Music has become such an integrated part of everyday life that it has become almost a necessity in cars and in shopping plazas. When thinking about influential artists such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Nina Simone, they were once just another name before their rise to fame. Now, in the 21st century, many artists are rising to fame through social media. Certain artists stand out by using bold ideas to establish themselves in the music industry.
Sombr
New York-born singer Shane Michael Boose (stage name Sombr) first gained popularity in 2022 after posting a video of himself singing his self-written song “Caroline” on TikTok. The video went viral, ultimately leading to a Warner Records’ deal just after he turned 17 years old.
Sombr now tops the Billboard Hot 100 charts with radio hits like “Back to Friends,” “Undressed” and “12 to 12.” In 2025, he won Best Alternative at the MTV Music Awards and was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys. Sombr is also popular for his online persona, regularly participating in trends and posts on social media. He has over 10.6 million followers across Spotify, TikTok and Instagram.
Sombr’s music is a mixture between indie rock and alternative with a modern twist on traditional rock and roll with hints of layered pop melodies. Sombr’s debut album, “I Barely Know Her,” was released in August 2025. The 10-song album is fun and spunky with heavy indie rock pop inspiration, making it an easy listen that highlights the challenges of young love. Featuring new age guitar cords and some disco elements, songs like “dime” offer alternative pop notes, whereas songs like “Under the Mat” have layered vocal cords with light background synths.
Oliva Dean
In 2025, Olivia Dean released her second studio album, “The Art of Loving,” which follows her debut album “Messy.” “The Art of Loving” debuted at no. 8 and later peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard 200 charts in the U.S. In addition, Dean’s hit single from the album “Man I Need” reached no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and even topped at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart. At the 2026 Grammys, Dean won Best New Artist, marking both her first Grammy nomination and win.
Dean was signed after a performance at her BRIT School graduation performance, which caught the attention of a Fivethree talent agency manager. After her recognition, Dean became a background vocalist for British electronic group Rudimental.
Later breaking free to her own career debut album in 2023, the London-born singer blends a mixture of warm pop with elements of soulful jazz and R&B in her music. Dean’s music is soft and light with components of bedroom pop and rich jazz. Dean often writes songs about honoring self love while exploring vulnerability in romantic relationships. Some of her most popular songs include “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” with layered bossa nova harmonies and R&B, “Dive,” a light indie jazz inspired song and “Man I Need,” a vibrant neo-pop song with a splash of 60s soul.
The Last Dinner Party
After winning the BRITs Rising Star award in 2024 — one year after their debut single “Nothing Matters” — The Last Dinner Party has continued their rise to fame around the world with their newest album “From The Pyre.”
Formed in 2020, the band consists of Abigail Morris on vocals, Lizzie Mayland on vocals and guitar and Georgia Davis on bass. Emily Roberts, who plays lead guitar, mandolin and flute, and Aurora Nishevci, who sings vocals and plays keyboard, joined later. Together, the five formed The Last Dinner Party.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band waited until 2021 to perform their first show in London. The Last Dinner Party released their debut album, “Prelude to Ecstasy,” in 2023, exploring themes of femininity and grief. Mixing complex guitar with haunting vocals, The Last Dinner Party creates songs that echo through the mind hours after listening. One of their most popular songs, “The Femminin Urge,” explores what it means to be a woman with the background of enchanting guitar to create a baroque sound. The Last Dinner Party infuses their passion into their music, leaving the listener craving more.
