DiscoverNü started as an idea in my head years before it officially launched as a radio show on the now defunct online radio station Climax Radio in September 2016, and as a music discovery platform in October 2017. Before the radio show debuted, I had a secret music blog, frequently updated playlists for brands, blogs and friends on Apple Music and I was one of the main writers at On The Come Up TV.
The artists I had discovered throughout that period all got airplay on the radio show and I built a somewhat distant connection with some of them by interacting, promoting and eventually blogging about them. Most of these artists have already surpassed their expectations, including one whose already a global superstar. Below are 5 artists I handpicked.
THEY.
THEY. are literally the inspiration behind DiscoverNü — the Los Angeles based duo are the reason for the “Nü”. After I had discovered their excellent debut EP Nü Religion, they eventually signed a record deal with Mind of a Genius months later. THEY. have since released a major label debut album titled Nü Religion: Hyena, and toured the world stunning friends with their awesome eclectic sound and electrifying live performances. They are still very active.
6LACK
I’m sure when 6LACK uploaded “PRBLMS” on SoundCloud in early 2016 he wasn’t expecting to get the reaction he received. The NOVA-produced debut single was an honest personal song rap-sung by an artist who had been shelved by a mainstream artist no one listens to anymore. With millions of plays on SoundCloud that generated a crazy buzz, 6LACK signed to LVRN/Interscope and released the Grammy nominated debut album FREE 6LACK. The Atlanta, Georgia superstar showed no sign of a sophomore slump as his following album East Atlanta Love Letter became his highest charting release in the US.
Elley Duhé
Thanks to SoundCloud’s clever algorithms I stumbled on Elley Duhé’s captivating pop banger “immortal” back in December 2016. The song immediately got airplay on the radio show, and Duhé has always been thankful for any promotion towards her music. She has since signed with RCA Records, released her debut EP DRAGON MENTALITY to great acclaim and featured on the 2018 summer smash “Happy Now” with Russian-German producer Zedd.
A. CHAL
I always knew Peruvian-American artist A. CHAL was going to be a star, he showcased that on his debut project Welcome to GAZI. The project featured memorable tracks such as “Right Now”, “Round Whippin'”, “Vibe W/U” and “GAZI”. He has since released two more projects, signed with Epic Records and is en route to become the next global Latin superstar.
Post Malone
Four years ago this month, a white kid from Dallas, Texas with cornrows uploaded his debut song “That’s It” on SoundCloud and the rest was history. Post Malone started off as one of the most polarising artists within Hip-Hop, with many tastemakers, radio presenters and bloggers questioning his authenticity and some even labelling him a “culture vulture”. I overlooked all the negativity and judged him on his talent, and this young man was (and still is) talented. After signing to Republic Records, he released his major record label debut Stoney and the following album beerbongs & bentleys which features the global hit single rockstar—a song that has made him a superstar.
Honourable Mentions: Tinashe, SAINt JHN, Tory Lanez and GASHI.
All the DiscoverNü Radio throwbacks in one playlist.
Featured image: A. CHAL.