by DaCiya Solice | November 1st, 2026
There is always new music on the rise and sometimes the best finds are the ones hiding just beneath the surface. For October, I wanted to lean into something a little darker, think haunting melodies, dangerous romance, and late night drives and the kind of songs that feel like they belong in a vampire love story. Whether it is the pull or something forbidden, the thrill of the unknown, or simply music that makes you feel like you’re living in your own supernatural drama, these are a few artists who have caught my attention lately. If you’re looking to add a little mystery to your playlist to the spooky season consider this your invitation to discover something new.
Jackson Culp
Via | Jackson Culp official website
Vampire Rock
Starting off with Jackson Culp he’s from Northeast Louisiana adopted the term vampire rock to describe his music which in a way draws your attention to his style. With heavy bass and grooves in his music which really came to him as he started playing live. Inspired by artists like Arctic Monkeys, Black Sabbath, and The Beatles this drove his passion to learn how to play the bass well also being into the funk side of the artistry. There is never really one direction to his music. He likes to explore different things which pulls it all back into the term of vampire rock. You get your bass while also having a nice groove and slow sensual music.
Currently sitting at 1.9K listeners on Spotify, Jackson is an artist I can see more people discovering over the next few years.
My introduction to Jackson Culp was through What Can I Do? There is something about this track that feels difficult to find elsewhere. It makes you feel like you are stepping into a dark vampire club in a busy city at night. The song opens with a slow bassline that sets the mood for everything that follows. iIt is not overly grungy or too dark, instead it finds that perfect balance between something edgy and smooth. As the track progresses it gradually builds into a more upbeat tempo around the middle before winding back down, closing with a slower reverberated finish.
Tour Tickets Here
Listen To: What Can I Do?
Mercy Girl
Dark Wave
Via | Mercy Girl Official Website
Coming from Glasgow, Mercy Girl is a dark wave and electronic band that brings you the sounds of love, sorrow and uncertainty. Currently on tour and collecting millions of streams on various platforms since forming in 2024 they are making remarkable waves in the industry. Listening to their earliest single Punisher that was released this year it reminds me of something that you would hear in the movie Blade especially if I was having a Halloween party, this is something that would be top of the playlist. It explores the toxicity and manipulative dynamic in a relationship which is shown through not only the lyrics but the beat of the music. Their music is being played in clubs in Berlin and California and I can’t understand why, especially in Berlin this song fits the vibe perfectly. You have the nice electronic tempo, but you’re also getting the slow sultry vocals in the background allowing you to immerse yourself into the song.
If I had to recommend a song by them it would be Ghost. It gives dystopian synthwave, and explores vulnerability, and unfair romance. The song feels like it is haunting you as you listen to it but it keeps drawing you in. It was something new for me to listen to and I really enjoyed it.
Tour Tickets Here
Listen To: Ghost
Dumaurra
Via Dumaurra on Spotify
Dark Pop
Blending different genres to create a style of her own, Dumaurra is an artist worth adding to your playlist. If you are in a mood for a song that gives you darkpop indie then Sacrificial Lamb is just the song to listen to. Through music, Dumaurra uses artistry to give listeners the freedom to create their own narrative and personal connections to each song. Her sound brings together elements of alternative, indie, and pop creating a well balanced mix that gives you a mix that is both dark and light.
Her 2025 single Invite Me In explores a deeper, darker side of her sound while still holding onto those catchy pop chorus moments. It is the type of track that draws you in with its atmosphere and honestly I could easily picture it playing during an episode of The Vampire Diaries. It has that mysterious, and slightly dangerous feeling that makes it perfect for this month's On The Rise List.
Listen To: Invite Me In
Orations
Darkwave / Post Punk
Via | Orations Bandcamp
Coming in strong with post punk and darkwaves influences from Buffalo, New York is Orations. While some of their music leans toward a darker, heavier sound, there is more variety to explore than you might initially expect. Their albums tend to move between different musical styles, with some tracks offering that dark, laid back atmosphere while others bring in a more upbeat, pop inspired sound. So while you might find yourself settling into the slower moodier side of their music, expect a few unexpected pick ups along the way to keep you on your toes.
Now, let's take a trip back to 2017 when Orations released their album Wych Elm. Now this is an album that I would have been listening to over and over while reading The Twilight Saga. Featuring eleven different tracks there are two that stand out to me: Oh, the Horror, and Speed of Dark. Both of these songs share a similar sound, with slow mystical pacing, moments of upbeat energy, haunting vocals, heavy basslines, and drums. There is something about the overall atmosphere that makes these tracks feel fitting for the October season. Speed of Dark is definitely one to put on during a cool autumn night drive with friends, windows down, and nowhere in particular to be.
Listen To: Wynch Elm Album