FEATURE:
2017:
IN THIS PHOTO: Hunter & the Bear
New Artists and Unsigned Heroes
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IN a few days’ time we will be in 2017 which provides opportunity…
to predict those who will be coming through the ranks and adding their name in music’s ledger book. I have seen and reviewed so many great artists this year: those I feel will be ascending to the mainstream in years to come. In honour of that I highlight a few acts – both national and international – who will have new material out in 2017; a playlist that compromises songs from (many of the) acts I included in my recent ‘Ones to Watch 2017’ feature.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TcInBvPpU&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSkBS8J_qhk&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAx2EjZRx3A&w=560&h=315]
In terms of duos, there are plenty of names coming through I feel will be creating something special next year. In addition to the Scottish-Irish combination of SIIGHTS, there will be new music from the likes of Rews and MissDefiant. There are so many great female duos; there is just a triumvirate of wonders who, between them, manage to bring fearsome passion and beauty to their music; incredible kinship and some fantastic music. Perennial favourites Gypsyfingers and Issimo have plenty of prosperous plans for next year – other beauties will be emerging and showing what they are made of. Newcomers like Majik have impressed and offers a new dynamic to the duo market. The London-based twosome have already created some fantastic music this year – that looks like it will continue unabated in 2017.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R65e8TD1KQ&w=560&h=315]
PHOTO CREDIT: Daniel Farley
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264076178" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyAAKUucE2c&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nxd6fM6ry8&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grNSYLywGDo&w=560&h=315]
PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwoJNBBKfu8&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG4lYxX5FQ4&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zzh-Yl50sQ&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzQ6ETCza2w&w=560&h=315]
The solo market is one I am very excited about and see much to recommend. In terms of local (Surrey/London) artists: Pop/Soul musicians Elena Ramona has new material afoot; some plans in mind and more (great) music ahead. Nina Schofield and Lula James are making impressions further afield as will be Cassi, Chess and After Eden. International acts like Canada’s Emily Mac and the U.S.’ Snoh Aalegra will be adding to the foundations of 2016. It is British talent that has gotten me quite exciting. After recently reviewing (not for the first time) Lola Coca: I know she will be a future star and a mainstream fixture in years to come. Signal, XamVolo and Ruben are some of the male solo artists I am very excited about – capable of providing music of the highest order. Scott Quinn has been tipped by many to do great things next year and mixes vocal embers of James Blake with some of the most impassioned and revealing music you’ll hear. He is someone that already seems prepared for the mainstream and armed with the songwriting talent to succeed.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLpkpJb_Fho&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cUFKegJ_hE&w=560&h=315]
Bands should not be ignored and have a very high place in the musical pecking order. Hard-Rock’s Duke of Wolves will continue to lay down some seriously slinky and concrete slams whilst SALT and Three Kings High are young British bands to keep your eyes on. Throw into the mix explosive, intriguing groups like The Franklys and Allusondrugs and there is plenty of variation for everyone. I know the festival organisers will be looking forward to brand-new bands and whether they are worthy of filling those prestigious slots. I am confident, with the bands I have included in the playlist, there are some phenomenal groups that will be rocking the most prestigious festivals very soon.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t9el222D_k&w=560&h=315]
The Playlists
https://soundcloud.com/samliddicott/sets/2017-1
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHuzJLVjHOwnoWFkmIWTlPCUWrpNf3eN6