This might be the year of Meg Elsier. The up-and-coming Nashville artist burst onto the scene with her infectious debut spittake, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since. Yes, the music is good and frankly, indescribable — it blends everything from grunge to indie-rock to contemporary pop — but what makes Elsier so captivating is her authenticity. She explores heavy topics like death and mental illness but also pokes fun at herself and embraces her emotions (for better or worse). It’s refreshing to see an artist that comfortable with themselves and in turn, makes Elsier’s delivery confident, believable and lovable.

Watch Elsier perform “iznotreal,” “oldnews” and a new untitled track live at Bobby Hotel Nashville as part of the Backyard Sessions curated by WNXP.