Music has the power to move audiences, and these talented artists prove you don’t need a massive budget to book an unforgettable performance. From country and folk to jazz, pop, and electronic beats, these singers, musicians, and DJs bring energy, authenticity, and star power to the stage — all for under $20K. Whether you’re looking for a chart-topping storyteller, a genre-blending innovator, or a crowd-pleasing entertainer, these artists deliver high-quality performances that won’t break the bank.
1. Doreen Ketchens
American Jazz Clarinetist
A true icon of New Orleans, Doreen Ketchens brings the heart and soul of traditional jazz to every performance. Known as “Lady Louis” for her powerful high notes and Armstrong-inspired style, she has dazzled audiences from the French Quarter to the White House, performing for four U.S. presidents. As one of the first female bandleaders in New Orleans, Ketchens is both a trailblazer and a cultural ambassador, keeping the city’s musical traditions alive on stage, in classrooms, and on screen in films and TV shows like “Treme” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
2. Scott Helman
Singer-Songwriter
Blending pop, rock, and indie influences, Canadian singer-songwriter Scott Helman has made a name for himself with his heartfelt, storytelling-driven music. Helman has released several EPs, including ‘Songs for Friends” and “Hang Ups.” His breakout hit “Bungalow” went platinum in Canada, paving the way for albums and EPs filled with introspective, anthemic tracks. With a sound often compared to Vance Joy and Jeff Buckley, Helman’s music encourages connection and self-expression, making him a standout voice in the modern singer-songwriter scene.
3. Sawyer Fredericks
Season 8 Winner of “The Voice”
American blues singer-songwriter Sawyer Fredericks, known for his soulful voice and emotionally charged lyrics, rose to fame after winning NBC’s The Voice at the age of 16. His debut album, “A Good Storm,” showcased his unique blend of folk, blues, and rock, hitting #2 on the Billboard Folk chart. Since then, Fredericks has carved out an independent path, releasing albums like “Hide Your Ghost” and “Flowers For You,” which earned critical acclaim and recognition from outlets like People Magazine and Billboard. A passionate performer, he continues to tour and support various charitable causes while making waves in the roots music scene.
4. DJ Will Gill
DJ & Emcee
DJ Will Gill is a dynamic entertainer known for his appearances on “The Real World: Hollywood,” “The Voice,” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” With over 600 corporate events since 2020 and more than 1,800 5-star reviews, he’s established himself as a top-tier event DJ and emcee. Gill’s innovative approach to audience engagement sets him apart, blending live music with interactive experiences that make attendees feel part of the show. Recognized by Forbes in their Next 1000 list and The Wall Street Journal, he also made history as the emcee of the first commercial flight to outer space.
5. Zach John King
Country Singer-Songwriter
Zach John King, a singer-songwriter from Fayetteville, GA, has quickly gained recognition with his twist-heavy lyrics and captivating melodies. Blending country, Americana, and indie rock, King’s music reflects themes of small-town life and lost love. After gaining over 3 million views on TikTok, he has surpassed 5 million global streams across five singles since October 2023. His debut EP, “Wannabe Cowboy,” released in May 2024, showcases his evolving sound, including the new track “The Way I See You.” With his rising popularity, King is becoming a standout artist in the country music scene.
6. Kaylee Rose
Country Singer-Songwriter
Originally from Florida, Kaylee Rose is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter known for her bold, high-energy country music. With millions of streams across Spotify and Apple Music, she’s quickly becoming an independent artist to watch. Her music, blending diverse influences, includes hits like “Love Makes You Blind,” “Me Before You,” and “Pick Her Up At 8.” Rose’s performances, whether solo acoustic or with a full band, captivate audiences with her dynamic energy. She also teamed up with Trace Cyrus on the song “Cowgirl Ride,” further showcasing her versatility and growing influence in country music.
7. Presley & Taylor
Country Music Duo
Presley & Taylor, a rising country duo from Connecticut, have captivated audiences with hits like “22 Red Flags” and “Don’t Even Know Your Mama,” amassing over 5 million streams and earning features on top Spotify playlists. Their debut EP, “Limited Edition (Side A),” garnered half a million streams within a month, and their music videos earned two #1 spots on CMT’s 12-Pack Countdown. With performances alongside major country acts like Old Dominion and Martina McBride, and a growing fanbase of over 250K followers, Presley & Taylor are making a strong mark on the country music scene.
8. Rachel Grae
Pop Singer-Songwriter
New Jersey-based singer-songwriter Rachel Grae has taken the pop world by storm with her raw, emotional music. Her breakout songs, “It’ll Be Okay” and “Outsider,” have earned her millions of streams and a rapidly growing fanbase. Known for her deep connection with listeners, Grae’s authentic sound and relatable lyrics have resonated widely, earning her attention from outlets like MTV and American Songwriter. With a debut album on the way and a commitment to causes like mental health and sustainability, Grae’s infectious energy and impactful voice are set to elevate her to pop stardom.
9. Katherine Li
Singer-Songwriter
Katherine Li, a 20-year-old Chinese singer-songwriter from Toronto, has captured the hearts of millions with her poignant songs about lost love and unfulfilled relationships. With over 70 million streams on Spotify and features as the cover artist of Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Class of 2022 and an Apple Music Home Session artist, she has quickly become a voice for hopeless romantics. In 2023, Li toured with pop icons Hayley Kiyoko and NIKI and released her second EP. Her journey, highlighted in The New Yorker, continues to evolve with the release of “love, k” on Valentine’s Day, marking a sold-out debut headlining tour.
10. Derrick May
Electronic Musician & Producer
Derrick May, one-third of Detroit’s legendary Belleville Three, helped define techno with his groundbreaking tracks like “Strings of Life” and “Nude Photo” under the Rhythim Is Rhythim moniker. Blending pulsing rhythms with soulful string samples, his music became a blueprint for electronic dance music. Though he largely stepped back from recording in the ’90s, his influence endures through his DJing and Transmat Records, which nurtured future techno pioneers like Carl Craig. May’s legacy as a visionary producer continues to shape the global sound of electronic music.
11. MICO
Alternative Pop Artist & Singer-Songwriter
MICO, an independent singer-songwriter and producer, has built a global fanbase of over 750,000 “amicos” and 60 million streams. Rising from Discord servers and Twitch streams, his breakout hit cut my hair led to a sold-out debut show in 2022. He followed with two EPs, “tears we fight” and “the afterparty,” before touring Canada and the U.S. in 2023. In 2024, he performed his biggest show yet at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage and released his album “Internet Hometown Hero,” featuring “HOMESICK,” “Senses,” and “TV,” cementing his status as a rising star.
12. Goody Grace
Singer-Songwriter & Producer
Goody Grace, a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer from Selkirk, Manitoba, has built a dynamic career blending pop, rock, and alternative music with his rap roots. His breakout single “Scumbag” with Blink-182 led to a performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and cemented his place in the industry. Known for his songwriting talent, he has co-written for artists like Machine Gun Kelly and Cody Simpson while releasing his own projects, including the album “Don’t Forget Where You Came From” and EPs “Infinite” and “Nostalgia Kills.” In October 2024, he continued his evolution with the release of “A Nice Place to Visit.”
13. Gibbz
Electro-Funk & Synthpop Musician
Mike Gibney, known as Gibbz, has carved out a niche in electro-funk and synthpop with his smooth vocals, electronic grooves, and irreverent charm. A former sound engineer turned solo artist, he made waves with his 2014 debut EP, “Who Gibbz a F%$@” and followed up with albums like “Above Water,” “These Are Love Songs,” and “Gone for Good.” His blend of humor and melody, both on stage and in the studio, has earned him a dedicated fan base and a reputation for energetic, engaging performances.
14. Badger
Electronic Artist & DJ
Blending UK garage, bass house, and jungle, Badger has rapidly become one of the UK’s most sought-after DJs. After a career-changing endorsement from AC Slater in 2022, he gained traction with multiple releases on the Night Bass label, fueling a 20-fold surge in his social media following. His track “Backstrap” topped Beatport in 2023, and his viral 2024 remix of “These Words” amassed over 6.5 million streams, landing in the UK Top 40. With backing from BBC Radio 1’s Tiffany Calver, Skream, and more, Badger’s rise shows no signs of slowing.
15. EMELINE
Singer-Songwriter
Rhode Island-born and LA-based, EMELINE is making waves with her fiercely original songwriting and powerhouse vocals. Her breakout hit “flowers & sex” amassed over 10 million streams in just eight weeks, landing on major Spotify charts and earning praise from Paper and Earmilk. With a talent for blending raw vulnerability and self-possession, she captivated listeners with “this is how i learn to say no,” a cathartic anthem about setting boundaries. From debuting “Hush” at the Boston Women’s March to crafting unapologetic pop, EMELINE continues to champion empowerment through music.
16. Flat River Band
Bluegrass Gospel & Country Music Trio
Flat River Band, made up of brothers Andy, Chad, and Dennijo Sitze, has earned its place in the bluegrass scene with chart-topping hits on the bluegrass gospel charts. Having shared the stage with legends like The Chicks, Alison Krauss, and Ricky Skaggs, their sound blends traditional bluegrass with modern flair. Their music was featured in the 2018 film “The Least of These, A Christmas Story,” and the band released their EP “Sights and Sounds” in 2021, further cementing their musical legacy.
17. Laundry Day
Pop-Rock Band
Laundry Day, a pop-rock band from Manhattan, made waves in 2018 with their debut album “Trumpet Boy.” Their second album, “Homesick,” featured a collaboration with Romil Hemnani of Brockhampton, solidifying their genre-blending sound. Known for their multi-instrumental talents, the band gained recognition through performances at major events like Austin City Limits and Camp Flog Gnaw. Their song “FRIENDS” was featured in “On My Block,” and in 2024, they opened for Ed Sheeran at the Barclays Center. Laundry Day’s growing influence also led to tours across the U.S. and Europe, performing alongside The 1975 and Clairo.
18. Frankie Cosmos
Indie Pop Band
Frankie Cosmos, led by Greta Kline, started as a solo project in the early 2010s before evolving into a full band. Gaining traction with albums like “Zentropy” (2014) and “Next Thing” (2016), the band hit a high point with their 2018 Sub Pop debut, “Vessel.” Their 2022 release, “Inner World Peace,” introduced a darker, more psychedelic sound. Known for introspective lyrics and an indie pop style, Frankie Cosmos has continued to evolve, with recent singles like “magic 8 ball” showcasing their growth.
19. Thuy
Pop Singer-Songwriter
Thuy, a Vietnamese-American singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, has been captivating audiences since 2015 with her unique blend of R&B and pop. Her breakout single “girls like me don’t cry” went viral on TikTok in 2023, leading to a string of successful tracks like “never yours,” “options,” and “mood ring.” Thuy has performed at major festivals including Outside Lands and Sol Blume, and in 2023, she opened for Ella Mai on the Heart On My Sleeve Tour. She made history in 2024 as the first Vietnamese-American female artist to perform at Coachella. Following the release of her album “wings,” Thuy announced her 2025 world tour.
20. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Indie Rock Band
Alec Ounsworth, the mastermind behind Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, has left an indelible mark on 21st-century indie music. Known for his brilliant, eclectic songwriting and refusal to conform, Ounsworth has maintained his independence, never compromising his artistic vision. Since the release of the self-titled debut in the early 2000s, he has continuously refined his sound, blending quirky, left-field elements with an increasing sense of confidence and ambition.
These talented artists under $20K bring fresh energy and creativity to any event. From indie pop to folk-rock, they prove that music for hire doesn’t always come with a big price tag. AAE Speakers can help you book the perfect rising star for your next event, ensuring a memorable experience for your audience.
For inquiries about booking a musician for your next event, please contact us.
