by Esha Shrivastava
This past February, the 66th Grammy Awards ceremony happened in crypto.com Arena. One
highly anticipated award that was given out was the Best New Artist Award. This award
highlights new artists who have released new EP’s, LP’s, or debut studio albums within the
dates October 1, 2022 till September 15, 2023. They highlight artists who have made their
mark within the recording industry from varying genres, and past recipients include names
such as Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, The Beatles, Adele, Mariah Carey, and many other well-
known and legendary artists.
These year nominees were Victoria Monet, Gracie Abrams, Fred again.., Jelly Roll, Coco Jones,
Noah Kahan, Ice Spice, and The War and Treaty.
Victoria Monet – Winner
Victoria Monet is a songwriter as well as a solo artist. Having released solo music since 2014,
she has also had success in writing hits for singers such as Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle,
BLACKPINK, and many more. Her 2020 EP, Jaguar, marked a breakthrough in her solo career
and following came her debut studio album, Jaguar II, released in 2023. From this album came
the hit, “On My Mama”, for which she received the Record of the Year nomination.
Popular songs: “On My Mama”, “Alright”, “We Might Be Falling In Love”
Gracie Abrams – Nominee
Gracie Abrams has been releasing music since 2019 with her debut single “Mean It”. Through
her soft, raspy voice and confessional lyrics, she has caught the attention of listeners and other
artists, such as Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift. Her debut album, Good Riddance, was
released in February 2023 and co written and produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner.
Popular songs: “I miss you, I’m sorry”, “Feels Like”, “Mess It Up”
Fred again.. – Nominee
Fred again.. gained recognition during the pandemic as the UK’s most prominent producers.
His Actual Life album series started in 2020, but quickly expanded in three studio albums, with
Actual Life 3 being released in October 2022. His music is characterized by involving real-life
sounds, like public transport, voice notes from friends, and large chunky synths.
Popular songs: “Marea (we’ve lost dancing)”, “Delilah (pull me out of this)”, “adore u”
Jelly Roll – Nominee
Jelly Roll has been releasing music for the past 20 years, and has a combination of hip-hop,
rock, and country within his sound. Having released hip-hop mixtapes since the early 2000s,
he made the switch to country music in the 2020s and debuted at the Grand Ole Opry in 2021.
His first country LP, Whitsitt Chapel, released in June 2023 and reflects on his journey.
Popular songs: “Son of a Sinner”, “Save Me”, “Need a Favor”
Coco Jones – Nominee
Coco Jones has been an independent artist and actress for the past 4 years. Having major
roles in the 2022 series Bel-Air and the 2012 Disney Channel movie Let it Shine, she has been
garnering success as a artists since signing a contract with Def Jam Recording and High
Standings. Her first major label EP, What I Didn’t Tell You, released in November 2022.
Popular songs: “ICU”, “Double Back”, “Me and You”
Noah Kahan – Nominee
Noah Kahan is a folk-pop singer who rose to fame in 2020. His song “Stick Season” released
in 2020, and in October 2022, his LP with the same name was released. He is known for his
unfaltering honesty and vulnerability within his lyrics. His openness within his lyrics and
upcoming collaborations have garnered him success and continues to grow his audience.
Popular songs: “Stick Season”, “Northern Attitude”, “All My Love”
Ice Spice – Nominee
Ice Spice is a rapper from the Bronx who rose to fame with her Tik Tok viral hits. Her
collaborations with Taylor Swift “Karma”, Nicki Minaj “Princess Diana, and PinkPantheress
“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” has helped propel her into the mainstream. While she has released an EP in
January 2023 called Like..?, she has yet to debut an album and is one that’s highly anticipated.
Songs: “Munch (Feelin’ U)”, “Bikini Bottom”, “In Ha Mood”
The War and Treaty – Nominee
The War and Treaty have been a duo since 2010, and have had a lasting partnership in music.
Since signing to UMG Nashville in 2022, they have released an EP and three studio albums,
with their last LP, Lover’s Game, releasing in March 2023. Their sound has been describes a
heartfelt anthems with country, soul, and gospel influences.
Popular songs: “Are You Ready to love Me?”, “That’s How Love Is Made”, “Set My Soul on
Fire