Welcome to “Underrated Artists,” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering unpopular and unknown artists. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role of a writer, reviewing single releases and albums from four underrated artists.
Born and raised in the heart of London, Asha Banks is a rising actor and pop artist. Many know her from the newly released movie “My Fault: London,” but I think everyone should start to know her as the girl with a silky-smooth voice, too. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she was exposed to lots of music when she was younger, leading her to make her first professional on-stage debut at the age of eight in the London West End show “Les Miserables.” Asha Banks is the kind of artist you accidentally discover and then immediately wonder how you ever lived without. Her music is smooth, effortless and laced with just the right amount of emotion. Her tempo leans towards the slower side, making her music perfect for those late-night car rides or study sessions. She’s collaborated with some lesser-known but equally talented artists, which adds to the magic of her sound. A song that specifically stood out to me was “So Green,” for it’s the kind of song that wraps around you like a hug, soft and immersive. It had an almost hypnotic beat that had me intrigued the whole way through. The lyrics explore the events of fleeting love, which resonates deeply with listeners like me who appreciate some good poetic songwriting. However, while Asha’s artistry shines in most of her songs, her song “Closing Time” doesn’t quite hit the mark. The song was almost too minimalistic, leaving me feeling a bit empty, other than when it was time for the bridge. Iit lacked the captivating features that made her best work stand out to me. But no matter what, if you’re into artists like Cleo Sol or Jorja Smith, listening to Asha Banks will not disappoint.
Hailing from Nashville, Tenn., Katie Lynne Sharbaugh is an indie artist whose songs feel like pages ripped from a well-worn journal. She started writing music as a teenager and quickly developed a unique style that blends poetic storytelling with very soothing melodies. When listening to her, I got huge Phoebe Bridgers and Olivia Rodrigo vibes. Her music leaned on guitar plucks, in-depth lyrics and an amazing tempo that made me keep listening for more. Her song “Omaha (The Only What If)” on her album “Upstaged” stood out to me because of the violin at the beginning, making the perfect intro that led to her warm tone. This was the first song I listened to of hers, and it immediately made me go looking for more. A song I didn’t like as much was “We’ll Have to See,” just because it feels a little more undeveloped in comparison to her other tracks. It’s not a bad song by any means, but it felt like more of a filler track rather than one that showcases her talent. For me, it was a song I saw myself enjoying once, but I wouldn’t necessarily put it on repeat. Katie Lynne Sharbaugh’s songs are for the people who appreciate a song that can improve their moods.
The third underrated artist is Bo Staloch, straight out of Minneapolis, Minn., who is a hidden gem in the alternative genre. Growing up surrounded by the city’s rich musical culture, he started out by playing in local bands before deciding to go solo. The tempo in his songs varies — it is sometimes slow and sometimes fast and chaotic. No matter what, though, it always carries an emotional punch. “Springtime Red Tulips” was an electric, fast-paced anthem that was super catchy. Bo’s raspy vocals add an authentic feeling to the song and make it more raw. There’s energy to the track that makes it feel alive, like I was experiencing a performance rather than just listening on my phone. “Bones Sleep” is one of his collaborative songs, and it leans into a jazz style. While interesting, I didn’t quite enjoy the song. The song felt a little too drawn out, making it lose focus halfway through. Either way, all of his songs have a feature to them that makes them beautiful, and I can totally see myself listening to him from now on. If you enjoy Hozier, you will find many similarities in their songwriting and sound.
Last but not least, Georgia Parker is an indie-folk singer and songwriter whose music feels like a warm conversation on a quiet afternoon. Her voice carries a gentle but powerful depth. With a growing fanbase and a unique ability to make every song feel like a personal love story, she’s an artist who deserves way more recognition than she gets. “When She Calls My Name” is a track on her album “Same Time Tomorrow” that’s nothing short of breathtaking. From the very first note, there was an undeniable pull, where it was like stepping into a memory I didn’t realize I had. Georgia’s vocals were soft but intentional, floating effortlessly. Fans of artists like Lizzy McAlpine or Adrianna Lenker would be drawn to the way Georgia weaves storytelling with raw emotion. However, some songs, like “Did You Get the Feeling?,” didn’t have the same emotional toll as some of the other work I listened to. The chorus, while catchy, felt somewhat repetitive compared to other work, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to listen to it all the way through. All of her songs are amazing and I have no doubt that she will go big.
