Spotify Wrapped who? 6 Seattle musicians share their 2024 top artists

We are living in an age of algorithmic suggestion.

I harbor no malice toward whatever binary number sequence predicted that I would enjoy listening to Bay Area punks Spiritual Cramp (indeed, they rip). However, I hail from a time when word of sweet bands was relayed IRL via human-to-human exchanges, once commonplace before we needed an acronym to describe the physical space we inhabit. 

Every fall, Spotify now informs us of which artists we’ve listened to the most during the calendar year. The world’s leading streaming service packages our personal data into shareable “wraps” that double as free advertisements for a multibillion-dollar company that critics argue devalues the artists whose work upon which its fortune was built.

In the interest of reciprocal thievery, we thought we’d jack a page out of the little green circle app’s playbook with a Seattle-style “Wrapped” of our own. Since we have no data to mine (and I can’t even figure out how to get Microsoft Edge off my task bar), we asked a bunch of Seattle musicians we admire to tell us what they’ve been bumpin’ this year.

Here’s what they shared.

Nicolle Swims, singer/guitarist Black Ends

One of the most distinct rock guitarists and songwriters in town, Swims and their “gunk pop” trio Black Ends released their highly anticipated debut album, “Psychotic Spew,” this fall.

Top artists in 2024: The Police, Shudder to Think and Massacra

Artist shoutout: “I think I took a really long time to heavily get into The Police because I felt like a cornball or something, but I’ve been listening to them heavily for the last year and a half. The way they put together a song is inspiring to me — especially their album ‘Reggatta De Blanc.’ I think it’s a masterwork of all their best writing. My bandmates kind of make fun of me for my huge love of them, but it honestly makes me like it more when people don’t get it. They’re a fun band and a lot of that music is timeless to me.” 

Alie Byland, singer/multi-instrumentalist of Byland

The indie singer-songwriter with a cinematic flair sounds grand as ever on Byland’s 2024 sophomore album “Heavy for a While,” laden with beautifully weepy strings.

Top artists in 2024: Manchester Orchestra, Zelma Stone, SuperMother, Ménades and Little Moon

Artist shoutout: “(Manchester Orchestra’s) ‘I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child’ was the ONLY CD I had in my car in high school. I basically didn’t listen to anything else, and they inspired a lot of how I write today. Within the last year, I started training to run a few half marathons and again, Manchester Orchestra was the only thing I listened to for some reason. ‘Pride’ and ‘Shake It Out’ from ‘Mean Everything To Nothing’ literally helped me finish running those many miles and I’m just always gonna love them because they were and are so fundamentally inspiring for me from a young age. Would LOVE to open for them someday.”

Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, Chinese American Bear 

The wife-and-husband indie-pop band cemented themselves as fun-loving Seattle favorites this year with their sophomore album “Wah!!!”

Tong’s top artists of 2024: Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Benson Boone and One Direction

Artist shoutout: “(Chappell Roan’s) trajectory has been so inspiring. I learned that she’s been in the music industry since 2014, a full decade of ups and downs, and pushing through failures before finally breaking out this year. Her music is so fun and catchy and I, too, have been swept up in the wave of her admirers this year.”

Barsten’s top artists of 2024: Pond, The Lemon Twigs, The Easybeats, The Beatles and Sly and the Family Stone

Artist shoutout: “I love Pond because they’re experimental, they have sharp pop-sensibility, and they’re really involved in their own production. I find their music immediate, but with enough depth to listen to over and over again and discover new things. I also love artists with big discographies, and Pond released their 10th album this year.”

TeZATalks

The genre-blurring singer/rapper/producer has evolved into one of Seattle’s most electrifying talents and a must-see live act. She released her latest album, “Black Girl American Horror Story,” in October.

Top artists of 2024: Rachel Chinouriri, Radiohead, Nothing but Thieves, Fred Again.., and X-Ray Spex

Artist shoutout: “Rachel Chinouriri’s art is just as beautiful and honest as she is! Her album ‘What A Devastating Turn of Events’ broke me open in the best way. The record tells a story that, from start to finish, I needed to hear to help make sense of my life this year. The vulnerability in her lyricism is inspiring. Most importantly, her artistry is so important to the representation that is necessary within the alternative scene. I am so grateful for her music and for her. My favorite track off her album is ‘So My Darling.’ Go listen and weep — you’re welcome.”

Yonny

The 23-year-old singer/melodic rapper emerged as one of Seattle hip-hop’s most impressive young artists with this year’s no-skips mini album, “Everywhere, But Always.”

Top artists of 2024: Santana, berlioz, Larry June, Al Green and Schoolboy Q

Artist shoutout: “Al Green wasn’t someone I originally grew up listening to, he came to me a little later in life and completely altered how I used my voice. His tonality was so unique, it blew my mind. Hearing him stretch and bend his vocal cords to do whatever he wanted inspired me to do the same, and ultimately helped shape the sound I’ve cultivated.”