Magnetic’s Artists to Watch Roundup: MOLETRAP, Queen Anne, & More!
Welcome to our newest series: the Artists to Watch Roundup!
We’ve been wanting to highlight more and more underground talent in the magazine, and what better way to do that than with semi-weekly roundups? On each of these pieces, you can expect 4-5 artists from a wide variety of genres: from the typical electronic music that we cover, to anybody doing interesting things in alternative, hip-hop, pop, and more. Some of them will probably be names you’ve heard of (maybe through our label, Magnetic Magazine Recordings), and some of them will be completely new to you. But, they’ve all got one thing in common: they deserve to be on your radar.
Let’s get into our first list!
Queen Anne
Are you a fan of David Bowie and indie pop? Then, this is for you.
American duo Queen Anne recently dropped their second single, a striking cover of David Bowie’s iconic ’80s anthem “Let’s Dance.” The track reimagines Bowie’s fervent classic through the band’s lush, cinematic lens.
1/2 of the duo, singer-songwriter Katie Silverman – who you may know for her roles in New Girl, PEN15, and The Exorcists – explained why they chose to cover this song specifically: “Bowie was a huge influence, not just his music but in his persona, and his visuals, and just the whole vibe. I really wanted to cover one of his songs, both to pay homage and as an excuse to listen to them over and over. I picked ‘Let’s Dance’ because there’s something so fervent, so this-is-our-last-chance about that song, and because I already owned a pair of red shoes.”
A good cover can take a classic and really bring it into a new lens, and Queen Anne successfully accomplishes that with this effort.
MOLETRAP
For fans of alternative rock, here’s an interesting name for you to check out.
Mid Wales and Bristol-based band MOLETRAP recently dropped “Mid Welsh, Pt. 1” a patriotic five tracker that underscores their roots while pushing their sound further into bold territory. Known for blending melodic pop sensibilities with heavy, thunderous guitars, MOLETRAP have carved a reputation for dynamic songwriting that balances grit and grandeur.
Previous singles such as “Rhagofn” and “Middle of the Land” showcase the band’s hallmark: commanding vocals, driving grooves, and lyrics steeped in Welsh heritage and Mid Wales resilience. Critics and fans alike have praised their bilingual approach, weaving English and Welsh into a sound that is as culturally resonant as it is electrifying. It’s unlike anything we’ve really heard before, and we’re really interested in seeing the next evolutions of MOLETRAP.
Namatjira
Switching gears into the house space, we’ve got a rapidly rising name that you should take note of.
Namatijra just dropped his newest EP “Complex Symphonies“, and it’s a beauty. Featuring four forward-thinking deep-meets-melodic house cuts, the EP highlights smooth bass, driving drum beats, high-flying arps, and washed-out vocal textures that make this record feel truly ethereal. It’s hypnotic and alluring, and would sound right at home during a late-night highway drive or a high-energy late-night club.
With releases on Purified and Anjunadeep, it’s clear that Namatijra has the pedigree to take a huge leap forward. We’re excited to see what comes next.
Engelhart
Engelhart’s been absolutely crushing it on our label, Magnetic Magazine Recordings.
His latest, “New Beginnings”, expertly balances acoustic tones and electronic frameworks, crafting a track where synths provide atmosphere while space and dynamics keep the arrangement fluid. Whether listening at home or dancing at a rave, this track will certainly fit the bill. Throughout its seven-minute run, it never once loses the attention of the listener – a clear marker of a true talent.
A master of patience, clarity, and restraint, Engelhart continues to be an artist we are really excited about. A long-deserved breakout is surely on the horizon.
Did we miss anyone? Let us know!
