Are you looking for fresh songs to add to your playlist? These rising artists and bands are making waves on campus and beyond, with their unique sounds and undeniable talent. Recommended straight from the playlists of your fellow Bruins, get ready to discover your new favorite artist and keep an ear out for these up-and-coming musicians.

Alec Jordan

29,097 Monthly Spotify Listeners

First up on our list is Alec Jordan, an up-and-coming and Spotify-verified artist recommended by UCLA’s fourth-year student, Sofia Morris. Morris has been following Alec Jordan’s work since the beginning of 2020 and interprets his music style as an alternative pop genre. With four released singles and two released albums since 2019, he has shown his dedication to releasing new content for his fans. Morris reports her favorite songs to be Moon, El Dorado, Soul and Oceans. Lucky for the Bruin community, the rising artist often performs at Los Angeles bars. “He’s a great live performer. If you enjoy his songs, you’ll love him live!” Morris said. His next performance will be on May 26 at Juneshine in Santa Monica. With his dynamic sound and captivating presence on stage, this rising artist will leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss your chance to experience his music live and discover why he’s a name you’ll want to remember.

L’éclair

186,395 Monthly Listeners

Ricardo Andoni, a third-year UCLA student, puts L’éclair at the top of his list for rising bands to check out. L’éclair is known for its eclectic mix of funk, disco and psychedelic rock, earning them a dedicated following of fans worldwide. Andoni has been following the band for over a year and has developed a deep connection with music. “Their sound stirred happy emotions within me,” Andoni said. Their catchy melodies, groovy rhythms and infectious energy have begun to catch the attention of many. With three albums and four singles since their first Spotify release in 2018, they are driven to take on a brighter spotlight. Andoni describes their music style as “instrumental house groove band, more pop version of Boards of Canada.” Each album offers a new experience of unique sounds. Andoni’s favorite song is Still Steve, as it encompasses their range well. “I love how the track progresses and unfolds; it has a certain funky tone,” Andoni said. The band is on an international tour, with their next performance in the States on July 14 in Brooklyn, New York. Their performances have gained a massive following and popularity from their unique way of connecting with their fans. “It was all encapsulating. I was stuck in place. My feet were glued to the floor. I was smiling the whole time,” Andoni accounts. Check out their upcoming concert dates on their website. Whether you’re a die-hard indie music fan or simply looking for something new and exciting, L’éclair is a band you won’t want to miss.

Trash Panda

169,575 Monthly Spotify Listeners

Trash Prada is a must-listen for dreamy, ethereal soundscapes and poignant lyrics. Third-year Elise Goldberg recommends the band for its unique blend of psychedelic rock, indie pop, and folk influences. “The lyrics are mainly about love, loss and self-discovery,” Goldberg said. The band came together in 2015 and has released one album and four singles on Spotify. They are planning on releasing their next album sometime this year. “I am beyond excited to see what musical direction they are going to take with their next album,” Goldberg said. The band is on a support tour, with an upcoming performance in Venice on September 15—tickets can be found on their website. Whether you’re a longtime fan of alternative music or simply looking to discover new sounds, check out Trash Panda’s tour dates and look out for their next album release.

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners

6,118,821 Monthly Spotify Listeners

Ian Wells, a third-year UCLA student and avid music enthusiast, recommended a rising band making waves in the indie folk scene. Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners have gained attention for their heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies and harmonious vocals. Wells’ initial interest in the band came from his love for the lyrics. Machina, explicitly released on their YouTube channel, especially appeals to Wells. “The beginning couple verses are posted online and just resonate with me,” Wells said. The band has released three albums since 2017 and released three singles during 2022. Their single Thunderhead was released on Spotify at the end of February this year. “RHCM is their first album heavily focused on their interactions with nature,” Wells said. Their music is commonly placed in the indie folk but has recently crossed over to other genres. “They moved into more poppy-sounding stuff, but I’m hoping they stick to their folk roots,” Wells said. The band is currently on tour with Rustin Kelly as the introduction band and knocked it out of the park at their stop at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on May 13th. Check out their website to snag tickets for the next Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners performance!