The Vindicator staff shares their top artists of 2024.
Written by Kirsten Kimbler
At the end of every year, Spotify releases their virtual “Spotify Wrapped” campaign, which includes users' top artists and songs of the year. This year, whether they’re a Spotify or Apple Music user, The Vindicator staff wanted to share some of their streaming stats!
Find The Vindicator on Spotify @vindi_csu or listen to the playlist here:
Sophie Farrar (Editor-in-Chief):
Top Artist: Charli XCX
Why: “Charli XCX will be my top artist because I was obsessed with the ‘Brat’ singles as they came out in the spring and streamed ‘Brat’ all summer long. I loved the deluxe and remix albums too, which carried me right into ‘Brat’ autumn. It was Charli’s year,” Farrar said.
Favorite Song by Artist: Her favorite songs by Charli are “Sympathy is a knife” and “Vroom Vroom.”
Ava Fuduric (Managing Editor):
Top Artist: Forrest Frank
Why: “Forrest Frank is a tasteful Christian artist that writes very loving and inspirational music for all people, believers or not. He does a great job of blending styles and creating a calm, yet upbeat melody that shows the world what faith has done for his life. His mission and character are very admirable,” Fuduric said.
Favorite Song by Artist: Fuduric’s favorite song by Frank is “SUNSHINE.”
Kirsten Kimbler (Copy Editor):
Top Artist: Lana Del Rey
Why: “Lana Del Rey makes the music that she wants to make, and especially for the female experience. Her albums are relatable and they’re all so diverse,” Kimbler said.
Favorite Song by Artist: Kimbler’s favorite songs are “Margaret” or “Shades of Cool.”
Live: Kimbler saw Del Rey live in October 2023 at The Pavilion at Star Lake, Pennsylvania.
Evan Peters (Arts Editor):
Top Artist: Ariana Grande
Why: “I have been a super fan since 2018 so I stream a lot of her music already. This year she came out with an album, and I play that album every single day,” Peters said.
Favorite Song by Artist: Peters can’t pick just one favorite, but always returns to “Safety Net.”
Live: Peters saw Grande at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus on July 1, 2019.
Mikayla Payne (Assistant Art Director):
Top Artist: Noah Kahan
Why: “I love him, ‘Stick Season’ is by far one of my favorite albums of all time,” Payne said.
Favorite Song by Artist: Payne loves the song “Growing Sideways.”
Casey Couch (Feature Editor):
Top Artist: Billy Joel
Why: “Billy is my most listened to artist every single year. I’ve loved his music since I was a kid, even the songs that aren’t popular hits. I love how his voice is rich and full, and I’m a huge fan of the piano. He is the piano man for a reason,” Couch said.
Favorite Song by Artist: It was hard for her to pick, but Couch’s favorite song is “All About Soul.”
Live: Couch has seen Joel live three times: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, The Ohio State Stadium and the Browns stadium.
Sophia Pantaleano (Art Director):
Top Artist: Clairo
Why: “I like her music for different occasions like studying or going on walks,” Pantaleano said.
Favorite Song by Artist: Pantaleano’s favorite song by Clairo is “Juna.”
Faith-Ann G. English (Culture Editor):
Top Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Why: “The vibes are immaculate, they're one of my favorite artists ever,” English said.
Favorite Song by Artist: English’s favorite Greta Van Fleet song is “Safari Song.”
Live: “I saw them in September 2023 at Rocket Mortgage! That was my first time seeing them,” English said.