5 New Pop Stars That Remind Me of Classic Rock Artists
I’ve come across some rising stars whose sound reminds me of those classic rock legends I hold so dear. They have the same passion, depth, and rebellious spirit that made icons like Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and Mick Jagger unforgettable. Here are five new pop stars whose music will have you feeling nostalgic for classic rock.
For as long as I can remember, my heart has belonged to classic rock. It’s the genre that filled my ears and shaped my taste in music, leading me to pursue an internship at 102.9 WMGK back in 2015. Classic rock, with its raw energy, powerful lyrics, and timeless melodies, continues to be my musical compass.
But recently, as I’ve dug deeper into the pop scene, I’ve come across some rising stars whose sound reminds me of those classic rock legends I hold so dear. They have the same passion, depth, and rebellious spirit that made icons like Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and Mick Jagger unforgettable. Here are five new pop stars whose music will have you feeling nostalgic for classic rock.
5 New Pop Stars That Remind Me of Classic Rock Artists
1. Maisie Peters – A Modern-Day Stevie Nicks
Maisie Peters has become one of the most exciting voices in pop today. Maisie, if you're reading this... I am high-key obsessed with you and have been since I heard Elvis Song and BSC. With her storytelling and introspective lyrics, she channels a lot of the same mystical energy that made Stevie Nicks a household name.
Maisie’s ability to blend folk, pop, and indie rock elements gives her music a timeless quality that fans of classic rock will instantly recognize. Tracks like History of Man echo the introspective vibes of Fleetwood Mac's finest work, while still bringing a fresh twist to the genre.
Listen to Maisie’s music here:
https://www.youtube.com/@MaisieHPeters
2. Maude Latour – Channeling the Power of Joni Mitchell
Maude Latour's blend of introspective lyrics and captivating melodies has drawn comparisons to iconic singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell. Her voice holds that same vulnerability and emotional depth that made Mitchell’s music so universally loved. Maude’s songs, such as Supernova and Furniture, are filled with raw emotion and poetic charm—qualities that fans of classic rock will instantly appreciate, especially those who love the introspective folk-rock style of the '70s.
I also have to mention that the lyric: I fell in love with how you emphasize your sentences/ And I got a crush on the shape of your name on my phone hits every. single. time.
Listen to Maude’s music here:
https://www.youtube.com/@maudelstatus
3. Suki Waterhouse – A Modern-Day Patti Smith
Suki Waterhouse's music has an effortless coolness that evokes the spirit of Patti Smith and other punk rock icons. With her smoky voice and edgy, cinematic sound, Suki’s songs are an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and a little bit of grit. Tracks like Blackout Drunk capture that raw, almost rebellious energy of classic rock, while maintaining a unique, contemporary feel. It also can't hurt that she's married to the infamous vampire, Edward Cullen.
Listen to Suki’s music here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9wF6JY8LS99w65PFz1_rQ
4. Jade Bird – Channeling the Rockabilly Roots of Janis Joplin
Jade Bird’s mix of folk, country, and rock is a clear throwback to the raw, bluesy power of Janis Joplin. Her fiery vocals and unapologetic lyrics on tracks like Lottery remind me of the intense, soulful energy that made Joplin one of the most memorable figures in rock history. Jade brings her own unique flavor to the mix, but her passionate delivery and fearless attitude will have any classic rock fan nodding along.
Listen to Jade’s music here:
https://www.youtube.com/@jadebirdvevo3902
5. RuthAnne – The Soulful Power of Carole King
RuthAnne’s music exudes the same soulful energy and depth that made Carole King’s work so groundbreaking. Known for her deep, emotive voice and strong storytelling, RuthAnne’s tracks—like Safe Place—remind me of the timeless melodies and thoughtful lyricism of classic singer-songwriters. Her music beautifully blends pop sensibilities with that classic, soulful sound that rock fans have long adored. I am proud to have been a fan since 2014 and can't wait to see her star shine even brighter.
Listen to RuthAnne’s music here:
https://www.youtube.com/@thisisruthanne
It’s incredible to see how new pop stars are capturing the spirit of classic rock while putting their own spin on it. The artists I’ve highlighted—Maisie Peters, Maude Latour, Suki Waterhouse, Jade Bird, and RuthAnne—are breathing new life into a genre that will never lose its edge. For me, classic rock will always be the foundation of my musical love story, but these rising stars prove that the genre's influence is alive and well, shaping the future of music in exciting ways. If you’re a classic rock fan looking for fresh sounds with a familiar vibe, these artists are the ones to watch.
Rating Rock’s Most Prominent Mustaches
Rock has a hairy history...literally. Across every decade, there's usually a rocker that emerges with some killer facial hair. While we love a great beard, this gallery will focus on the wonder that is the mustache.
There are a wide variety of mustache types. An "Imperial" mustache is a thicker style where the ends curl inward. There's also the "Horseshoe," which is thicker and has ends that curl down towards the mouth. A close relative to the "Horseshoe" is the "Fu Manchu." The big difference between the two is the "Fu Manchu" has a hairless gap above the upper lip, while the "Horseshoe" is fully connected. The ever-controversial "Pencil" mustache is a thin line of hair just above someone's upper lip. (Think Little Richard or John Waters.)
Fun fact, and also to prove that any interest has an association: There is such a thing as the World Beard and Moustache Association (WBMA). This association overlooks the World Beard and Moustache Championships. (Yes, this is a real thing.) According to the WBMA's mission statement, "We also encourage the worldwide appreciation of beards and moustaches. We believe that all facial hair-related events should encourage friendship among those with facial hair and those who appreciate it."
Our Rating System
To celebrate the mustache and its place in rock history, we selected nine rockers from varying decades who were known to wear a mustache. Some of these men range in being known for their hairy upper lips, while others simply wore a mustache seemingly for fun.
Our rating system won't use "stars"; instead, it will be based on a range of 1 through 5 mustache combs. With this range, "1" will be the lower ranking, while "5" is a truly supreme mustache for all to admire.
Without further ado, keep scrolling to see our ratings on some of rock's most prominent mustaches.
Jimi Hendrix (1 mustache comb)
Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesJimi rates low on our mustache scale, because his mustache lacks fullness and thickness. However, it's still a respectable 'stache.
Tony Iommi (1 mustache comb)
Jeff Spicer/Getty ImagesIommi's mustache is good. However, when people think of him, one of the first thoughts isn't necessarily his facial hair. That's not a bad thing, per se, but for this rating, if you're known for your mustache definitely give you some bonus points.
Anthony Kiedis (2 mustache combs)
Jon Kopaloff/Getty ImagesDon’t get us wrong: Kiedis’ mustache has great color and thickness. However, we just think the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman looks better without one.
Lemmy Kilminster (2.5 mustache combs)
Jo Hale/Getty ImagesLemmy's thick mustache is simply delightful. However, it's docked some points for it not being a stand-alone 'stache. (Side note: Those mutton chops do still rule.)
Freddie Mercury (3 mustache combs)
Steve Wood/Express/Getty ImagesWhile some might take issue with Freddie getting just 3 out of 5 mustache combs, it just doesn’t measure up to the other ones in their gallery. It doesn’t make it any less iconic, though, and this photo showing someone else trimming it for him is prime rock star behavior.
David Crosby (4 mustache combs)
Jon Kopaloff/Getty ImagesThe late singer-songwriter truly had one of the most iconic mustaches in all of rock. Frankly, the mustache was as in-you-face as Crosby was.
Frank Zappa (4.5 mustache combs)
Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesA beautiful site to behold is this lush 'stache from Frank Zappa. We're not even that fond of the "soul patch," but we're willing to make an exception for Zappa's. Simply stunning!
John Oates (5 mustache combs)
RCAOates may no longer rock a ‘stache, but fans the world over just can’t seem to forget about it. It’s understandable why. It’s super thick and as bold as a hook written by Hall & Oates themselves!
Jeff Baxter (6 mustache combs)
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAMMYes, Jeff Baxter BROKE the mustache comb scale and for good reason. Just look at that thing! IT’S GLORIOUS!
