By: Metallica

Recommended by: Ethan Phaneuf

About the band: Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield. Known for their aggressive sound, complex compositions, and powerful live performances, they are one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time.

By: Steven Stills 

Recommended by: Ms. Dugas

About the artist: Stephen Stills is a renowned American musician, singer, and songwriter, celebrated for his influential role in shaping rock, folk, and country music from the 1960s onward. Born on January 3, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, Stills has been a pivotal figure in several iconic bands and has also enjoyed a successful solo career.

By: Kings of Leon

Recommended by: Victoria Parton

About the artist: Kings of Leon is an American rock band from Nashville, formed in 1999 by three brothers and their cousin. They’re known for their gritty sound, emotional depth, and global success.

By: Stick Figure

Recommended by: Mr. Leckie

About the artist: Stick Figure is an American reggae and dub band founded by Scott Woodruff. Known for its mellow vibes, uplifting lyrics, and layered production, the project began as a solo effort and evolved into a full live band. Stick Figure has built a strong following in the reggae scene through independent releases and dynamic live shows.

By: Drake 

Recommended by: Devon Grant 

About the artist: Drake (real name: Aubrey Drake Graham) is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. Born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, he is one of the most influential and successful artists in modern music, known for blending rap and R&B in a unique, emotionally introspective style.

By: Daniel Caeser

Recommended by: Joel Paul 

About the artist: Daniel Caesar’s music is characterized by a fusion of R&B, soul, and gospel elements, often delving into themes of love, faith, and personal growth. He cites artists like Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Beyoncé, and Jim Morrison as influences. His collaborative efforts with Toronto-based musicians and producers, including BadBadNotGood and Charlotte Day Wilson, have further shaped his distinctive sound.

Link to the song: Let Me Go

By: Our Lady Peace 

Recommended by: Mr. Braun

About the artist: Our Lady Peace is a Canadian alternative rock band formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1992. Known for their emotionally charged lyrics, unique vocal style, and melodic yet edgy sound, the band rose to prominence in the mid-1990s and became one of Canada’s most successful rock acts.

By: Jimmy Eat World

Recommended by: Ms. Flynn

About the artist: Jimmy Eat World is an American rock band from Mesa, Arizona, formed in 1993. The group is best known for pioneering and popularizing elements of the emo and alternative rock genres, especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their music blends heartfelt, introspective lyrics with catchy melodies, powerful guitar-driven arrangements, and dynamic songwriting.

By: Playboi Carti 

Recommended by: Devon Grant 

About the artist: Playboi Carti (born Jordan Terrell Carter on September 13, 1995) is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He emerged from the city’s underground scene and gained prominence with his 2017 self-titled mixtape, featuring the hit “Magnolia” . Carti is known for his experimental approach to trap music, characterized by minimalist beats, unconventional vocal styles, and a distinctive aesthetic that has influenced the “rage” subgenre.

By: Jeff Buckley 

Recommended by: Victoria Parton

About the artist: Jeff Buckley was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his haunting voice, emotional intensity, and genre-blending music. Born on November 17, 1966, in Anaheim, California, he was the son of folk musician Tim Buckley, though the two had little contact.

Link to song:  Everybody Here Wants You

By: Travis Scott

Recommended by: Logan Van Wieringer

About the artist: Travis Scott was born on April 30, 1991. He is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer for his high energy performances, and elaborate stage production. he's one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop and pop culture. 

Link to song: Sicko Mode Clean

By: HIMALAYAS

Recommended by: Ethan Jovanov 

About the artist: Himalayas are a Welsh rock group from Cardiff, Wales, formed in 2015. The group currently consists of Mike Griffiths, Joe Williams, Louis Heaps, and James Goulbourn. 

Link to song: From Hell to Here

By: Thomas Dolby

Recommended by: Ms. Ross

About the artist: Thomas Dolby is a British musician, producer, and technology entrepreneur best known for his pioneering work in electronic and synth-pop music during the 1980s. He rose to fame with the 1982 hit “She Blinded Me with Science,” a quirky, synth-heavy track that became a staple of the era.

Link to song: She Blinded Me With Science

By: Kanye West

Recommended by: Lucas Little 

About the artist: Kanye West (now known as Ye) is an American rapper, producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur, widely regarded as one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern music and pop culture.

By: Eminem

Recommended by: Mohammed 

About the artist: Eminem is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer who rose in fame in the late 1990s. He is known for his rapid-fire delivery and lyrics and his controversial and influential music.

Link to song: Till I Collapse

By: Toby Fox 

Recommended by: Ammar Durrani 

About the artist:  Toby Fox is an American game developer and composer, best known for creating independent role-playing game Undertale. 

Link to song: The World Revolving

By: Blink-182

Recommended by: Breanne Perry

About the band: Blink-182 is a pop-punk band from San Diego, California. They're known for their fast paced songs, humorous, rebellious lyrics, and their catchy melodies. They formed the band in 1992 and became much more popular in the early 2000s.  

Link to the song: All The Small Things

By: J. Cole

Recommended by: Logan Peto

About the artist: J Cole is known for his lyrics touching on issues in society, and self-realization. He gained attention as a rapper following the release of his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in early 2007. 

Link to the song: No Role Modelz