With more music coming out than ever before, talent is abundant out there. The issue both artists and listeners face is how to find each other.
We are more than happy to help. At the new Hit Parader, music discovery will be a huge part of what we do because, for me, discovering a new artist to follow throughout their career remains one of the greatest joys of being a music fanatic.
The 13 artists chosen here are our music discoveries we’re most excited about in 2026, spanning Spanish pop and soul, rock and hard rock, singer-songwriter, jazz, and more. In putting together this disparate list, I can promise you there was no thought given to the number of followers on social media or streaming spins. As a sports fanatic as well, numbers matter in sports, not music.
The only things that mattered in this list were talent, creativity, honesty, and most importantly, “it” factor. Every one of the 13 artists here had at least one song that stopped me in the middle of whatever I was doing and caused me to go, “Oh shit, who is that?” That’s what good music does — it draws you in and makes you listen. These 13 artists will make you listen and make you damn glad you did. — Steve Baltin
IZZY ESCOBAR
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
IE: I’m really excited to be releasing an acoustic version of my EP on January 23rd, with an added bonus track called “Gangster’s Wife.” That song actually started as an improvised moment online, and it’s been so special getting to develop it fully in the studio. We were able to really lean into my love for jazz and strip everything back so the storytelling and emotion could shine.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
IE: My biggest musical dream is to go on my first headline tour and also open for a major artist. I’m really looking forward to releasing my first full-length album this year and taking that body of work on the road. And honestly — it’s always been a dream of mine to play Coachella 😉
HP: Is there one song of yours you feel best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
IE: “Sunny in London.” It captures my sound and my spirit — it’s soulful, cinematic, and emotionally honest without being bitter. It’s about finding light in unfamiliar places and learning how to stand on your own again. That balance of vulnerability and strength is really who I am as an artist.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
IE: Stevie Nicks, without question. She embodies mysticism, femininity, and fearlessness in a way that feels timeless. I’ve always admired how she made softness powerful and vulnerability iconic, while still commanding a room like no one else. I’d love to talk with her about songwriting, intuition, and how she protects her inner world while living a public life.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you could hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
IE: The biggest compliment I’ve ever received actually came after someone watched me sing kirtan, a traditional form of Indian Sanskrit chanting, in Griffith Park. They told me that when I sang, I wore my heart on my sleeve. That’s always stayed with me. Singing is the one place where I feel completely myself and completely vulnerable. If my music can make someone feel less alone, help them find their voice, or feel empowered to keep moving forward in their own story, that would mean everything to me.
HP: What is the most rock-star thing you’ve ever done?
IE: Honestly, the life I’m living right now feels like the most rock-star thing I’ve ever done. But if you want a funny story — when I was in college, a close friend and I became completely obsessed with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We heard on the radio that Amoeba Records in Hollywood was giving out free tickets to the first 60 people in line, so we went the night before and slept on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, even though we had classes the next day. We ended up getting in, and I’ll never forget that performance. Pretty rock-star, I’d say.
DREAH
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
D: In 2026, I feel like I’m stepping into my fully confident pop-driven era. I’ll be releasing music that’s not so much about heartbreak, but more about showcasing what I’m currently living through. It’ll be music that makes you want to look in the mirror and really feel yourself.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
D: My biggest musical dream for this next year would be to receive a nomination for the Latin Grammys! And if I can add another… to perform at a festival.
HP: Is there one song of yours you best feel sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
D: I would have to say my latest song, “High,” sums up my sounds and vibe as an artist. It’s dark but sensual. To me, it’s my perfect version of dark femininity
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
D: I’d love to hang out with Ozzy Osbourne for the night. His persona is so interesting to me, hahaha! I feel like I would be entertained throughout the whole night.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
D: I would say the biggest compliment would be that my music made them feel confident. I remember how I used to feel as a little girl, listening to Britney Spears on the radio or Christina Aguilera in my room. It would bring out this overflowing confidence within me. That is the exact same energy I want to transmit to other people through my music.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
D: I think back to the time I attended a motorcycle event in South Florida. I was riding my motorcycle in the middle of hundreds of other motorcyclists. Some were doing wheelies, some going as fast as they could, some doing tandems. And on top of all that craziness, I turned around to see a pack of police cars following behind trying to stop everyone! Biggest adrenaline rush for sure!!
HP: If you could live in and create music in any one book or movie, what would you choose and why?
D: If I had to choose any book or movie to create music or live in, I would have to say “Grease”. First of all, the movie is absolutely amazing! Sandy is someone who’s so sweet and soft, but also has that edginess towards the end of the movie. I feel like it’s the perfect representation of who I am as an artist. That combination of sweet and sour!
LOST IN VEGAS
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
LIV: I have a lot of great music coming out in 2026. One in particular is called “On My Own,” which I did with my bandmate/ amazing producer John Fox, producer Michael Bono, who has worked with a lot of music greats like John Feldmann and Blink 182, and last but not least, Tosh The Drummer, who has been on a generational run drumming for Lady Gaga. I also might have an amazing feature on it, but I’m going to keep that a surprise.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
LIV: As an artist, I want to create real relationships with the people who support me. I went on three national tours with my friend/ artist/ mentor Mod Sun, and he showed me the importance of going on tour, doing shows, and meeting the fans in real life. The connection and bond you get to experience with them is unmatched, especially living in this crazy digital age. So, my goal is to do that. Also, I want to challenge myself to be more consistent and fearless when it comes to showing my art to the world.
HP: Is there one song of yours you best feel sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
LIV: I would say our song “Dirty Little Freak” and the last song we just released called “Paranoia.” I love these songs because they sound like what a Vegas song would sound like. Very high energy, bass-driven, with crunchy loud guitar and INSANE guitar solo s at the end to really top it all off. I have the privilege to work alongside extremely talented musicians/ band-mates that bring these visions to life, so shout out to John Fox on the production, and Ian David on the guitar.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
LIV: Oooh, that’s a tough question. I would say Lenny Kravitz. Growing up, I listened to his music nonstop. Plus, his style and aura are through the roof to me; he is the definition of a rock star, and I take a lot of influence from him in the music we make.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
LIV: The biggest compliment somebody can say to me is how much our music has changed their life and helped them get through a hard time. I make music about my personal experiences, but at the end of the day, as an artist, we are here to serve, have an impact, and be the light for those who are in the dark. The beautiful thing about creating music is watching the evolution of an idea materialize into something that not only helps us with our own dealings, but also watching it take on a life of its own with the people that listen and see how it translates and helps them.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
LIV: Hmm. I always forget living in L.A., we’re in our own little bubble, and I have the privilege of experiencing some pretty crazy shit. One experience that I always think about is when Mod Sun brought me out to do our song during his set at the Machine Gun Kelly Est Fest in Ohio. I was super nervous, and it was in front of like 3000 plus people. I also did my first-ever stage dive. I would also say just going on tour and riding a tour bus and getting to perform every night is the most insane high rock star shit I plan on experiencing again soon, one day.
MYND READER
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
MR: We are releasing our debut self-titled album MYND READER on January 30th. It’s taken a long life of living to properly write it. It’s a concept album about the human experience. With so much division in the world, we wanted to write about what connects us — love, joy, the promise of a new day. What it means to be fully human.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
MR: Bringing people together in a live environment to experience our music in community, with a connected energy that will blow the roof off the place. To experience Rock and Roll redemption — a Rock and Roll Concert.
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
MR: The song “Home.” Musically, it’s incredibly honest, vulnerable, and explosive. The chorus of the song is, “More life, please! Because no matter how hard life can get … the prayer is for more!” Our ethos is always finding the light in the darkness. There is always a chance for redemption. We have a lyric in the song that says, “With the promise of a new day, shapes the diamond of the soul.”
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
MR: John Lennon. He changed the world with his music … having a couple of drinks with John Lennon … to experience him just being human … what was he like? What was his sense of humor … what brought him joy? I would just love to get to know him, even if it was for just one night.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
MR: I don’t feel so alone with my feelings. We had someone once comment that they were going through very serious health issues, and our music brought them hope and faith … It makes it all worth it!
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
MR: I just went with Michael Brauer (seven-time Grammy-winning mixer who mixed our new album) to see David Byrne and got to hang out with him and meet him after the show. Such a great night of perfection. His performance was impeccable, and he is such a nice, approachable guy.
TAMZENE
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
T: I’ve been working on my debut album! I’ve always wanted to embark on a really in-depth body of work, so 2026 will certainly see some of that coming together. I’m incredibly excited to share it with you all!
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
T: I’d love to bring a show to the States. My last show was in NY in 2020, and I think it’s time I went back! I’ve ticked off so much already, opening for Stevie Wonder, Adele, etc, but every artist dreams about America. I’d also love to visit Nashville for some writing. I’ve always wanted to experience that creative scene. I’ve heard so much about it!
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
T: It would have to be ‘Something Right’ — which is a bit of a cheat because there are two versions, but it’s a true representation of all the things I love when making music. Lush backing vocals, warm piano, live drums, and heartfelt lyrics. The piano version is the purest form of who and what I am as an artist. If you come to a solo show, this is what you hear. I want to keep capturing and delivering this range and spectrum of music.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
T: It would have to be Tina Turner. I took my mum recently to see the musical, and I was blown away! Her story really inspires me. She didn’t take no for an answer. I’d love to be in that energy, laugh with her, and learn from her, such a hero.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
T: Well. It’s not that I enjoy making people cry or anything, but when someone says they’ve been moved to tears, I am always amazed by that. I feel so deeply when I sing, and I think my job is to make others feel deeply too. That level of resonance is the whole point to me.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
T: Haha, well I can’t say I’m the most rebellious of artists, but I did play my biggest ever headline show on two hours sleep … Is it still rockstar if the reason was a flat tire and not a crazy party?
STRANGERR
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
S: A lot of singles, for sure, and at least one or two EPs.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
S: My biggest musical dream is to continue building a real community and core audience that connects with honest music and genuine art.
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
S: I don’t think one song can sum up my sound. If you dive into my catalog, you’ll hear different sounds and genres that all represent pieces of who I am. If one song could define me, my name probably wouldn’t be Strangerr.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
S: For a night, I’d want to hang out with Jimi Hendrix. Seeing someone who looks like me reach that level of respect and influence means a lot. His legacy is unmatched. I’d want to observe his day-to-day life and learn how he navigated the world as a Black artist.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
S: That they emotionally connected with it. I try to be as real, authentic, and personal as possible in my music. I believe true artists care about substance and relatability.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
S: I’ve never conformed to traditional jobs. Despite doubt from family, friends, and peers, I still managed to manifest a life as a full-time artist. That kind of rebellion feels rock-star in itself.
ERIN LECOUNT
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
EL: The most personal stuff I’ve ever made. Songs that kind of make me grit my teeth a little when I play them for people. My New Year’s resolutions are to be braver in saying what I mean!
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
EL: I’m about to do a sold-out tour in the US, which is kind of a dream in itself. I’ve been getting whispers of some dream venues for the rest of the year, so it feels like some of them are already dreams half true. I suppose between shows, my big dream is to escape somewhere new for a while and make something really special that I’ve been planning and formulating in my head for a while. I want to make something not like I’ve ever made before, and that means I have to create a new process for myself. I would like to find a friend or trusted partner to collaborate with, too, like someone to help me bring that to life, a bit of a musical soulmate to do it with.
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
EL: A song of mine called “Marble Arch” was the proudest I’d ever felt of production and writing. It felt like the first time I’d been able to actualize something that I’d heard in my head exactly in the way I wanted to. I indulged in all my guilty pleasures – huge tom drums, metal snares, it’s like an anti-fairytale song, all these reverb birdsong melodies about how difficult you are to love, soundtracked to this industrial sword fight and warped harp orchestra in the background. “MACHINE GHOST” is a song I feel similarly about, except making that felt like being hit by lightning and having a song in my hands that summed up four years’ worth of feeling, even without lyrics, the instrumental just sounded like somebody breaking down – most of the instrumental is made of my voice and vocoder. I think both are good examples of what I try to do, which is to recreate an emotion or a moment or a thought and create this specific scene around it, like it’s the beginning or the end of the world.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
EL: Kate Bush is the ultimate rock star to me, so I choose her every time. I don’t think there’s any other artist, alive or dead, that moves me like she does, or provides me as much escapism as she does. I feel so close to her, which sounds slightly silly, but I really don’t play about Kate Bush. I would just want to have dinner and a glass of wine and let her talk and ask questions, I have so many.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
EL: I like specifics, when people pay attention to one lyric and want to know more about it, or when people pick up on something in the production, and ask what I did with this sound or why I chose it. I like attention to detail, and when that is noticed, that’s very gratifying. I get insecure about drums, so if someone says they like my drums, I feel a bit like a child who’s been given a gold star. The best compliment I can get from a live show, however, is about overall energy, compliments on the crowd, just atmosphere in the room, and how “in it” I was.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
EL: You’re asking the wrong girl. I don’t know. Getting my whole head of hair bleached in someone’s kitchen because I’d seen a psychic, argued with a cult member, and cried in a wig shop one night, and then felt like the universe was telling me I had to be blonde.
RED EYE
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
RE: We’re releasing our debut EP! It includes re-recorded versions of our first two releases, as well as some new songs that we’re really excited to share. We’ve been in the studio for the last couple of months, and we’re hoping to have everything ready by spring.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
RE: We’d really like to crack the studio recording process. When we first started a couple of years back, I think we had the idea that writing good songs was the hard part of making music, and getting them recorded was more of an afterthought. But we’ve found out how untrue that is — recording is an art of its own, and there’s a ton of things that need to go right for a demo to be properly transformed into something polished. So, if we can figure this one out in 2026, we’ll be happy.
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
RE: The song that best represents us as a band is probably “How it Ends,” which we released as a demo over the summer. It has a lot of our favorite musical sensibilities: it’s nostalgic in the verses, euphoric and dance-y in the chorus, and combines indie rock attitude with lots of cool jazzy chords. It’s also one of the songs that we’re re-recording for next year’s EP.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
RE: Elliott Smith. As a guitar music band, there really isn’t anyone we admire more when it comes to writing beautiful chord progressions and melodies — he’s a constant inspiration. He was also an incredible lyricist who mastered the art of conveying emotion through song. So, chatting about songwriting with him would be a dream, in addition to how cool it would be to hang out with one of our greatest musical idols.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
RE: Our favorite kind of compliment is one that recognizes the parts of our songs that we personally feel the proudest of. There’s nothing better than someone saying, “Hey, that specific thing you do in that part of that song is so cool,” and being like, “Yeah, that’s our favorite part too!”
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
RE: Probably dropping everything from my life in California and moving to New York to work as a waiter and make music. It was a scary thing to do, and it introduced a whole lot of uncertainty into my life. But choosing to pursue art in this city is such a time-honored tradition, and there’s something really romantic about following in the footsteps of the greats that came before us. And that feels pretty rock n’ roll.
GEO BADOO
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
GB: A lot! In March, I’m releasing a song that’s very close to my heart, and I can’t wait to tell this story in all the ways I have planned. It’s possibly a bit of an unconventional one coming from the UK right now, think country meets R&B. After that, I’ll be releasing music steadily, leading up to a very special project at the end of the year.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
GB: My musical dream for 2026 is to spend a lot more time on stage and connect with people face-to-face. It’s my favorite thing, and it needs to happen more!
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
GB: That’s a hard question because I feel like I’m not really in a box, and I like to shape shift and try on different musical hats. It’s probably either “My Turn” or the song I’m releasing in March, “Save Me.” I feel like these songs have a tenderness and subtlety that just feels like me, with messages that really came from my core.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
GB: It would have to be David Bowie. The man was just the coolest, smoothest, smartest person. I have the utmost respect and a lot of questions for him.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
GB: The biggest compliment would be on my originality and distinctive qualities. Or that they felt calm and grounded while listening.
HP: If you could live in and create music in any one book or movie, what would it be and why?
GB: After Dark by Haruki Murakami. I really like the concept of witnessing multiple lives happening simultaneously over a single night. I imagine a diverse, sensitive, and observant soundtrack, with subtle threads that represent the connections between the people.
SALEM DARLING
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
SD: I’m super excited for this year! I’m releasing a new song every month. I write a lot of songs by myself, but I also love to collaborate with my friend Sam Nicholson. These new songs will capture what it’s like to be a teenage/young girl. Some are high-energy pop/rock, ballads, or heartbreak songs.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
SD: I would love to be recognized for my songwriting and my music. I would love for my music to be heard by a lot more people, hoping to have some sort of break. I also would like to play live shows and open for more well-known musicians.
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
SD: Yes, “Send my Love.” This was the very first song I released back in August. It is a high-energy, fun, pop/rock song. It is about getting cheated on, but instead of being sad about it, I sort of make fun of the situation. As a side note, there are so many songs that I haven’t released yet that are my favorites.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
SD: This is a difficult question; there are so many people that I’d love to hang out with. But I would say Billie Eilish because, although she’s different from me, she writes her own songs and collaborates with her brother, which is similar to what I’m trying to do, so I can relate to her. In addition, I would love to meet Taylor Swift because I think she’s a great lyricist and she’s a big inspiration.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
SD: I love it when people say they can relate to my music. Or just seeing my little community grow and see the same group of people supporting me on everything I do, and welcoming new people as well. I also enjoy when people notice I write songs myself. In my comments, people often say I’m underrated, and that means so much to hear that. I’ve heard several times that people gatekeep and don’t tell their friends about me because they want to keep my songs to themselves, but on the other hand, they want to share my music because they want me to be successful; that always makes me smile.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
SD: There have been so many cool things I’ve done: being in bands, playing festivals, being recognized in songwriting competitions, doing promos for Gibson Guitar, and being acknowledged by some talented musicians like Gene Simmons, etc. Probably one of the most unexpected moments was when I played a show in a bar in Long Beach. After the show, my mom pulled me aside and told me that Fergie was in there filming me playing guitar. So, then I looked around, and there she was! I got to meet her, and she was such an amazing person to talk to and told me to never give up on my dream. She then wanted to talk to my mom, and so she grabbed my mom’s hand and was pulling her through the bar. My mom was all like, “Fergie is holding my hand, what is going on?” haha. In that moment, I was so grateful that someone like her recognized how hard I’ve worked to get where I am.
HP: If you could live in and create music in any book or movie what would it be and why?
SD: Bohemian Rhapsody. I feel like I can relate to Freddie Mercury because he was familiar with many musical genres like opera, rock, pop, etc., and I grew up learning classical music, then focused on rock, and now I’m writing my own pop songs. He was a songwriting genius, and I aspire to be like that as well. He was relatable, kind, and inspiring, and I would’ve loved to have met him, so that would be the perfect movie for me.
SAINT HARRISON
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
SH: Lots coming this year, you’re gonna see pretty much everything I’ve been working on since “Lost a Friend.”
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for this year?
SH: Honestly, just to perform as much as possible, I grew up performing and being on stage, so I’m really excited to be able to go out there and fuck some shit up :)))
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
SH: Yes. But it isn’t out yet — it’s a song coming this year that I really wanted for a long time. It came towards me towards the end of the writing process and is really just about giving grace to someone that has hurt you so much — I felt like this upcoming chapter really needed that perspective, and really sums me up as a person and artist (after I’ve gotten over my crash out lol).
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
SH: Oh my god, can I have a dinner party? Like Bowie, Prince, and Janis Joplin would be a wild time.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
SH: When people shout at me and make stank faces, biggest compliments (shoutout Atlanta for being my favorite crowd ever).
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
SH: Shopping in Supreme with Elton John was pretty rockstar.
GABRIELLE CAVASSA
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
GC: My debut Blue Note record 🙂
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for 2026?
GC: Go deeper, abandon perfectionism, commit.
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
GC: Not really.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
GC: Dinner with Jeff Buckley. Dinner and drinks.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
GC: Ever since I heard the pope blessed Rosalia’s album, I am aiming higher. That would be the biggest. But I also like small compliments.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
GC: I’m afraid I can’t say.
LITTLE SON
HP: What new music do you have coming in 2026?
LITTLE: I’m working on an album right now that I’m wildly stoked about… It’s called Little Son! & the inconceivable, inexcusable (& quite frankly incomprehensible) plot to destroy the moon. Each track is inspired by one of my favorite films, and the album itself tells a story. “Scarecrow Dreams” and “The Ballad of Sir Bummer the Lame and The Princess of Fort Pillow” are the first two tracks on the album and introduce the world that the story is set in. It’s arguably the most challenging and rewarding series of tracks I’ve ever worked on, but I really feel like the end result is going to hit like a Mack truck and tell this strange story that I’ve had on my mind for a while. It’s also been a lot of fun (for me…) to go back and forth with the musicians and engineers I’m working with because we’ve been playing a lot with how to reach certain sounds with different approaches.
HP: What is your biggest musical dream for next year?
LITTLE: Oh man – biggest dream would be to create a visual album release alongside the album… I have a whole script written from start to finish already. I’ve always LOVED music as an audio/visual experience. It’s part of why I love live music… It’s awesome to connect with a song and love the music, but it’s a whole different transcendental experience when you’re watching the person who wrote it rip it out of their chest and leave it on a stage for you. For me, a lot of that comes in the form of super-stylized visual representations of the tracks I’ve worked on.
HP: Is there one song of yours that best sums up your sound and ethos as an artist? Why that song?
LITTLE: I’d have to give you two, which I know was not the question… “Scarecrow Dreams” and “Save the World, Get the Girl.” “Scarecrow Dreams” encompasses the sound I love. Big chunky guitars and drums, horns, chanting background vocals… I absolutely adore the symphony of it. Each part is working together to tell this whole cohesive story, and even though it’s fairly lyrically driven it’s still one that I want to mosh to when I hear it. On the flip side of that, “Save the World, Get the Girl” is one that reflects the emotions I try to bring out. Super raw, just a guy telling you a story with his guitar. When we recorded that, I had to go into a bathroom with a mic, sit in the shower, and play it with the door closed… I actually still have trouble playing it when I’m not alone because of how much it feels like people are watching me rip a thorn out of my chest.
HP: What one rock star, living or dead, would you most want to hang out with for a night and why?
LITTLE: Matt Maust, the bassist for Cold War Kids, is the one who immediately comes to mind. Not only do I love his work with the band, but his work as a visual artist is one that I find myself going crazy for. I would love to hang out with him for a night and just ask him eighty-seven thousand questions about how they capture their sound, his art, and life in general. I fan girl pretty hard about those artists who are insanely talented in multiple mediums… the Renaissance Man type artists, and I can just about guarantee you he would hate me by the end of the night for playing 20 questions for 6 hours straight.
HP: What would be the biggest compliment you can hear someone say about you after hearing your music?
LITTLE: I got an Instagram DM from a guy who thanked me and told me that my songs “feel like poetry about a part of [his] life that [he] feels nostalgic for but also like a part of the life [he] imagined for himself.” and it made me tear up (and by tear up I mean cry). The idea that something I had written had that much of an impact on him was insanely overwhelming and felt like I had finally hit something I didn’t even know I was going for. Super candidly, I’ve always written for myself and because I loved the art of storytelling rather than for it to be heard, and that was probably the first time I ever took a step back and thought to myself, “telling the story means as much, or more, to the crowd than it does to the storyteller.” I have the DM saved on my phone and go back and read it every once in a while, and that type of feedback pushes me to really go beyond what I would do for myself.
HP: What is the most rock star thing you have ever done?
LS: Let me tell you, man, you’re not ready for this one. Last night, I stayed up past 9:30. I’m not even talking, just like a few minutes past, I’m talking like a whole half hour.
