Whether by attending concerts, via direct artist submissions, or scrolling to the farthest ends of social media, we continue our quest to find up-and-coming artists long before you hear them on your favorite station or streaming app.

Here are five artists and bands you should watch; we are confident they will become some of your favorites. We would like you to check them out, and when you do, please let them know you heard about them from NewReleaseToday.

Shalom Malee

Another of the best-kept secrets in the Christian music industry is the young singer/songwriter Shalom Malee. She has outstanding vocals and sounds similar to pop contemporaries Hollyn and Hanna Barr. She plays the keys and writes profound, relevant, and encouraging lyrics. All of this makes Shalom a young up-and-comer to watch. Listen to her raw, honest lyrics in her song "Make It Something."
 
Mawcore

You will not find a more genuine group of Christian rockers than Mawcore, an alternative hard rock band from Pennsylvania. They have been making music together for almost 15 years. Their vocals are great and strong, and their sound combines grinding guitars, thumping bass, loud but not overdone drums, and craftily layered electronica. 

The band has found its niche, which it likes to call "Alt. Modern Hard Art Rock." Influences from the '70s, '80s, and '90s are clear but not tired or redundant. Mawcore, whose name means "Wellspring" in Hebrew, employs hope and encouragement and features relevant faith-based lyrics and deep meanings both lyrically and audibly.
 
I Against No One

With a sound that echoes the early days of rock veterans P.O.D., I Against No One features clean, crisp instrumentals and powerful vocals. They also feature some screamo vocals in some of their songs, but it's never overdone. The band, from Frankfurt, Kentucky, plays local venues and events and has been making music for a few years. If you're looking for good old Christian rock from some guys who keep it simple, I invite you to check out I Against No One.
 
Hozea

If you are a fan of Christian rap like me, you are always looking for fresh, young talent who does not just copy everyone else. Well, I have found an artist that fits the bill. Bradley Hozea is a young up-and-coming singer and actor from Los Angeles. He employs clean, biblically-based lyrics with a bumping, catchy soundtrack. What I love most about this artist is that he puts his faith out front and does not try to be something he is not. He has a great voice, and I like the Caribbean undertones in his music. Check him out now and become one of his earliest followers and fans. Take it from me, his stock is only going to go up.
 
SafeKept

SafeKept is a five-piece power-pop rock band from central Ohio. They have a sound surprisingly reminiscent of veteran rock bands Relient K and MxPx. Their sound is very polished, energetic, catchy, and downright fun. They have played well over 400 shows in the Midwest and along the East Coast. It is hard to believe these guys have been making music for over a decade, and are not yet mainstream. They have previously released two EPs and have another one on the way in 2025. If you want great music that makes you feel good and helps you relive the early 2000s of Christian rock, then check out SafeKept.