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The Best New Artists & Breakthroughs of 2021

NPR | By Raina Douris,
Lars Gotrich, Anamaria Artemisa Sayre, Tarik Moody, Ann Powers, Stephen Thompson
Published December 7, 2021 at 1:36 PM EST
PinkPantheress, Wet Leg and María Becerra are among NPR Music's best new artists and breakthroughs of 2021.
Photo Illustration by Renee Klahr/NPR; Getty Images
PinkPantheress, Wet Leg and María Becerra are among NPR Music's best new artists and breakthroughs of 2021.

We have many things to be grateful for: vaccines, a steady return to live events and a plethora of great tunes. We've already listed the best albums and songs of the year, so let's talk about the best new artists and breakthroughs of 2021.

Join an online listening party featuring our staff in a conversation about the artists who shaped the year. NPR Music's Ann Powers, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre, World Cafe's Raina Douris, Radio Milwaukee's Tarik Moody and Pop Culture Happy Hour's Stephen Thompson will join host Lars Gotrich in celebrating the best from 2021. This video won't be archived, but we will feature the panel's picks here afterward.

The event will take place on Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. ET – you can RSVP via NPR Presents and watch via NPR Music's YouTube channel. Tune in to hear their picks and drop your best new artists and breakthroughs in the chat. Let's listen together!

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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Raina Douris
Raina Douris is the host of World Cafe.
See stories by Raina Douris
Lars Gotrich
Lars Gotrich is the editor of Tiny Desk and Tiny Desk Radio, a nationally broadcast program based on the beloved live concert series. He’s produced performances at the Desk by Paramore, GWAR, Amy Grant, Turnstile and Goo Goo Dolls.
See stories by Lars Gotrich
Anamaria Artemisa Sayre
Anamaria Artemisa Sayre is co-host of Alt.Latino.
Tarik Moody
Tarik Moody is the director of digital strategy at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and the host of Rhythm Lab Radio and 88Nine After 9. Listen here.
Ann Powers
Ann Powers is NPR Music's critic and correspondent.
See stories by Ann Powers
Stephen Thompson
Stephen Thompson is a host, writer and reviewer for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour. He appears frequently on All Songs Considered and NPR newsmagazines.
See stories by Stephen Thompson
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