best of Raleigh

Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh Music

As Raleigh, NC steadily grows, so does the Raleigh music scene. We’ve zoomed in on local upcoming music artists to create an Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh Music guide and playlist. Local residents of Raleigh can easily catch these artists playing events while exploring the Triangle. Check out our song picks and playlists below featuring Christian James, Paige King Johnson, Heather Sarona, Stray Local, and more!

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

best of Raleigh music

Best of Raleigh Music: Top Songs

// “Lately” by Christian James ft. Laith, and Chico //-Alternative/Hip-hop

Christian James, a local Hip-hop/Rap artist, released a more Alternative style single, “Lately,” this May. “Lately” is an infectious earworm that takes us back to the days of streaming “Waves” by Mr. Probz while enjoying a summer cocktail. The single incorporates clever lyrics, “Baby, baby grab the phone seven digits, seven minutes till I land, Amy Winehouse records spinning like a ceiling fan.” The verses hit with just the right amount of diction and flow, leading to an undeniably catchy pre-hook and chorus. “Lately” is one of those songs you listen to once and can easily sing along by the last chorus. Follow Christian James for more new music coming next week!

// “Window to Break” by Heather Sarona //-Americana Singer-songwriter

Holly Springs native singer-songwriter, Heather Sarona, debuted her first album, Head Above Water, this past January. “Window to Break” is a standout coda to the Alternative-folk style LP. Haunting lyrics like “My treasure and my pride, there for you to take, my window’s yours to break” showcase the vulnerability of being unguarded in a relationship. Her folky vocals and southern charm will win you over in this soothing single. You can catch Heather in the Triangle over the next few months with her next appearance on September 17th at Mason Jar in Fuquay.

// “Maybe We’re All” by John Sierra //-Singer-songwriter

“Maybe We’re All” is a pensive, thought-provoking track by Raleigh Singer-songwriter John Sierra. The beautifully written, coffeehouse playlist-type song embodies longing and commonality. Sierra recounts several stories of lonely passersby and links a common ground by singing, “Maybe we’re all looking for love, maybe we’re all looking for home.” Check out John Sierra live around Durham and Raleigh from now until December!

// “Holding Hope” by Jon Ward Beyle //-Folk-rock

Jon Ward Beyle has an Avett Brothers-esque style of vocals and storytelling on the single “Holding Hope” from his debut album Worth Stopping For (2021). “Holding Hope” is reflective and wistful, a perfect folk-rock ballad that starts soft and amps to close. The track is a true homage to songwriting in the sense of being able to connect with listeners and send a powerful message through music. Jon Ward Beyle frequents one of our favorite venues in Carrboro, Cat’s Cradle, and is set to play at The Evening Muse in Charlotte this Friday with Courtney Lynn & Quinn.

// “American Beauty” by Paige King Johnson //-Country singer-songwriter

If you’re looking for an America’s sweetheart country singer in the Triangle, Paige King Johnson is your girl. Her single “American Beauty,” off of her debut album Honky Tonk Heart (released June 2022), could easily land her a few gigs opening for some of your favorite country artists. In fact, Paige has already been an opening act for the likes of Kane Brown, Scotty McCreery, Joe Nichols, and Gabby Barrett! “American Beauty” is a ‘tale as old as time’ classic country song with mature flawless vocals. The story of “American Beauty” is a reminder to young women, as well as a personal anthem to the artist, that you can chase your dreams, and everything will work out.

Paige has several upcoming tour dates in the area. She’ll be playing with local The Voice star Britton Buchanan in Sanford this Thursday!

// “Shiver” by Stray Local //-Indie-pop

Stray Local is an upbeat Indie-pop band that you may stumble upon while out in the Raleigh area. The husband-and-wife duo, Hannah and Jamie Rowen, have several catchy singles, including “Shiver,” an easy-listening pop track. Stray Local are also avid runners, and “Shiver” is a great soundtrack for a scenic jog in the triangle. Catch them live as they hop from breweries to coffee shops in the area.

// “Worthless” by Tiger Beach //-Indie-rock

Raleigh’s own Tiger Beach is on a roll of releasing new music. “Worthless” is our favorite track of their recent releases over the past year. Reminiscent of Wallows Tell Me That It’s Over vocally and The Cure’s Disintegration sonically, “Worthless” defines Tiger Beach’s Indie-rock sound. The key change on the bridge draws you in closer to the melancholic chorus, “Tell me that it’s always just so worthless, tell that I’m wasting all of my time, tell me that I’m never gonna make it.” The defining repetitive bassline continues through the end in a culmination of power-surging sounds. Follow Tiger Beach for updates on upcoming shows!


Check out all of these songs and more on our Emerging Now playlists below

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

PREVIOUS NEW MUSIC PLAYLIST

new music upcoming artists

New Music Summer 2022: Seven Songs Seven Genres

We are interrupting your Friday Eve with new music from a diverse group of upcoming artists. Luckily, we didn’t have to go further than our inbox to find a variety of tunes to soundtrack your workweek blues and get an early start to the weekend. Scroll through to your favorite genre or check out all seven tracks and more on our weekly new music summer 2022 playlist.

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform to ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

New music summer 2022 playlist

New Music Summer 2022 Playlist

// “Lost Sheep” by Onyi Moss //-Singer-Songwriter

Singer-songwriter Onyi Moss takes you on a dreamy journey in her new release “Lost Sheep.” The Manchester-based British/Nigerian artist’s soothing voice will be the perfect addition to your meditation or relaxation playlist to cure those Sunday Scaries.

// “Heartbroken in a Honkey Tonk” by J. Antonette //-Country

Our Nashville country queen J. Antonette has the cure for your achy breaky heart. Drown out your tears with a few tequila shots and some Coyote Ugly style bar dancing to “Heartbroken in a Honkey Tonk.”

// “You Said” by Misa //-Trip-hop

London-based trip-hop singer Misa released the airy break-up single “You Said” last Friday. Her unique style of combining dance music with smooth ambient sounds and elements of hip-hop introduces a genre that is entirely new to us as listeners. The track sounds as if a cool evening sea breeze is whispering her feelings.

// “DIS MOI” by Omran //-French Rap/Hip-Hop

Maintenant pour un peu de musique française. “DIS MOI” est un nouveau morceau par rappeur et chanteur français, Omran. Sa voix douce peint une image de couples dansant sous le coucher de soleil à la fin d’été. On veut vraiment danser !

// “TALK RICH” by HeyStax //-Rap/Hip-Hop

Upcoming Atlanta, GA artist Heystax released his third studio album entitled “A Beautiful Way to Let Go” last Friday. The ATL rapper brings the heat with the single “Talk Rich,” which could easily be played on repeat with windows down all summer long. Be sure to check out the rest of the album as well! Some of our other favorite tracks are “Break the Rules,” “Believe,” and “Right Hand Man.”

// “Kick It Up” by Michelle Fabre //-Pop

New York-based pop singer-songwriter Michelle Fabre blessed us with an all-out dance anthem, “Kick It Up.” The new track exudes elements of 80s dance music alongside upbeat pop vocals to serve as a great addition to your summer playlist. Michelle is certainly an artist to watch as she has been breaking the scene in NYC.

// “10:36” by beabadoobee //-Alternative

Indie-alternative artist beabadoobee (bee-uh-buh-doo-bee) is no stranger to the new music scene. Beatrice Laus of Dirty Hit Records will release her second studio album, Beatopia, on July 15th. “10:36” is the third single from her highly anticipated sophomore album. “10:36” sounds like a background track to a 90s movie, filled with lines of angsty spoken voice. We are fully prepared for this album to take us on a nostalgic 90s flashback of luscious female vocals.

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //