuals who were known to practice celibacy. This led me to discover another term: asexual or “ace.”
In my research, I found persons throughout history who may not have necessarily practiced celibacy for religious reasons as many believe. Instead, they were asexuals; persons who either have complete lack of interest in sex or are even disgusted by it. To put it simply, sex turns you off instead of on. Finding a term to identify what I had been feeling and also realizing that there were other people like me just made me feel not alone.
Still, when I was realizing my sexual identity or… lack of it, asexuality was often cast aside.
Although the term “LGBT” has always been representative of a diverse and inclusive community; it still made a lot of people, like me, feel excluded. Eventually, Q was added to sort of please everyone as it represented “queer” or “questioning”. However, “I” (intersex) and “A” (asexual) have since been added along with a plus sign to represent more sexualities and gender identities. Even then, many believe the “A” is for ally, an advocate for a group other than their own.
Asexual – A broad spectrum of sexual orientations generally characterized by feeling varying degrees of sexual attraction or a desires for partnered sexuality. Asexuality is distinct from celibacy, which is the deliberate abstention from sexual activity, despite sexual desire. Some asexual people do have sex and do experience varying levels of sexual attraction. (LGBTQIA Resource Center)
With the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ community continuing to grow, it’s important that we all recognize and understand each other’s identities. According to the LGBTQIA Resource Center, here is an abbreviated glossary:
Androgyne – A person with a gender that is both masculine and feminine or in between masculine and feminine.
Aromantic – A romantic orientation generally characterized by not feeling romantic attraction or a desire for romance. Aromantic people can be satisfied by friendship and other non-romantic relationships. Many aromantic people also identify with a sexual orientation, such as asexual, bisexual, etc.
Bisexual – A person whose primary sexual and affectional orientation is toward people of the same and other genders, or towards people regardless of their gender. Some people may use bisexual and pansexual interchangeably.
Cisgender – A gender identity, or performance in a gender role, that society deems to match the person’s assigned sex at birth. The prefix cis- means “on this side of” or “not across”. A term used to highlight the privilege of people who are not transgender.
Demisexual – A sexual orientation in which someone feels sexual attraction only to people with whom they have an emotional bond. Most demisexuals feel sexual attraction rarely compared to the general population; and some have little to no interest in sexual activity. Demisexuals are considered to be on the asexual spectrum.
Gay – A sexual and affectional orientation toward people of the same gender.
Gender Fluid/Genderfluid – A person whose gender identification and presentation shifts, whether within or outside of societal, gender-based expectations. Being fluid in motion between two or more genders.
Gender Non-conforming (GNC) – Adjective for people who do not subscribe to societal expectations of typical gender expressions or roles. The term is more commonly used to refer to gender expression (how one behaves, acts, and presents themselves to others) as opposed to gender identity (one’s internal sense of self).
Heteronormativity – Attitudes and behaviors that incorrectly assume gender is binary, ignoring genders besides women and men; and that people should and will align with conventional expectations of society for gender identity, gender expression, and sexual and romantic attraction.
Intersex – An umbrella term to describe a wide range of natural body variations that do not fit neatly into conventional definitions of male or female. Intersex variations may include, but are not limited to, variations in chromosome compositions, hormone concentrations, and external and internal characteristics.
Lesbian – Usually, a woman whose primary sexual and affectional orientation is toward people of the same gender. However, some nonbinary people also identify as lesbians, often because they have some connection to womanhood and are primarily attracted to women. (See nonbinary below)
Nonbinary – A gender identity and experience that embraces a full universe of expressions and ways of being that resonate for an individual; moving beyond the male/female gender binary. It may be an active resistance to binary gender expectations and/or an intentional creation of new unbounded ideas of self within the world.
Pansexual, Omnisexual – Terms used to describe people who have romantic, sexual or affectional desire for people of all genders and sexes. Has some overlap with bisexuality and polysexuality (not to be confused with polyamory).
Polysexual – People who have romantic, sexual, or affectional desire for more than one gender. Not to be confused with polyamory. Has some overlap with bisexuality and pansexuality.
Queer – One definition of queer is abnormal or strange. Historically, queer has been used as an epithet/slur against people whose gender, gender expression and/or sexuality do not conform to dominant expectations…Not all people who identify as LGBTQIA use “queer” to describe themselves. The term is often considered hateful when used by those who do not identify as LGBTQIA.
Questioning – The process of exploring one’s own gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation. Some people may also use this term to name their identity within the LGBTQIA community.
Transgender – An adjective used most often as an umbrella term and frequently abbreviated to “trans”. Identifying as transgender, or trans, means that one’s internal knowledge of gender is different from conventional or cultural expectations based on the sex that person was assigned at birth.
Nonetheless, asexuality is still misunderstood and underrepresented among other sexual orientations and identities. Asexuals are such a small percentage in the LGBTQIA+ community (about 1% of the population) that they are often overlooked. Many people, both heterosexuals and even those in the LGBTQIA+ community, do not believe asexual is legitimate. It’s difficult for those who experience sexual attraction to believe that others can live without sex. Or may not even want it at all.
Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones in Riverdale (CW)
The CW Network is a proponent of LGBTQIA+ representation in their TV shows. Riverdale features characters who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual. Despite Jughead Jones being asexual in Archie Comics, it appears that the show’s creators have decided to ignore this aspect of the character. Hopefully, Jughead can come to discover his asexuality later. Cole Sprouse, who plays Jughead, and show creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa have both hinted that the character may eventually discover it. If so, it would be long-overdue ace representation for TV. Because Jughead has a girlfriend on the show, it could also prove to be an interesting and moving storyline as it deals with the fact that you can be asexual and still love someone.
Continuing to see lots of positive representation in entertainment for the rest of the community, but not asexual, is just another reminder that there is still more work to do before we are accepted even among our friends.
One thing I really love about my asexuality is that it allows me to be a better friend to my friends who are also in the community. I believe that if I were not asexual, I could not have true empathy for those who share with me not just the joys but also the struggles and hardships of being “different”. Although this community is diverse, we have similar experiences that allow us to understand and relate to one another better. While I’m still learning how to accept and love myself, this exploration has definitely helped me be able to love more sincerely.
Valentine’s Day is upon us, the day that is ever-so-sweet (or absolutely bittersweet). Some of us might be set with the perfect date. Some might be trying to grab that cute barista’s attention. And some of us are probably cursing all those in love. Regardless of what the day brings forth, it never hurts to fall in love with books! Here are 18 global books that tell tales of the most complicated emotion: love.
North America
United States: That Could Be Enough – Alyssa Cole
Opposites truly attract! Mercy has a tight lid on her emotions, but Andromeda enters her life with the intent to open them up. This historical novella narrates the unexpected love between two strong Black women.
Haiti: Island Beneath the Sea – Isabel Allende
Set during the Haitian Revolution, the story spans over four decades, recounting the lives of a Frenchman, Valmorain and a mixed race courtesan, Tété. Island Beneath the Sea shows us how love can be found amidst loss whilst forging one’s identity.
Mexico: Cry No More – Linda Howard
In an attempt to avoid her tragic past, Milla helps find missing children. As she uncovers more about the cases, Mila suddenly finds herself to be the hunted. With the help of a tracker, Diaz, Cry No More leaves us with the thrills of danger, suspense and love.
Valmiki’s Daughter revolves around familial love; the love between a successful father and his protected daughter in a seemingly perfect household. Together, they come to explore the complexities of race, gender, class and sexuality.
Colombia: Love in the Time of Cholera – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
More than fifty years ago, he first declared his love for her. Now, a second chance is given to him. Separated by years, affairs and a marriage, Love in the Time of Cholera narrates the once youthful love between Florentino and Fermina.
Brazil: Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands – Jorge Amado
Long time widow Dona Flor is urged by her friends to remarry. All seems well in her new marriage — until the ghost of her first husband makes an appearance. With a comical writing, it expresses the duality of the human spirit and the complicated notions of love.
Europe
Germany: Kulti – Marianna Zapata
Sal experienced the worst non-breakup of her imaginary relationship with her football (soccer) idol. What happens now when the ex-love-of-her-life-who-doesn’t-know-she-exists becomes her coach? Kulti shows us how there can be two sides of the person we love.
Hungary: Csardas – Diane Pierson
With two world wars as the backdrop, this historical saga follows an aristocratic family as they aim to survive through war and peace. Aptly-named after a Hungarian folk dance, it tells the tales of love found and lost in the most turbulent of times.
Italy: Call Me By Your Name – Andre Aciman
Unprepared for the consequences of their attraction, Elio and Oliver slowly and fascinatingly test the romance blossoming. Yet as the connection deepens, the time shortens. The author captures the raw and blunt moments of human passion in this coming-of-age novel.
Africa
Sierra Leone: The Memory of Love – Aminatta Forna
Intertwining the lives of three men — Elias, Adrian and Kai — and their loves, The Memory of Love explores all the facets of love. Words of wisdom pours forth from the book around topics like friendship, betrayal, PTSD and heartbreak.
South Africa: Such A Lonely, Lovely Road – Kagiso Lesego Molope
Realizing they are different from the rest of the boys at school, Kabelo and Sediba are tormented by conflicting desires and the risk of scorn from their peers. All in all, the story captures their beautiful growth and courage while falling in love.
Nigeria: When Broken Chords Sing – Abimbola Dare
Trapped in a vicious cycle of abuse and broken promises, Destiny’s dream for the perfect family is shattered. In a society that only silences the notions of domestic violence, she finds the strength to make her voice heard. This powerful novella tells the darker, unspoken side of marriage.
Asia
Azerbaijan: Ali and Nino – Kurban Said
An Asian Muslim boy falls for a European Christian princess, intending to marry her. War tests Ali’s loyalty between his people and his future bride. Ali and Nino is a timeless classic about love in the face of war as it transcends religion and culture.
Sri Lanka: Funny Boy – Shyam Selvadurai
Likes to dress up. Likes to put on make-up. That makes Arjie “funny”, right? A young boy falling in love with another boy makes him an oddity in his rigid society. The simple yet intense narration shows us how Arjie comes in terms with his sexuality amidst a growing civil riot.
Japan: Train Man – Hitori Nakano
An introverted boy defends a girl from a drunk; then somehow ends up in new relationship that he himself can barely comprehend. The only solution is to turn to an online message board. Hundreds of anonymous citizens help our dear hero, from what to wear on the date to stern parent-like warnings in this heartwarming romcom.
Australia & Oceania
Samao: Scar of the Bamboo Leaf – Sieni A M
The gentle Kiva is immediately drawn to the misunderstood, angry Ryler who stumbles into her family’s art center. Together, a friendship is developed amidst the art and culture, further growing into something deeper. Unforeseen circumstances tear the new love apart, but only time will truly tell if the two opposites were ever meant to be.
New Zealand: Green Dolphin Street – Elizabeth Goudge
Moody yet brilliant Marianne and dreamy, quiet Marguerite both fall for the hypnotic William. In a letter, he proposes to Marianne; but soon circumstances soon show he addressed the wrong sister. A stunning tale of love and loss marks Green Dolphin Street as one of the most memorable stories set in New Zealand.
Australia: The Butterfly Hunter – Julie Bozza
A gentle, magical relationship blossoms between a bush guide and a lone English tourist looking for unknown species of butterflies in the Outback. The Butterfly Hunter narrates a seemingly simple love story, but it truly shows that there can be so much depth and power in simplicity.
Sister duo Chloe x Halle released the video for “Ungodly Hour”, the title track of their second studio album; dropping jaws by delivering another visual banger.
The video drop made good use of the steam rolling from a fun Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon appearance earlier in the evening. It gave fans the gift of more captivating visuals to accompany songs from the album they’ve already come to love. While the third video release from their latest EP isn’t a departure from the sensual afro-futuristic aesthetic of its predecessors, we are transported to an entirely different world — one where our sirens are the undisputed subjects of worship and self-love.
The video opens panning the splayed electrical cables of a damaged intergalactic laboratory. Chloe x Halle are center stage; pulsing to the beat as a sort of mesmerizing and sentient artificial intelligence experiment gone wrong.
The motif tracks with the lyrics of the song; the message of which is one of someone bored with the trivial leanings of an insecure would-be suitor.
In this world, Chloe and Halle are both powerful celestial beings urging the listener to get back to them when they’ve stopped “playing silly games” and learned to embrace their imperfections. Themes of restriction and brokenness play out visually alongside those of elevation and deification with a measure of raw poise and regality that only Chloe x Halle can bring to life.
Remarkably, the set design and wardrobe for this project are still among the best assembled for any mainstream U.S. artists in the last few months; truly only rivaling their own recent works.
They continue to play with textures and creative angles that deliver more shots of their signature latex-clad synchronized body roll; and add beautiful frames expressing the spirits of their separate deities. Chloe takes on a strong and confident deity with visual nods to the Hindu goddess, Durga. Halle embodies an ethereal goddess of love bearing a crown of light. Each individual depiction layers the video in ways that are asymmetrical and still complementary; which continues to be a strength of their well-honed aesthetic.
Overall, the video works well in concert with the message of the single itself:
You can only really give love once you have learned to love yourself.
With the art direction stemming from the album thus far, no one would be upset if every track got some type of video treatment. But diehards be aware: It won’t be long before other projects mark an end to the Ungodly Hour visual era. For now, Chloe x Halle and their fans should celebrate what many would call a flawless media run for a great album and cohesive musical moment.
What did you think of the “Ungodly Hour” music video? Sound off below!
Latin music is renowned as passionate and unforgettable. The first to break language barriers in the mainstream music industry, its popularity has risen since. As a result, many Latin musicians such as Shakira, Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny are instantly recognizable to the majority.
Here are 13 other popular Latin artists to check out:
Natalia Lafourcade (Mexico)
Modern day music is usually encapsulated by rhythmic electro and trap beats. However, Natalia Lafourcade makes it a point to revive the roots of the Latin community. This singer-songwriter is known for her folk and pop rock music. With eleven Latin Grammy awards and one Grammy award, her success cannot be overlooked.
Christian Nodal (Mexico)
At eighteen, Christian Nodal’s debut album was met with incredible success. The proof can be found with his three Latin Grammy awards. His style blends sounds from the genres of ranchero and mariachi.
Sech (Panama)
Many of the biggest Latin stars come from Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Experiencing a global breakthrough back in 2019, Sech has managed to bring Panama into the Latin scenes. His sensual, soothing vocals brought back the softer side of reggaeton.
Natti Natasha (Dominican Republic)
With a debut single released in 2012, Natti Natasha has been in the industry for awhile. However, it was not until her collaborations with other popular artists in 2017 that she attained the success she’d been dreaming of. Natasha has stated that she was always met with skepticism as a woman. This fueled her to explore many different genres, as can be seen in her discography.
Ludmilla (Brazil)
At twenty-five, she is already considered to be one of Brazil’s finest funk pop stars. Her songs and videos are incredibly versatile with no regards to societal norms; and boldly delivers her musical statements. Ludmilla is also the first Black Latin-American to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify.
Sebastian Yatra (Colombia)
Colombia’s Revelation Singer. That was the title bestowed upon Sebastian for the surprisingly different musical tones when compared with other artists. His songs are noted as traditional, romantic lyrical ballads with touches of modern reggaeton.
T-Vice (Haiti)
T-Vice is a popular Haitian group known for their memorable lyrics and rhythmic beats. They take musical inspirations from reggae, meringue, flamenco and rock ’n roll to deliver songs that would enhance a typical party’s atmosphere.
Rauw Alejandro (Puerto Rico)
With his self-choreographed dance moves and rap flow, Rauw Alejandro is on the rise in the Latin community. His style ranges smooth tunes of R&B to upbeat trap music. Released in 2020, his first studio-length album plays more with reggaeton.
Cami (Chile)
Cami is one of the most promising artists from Chile. With her pop and rock ballads, she fit comfortably into the world of music. The profound, amorous and emotional lyrics — that she writes herself — only add to her ever-growing appeal.
Mau y Ricky (Venzuela)
Brother duo Mau and Ricky are notable for their incredible songwriting skills, having written smashing hits like Ricky Martin’s “Vente Pa’ Ca”. Accordingly, they are garnering recognition for their own music, a blend of Latin pop and reggaeton. Their debut album peaked at No.3 on the Billboard Latin charts.
Ren Kai (Ecuador)
The lead singer of “The Cit”, Ren Kai is no stranger to the world of music. His romantic lyrics encompassed in the electro-pop beats are incredibly catchy and it is clear why he rose in fame in his home country.
Camilo Echeverry (Colombia)
This songwriter has written for many well-known artists like Becky G and Bad Bunny. Apart from his lyricism, Camilo is easily recognizable for his airy tenor vocals. The blend of his voice with his pop songs continues to lure the masses.
Khea (Argentina)
In a stance to make Argentina known in the world of music, Khea is successfully doing just that within a span of five years. Originally coming from the trap scene, this artist continues to dabble in different genres as he professes his raw lyrics on love and hardships.
Just as diverse as the people, the music of Latin America can cater to everyone’s taste. What songs will you be adding to your playlist?
Since COVID-19 hit the world, people have been cooped up in their homes trying to find ways to stay entertained. Turning to work Zooms, homemade crafts, and even cooking crazes can only last so long. So what happens when people want to explore fun things while staying safe in their home? They turn to something that’s been there since the start — the internet! More specifically, the online gaming community.
Why has online gaming gained so much traction in popular media?
Online gaming has been on the rise since the pandemic started; and the industry has been able to thrive in these trying times. It allows people to stay in touch while having an outlet for the stress many of us are facing. Stress can be relieved in a peaceful way, like managing an island or town in games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, or it can be controlled in more active games like Valorant and Among Us.
The popularity doesn’t only come in being able to play these games, but also the ability to stream them for others to watch. Gaming streamers have been a huge part in certain games taking the spotlight on various social media sites like Twitter, YouTube, and even TikTok.
With such a huge and growing variety of options, online gaming has taken more than just teens by storm. TechJury’s collected stats state that in 2020 the average age of a gamer is 34, and around 60% of Americans play video games. This means it’s never too late to pick it up if you’re on the hunt for a new hobby.
With the internet being as accessible as it is nowadays, the selection of gaming technology has grown immensely. From consoles like Xbox and PlayStation to laptops and cellphones, games are accessible on pretty much anything with an internet connection. This has allowed the gaming community to grow rapidly without too many issues of obtainability. The real struggle comes down to how much do you want to invest in your favorite game?
The answer to this question is surprisingly easy. You simply have to play games and call yourself a “gamer”. While the community is sometimes known for being toxic and having a lot of gatekeepers, don’t let that keep you from having fun! Being a “gamer” is quite literally described as someone who plays games. There aren’t set rules for how many games you have to play or a style you have to play to fit into the category, despite what some might say. There isn’t even a required setup to be a “gamer”. You can play on whatever you want, there’s plenty of wiggle room. The only requirements are that you have to have fun and use the “gamer” label when you want to.
Online gaming could easily continue growing, even as the pandemic ends. With many people picking up streaming, there are plenty of aspects and platforms to explore in the gaming community.
What will be the next “big thing” in the gaming community?
For many, moving to the big city is a sort of dream. For creatives in particular, the move to a big city could mean actually having the resources to pursue your craft. The shine of the bright lights and golden opportunities draws people, hoping for a better life. With that said, you shouldn’t necessarily move the moment the chance pops up. However, if you start planning and preparing now, you’ll be ready when the time comes, even if it’s last minute. Above all else, you want to consider what the move will mean for your life and whether it’s the best thing for you.
What cities are at the top of your list? Every place offers a different rhythm, and finding the right beat for you is all part of the fun. Start by thinking about what you want to get out of your move and narrow it down from there. It’s a lot of work, but with time, patience, and solid research, it’ll be worthwhile. Besides, you won’t truly know how much you’ll love it until you actually get there. Good luck!
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Subscribe to local magazine and newspaper newsletters
You’ll get a lay of things going on in the city from a local’s perspective and be introduced to the neighborhoods and culture there.
Look for resources and programs that support your hobbies and interests. Find out where the good hiking trails are, and see what enrichment programs the local library has, and check out museums. See what leisure classes are available at local colleges and universities. Check for makers markets and artists collectives, subscribe to their newsletters, and follow them on social media.
Estimate the cost of living
The starving artist trope is overrated: Ask yourself is how much it costs to live in the city. Compare the cost of living of where you currently live to your target city at Numbeo so that you can plan for budget changes. How much money will you have to spend just to get by? Cities can be far more expensive than many people imagine. Even if you don’t need a car because of good public transport, you still need to think carefully about how your money will be spent. Public transport isn’t free, and wages tend to be significantly higher, pushing up the costs of any services you might want to use.
Seek affordable housing in the big city
Housing is a major priority when you’re looking to move. It’s better to have some ideal spots before you get there. Not only houses or apartments, but neighborhoods as well. Additionally, you want to make sure that moving is financially viable, even if there’s a job opportunity on the horizon. The FHA FAQs does a good job breaking down financing and other factors to consider if you’re looking to buy instead of rent. You’ll want a mortgage that doesn’t consume more than 30 percent of your disposable, after-tax income. Crunch the numbers to be sure you’ll have sufficient funds to live life on your terms in the city.
Check the weather
Consider what the weather will be like in the new place. Cities can differ vastly in their climate, even in the same country. You can be baking hot all year in Las Vegas, but spend six months in relatively icy conditions or rain somewhere like Seattle. Do you want to live somewhere that gets all four seasons, or would you prefer a warmer climate where you can wear breezy clothing all year round? There’s somewhere for everyone!
Research the job market
Maybe you haven’t yet struck gold in your creative field or maybe you have no interest in turning your creative passion into a career. Unless you’re doing remote work that can move with you, consider whether the city’s job market offers everything you need. That could be a day job to hold you over or a long-term career move.
Also, some cities have attractive house prices, but problematic economies. You might be able to easily find an affordable place to live, but no one willing to hire you. And even if you take a job, you might have to put up with a significantly lower wage, which lower housing costs don’t make up for. Research well to find your best fit.
Consider big city nightlife
Where you are in life can impact what you’re looking for when it comes to the city nightlife. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to only include bars and clubs. Nightlife can also encompass other things the city has to offer, like restaurants and even late-opening museums. Going to a quiet place might not be the best option for you if you’re the sort of person who loves socializing and getting to know people the moment you go to a new city. Weigh all of your options to see where you’d love to hang out after dark.
Tour as much as you can
Every city has it’s own history, culture, and vibe. To make sure it’s in alignment with who you are as well as your lifestyle, take a tour of your desired city given by a well-connected guide before you move. In person is your safest bet, but technology has advanced enough for digital to work if accessible transportation isn’t available. Regardless of how you get there, you learn so much being a tourist in your own city. Plus, all those tidbits you gain can be passed along to visitors when they come to see you!
It’s best to visit and live like a local for a few days. See the different neighborhoods in person. Visit local grocery stores and other businesses. Get a feel for how you might get around town after you move: City bus? Subway? How is the traffic? Check what the rideshare and services are like if you use them. If you practice a religion or faith, visit places of worship and connect with the people there.
Give yourself time to get acclimated to the new city
Be okay with being new. Explore your new city and feel comfortable getting lost because even with GPS you’ll probably get turned around.
Make connections with Meetup and other networking platforms
No joke, Meetup needs to be stop #1. By filtering your interests, you’ll find your people. Every city has a mix of free and paid events where you can engage in your creative interests directly. There are photo walks, retro film nights, improv, and tango dancing, to name a few. You can also just hang out with other people that do what you do or join a group for something casual like drinks or food. It’s extremely helpful and low threat because no one is going to show up who isn’t at least lightly interested in the thing(s) that you are. You can also try out Bumble BFF and subscribe to Discords of local meetup groups.
Use coffee shop community message boards
It’s old school, but by using this method, you’re going be able to get a mix of social events. You might find folks giving lessons, advertising for studio spaces, and other activities from organizers who love posting on those boards. You can also invest in the best custom stickers cheap and slap them on anything so people recognise who you are. A little personal branding can go a long way, and stickers are a fun way to brand and market yourself as a creative, especially if you are planning to freelance!
Find a space for your craft
Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or in another field entirely, this is the place where you can stretch your creative muscles. If it’s in a common space, the likelihood for social connections increases, too. Alone or among others, this location will help you to immediately get back into your creative groove and make your new city begin to feel like home. Pick somewhere you feel comfortable, relaxed, and inspired. Also, you can choose a spot where there are decent places nearby if you want a break for food, people watching, or a walk.
Meet your neighborhood
Really get to know the history and culture of your specific neighborhood. The city may be sprawling, but it’s so nice to get cozy with everything right around your block. Additionally, it’s a good idea to know where to find your nearest hospital, international market, movie theater, neighborhood bar, playground, safe gas stations, and more. That way, you’ll feel more secure and respect everything around you.
Make finding your new favorite places an adventure
Discovery doesn’t end after you’re all moved in and settled. New people, places, and things are popping up every day, so making sure you continue exploring. It could also work magic to keep your creative ideas fresh and flowing. You’ll have a delicious time finding a Thai spot that rivals your favorite from home or stumbling upon a boutique theater that plays hard-to-find indie films. It’s even better if you can get recommendations from peeps who’ve been there longer and can go with you to try them out.
Keep in touch with your existing social groups
Relationships are precious, and there are so many tools available now to stay connected. Set up weekly — or monthly — virtual hangout sessions with your friends and family. This could be on video conference platforms, like Zoom, or something more interactive like a video game, such as Nintendo Switch, Playstation, or classic computer RPGs.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a writer, a blogger, or just enjoy the art of words, you know that you’ll want to expand your talent over time. It’s good to start with the basics, and before long, you’ll likely want to take it to another level. Though it comes naturally to some, writing is a skill that can improve and transform. There are a variety of styles and creative outlets, and you’ll know which lane is right for you by trying them out. Practice isn’t only limited to jotting down your stream of consciousness in a notebook or blogging about your hobbies and interests online. There are plenty of apps for writers than can help you hone your craft as well.
If you aren’t very confident as a writer right now and want a little help, many different tools can assist you. Of course, you shouldn’t rely on apps and software all of the time, but they can act as an amazing supplement. Apps can take what knowledge you already have and boost it up a few notches. Plus, they can be fun, too! Here some of our favorite tools and apps for writers, students and others looking to bulk up their skills (or simply pass the time).
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Note: The following apps are centered on English spelling and grammar.
Spelling and Grammar Apps
Even if you’re a fantastic proofreader with all of the knowledge in the world regarding spelling and grammar, you’re still only human. Humans make mistakes because we aren’t robots. Spelling and grammar checks come with many programs, but you can stay ahead of it by leveraging apps dedicated to them. They’re great for spotting potential edits and guiding you through a more improved piece of text you provided. Over time, you can learn to catch more of them with your own trained eye.
Sometimes, you might get stuck on a word, or worse, have full-blown writer’s block. That’s absolutely fine and happens to most people. When you aren’t able to express yourself in the way that you desire, some apps can provide fresher words so new ideas can flow. Thesauruses and word unscrambler tools can do more than enough to unlock doors that you may have been struggling with in the past.
Fortunately, we live in times when just about every document we use to type things up has many different tools. With these tools, new writers can create something good — even children! Using online docs, you can challenge yourself, track your progress, and sometimes suggestions can be provided along the way. It makes the whole process more convenient and speedier.
Tools for Writers Who Want to Create Better Headlines
In case you haven’t noticed, headlines and catchy titles play a huge part in getting people interested. It’ll be hard to get your content seen if no one pays attention in the first instance. You shouldn’t create clickbait, but enticing headlines can do so much for your piece overall. However, coming up with good titles can be quite difficult if you haven’t done it before. Lucky for you, there are amazing tools to help you out.
Playing games with words can also help you strengthen your writing skills. They help to improve and refine your vocabulary and spelling. Best of all, you won’t have to think too hard about them while you’re having a good time.
Anime has perhaps been Japan’s most successful cultural export and has boosted both its soft power and economy immensely. Although anime is often thought of as a genre in itself (which isn’t untrue), most tend to overlook the treasure trove of anime cinema in favor of anime series. Save for a handful of Studio Ghibli hits like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbour Totoro and Makoto Shinkai directorials like Your Name, 5 Centimetres Per Second or Garden of Words, anime cinema often flies under the radar and is seldom seen as a serious medium of art.
However, auteurs of world cinema owe much to anime. Avatar was inspired by both Castle in the Sky and Princess Mononoke. The Matrix borrows heavily from Ghost in the Shell. There are numerous other filmmakers who are influenced by anime but have failed to give it credit. Christopher Nolan’s Inception borrows from Paprika, and Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream both seem to be heavily inspired by Perfect Blue. It’s only fair then that anime’s artistic profundity receives its due. On that note, here’s a list of ten trailblazing anime films that everybody needs to know.
Angel’s Egg (1985)
This wonderfully strange film has been described as a “science fantasy,” but it escapes all classifications of genre. Angel’s Egg is a film that stays with you long after you’ve watched it. Directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) in collaboration with artist Yoshitaka Amano (Vampire Hunter D) the plot revolves around a little girl who carries around a big egg in a barren, post apocalyptic landscape. (This is one of those movies where the synopsis gives absolutely nothing away.) Biblical, ethereal, melancholic and deeply moving, Angel’s Egg is a quick watch with a runtime of 75 minutes.
Mind Games (2004)
Masaaki Yuasa is a filmmaker whose very distinct style has become his trademark. A vibrantly colorful palette, quirky characters, and fluid and expressive animation are all staples in his filmography. Adapted from the manga of the same name, Mind Games revolves around a young man’s odyssey to heaven and back. This journey of self-discovery is mind-bogglingly psychedelic with rapid transitions and a curious hodgepodge of many different animation styles. It leaves the audience completely on edge as to what might come next. Bizarre, funny, eclectic and profound, Mind Games is an unforgettable film.
Belladonna of Sadness (1973)
A surrealist erotic art film, Belladonna is about a woman who makes a pact with the Devil after being raped. She wants to take revenge upon those who have hurt her. Ahead of its time, both thematically and artistically, Belladonna is hauntingly beautiful. With an art style that’s heavily inspired by art nouveau artists like Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Alphonse Mucha and Odilon Redon, the film took six years to make and was a commercial failure upon release. Over the years, however, it has gained a cult following and is now considered a classic by many.
Colorful (2010)
Colorful is a fantasy-thriller about a soul that must prove itself worthy of rebirth. Additionally, it must figure out why the student whose body it inhabits has committed suicide. It’s rare to see grief, loss, and mental illness addressed in anime — and seldom is it done in such a poignant way. Touching and heartfelt, this is a unique tale of self-discovery and what it means to keep living despite the many challenges that life throws our way.
Puparia (2020)
This three-minute long short film took director Shingo Tamagawa approximately three years to make. Available for free on YouTube, Tamagawa drew each frame by hand and made the film independently. The background score by Steve Reich adds to the atmosphere of this beautiful film. Conceived during a period where Tamagawa had stopped drawing for over a year due to his disillusionment with the commercial focus of the anime industry, he has described Puparia as evoking a sense of “change.” It’s made obvious by the title, especially with regard to how “the values shaping our world (are) gradually fading.”
Interstella 555 (2003)
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to watch humanoid creatures dance to Daft Punk in a spacecraft, look no further. This sci-fi musical was a visual companion to Daft Punk’s second album, Discovery (2001). It was produced by Toei Animation (Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya), directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi, and supervised by the Daft Punk duo’s childhood hero, Leiji Matsumoto. This film has no dialogue and consists entirely of music from Discovery with minimal sound effects. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003 and had a limited theatrical release. Interstella 555 is perfect for both fans and non-fans alike.
Wolf Children (2012)
Wolf Children is a fantasy drama directed by the legendary Mamoru Hosoda. It’s about a woman who, after the death of her werewolf lover, must raise her half-werewolf children away from prying eyes. Sentimental, bittersweet and at times, even schmaltzy, Wolf Children is a deeply touching story about love, loss and family. It’s a cozy watch for a rainy day when you just want to huddle up and feel all your feelings.
Night on the Galactic Railroad (1985)
Adapted from Kenji Miyazawa’s 1934 novel of the same name, Night on the Galatic Railroad tells the story of two cats who journey across the Milky Way on a celestial train. Largely metaphysical, empathy is a core focus of the plot. It’s said to be inspired by a railroad trip Miyazawa took in 1923, after the death of his beloved sister, Toshi. The idea of a steam locomotive running through the stars inspired Leiji Matsumoto to create his now-iconic manga, Galaxy Express 999. Simultaneously child-like yet profound, Night on the Galactic Railroad is a film one returns to again and again.
Memories (1995)
This sci-fi anthology film features three short films directed by Koji Morimoto, Tensai Okamura, and Katsuhiro Otomo, respectively. All three have dramatically different styles and make for an interesting viewing experience. Horrifying, thrilling, and beautiful, the auteurs come together to create a truly one of a kind masterpiece. It’s easy to see how Memories set a precedent for many other films in the genre.
Metropolis (2001)
Metropolis is a cyberpunk sci-fi action drama that constantly keeps you guessing. It’s loosely based on Osamu Tezuka’s 1949 manga of the same name, which itself has parallels with Fritz Lang’s 1927 film. Set in a futuristic society where humans and robots coexist, an uncle-nephew duo team up in search for an eccentric scientist accused of human trafficking. As thought provoking as it is touching, Metropolis reminds us what it truly means to be “human.”
For decades, all things Japanese, including Japanese fashion, have acquired a reputation for being futuristic, avant-garde, eclectic, and a little bit “out there.” Western perceptions of Japanese fashion often include the exaggerated Harajuku street style popularized by the likes of Gwen Stefani in the 2000s or the deconstructed and heavily conceptual garments designed by maestros like Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo and Junya Watanabe. In the 2010s, hip-hop artists like Kanye West, Pharrell, and A$AP Rocky took the popularity of Japanese streetwear to new heights. At the same time, K-pop took over the world and along with it “K-pop fashion” — inspired by Japanese workwear, streetwear, and American hip-hop style — became the new “cool.”
A$AP Rocky at a vintage store in Harajuku, Tokyo (Credit: Pin Nap / @pinnap_tokyo)
The eclectic maximalism of Japanese streetwear is the beating heart of Y2K fashion. American corporate wear, as seen on Steve Jobs and other Silicon Valley moguls, owes much to Issey Miyake and minimalist Japanese workwear. Streetwear’s enduring popularity has made Japanese brands like KAPITAL, BAPE, Undercover, and Wtaps “wardrobe essentials.”
The once niche subculture is now coveted high fashion luxury. This is further cemented by collaborations like Supreme’s 2020 partnerships with Yohji Yamamoto and Takashi Murakami. All of this is to say that Japanese fashion has permeated the mainstream in all arenas, but seldom is it ever given the credit that it’s due.
RM wearing the iconic Japanese streetwear brand WTAPSRihanna wearing Comme des Garcons at the 2017 Met Gala
Punk, Kintsugi and DIY-Chic
Japanese fashion is known for being playful regardless of style and aesthetic. From the colorful kawaii “decora kei” styles associated with Harajuku to the industrial, almost brutalist styles associated with designers like Junya Watanabe and Yohji Yamamoto, there’s an inherent spirit of rebellion that pulses through the garments.
Looking within the context of “uniform culture” in Japan, where students and workers wear the same clothes everyday, personal style is developed as a reactionary effect to this enforced homogeneity and collectivism. Fashion becomes avant-garde, transgressive, and non-conforming, since it’s one of the few avenues of self-expression and individuality in a culture that values modesty, tradition, and order.
“I don’t like the word feminist. I don’t like the word ambitious. I do like the word anti-establishment.” — Rei Kawakubo
Comme des Garcons Ready To Wear 2017Comme des Garcons Ready To Wear 2018Comme des Garcons Ready To Wear 2022
Designer Rei Kawakubo, founder of the iconic Comme des Garçons brand, once said that she considers herself more “anti establishment” than a “feminist.” Known for her “anti-fashion” sensibility and genderless clothing, it’s very revealing that the iconoclast thinks of rebellion in terms of going up against the status quo as a whole. To assert oneself, as radically as Kawakubo does through her work, means rising up against the very fabric of Japanese society that prioritizes the collective over the individual and further subjugates women through strict gender roles. Then, to have style in a society that expects everything to have function is to be anti-establishment.
In a 2015 video by Refinery29 about Harajuku Girls, Cat, a German expat and Decora Kei style aficionado says, “Decora fashion is fun fashion! It’s very against the mainstream of things. It’s not in a magazine, it’s not elegant — it’s very much ‘BOOM!’ in your face … It’s the freedom of expression. You don’t have to look the same everyday. You wear the things you love the way you want to wear them. This is not a label. It’s not someone else’s thing, it’s my thing!”
This sums up the ethos of Japanese fashion and its numerous subcultures. In today’s world, infested with a gazillion trends and an endless stream of content catering to every “aesthetic,” there’s a paradoxical effect that has led to the erosion of individuality and everybody looking more or less the same.
Haruka Kureboyashi, an influencer known for her Decora Kei style (Credit: fantasyartsfest)
To do “you”and not conform to what’s contemporary, cool, or catered to the male gaze can seem virtually impossible. In the same video, another Decora girl chimes in: “Decora is empowering, we feel uplifted when we do decora.”
The kitsch-galore, bedazzled, eclectic, maximalist, and colorful style feels like freedom one plastic ring at a time. Simply, because no one expects you to look a certain way. You can be whoever you like. Fashion, especially for women, has always been tied to “looking good.” The point of styles like Decora Kei (and various other subcultures like Lolita, Jirai Kei, Fairy Kei, etc.) is not “being pretty.” The aim is strictly oriented towards having fun, which might have been the original purpose of fashion all along. It’s empowering because you’re not trying to fit in or appeal to anybody.
The Kintsugi of Kawaii
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with powdered gold or other metals like silver and platinum. A similar approach seems to exist towards clothing as well. It is common to find specialized stores, particularly in the Shibuya and Harajuku districts of Tokyo, that repurpose unrelated garments to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. This is, by nature, a very anti-fast fashion approach. Not only because it reduces fabric waste, but because it creates pieces that could never be replicated in a factory.
This DIY-chic style has been captured since its inception by the now-iconic FRUiTS magazine (founded by photographer Shoichi Aoki) and, more recently, by Instagram accounts like @tokyofashion. It has amassed almost a million followers and serves as a testament to the undying popularity of Japanese streetwear.
Traditionally, Japanese aesthetics have been heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism. Wabi-sabi, for instance, is the aesthetic defined as “the beauty of things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.” In The Notebook of Cities and Clothes, a 1989 documentary directed by noted filmmaker Wim Wenders, designer Yohji Yamamoto says:
“The perfect symmetry object, this is in human being; they aren’t beautiful for me. Everything should be asymmetry. Maybe I’m missing some of English vocabulary. Some precious feeling of human beings, like graceful, or decent, or kind, or gentle — those are coming from asymmetry. Balance… I feel it. So when the thing is made in perfect symmetry object, that means… for me that means ugly. Because you don’t fit the human beings hands, or sweat, or ‘something’ to make this. Because, if you are human beings, you cannot make perfect things. Things come out like this [leans to one side], so that makes me very emotional. That makes me love it. So, when I make something with a little bit of symmetry, finally; I always want to break. To destroy a little.”
This desire to make things imperfect or even destroy its original form informs much of the ethos behind avant-garde haute couture produced by Japanese designers like Yamamoto himself. However, even when the end result seems a bit eccentric, bizarre, or extreme, there’s undeniable orderliness and precision apparent in its creation. The craftsmanship of Japanese clothing is always impeccable.
A still from Kamikaze Girls (2004), showcasing two very different street styles.
Reflecting on the overall playful approach to fashion, high fashion designers also seem to embody a similar approach of not taking it too seriously. “Fashion is something you attach to yourself, put on, and through that interaction the meaning of it is born,” says Kawakubo. “Without the wearing of it, it has no meaning, unlike a piece of art. It is fashion because people want to buy it now, because they want to wear it now, today. Fashion is only the right now.”
“Fashion is not art,” says Yamamoto. “At the beginning, fashion is making clothing. And only after making clothing, some of it can become art. Clothing is not art from the beginning, it becomes so afterwards. … On the body.”
The message is clear. Clothes are just clothes. They become purposeful when they’re worn.
Yohji Yamamoto Autumn 2023 CollectionYohji Yamamoto Spring 2024 Collection
Kawakubo, whose asymmetrical, abstract silhouetted garments ignore form, once rightfully said that one only needs audacity to wear her clothes. In a world where people constantly punish themselves to “fit” into clothing or mold themselves to a certain style, this approach is immensely freeing. “Clothes are only completed when somebody actually wears them,” she said to Interview. “If they were art, they could be more abstract. As long as something is new and has never been seen before, I don’t mind if people call it art. Wear them if you dare.”
In 2024, everyone from Rihanna to New Jeans can be seen sporting Japanese designers and brands. To be a fashionista is to be a maverick. The essence of style has always been how we wear clothes, not what we wear. This seems to be the biggest lesson from Japanese fashion. Be it the boxy, deconstructed, and genderless styles of haute couture fashion or the exuberant Kawaii maximalism of Harajuku girls, as long as you dare to do it, you can get away with it in style.
An unfortunate truth is that country music has — for the majority of its history — coded as “white” on the surface. While the genre has evolved over time, an often overlooked aspect is the significant contributions of Black musicians. So much so, that they’re erased altogether by those who don’t know any better. The success and controversy of “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X only shined a brighter light on that fact. Now, with Beyoncé‘s Act II album annoucement and the drop of pre-release country singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” the truth is unmistakebly spotlit across the board. Beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions, Black country artists play an essential role in shaping the genre. They push boundaries, and challenge societal norms. Ultimately, they shake up expectations of what country singers “should” look and sound like.
Yes, there’s plenty of room at the table for country artists of color. Today, the number of mainstream Black country artists is on the rise, spanning from living legends to newbies on the scene. Even better, they’ve all curated their own signature sounds and continue to explore them as the industry shifts in this modern era. If you’ve been curious about Black country and country-adjacent artists to expand your own horizons, here’s who we have on our radar.
Rhiannon Giddens
Lovingly dubbed #banjoauntie, singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens racked up long list of accolades over the span of her career. As a two-time Grammy Award winner and Pulitzer Prize winner (plus many more), Giddens makes it a mission to fill the gaps in the roots of America’s music by championing underrepresented, overlooked, and forgotten voices in the industry. With such a robust living legacy, her banjo and viola contributions to Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” is a message in the movement. In addition to her solo work, Giddens has appeared in numerous collaborations with a number of artists, further cementing her passion and advocacy for the musical arts. Her third studio album, Grammy-nominated You’re the One, was released in 2023.
Darius Rucker
Following a successful stint as the frontman for Grammy Award-winning rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker released his first country album in 2008. By 2009, he won a CMA Award for New Artist of the Year. Known for his warm baritone vocals, Rucker is the epitome of a crossover success. Even after gaining notoriety with his band, he humbly worked his way up as a newcomer in the country world. Five years after his country debut, Rucker won a Grammy for his 2013 cover of “Wagon Wheel.” His latest country album, Carolyn’s Boy, dropped in October 2023.
Mickey Guyton
In 1974, The Pointer Sisters became the first Black women nominated for a country music Grammy Award. Forty-six years later, the next was Mickey Guyton. An exceptional talent, Guyton released her first EP in 2014 and her first studio album in 2021. Her Grammy-nominated single “Black Like Me,” inspired by the book of the same name, explored her experiences with racial discrimination. Over the years, she’s become known for her heartfelt lyrics and captivating, soulful sound that blends elements of traditional country, contemporary pop, gospel, and R&B. Guyton has also been a notable trailblazer as an advocate for diversity in the country music industry. In 2023, Guyton teamed up with fellow country artist Kane Brown on “Nothing Compares to You.”
The War and Treaty
The War and Treaty combines elements of country, soul, folk, and gospel to make a showstopping impact. The duo consists of married couple Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, who use their harmonious vocals to transcend genre boundaries. Their emotionally-charged lyrics have garnered critical acclaim, including a CMT Music Award, and a devoted fan base. With the 2023 release of their fourth studio album, Lover’s Game, this powerful pair brings a unique and dynamic sound to the country music landscape.
Rissi Palmer
After hitting the country music scene in 2007 with “Country Girl,” Rissi Palmer charted a path destined to succeed. Sticking to her guns and refusing to settle for just any genre that came along paid off. She landed a country record deal, and went on to release three tracks that charted within the Top 100 on the Billboard‘s Hot Country chart. She was the first Black woman to chart since Dona Mason in 1987. Along with multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, Palmer has performed at the White House, Lincoln Center, and more. In 2023, she was featured in an episode of PBS’ American Masters showcasing a Color Me Country day at an England music festival. Today, you can find her advocating for country artists of color and hosting Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music.
Kane Brown
With country and R&B musical influences, Kane Brown rose to fame as he uploaded song covers on social media. After crowdfunding on Kickstarter, Brown released his first EP, Closer, in 2015. Tracks “Used to Love You Sober,” “Last Minute Late Night,” and “I Love That I Hate You” made him stand out as a rising star in the 2010s. So far, he’s released three EPs and three studio albums, including 2022’s Different Man, a project in which he took on the role of co-producer for the first time. During the span of his career, he’s collaborated with artists such as Khalid, Becky G, Swae Lee, Chris Young, and more. Brown’s crossover appeal makes him a exceptional figure in modern country, and his authenticity resonates with fans of all genres.
Brittney Spencer
Baltimore native Brittney Spencer is an emerging country singer-songwriter who’s truly changing the game. However, she’s no stranger to the music industry. She toured with Carrie Underwood and Christopher Cross, and worked as a background singer and vocal teacher on the path to her own success. Spencer gained attention for her diverse blend of musical influences that include Beyoncé and Miranda Lambert. She evokes the imaginative, soulful energy of her free spirit; and with singles like “Compassion” and “Sober & Skinny,” the authenticity and emotional depth of her music shines through.
Willie Jones
Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Willie Jones has graced the stages of Lollapalooza, CMA Fest, and Stagecoach to bring a sensational blend of “Block Party and Barn Dance” (Spotify). Known for his rich baritone voice and dynamic stage presence, the country singer-songwriter gained initial fame through his appearance on The X Factor in 2012. He’s since released singles, such as “Down For It” and “American Dream.” His most recent music reflects a blend of contemporary country with hip-hop and pop influences, showcasing his unique artistic vision. Something To Dance To,his first album under a major label, was released in June 2023.
Tanner Adell
Chances are you’ve seen beach blonde “Buckle Bunny” singer Tanner Adell on social media. The Nashville-based country artist has more than a few viral TikToks that include clips of her catchy singles, like “Love You A Little Bit” and “Do-Si-Don’tcha.” Featuring tongue-in-cheek lyrics and the attitude to match, Adell’s music showcases influences of country, pop, and hip-hop. Standout tracks (other than the aforementioned) include “I Hate Texas,” “Throw It Back,” and “FU-150.” Signaling a rise of her star, Adell landed on the roster of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2024.
Shaboozey
Shaboozey is a rapper and producer known for his high-energy performances and clever wordplay. Notably, his rumbling, bass-heavy hip-hop track, “Start A Riot,” appears on the Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse soundtrack. It stands in delightful contrast to his country catalog. The range and depth of his skills as a musician shine in tracks like “Let It Burn” and “Anabelle.” Emerging from the underground scene, he’s built a dedicated fanbase through his mixtapes and freestyles. He shares his work most prominently on social media.
Chapel Hart
Hailing from Mississippi, this talented country music trio consists of sisters Danica and Devyn Hart and their cousin Trea Swindle. They busked on the streets of New Orleans by performing cover songs in the early days of their career. In 2022, Chapel Hart made the Top 5 of America’s Got Talent. Known for rich harmonies and energetic performances, they bring a fresh and dynamic sound to the country genre. Their music reflects a blend of traditional country roots and contemporary influences. Notable tracks include “Jesus & Alcohol,” “You Can Have Him Jolene,” and “Welcome to Fist City.” Of those three, the writing of “Welcome to Fist City” was a personal request from the late Loretta Lynn as a response to her song, “Fist City,” prior to her passing in 2022. The group’s third studio album, Glory Days, was released in May 2023.
Don Louis
Don Louis is blowing through the Texas country music scene with all the angsty, lover boy ballads one heart can handle. The singer self-proclaims that he makes poverty and pain sound romantic, and does so all over his acoustic guitar. On tour, he’s backed by a live band, which allows him to croon and groove with his audience. If country music had a Drake, it just might be Don Louis. Though, this Texas-raised artist is clearly blazing a trail of his own.
Miko Marks
An alumni of the 2022 class of CMT’s Next Women in Country, Miko Marks is proof you can always come back to your dream. Her journey to country stardom began in the early 2000s, including the release of albums Freeway Bound (2005) and It Feels Good (2007). Then, she took a break from recording. Marks spent years on the gig circuit before returning to the booth with former bandmates in 2020 and premiering her first singles in over a decade. 2022 was an especially big year for the Michigan-born singer. She released the album Feels Like Going Home and was featured in the American Currents: State of the Music exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2024, Marks will appear on The Grand Ole Opry on February 23 before taking off on the Trailblazing Women of Country Tour with singer-songwriter Kristina Train.
BRELAND
Mixing country, hip-hop, and R&B, Breland is a genre-blurring artist who’s the perfect introduction for pop listeners new to country. With a background in engineering, he brings a fresh perspective to music. Breland’s notable tracks include “My Truck” and “Cross Country.” He makes waves pushing boundaries in the industry with his musical collaborations and innovative approach to blending musical styles. His latest single, “Heartbreak and Alcohol,” dropped February 16.
Reyna Roberts
Singer-songwriter and pianist Reyna Roberts made her mainstream country debut in 2020 with “Stompin’ Grounds,” but was tapped as one to watch years before. Her first EP, The Beginning, dropped in 2016 along with the track “I’m Coming For Ya.” She also went on tour as an opening act for rock band Plain White T’s the same year. Today, Roberts is a rising star in country music with powerful vocals, authentic storytelling, and a modern twist on the genre. Her debut studio album, Bad Girl Bible, Vol. 1, was released in September 2023.
Blanco Brown
Singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Blanco Brown left a lasting impression with debut single “The Git Up.” That chart-topping hit and viral dance challenge was only the beginning. Brown incorporates elements of country, rap, and R&B to highlight his versatility in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary country music. His upcoming “Trailer Trap” EP, Heartache and Lemonade, drops April 5.
Camille Parker
Among the 2022 class of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Camille Parker is known for catchy melodies and vibrant performances. While exploring different sonic landscapes, she stays true to her pop sensibilities. Her debut single, “The Flame,” ranked in the top ten of Apple’s Country Music Charts in 17 countries. After the Whiskey: Part II, the follow-up to her 2023 debut EP, is scheduled for release this year. Recently, she made her debut at The Grand Ole Opry and continues to work on new music.
Denitia
Fueled by childhood influences of country legends and alternative rock, Denitia discovered her musical journey through school choir and mastering multiple instruments. After spending a decade in Brooklyn, her exceptional talent eventually brought her back to Tennessee and the release of her 2022 album, Highways, described as an “alt-country ramble.” This return to her country music roots earned her recognition, including NPR’s Artist to Watch, the Black Opry, and CMT’s Next Woman of Country in 2024. Denitia’s upcoming album, Sunset Drive, promises a “louder evolution of the tenderness in Highways,” according to the singer. With an extensive touring history, notable collaborations, and music featured in films and television, she stands as a compelling force in the country music scene.
The Kentucky Gentlemen
The Kentucky Gentlemen consists of twin brothers, Brandon and Derek Campbell, who are definitely ones to watch in the country music scene. Cutting their teeth in the heartland of country music, their current success comes as no surprise to anyone who understands what is possible when two church choir-bred, guitar-playing vocalists decide that country music is their thing. And they’ve indeed made it their own, blending the crisp vocal clarity of your favorite 90s boy band with a little country twang. Their understanding of their sound has garnered the title of 2023 ‘Artist to Watch’ by both NPR and Nashville’s Country Music Almanac. They’ve also been included in the 2023-2024 Academy of Country Music “Future Leaders of The Music Industry” OnRamp Program which is still in its inaugural year.
O.N.E The Duo
This mother-daughter duo brought their lyrical and vocal talents to Nashville in 2016. There, they found community and collaborators around their folksy and sultry sound. O.N.E The Duo consists of Tekitha and Prana Supreme, daughter of Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA. O.N.E represents observant, noetic, effervescent. There seems to be little they won’t explore together through music: Their debut album, Blood Harmony, covers everything from guilt to love to the meaning of home. Lead single “Hoedown” has all the punch you’d expect from a hands-off-my-man track. It’s one of many that shows their awareness and mastery of their hip-hop and R&B lineages.
Tony Evans Jr.
Country crooner Tony Evans Jr. cites some of his musical influences as Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, and George Strait. His biggest inspiration, however, is his father. An Atlanta native, the singer-songwriter first picked up his dad’s guitar at age 14 and never looked back. Since then, he gained steam uploading videos of covers and original music on social media. Evans Jr. has also put out a number of singles since 2020 with notable tracks like “Photo Booth” and “Somebody’s Gotta Do It.” He released his second EP, Starless, in March 2023.
Adia Victoria
Captivating singer Adia Victoria brings a fresh perspective to the country music genre. With a haunting voice and introspective lyrics, she explores themes of identity and Southern heritage. Described by Victoria as “gothic blues,” her sound combines elements of country, blues, punk, rock, and soul. Her work also delves into social issues and personal narratives, creating a unique space and challenging conventions.
Yola
Yola, a British-born powerhouse, brings soulful richness to the genre. She seamlessly combines country, Americana, and soul to create a sound uniquely her own. With seven Grammy nominations and a reputation for epic live performances, Yola breaks barriers and captivating audiences worldwide. Yola will be kicking off My Way: An Intimate Tour in March. See if she’s visiting a stop near you, and get tickets here.
Rvshvd
If you love the merging of country and rap production techniques, give Rvshvd a listen. Drawing equal inspiration from the likes of Darius Rucker and Lil Wayne, his fresh and audacious brand of country has the delivery and tone of the some of the genre’s greats. Though the Willacoochie, Georgia native has been making music for 10 years, his star has been consistently on the rise after his cover of Roddy Rich’s “The Box” went viral on TikTok. Across platforms, fans of every identity comment to laud his impressive vocal ability and their connection to his lyrics. A favorite is “Small Town Talk,” where Rvshvd lets his values of loyalty, honesty, and wholesome good times shine through.
Julie Williams
Julie Williams, another CMT Next Women of Country artist (Class of 2023), grew up singing in church, bars, and stadiums. Influenced by diverse artists like The Chicks and Michael Jackson, the Nashville-based singer crafts a unique sound. Her debut EP, Lovecycle, garnered attention in 2019, leading to features in People of Duke Arts and performances at significant events. Williams has performed at the Kennedy Center, toured with the Black Opry Revue, and even embarked on her own solo tour that took her around the globe. She released her self-titled EP in 2023.
Shy Carter
Shy Carter isn’t your average genre jumper. His roots in jazz, gospel, and R&B are clear in his smooth and earthy tone, and he’s found a comfortable home for his unique storytelling ability in country music. Highly sought after in Nashville, he’s already featured on tracks with country greats, such as Sugarland, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and more. Carter performed his single “Jesus at the Taco Truck” with Frank Ray at The Grand Ole Opry, the poetic ode to love and sacrifice earning rousing applause. Before taking the classic country stage, Shy stated, “I’m just grateful I have real people that can see my heart and soul”. His sound couldn’t be described better. It’s all heart, all soul and a distinctive take on country that pushes the genre to new heights.
Tiera Kennedy
Tiera Kennedy infuses her music with soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Hailing from Alabama, she brings a aouthern charm to her sound with her sweet voice and authentic storytelling. Her recent appearances include a Roscolusa Songwriters Festival performance and hosting the The Tiera Show radio broadcast on Apple Music. “Jesus, My Mama, and My Therapist,” the lead single from her forthcoming full-length debut album, was released last year.
SACHA
Coming down from Canada is honey-voiced songstress SACHA, a quickly-rising newbie to the North American country scene. Though her first single came out in 2012, she released her first EP, The Best Thing, in 2020. Alongside Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Reyna Roberts, SACHA was part of the 2021 class of CMT’s Next Women of Country. She also earned her first platinum single in Canada with The Reklaws for the word-playful track “What the Truck”. Her latest single, “Confident,” features fellow Canadian singer Tyler Shaw.
Amythyst Kiah
Celebrated for her soulful voice and poignant storytelling, Amythyst Kiah brings a distinctive blend of roots, blues, and Americana. Kiah gained widespread acclaim with her Grammy-nominated collaboration on the “Our Native Daughters” project in 2019. Her 2021 solo album, Wary + Strange, further solidified her place as an artist with a fearless approach to music. Kiah is taking her authenticity and powerful performances on the road as she tours this year.
Allison Russell
Allison Russell, a Grammy Award-winning Canadian-American singer-songwriter, is a captivating force in music. Her soul-stirring voice, combined with a masterful command of various instruments, creates a sound that transcends genres. Born in Montreal, she co-founded the acclaimed group “Our Native Daughters” with Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Rhiannon Giddens. A powerful advocate for diversity and social justice, Russell stands as both a musical trailblazer and a poignant voice for change.
K. Michelle
Originally known for R&B and reality TV, Memphis-born K. Michelle isn’t a traditional country singer; however, her versatility and exploration of the genre demonstrates her willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Her soulful voice and songwriting skills have earned her a unique place in the music industry, bridging gaps between genres. She’s expected to make her official country music debut after the release of her final R&B album, I’m the Problem. K. Michelle officially debuted her country alter-ego “Puddin” at CMA Fest in 2023,
Daniel Houze
As a genuine country singer immersed in rustic traditions, Daniel Houze performs primarily in southern Mississippi as a local artist. He released his debut single “Tequila Rose” in 2019 and another single, “Whiskey & Smoke,” in 2023.
Header: Mickey Guyton and Kane Brown in “Nothing Compares to You” (Capitol Records Nashville; UMG Recordings, Inc.)
