Thanks to TikTok, many of these artists were given a shot at the spotlight, and OPM artists are no exceptions. It has also revived classics, which new listeners may know as “those famous songs on TikTok.“
Artists to listen to in 2021 vary, depending on our mood and interests. The best artists to listen to can naturally relate to their listeners. Songs are a great way of storytelling and connecting with their listeners. The list of TikTok music 2021 constantly changes from something as emotional as “driver’s license” to meme-material like “Oh No.”
If you want to expand your playlist for TikTok music 2021 or feel nostalgic, here are ten artists to listen to, thanks to TikTok. This blog covers different genres such as Ppop, Folk pop, Indie pop, alternative, pop, disco, country, musical, musical comedy, and R&B.
10 Artists to listen to thanks to TikTok
Credit: SB19 on Facebook
1. SB19 (2018-present) – Ppop
These boys gave Filipino boy bands and the OPM scene a new face with their meaningful, upbeat, and heartfelt songs to kick start our list. After going viral in 2019 with their “Go Up” dance practice, SB19 continues to raise our flag with their debut album “Get in the Zone” and in their nominations for the Billboard Music Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards! Indeed, their hard work is paying off, and they are just getting started!
Their hit singles “What?” and “Mapa” are their famous TikTok songs from their Extended Play (EP) “Pagsibol.” Also, stay tuned for their “Bazinga!” music video dropping this Friday, October 29!
Credit: Ben&Ben on Facebook
2. Ben&Ben (2015-present) – Folk-pop
Do you want a more mellow vibe? Another group of Filipino artists to listen to is Ben&Ben.
The music group first gained recognition in 2018 with their songs “Susi” and “Maybe the Night.” The band then gained more attention with “Lifetime” and “Araw Araw,” which became their famous songs on TikTok.
Their mellow tones and powerful ballads of love are what make them #relatable to their listeners. Indeed, they are one of the “Liwanags” in the OPM Scene. And while you’re here, check out their latest album, “Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kwaderno,” featuring other prominent OPM artists!
3. Olivia Rodrigo (2015-present) – Pop rock, Indie pop
Before becoming the voice of her generation, Rodrigo appeared in an Old Navy commercial and ventured into acting. The young artist then rose to fame in 2021 with her hit single “Driver’s License.” A few of her famous songs on TikTok are “good 4 u”, “traitor, “happier,” and “jealousy, jealousy,” appealing to Gen Z with her songs of adolescence and heartache.
Credit: My Chemical Romance on Facebook
4. My Chemical Romance (2001-2013; 2019-present) – Alternative rock
The best artists to listen to are those who’ll gladly take us on a trip down memory lane of our teenage years. And speaking of adolescent years, their hit single “Teenagers” recently regained popularity as a famous song on TikTok as a protest anthem and a chance to educate their audience about age-based anxieties. Coincidentally, the single’s resurfacing popularity aligns with the band’s comeback!
5. ABBA (1972–1982; 2017–present) – Pop, Disco
Indeed, the best artists to listen to appeal to both the young and old listeners. And ABBA always understands the assignment! We’ve sung and danced to their songs featured in the Mamma Mia films, now get ready to do it again as they reunited earlier this year!
This year, their single “Slippin’ Through my Fingers” rose as one of the famous songs on TikTok as netizens used it to showcase wholesome moments with their loved ones.
6. Taylor Swift (2004-present) – Pop, Country
It’s no surprise that we’ll remember Swift as one of the best artists to listen to in our time with her songs about love and empowerment. As she re-releases her old songs in isolation, “Wildest Dreams” regains popularity as one of the famous songs on TikTok, especially for those participating in the ‘slow-zoom’ trend.
7. Conan Gray (2013-present) – Acoustic pop
Before venturing into the music scene, Gray began his career on YouTube with his vlog content in 2013, focusing on baking and everyday life. Gray then ventured into songwriting. In 2017, he released his debut single “Idle Town,” garnering 14 million streams on Spotify and 12 million views on YouTube. Thanks to TikTok, Gray got more recognition with his song “Heather” in 2020. Netizens were quick to wish they were Heather or describe when their crush had found their Heather.
8. Superfruit (2013-present) – Musical; Comedy duo
Apart from their projects in Pentatonix, members Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying also ventured into vlogging and creating other separate musical projects. The duo later got a popularity boost on TikTok with their 2017 single “GUY.exe,” as netizens flexed some muscle in the “6 feet tall and super strong” trend.
9. Bo Burnham (2006-present) – Musical comedy
Get a guy that can make you laugh, write amazing songs, and produce a film all by himself! The best artists to listen to are those who have flexible songwriting skills, and that’s what Bo Burnham presents.
Burnham first began his career on YouTube in 2006 as he filmed himself singing two songs. The young artist also ventured into stand-up comedy. Thanks to TikTok, he then later rose to prominence with his famous songs on TikTok, “Welcome to the Internet,” “White Woman’s Instagram,” and “Bezos I and II” as netizens created several parodies and animations. Also, check out his self-produced film “Inside” on Netflix!
Credit: JMKO – Miko Manguba on Facebook
10. JMKO Music (2015-present) – R&B, OPM
Last but not least, we have Jamiko Allan “Miko” Manguba, better known by his alias JMKO. Manguba first auditioned in 2015 as a participant in the reality show “Back to the Top” and ended up as one of the grand winners. Then, in 2018, he signed a contract under Star Music and released singles on Spotify such as “Isla” and “Ano Nga ba Tayo.”
Thanks to TikTok, he rose to prominence with his popcorn duets and duet challenges. In early 2021, ABS-CBN’s Star Music released a music video for his single, “Tabi-Tabi Po,“ co-starring voice-over talent Inka Magnaye.
On a final note, TikTok allows listeners of different age groups to discover and relive their childhood nostalgia through music. May our response be, “Thanks, TikTok!”
And that concludes our list of ten artists to listen to thanks to TikTok! Happy streaming!