What makes a good artist? This question can probably be answered very differently for each individual. For me, it’s a passion for the art you create, a connection with the audience, a distinctive sound, thought-provoking themes and the ability to transport the crowd to another world during live performances. The following artists are excelling at this and are a constant in the soundtrack of my life.

If someone asks me who my absolute favourite band is, my answer couldn’t be clearer: 5 Seconds of Summer! But that wasn’t always the case. I was introduced to the band in the classic way: in 2013 as the support act for One Direction. They were refreshing, entertaining and had a great sound that was reminiscent of the days of pop-punk. I was particularly taken with their EP Somewhere New back then. I knew that I wanted to see the band live one day. But that wouldn’t happen until almost a decade later.

Over time, I lost sight of the Australian pop-rock band, focused on other artists and tried out different genres. In 2020, however, a song by the band popped up quite by chance on one of my Spotify recommendations. The sound had changed somewhat, but the lead singer’s unique voice remained unmistakable. And so I remembered the band that took my heart by storm years ago and that I genuinely desired to see live back then. The logical conclusion? A deep dive into their diverse, and beautiful discography and the purchase of a concert ticket for their upcoming tour. When the day of the concert finally arrived, I fell in love with the band’s art once again. Never before had I experienced such a unique atmosphere at a concert. Not only did they play incredibly well and were able to captivate the crowd, they also radiated so much sympathy and passion for what they do. A passion that was infectious and made me forget everything around me. I learnt to appreciate 5SOS in yet another way. Namely, as an incredibly talented live band, which they proved once again on their tour last year or at their one night only “The Feeling of Falling Upwards” at the sold-out Royal Albert Hall in London. As cheesy as it sounds, this band’s concerts are my happy place and my guarantee for a pure serotonin boost.

As I’ve grown older, the band and their sound have matured over time as well. With each album, I discover a different side to the band and I am amazed by their musical talent, so it’s hard for me to pick a favourite album. If I had to choose one, it would probably be Youngblood.

Yes, the band polarises. Hated by some, idolised by others, the quartet has been a heatedly debated topic of conversation with every new release since their debut. The British indie rock band stands for unpredictability and an ever-evolving sound, which is nevertheless always very characteristic. For me, almost no other band has such a high recognition value and uniqueness as The 1975. They are one of those bands that I can listen to in any mood. Dance anthems like ‘The Sound’, carefree songs ‘like I’m in love with you’ and highly emotional tracks like ‘Robbers’ add to my personal soundtrack.

In their more than 20 years of band history, they can look back on numerous masterpieces. What they all have in common is relentless authenticity and honesty. The 1975 do not shy away from uncomfortable topics, but rather make it their agenda to draw attention to them during their live performances, and through their music. For example, one of my favourite songs by the band, ‘Love It If We Made It’ from their third studio album A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, focuses on contemporary problems such as misogyny and racism. The opening track ‘The 1975’ is characteristic of each of the band’s albums. On their fourth studio album Notes On A Conditional Form, this is narrated by the climate activist Greta Thunberg and thus brings the issue of climate change to the fore. Addiction, mental stability and the challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community are also topics the band addresses in their music.

My personal favourite album by the band is their latest release, Being Funny in a Foreign Language. As it synthesises the four preceding albums, it generates its own distinct sound while simultaneously demonstrating a genuine authenticity and profound lyrics. I’m excited to see the band live again on their current tour in March.

Let’s be honest, I’ve been pretty late to the party. If there’s anyone you can’t imagine the radio without, it’s Taylor Swift. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved listening to her big hits. But that’s it. Almost annoyed by the hype, I wanted to be different from the masses.

However, with the release of her album Midnights, which I bought on vinyl as part of my newly discovered obsession with collecting records, this has changed rapidly. Midnights is probably one of the most played records in my collection. After I was completely won over by the album in its entirety, I delved into her whole discography — beyond the big radio hits.

Since then, not a day goes by without me listening to at least one of her songs. The album folklore in particular has taken a special place in my heart. Taylor Swift is one of the greatest songwriters of our generation. Her storytelling is unique. She knows how to use words like no other. Furthermore, she manages to touch my heart in a way that only few other artists can do. I can relate to her stories, and so her music stands by me in the most difficult and also the most beautiful times of my life. I also appreciate her as an artist for her versatility and diversity. No two albums are the same. She reinvents herself with every era and is excelling every time. This makes her one of the greatest artists of our time, and she deserves all the hype.

German singer-songwriter Julian alias Jules Ahoi, is best known for his so-called “Saltwater Folk”. Working as a surf instructor and street musician in South France, he found his sound amidst the waves. Inspired by his love for the sea, surfing and the local lifestyle, he released his first EP Between Lines in 2016, which is my personal favourite. As it encapsulates the longing for unlimited freedom, a touch of lightness, the scent of a fresh salty sea breeze, the feeling of wind blowing through your hair and sunshine on your skin in a beautiful musical way, which makes it the perfect soundtrack for road trips along the coast.

His handmade sound between indie and folk is characterised above all by his unmistakable deep voice and thought-provoking lyrics. Especially with the albums Dear__ and Melancolic Dreamwave, which were released during and shortly after the pandemic. Jules also shows his diversity as an artist by giving away the lightness and love of freedom of his previous works in favour of deep and emotional insights into his world.

I am also a fan of the artist due to the intimate, authentic, and exceptional atmosphere that is consistently present during his concerts. He’s going on tour again this year and I’ll be there!

Okay, maybe I’m cheating a little. Ashton Irwin is probably best known to many as the outstanding drummer of 5 Seconds of Summer. Finally, he has also — well deservedly — been honoured as Drumeo’s Pop Drummer of the Year 2023. Nevertheless, Ashton’s talent as a solo artist should not be swept under the carpet.

In 2020, he released his first and so far, only solo project with the Alt-Pop album Superbloom. Inspired by artists he loves and with lyrics that touch different aspects of his life, he put his whole creative spirit into the album and managed to release an honest, authentic and deeply personal masterpiece that has touched my heart and soul in a way no other artist ever has. Through profound songwriting he focuses on issues such as alcoholism, depression, body dysmorphia or death. 

Some of the topics mentioned also affect me or people around me. However, Superbloom acts as a kind of silver lining. Within the darkness of the themes addressed in the album, there is always an underlying spark of light and hope.

I adore the way Ashton has managed to find a way to express what I’m feeling deep down within my heart, in a way that inspires me every day to become the best version of myself, through facing my emotions and eventually accepting myself the way I am – with all my flaws and imperfections.

Superbloom, which also has incredibly strong melodies, has thus become my personal comfort album and light in dark times. According to his latest social media posts, Ashton is currently working on his second solo album.