The 2019 SoundCloud Playback and a preview of what’s next
The SoundCloud Playback is our year-in-review: a snapshot of what mattered most on the platform this year, and made possible thanks to listeners like you.
Yesterday we shared that for the second year in a row, Juice WRLD was your Top Artist. And based on the outpouring of love and comments and streams since the news broke this weekend, this title has taken on even more profound meaning.
Overall it’s been memorable and moving year. From handing out the first-ever SoundCloud Culture Award to Lil Peep’s mom on behalf of his artistry, to Chance The Rapper reaching 1 billion streams – music x culture x community have come together like never before.
Other Playback culture-drivers include Lil Tecca’s “Ransom” securing its Longest Reign status (after spending a record-breaking 87 days at #1), and Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus & Diplo taking home Top Remix for their take on “Old Town Road.” (See the graphic below for winners in every category.)
2019 playback
Revisit your year in music
Want to take your own trip down memory lane? Stream the brand new personalized playlist “Your 2019 Playback,” and then see how your tracks stack up against our 2019 Playback playlists by genre. If you’re ready to rep what you had on repeat in 2019, let us know by tagging @SoundCloud & #SCplayback on social.
Preview what’s next
While the SoundCloud Playback celebrates the moments that pushed music forward in 2019, the 2020 Artists to Watch and Scenes to Watch (at the bottom of this post) give you a preview of what’s next. Stream these ten upstarts who were handpicked by our artist relations and curations teams because they’re using SoundCloud to make connections and market themselves, creating buzz and putting in the work. And then scroll down to learn more about them and the top scenes you’ll be talking about in the year(s) ahead.
GODMODE signee (Yaeji, Shamir) Channel Tres makes smooth, late-night dance music with a G-Funk spin. The LA-based producer and songwriter has had a big year, releasing 2 EPs and becoming the first artist to officially flip Tyler the Creator with his “EARFQUAKE” remix. He’ll be setting off on his first headlining tour this spring.
The dynamic duo of Laura Les and Dylan Brady met in 2012 as members of St. Louis’ electro-pop scene. Both are talented producers, having worked with everyone from Lil West to Charli XCX. 2019 has seen the pair hit the road with Brockhampton after releasing their acclaimed debut album “1000 gecs.”
Zsela is a Brooklyn-based alternative-soul artist whose been featured in Vogue and The Cut. After writing and recording music for 10 years, her debut singles “Noise” and “Earlier Days” have everyone excited for more.
Teniola Apata, better known as Teni, is poised to become Nigeria’s next breakout star. This talented singer, songwriter and rapper helped write “Like That” for Nigerian superstar Davido while dropping vibrant bangers like “Case” and “Askamaya.”
This standout talent in London’s alt/pop scene has been on NME’s 2019 best-of list and toured with Clairo. With another tour opening for The 1975 already on the books, 2020 is her year. Start getting to know the buzzing indie rocker with her “Space Cadet” EP.
Nineteen-year old Nigerian artist Rema is bringing his youthful take on Afropop to the masses. In 2019 his track “Iron Man” made Barack Obama’s summer playlist. Heat up your winter with his “Bad Commando” EP.
Brooklyn indie-rap mainstay (and longtime SoundCloud user) Medhane is solidifying his future with his recent single “Own Pace.” Watch out for more of his woozy bangers in 2020.
This singer/songwriter out of Austin, Texas recently signed to Father/Daughter Records. Her impressive debut EP, “Swim Team,” has been on steady rotation ever since its release at the top of the summer.
London-based and Beijing-raised electronic artist object blue has been on SoundCloud since the beginning of her career. Her artful productions and bold DJ sets earned her a place soundtracking the S/S 2020 Vivienne Westwood fashion show, and her latest “Figure Beside Me” EP show she has no plans of slowing down.
Hailing from Hermosillo, Sonora, urbano balladeer Natanael Cano is leading a new wave of “corridos tumbados,” Northern Mexican folk ballads with a cholo-rap twist. After catching Bad Bunny’s attention with his raw and irreverent style, the two proceeded to break the internet with the bare-bones corrido, “Soy El Diablo (Remix).”
