Cheesy paragraphs introducing end of year lists may be often written in pseudo-ritual fashion these days, and many times, they don’t really mean much. So we’ll spare you this time around. We just want to say: great performers have made their debuts in 2015, and it certainly was an amazing year arts-wise. However, some musicians, as talented as they may be, still remain invisible to the masses. So, as 2016 gets underway, we shine the light on a few artists we believe should get make a name for themselves this year.
1. Leisure
Somewhere between the mystical vibes of Kiwi Rock and New Zealand Hip Hop lies the wonderful sound of Leisure. Dominant basslines, groovy drum beats and what seems to be the mysterious key to great psychedelic RnB, they’ve got it all. Having released a few tracks over the course of 2015, Leisure’s style has been redefined time and time again, for their versatility makes it hard to place the band in any box. Hailed as the new Tame Impala, they certainly are expected to attain the same status of greatness, although their sound may not be entirely identical to that of the Australian Psych-Rockers. All we can say is: we love them, and you will too.
2. Hinds
Spain may not be the greatest hotspot for music in the 21st century, but it sure seems to have been growing over the past few years. Spearheading the Spanish indie scene are Madrid quartet Hinds. Previously known as Deers, Hinds have been releasing demos for a couple of years now, catching the eyes of NME, The Guardian, and others thanks to their lo-fi, raw-ish poppy rock sound. They just released their debut Leave Me Alone and are expected to get huge in 2016.
3. Aurora
The Scandinavian dream put in music. Smoothness, softness and bliss materialized. Wether the Norwegian makes the greatest music to get one through a rough patch or simply soothing songs to calm down the most impetuous of souls is for you to decide, but one thing is for sure, her voice is out of this world. From writing original gems to covering one of the biggest bands of all time, it looks like she can pull off anything. Aurora is already quite popular, and will certainly grow significantly from now on. Here’s her take on Oasis’ “Half The World Away” for the iconic John Lewis Christmas commercial:
4. Lion Babe
New York City may be flooded by new artists, and getting noticed is harder than ever before. But for this duo, setting themselves apart was only a matter of time. Between a collaboration with Childish Gambino and a feature on Disclosure’s Caracal, Lion Babe are making sure Neo Soul is still going strong. Their 2014 eponymous EP certainly built up the hype and got us excited for their full length debut.
5. Honne
London has given the world countless amazing acts, and here’s another one. Honne’s sound is sensual, intimate, and everything one should look for in Electronic Soul. Mixing the flow of Rhye with a downbeat version of Empire of the Sun’s synths, Honne are making the finest “baby-making music”, so enjoy:
6. Nao
Vocal Jazz and Hip Hop have always been extremely close, and now they are one. Having studied music at London’s Guildhall School, Nao is an expert when it comes to Jazz and how to make it sound accessible all while keeping its touch of authenticity. It’s quite fair to say her sound is the most wrought out there, and we hope it remains so. Here’s the “Bad Blood” video which didn’t get the attention it deserved in 2015, in all its NSFW-ness:
7. Peter Bibby
Folk has never been this crazy. Peter Bibby is the “Spinning Top family” member who’s less recognized but equally talented, and it’s about time people praise him as much as Tame Impala, Pond, Gum and all the others. Australia’s music scene has been skyrocketing during the past few years, and it has given the world another lyrical genius, who should be way up there along with Kevin Parker, Nicholas Allbrook and Courtney Barnett. Peter Bibby is certainly the wild child of Australian folk music, and we’ve gone just as wild for him.
8. Savages
British Rock N Roll with a certain French touch: the rebellious sound of an innocent youth. Savages have been around for a few years now, and have until now been the silent heroes of Rock. B&W, leather jackets, loud guitars and earth-shattering drum beats: they embody the rebirth of a genre many claimed to be dead, and remind us it can never die. The purest of the pure, Savages join Royal Blood, Wolf Alice and many others in a new generation of bands who certainly will hold the ever-glowing torch of Rock N Roll.
9. Blossoms
They may look like they’re coming straight out of the 1960s, and this decade probably heavily influenced their sound, but they have certainly modernized the Pop-Rock genre, upgrading it to a slightly more elaborate style. By incorporating synths to accessible rock patterns, this Liverpool outfit will give you the best of modern indie music and the catchiest of a War-On-Drugs-esque sound, and they’re barely getting started.
10. Fishbach
The ideal throwback to the great Chanson française of the 1980s. A most expressive voice, a guitar and a computer. This is all Fishbach needs to get us moving. Bringing back French giants to the likes of the Rita Mitsouko, Etienne Daho, Desireless and with a hint of Alain Souchon, this French youngster has been compared to The xx on steroids. As much as Fishbach reminds us of the previous century, she is nothing less than the future of the ever-growing French underground scene.