If you're a musician yearning for recognition, TikTok's the place to play. Seventy-five percent of users in the U.S. say they have discovered new artists on the platform, according to a study from MRC Data and Flamingo. TikTok is also becoming a key venue for brands seeking fresh talent to cast in ad campaigns.
Below, we spotlight three tuneful TikTokers who are blowing up on the site.
@augie_bello
When James Blunt was looking for a musician to accompany him on a rendition of "You're Beautiful" in the NYC subway to promote his upcoming album, he chose Augie Bello, a saxophonist with an audience of more than 573,000 followers on TikTok. A graduate of The New School's jazz and contemporary music program, Bello regularly plays shows at the Bitter End. He's got a great sense of humor, which makes his account a fun follow. For Halloween, he donned a wig and posed as Kenny G, serenading passersby in Washington Square Park.
@augie_bello I tried summoning @James Blunt with his own song…and it worked 😳 🎥 @Matthew 📸 ♬ original sound - Augie Bello
@guitaro5000
Reginald Guillame can be found on the streets and in the subways of New York, inviting strangers to sing while he accompanies them on guitar. A one-man band, he has an impressive mobile performance rig that includes an iPad displaying lyrics. While some people confidently step up to the mic and belt out tunes originated by Adele and Lady Gaga, others are shy. Guillame excels at coaxing such folks out of their comfort zones. For many, it's a transformative experience. His TikTok following is nearing 900,000.
@guitaro5000 She was SO Nervous, but she made it through!
♬ original sound 5000 - Guitaro
@florriemusic
Florrie's passion for drumming is infectious. The percussionist, who has played at events and on recordings for Kylie Minogue, the Pet Shop Boys and other artists, almost always has a big smile on her face. Florrie welcomes requests from her nearly 200,000 followers; covers of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and Green Day's "American Idiot" are in demand. The British singer/songwriter also crafts her own tunes, and she appeared in the "H&M Loves Music" campaign.
@florriemusic Scrambled, boiled or fried? 🍳 #drumcover #drumtok #girlssupportgirls ♬ American Idiot - Green Day
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