Nate Nics, a musician and co-host of the ‘Bad For The Community’ podcast, continued his yearly tradition of highlighting some of his favorite music from Massachusetts and the wider New England region. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he began with, “Okay, okay, time for the 2024 list of my favorite music from local artists. I’ll try to do this a little faster than last year, but there’s one point I’ll have to stop and say a few words, nbs.”
Nate went on to share his 2024 picks, showcasing a mix of standout singles and full-length projects. His list underscores the creative range of local artists and their contributions to the regional music scene.
Top Local Singles of 2024
Nate listed eight tracks that caught his attention this year, representing a variety of sounds and styles:
8. “1NIGHT (Sexy Lady Riddim)” – @Ishafromthe978
7. “Lovestruck” – The Ghouls
6. “NIGHTFALL:11PM” – @senorsvmbv
5. “ATTENTION” – @pronouncedlucas
4. “AMOR // SUDOR” – @DELLYCIOSA
3. “Lesdoit” – @kobk617
2. “Change of Heart Part 2 (Big Eye)” – @Kleo_2020
1. “I Do Not Pray” – @r3xlaurent
Honorable Mentions: Projects
Nate also took time to highlight several projects that, while not in his top five, still left a mark this year:
Running In Place – @IamLatrellJames
Sundry – @clubindgo
The Antagonist (The Story Is Only As Good As The Villain) – @najeejaney
SIRENS – @LILYISRAYNE
Champion Sound – @DEEVODAGENIUS
Nate’s Top 5 Local Projects of 2024
For full-length releases, Nate singled out five standout projects that defined the year for him:
5. NOTFORSALE – HAAWWS
With tracks like “God’s Child” and “Chances Are,” HAAWWS delivered a reflective follow-up to his earlier work. Nate described it as a project that might have flown under the radar but deserves attention for its cohesive sound.
4. ON EVERYTHING I LOVE – Yanna G & @ChaseNCashe
This collaboration highlighted Yanna G’s rising star in alternative R&B. Songs like “MY DESIRES” and “BRIGHTER DAYZ” showed her ability to navigate personal themes with strong vocal performances.
3. Zing Language – Feed The Family
A collective effort featuring artists like @TeflonHoot and @DUNDEALYRNO, this project continued their momentum from previous releases. Nate praised tracks such as “WE AINT SCAMMERS” and “GOLDEN GUN” for their authenticity and depth.
2. GOOD4U – Nahli
Nahli’s debut EP, featuring production from @ShaneDylxn and appearances by @noteboookp, introduced her as an emerging force in R&B. Tracks like “Special” and “Sacred Place” stood out for their smooth production and honest lyricism.
Nate’s yearly list has become a go-to resource for those looking to discover new talent from Massachusetts and New England. While the selections are personal, they offer insight into the thriving music community in the region. For listeners eager to explore fresh voices, this roundup is a solid starting point. Follow Nate on X for more updates and conversations on local music. In the meantime, check out these tracks to explore some of this year’s standout releases.