Indie Music Spin’s Brightest Pop Stars to Watch in 2023

There is a good energy happening in indie music right now that we need to talk about. It’s all about inspired anthems with powerful messages. It’s going to be a great summer.

Music trends that I’m seeing in pop right now include:

  • Collaborations with unexpected artists
  • A focus on social justice issues in lyrics
  • A return to retro styles and sounds, blending old and new
  • Experimentation with different genres and influences of culture

It’s an exciting time to be a pop music fan, and these up-and-coming artists are definitely ones to keep an eye on. Who knows what kind of innovative and boundary-pushing music they’ll create next?

Here are some of the brightest pop stars to watch for in 2023:

  • Dax – To Be A Man
  • Crash by GRIPPA
  • Swim by Von Boyáge
  • Cruel by jnr.
  • Never Let Me Go by Francis Jupiter
  • Left Right by Broadway B
  • I Thank God by Housefires
  • HELLO MAMA by KID TRAVIS
  • Overthinking – Shai Rose
  • Something In The Air by Christian Porter
  • Don Drago. – Paradise Ft Bezz Believe & Nawlage

Dax – To Be A Man

Release date: Apr 14, 2023 

Genre: Indie Pop, Garage Rock, Emo

“To Be A Man” is a song I poured my heart into that I think everyone will be able to relate to in some type of way. 26 year old music artist who is currently making something out of absolutely nothing. DAX continues to roll over the music business rising quickly with a new brand of music that sits in pop with the most unique combination of music, lyrics and tone. He’s becoming a genre all of his own relating to country music fans with his lyrical storytelling yet rallying hiphop and pop fans with resonating lyrics that talk about struggle and overcoming all obstacles. DAX is a musical prophet for 2023.

GRIPPA – CRASH
Music Genre: POP
Vibe: BALLAD
Located in: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sounds like: Melanie Martinez

Up in coming Pop Star GRIPPA’s New Single Crash has a dramatic video out that you need to see. GRIPPA adds her unique perspective on growing up for a generation accustomed to the stranger things in life while standing in front of a burning building. That’s the duelling nature of GRIPPA, a force that can both revel in the random chaos of youth and also transform the ordinary into the unexpected. As a song writer, GRIPPA is focused and has a flair for the dramatics. Her descriptive imagery resonates with a younger audience well.

80’s Pop Nostalgia Influenced Single Swim by Von Boyáge

Von Boyáge has received praise for their unique blend of genres and nostalgic sound. Their debut album, released in 2019, was met with critical acclaim for its ability to evoke the spirit of 80’s pop while still sounding fresh and modern. Christopher Hocker, the mastermind behind Von Boyáge, has been described as a musical chameleon, seamlessly blending different styles to create something new and exciting. Their live shows are known for their high energy and theatricality, with Hocker often sporting a flamboyant stage presence reminiscent of the era that inspires his music.


Cruel by jnr.

Music Genre: Alternative
Vibe: Acoustic, mellow, melancholy, experimental
Located in: Eora (Sydney), Australia
Sounds like: The 1975, Electric President, No Rome, beabadoobee

Indie Pop music has become more melancholy and experimental than ever before. I’m seeing more introspective lyrics, stripped-down melodies, and raw emotions from artists in2023. A terrific example of this is ‘Cruel’ by jnr. This artist created a single of unique sounds and relatable lyrics.

’Cruel’ is the break-up before the break-up; when you both know that something is wrong in the relationship, but you can’t leave out of fear, selfishness, or a lack of self-confidence. It is the first time we are hearing the softer side of jnr. The song is based around a heavy ambient bedroom vibe and gently strummed acoustic guitars that progressively build and explode into a house-influenced drum break for the finale. JËVA provides a tender addition to the second verse, adding his own story of cutting ties and uncertainty in his mournful croon.

jnr. is the workings of Sydney based producer and songwriter, Ben Siva. Bending the boundaries of pop in his own experimental yet digestible fashion, he has been releasing a steady stream of singles since his debut ‘remember’ in March 2022. With the majority of the writing, performance and production handled by himself, jnr. is proving to be one of the most versatile and capable musicians in the underground pop scene.

jnr. is sure to make a big impact in the music world with songs like this. Keep an eye out for this upcoming releases, and be sure to catch any live show announcements on instagram @jnrfullstop . 2023 is shaping up to be a year of innovation and creativity in the world of pop music and this artist is one to watch. 

Francis Jupiter Writes Never Let Me Go from the Cold Streets of London

According to Indie Music Spin’s Brightest Pop Stars to Watch in 2023, Never Let Me Go by Francis Jupiter is on his way to music stardom. The song is a representation of thoughts from the artist about music now that he’s turned 30. “I’ve spent the past 7 years playing music every day busking full time in the cold streets of London and playing gigs all over Uk and Italy but I feel like I did nothing. I felt like I wasn’t enough and one day, out of the blue, I wrote this song. Literally 3 hours and the majority of the track was ready. 

Broadway B – Left Right

Music Genre: Pop/R&B
Vibe: Soulful pop
Located in: Los Angeles
Sounds like: Aloe Blacc

‘Left Right’ by Broadway B is an anthem for overcoming life struggles. The Los Angeles Pop / R&B artist has just released a smash summer single that will be echoing in the ears of listeners for decades. This song has everything it needs to go viral in todays social heavy world, just wait until there’s a video. I can only imagine what Broadway B is going to bring us next. This tune goes hard and in my opinion is in line with the mega hits of Will Smith and the like. Well done!

Housefires – I Thank God 

Genre: Christian Pop
Vibe: Inspiring, uplifting
Location: Atlanta, GA
Soundslike: Hillsong

Housefires is a worship collective featuring Kirby Kaple, Nate Moore and Tony Brown. Housefires is known for their fresh, approachable worship songs like Good Good Father, Build My Life, Yes and Amen, Open Space and more. Based out of Atlanta, GA where they host their monthly worship nights at Grace Midtown Church, Housefires brings a live, raw, organic, energetic sound that makes you feel like you’re in the room. A sound that Housefires fans have come to know and love.

I Thank God by Housefires is solid gold fire. When it comes to inspiring anthems, Housefires has it all wrapped up in perfect package ready to inspire even the hardest heart. If watching this band perform doesn’t convert you into a super fan of their music, then nothing will. This new single comes at a time when the world needs to not only feel inspired but uplifted. This song holds the power of both in its hands. Listen to them, they won’t let you down. 

KID TRAVIS – “HELLO MAMA”

Genre: Commercial, Adult Contemporary

Get ready to hear a voice that will stop you in your tracks. Kid Travis has a fresh sweet sound with modern music productions and plenty of good positive energy. 

With solid melodic indie punk/trap undertones, Kid Travis sings a wide variety of styles of music with over 150 million streams on Spotify. Kid Travis has an active YouTube Channel with over 480k Subscribers & 60k on instagram where he posts both original music/ visuals as well as covers which have been recognized by artists such as Post Malone, Bryson Tiller, Rich Brian, and Dominic Fike. Kid Travis is not subject to one genre. Music is his passion.This singer-songwriter-producer has gifts to share with the world.


Overthinking – Shai Rose

Working on my debut album these days ‘The Road’ so this single, outside ‘The Road’is the first piece of my story 🙂 My music is kind of a mix of my main influences, from Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Bon Iver, Coldplay to Lana del ray, Adele and Brittany Howard.

Something In The Air by Christian Porter

Something In The Air is a high energy, positive vibes, all-around feel good song! A song about not knowing what makes you feel this good but also not caring why. Just roll with it.

Don Drago. – Paradise Ft Bezz Believe & Nawlage

Release date: April 28, 2023

Music Genre: Hip-hop, Tropical, Pop-rap
Vibe: Fun, Happy, Tropical
Located in: Tampa FL
Sounds like: Flo rida, Pitbull

Look out because there’s a fresh Summer Sizzler about to hit the Hottest new releases. Coming out of Tampa Florida, Paradise Ft Bezz Believe & Nawlage by Don Drago is a serious Tropical Pop Rap Jam.  This song just sounds like summer and brings all the good positive energy you would expect from a Summer hit. Don Drago is clearly bringing his a game here on this release and aiming high to collect all the gold. 

Don Drago, the rising star in the music industry, has announced the release of his new single “Paradise” featuring Bezz Believe and Nawlage 2K5. This highly anticipated release fuses seamlessly pop, rap, and dance creating the perfect summer hit that is set to dominate the airwaves. “Paradise” is set to release on all digital streaming platforms on April 28th.