Artists That Are Arising

Here are my favourite 9 artists and bands that I believe are heading for big things in the not so distant future. 

1. The Beach

Born from a chance meeting of old friends in the street, one of whom is a talented singer songwriter and the other an aspiring producer. They agreed to record a track in a bedroom studio and the results were phenomenal. Singer songwriter, George Morgan has played acoustically since he was about 8, even then he was winning competitions at his local Turnham Green Fair. However the addition of producer, Max Honsinger gave his lyrics even more depth and complexity, creating one of the best debut singles i've ever heard. This song has gone from strength to strength since its release and been heralded by the likes of Annie Mac and Dermot O'leary amongst other BBC heavyweight DJs, so i'm sure it's only a matter of time before they are a house hold name.

2. Temple Gardens

I had the pleasure of stumbling across this brilliantly beautiful Brighton based band whilst reading a poster for a group I will mention in greater detail later in this post. After hearing just 2 of their songs I am eager to hear more. From the soulful trumpet intro to the gravely vocals of lead singer, this is a masterfully constructed and produced piece of music. If they have the capability of writing a full album of this quality I'd be wholeheartedly disappointed if they don't get the credit and success they deserve.






3. Pheonix Da Ice Fire

Paul J Nelson aka Pheonix Da Ice Fire is a phenomenally talented man in many more ways than one. Not only is he a great MC but he is also a very talented illustrator and even runs his own clothes label, as well as having a day job. He has already released both an album and EP's, working with the likes of Chemo and Klashnekoff, however he just needs a break and the right publicity in order to be in the position for the right people to hear and enjoy his music.




4. Leif Erikson

This young London based band are in the early stages of writing and rehearsals, however the songs they have released are meticulous and polished as if they have been playing together for years. This is probably because they have! Leif Erickson are the reformed and renamed Flashguns, who toured with Bombay Bicycle Club in 2009. So if you wanna catch their new sound live they are planning some gigs in London in September so watch this space! In the meantime enjoy this wonderful tune.




5. Boy Scout

Born out of Leeds University, Boy Scout are at the moment unknown, using the mysteriously faceless promotion technique. This being said, their music really does speak for itself. With their impressive first release Get Me By pricking ears up in the right places, they have now been commissioned by the producers of Made In Chelsea. So I'm sure they will be popular just as soon as they have soundtracked Spencer Matthews' latest futile conundrum. However, as the mystery of whom they are continues we hope the wonderful music accompanies it.






6. Grand Wa Zoo

This young Hip-Hop trio from North London are really starting to stir up the scene and turn heads, with their slick videos, 2 MC's with great flow and a beautifully soulful vocalist. Currently working hard to get heard at the right places and grafting out gigs, all of which they are heralded as the best act of the night. This summer sees their time dedicated to the studio and if there current releases are anything to go by, they should be releasing a masterfully polished album very soon.

7. Clay

Leeds based Clay have currently only released 2 songs publicly, both of which are driven by wholeheartedly infectious choruses. Executed perfectly by the lead singers seemingly effortless voice, with a underlying twang of Yorkshire brilliance. Think Arctic Monkeys meets Jungle. I expect really big things for these chaps.





8. Miles Glyphers

Back to Hip-Hop and rarely a young Australian, who is, unlike a certain young lady from that part of the world, making good music. His flow is similar to that of B.O.B, however his bassey production and lyrics are closer to Drake. He is starting to receive critical acclaim from the worlds media, from Vice to Complex, so it shouldn't be long before everyone takes notice.





9. Lion Bark

Last and most certainly not least is a young band from Brighton, who's melodic harmonies have had me hooked since their first release 2 years ago. They have recently released their new EP on tape, which is slightly annoying for anyone who wants to actually listen to it and didn't chuck away their tape deck at the turn of the century. That being said it is brilliant, which is an opinion shared by both BBC Introducing as well as Burberry Acoustic whom they performed excellent acoustic sessions for. The more they play gigs in both Brighton and London the more the buzz grows. So a potential EP launch UK tour could be the best way to get people rummaging through their 90s clobber in order to rediscover their wonderful Walkmans.

Top New Songs This Month So Far

This June we have already heard a plethora of fantastic releases and we are only 12 days in! Here are a few of my favourites.

Jamie XX - In Colour

1. Firstly, the eagerly awaited debut album from producer and DJ, Jamie XX. He has kept his fans intrigued for weeks by slowly drip feeding them several tracks, (Gosh, Loud Places, Girl, Sleep Sound). In the past this method of promotion has formed an anticlimactic fizzle of a release, as the PR team and artist have pre-released the albums best tracks. Much like watching a film trailer that include all the most important and pivotal moments, it ruins it. This however, is not the case with this debut album 'In Colour', which has been recorded as a dedication to british underground club culture. With Young Turks first releasing 'Girl' back in april 2014 it has certainly been a long time coming. Although it is a truly difficult decision, as the album really is that good, my favourite track is Obvs.

2. The second song is by London based pair, Whilk & Misky. They are a beautifully proportioned duo, of electronic production from Whilk and talented guitar and gravelly vocals from Misky. They are currently recording a debut album and launch it next month at Birthday in Dalston. So if you are free get down there!





3. The third song i have chosen  is from a young London based trio, Haelos. Who noticeably draw on influences from Portishead and Massive Attack. Creating a deep and basey XX esq melody, whilst the vocals from both Arthur Delaney & Lotti Benardout create a wonderfully rounded sound that really doesn't fail to disappoint.





4. The fourth and final song is from another trio, who are somewhat different from Haelos. Algiers are surprisingly not from the Algerian capital but from the USA. With 2 members of the band (guitarist and bassist) from the underground rock scenes of Atlanta teaming up with the sensational vocalist and all round musician Franklin James Fisher. His deep south, bluesy voice is something you wouldn't stereotypically partner with rock, however this debut album offers an eclectic mix of politically driven cross-genre songs, that in my opinion works seamlessly.