Great news for music-lovers; the future of the music industry seems promising for the year ahead. From old singers we all know and love, to newer artists that are on the rise, here is a list of people I believe will dominate the must industry in 2021. 

Veteran Music Artists Making a Comeback

Adele: After her massive success with albums 19, 21, and 25, the famous singer-songwriter is set to make a comeback—hopefully—in the coming months. It has been nearly six years since she has released music, but a close friend to the singer teased a possible album. In a recent interview with Grazia UK, Adele’s friend Alan Carr said that a new album is on the way. Carr has listened to a few tracks and called it amazing. This new album may be Adele’s road to the Grammys, as if the 15 awards she already has is not impressive enough. 

Drake: The Canadian rapper announced back in October of 2020 that his new album would be coming in January of 2021. He recently shared on an Instagram story post that it would be released later in 2021. Drake is no stranger to owning the music industry, as seen from his 38 Billboard Hot 100 Hits within his career. Songs that were instant hits such as  “One Dance”, “Pop Style”, “Take Care”, “Nice For What”, and “In My Feelings” gives me no doubt that his upcoming album will be a hit as well. 

Kacey Musgraves: After Musgraves left the 2019 Grammy Awards with four wins under her belt for her album Golden Hour, fans have been patiently waiting for more music. The country-pop singer tweeted a fan back in August of 2020 teasing some new “bops” that were in the works. While she has not announced an official album quite yet, our fingers are crossed for her fifth studio album to be available to us soon. 

Artists That Deserve More Recognition in 2021

Phoebe Bridgers: This talented indie-rock musician makes some of the most captivating and unique music that is bound to leave you wanting more. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter recently released an album entitled Punisher this past year, but I have high hopes that her success has only just begun. Bridgers is a musical guest on Saturday Night Live this Saturday, February 6 with actor Dan Levy as the host. Her songs “Motion Sickness”, “Moon Song”, “I Know the End”, and “Georgia” are great starting points to delve into the artist’s music.

Chloe x Halle: Chloe and Halle Bailey are slowly gaining the recognition they deserve, but 2021 feels like it may just be their year. Halle has been confirmed to play Princess Ariel in the Disney live-action reboot of The Little Mermaid. While the official release date has not been announced, there is speculation that it will be released later this year. The remake will be a showcase of Halle’s immense talent, and hopefully, bring people to better appreciate the pop-duo that is Chloe x Halle. The two sisters are heavily supported by singer Beyoncé and have collaborated with artists such as Doja Cat and GoldLink. Their songs “Do It”, “The Kids Are Alright”, and “Lonely” are my personal favorites. 

Maggie Rogers: Before Rogers gained any recognition, she was a college student at New York University. While attending a master class back in 2016, famous singer Pharell Williams listened to Rogers’ song “Alaska” and was left nearly speechless. He told the young singer, “I have never heard anyone like you before…that is the kind of thing that is like a drug to me. That was cool.” He then encourages her to continue making music that people have never heard before and to always be “frank” in her music. Her songs “Love You For A Long Time”, “Light On”, “Retrograde”, and “Alaska” prove that her style of producing and writing could be the future of feel-good music.