Hailing from Halifax is emerging artist Ellur. Writing music since the age of 11, this talent is crafting some of the most exciting new indie-pop sounds to currently come out of Northern England.
With shimmering synths, sleek slinky guitar lines and a driving pulsating rhythm, ‘Innocent (Dreaming)’ is an emotionally introspective bop that deserves to be heard.
Taken from the new EP ‘Moments’ which is out now.
Newcomer Renao is an emerging singer, songwriter and producer who puts his own pop-influenced spin on guitar-led alternative R&B.
With a strong sense of authenticity coming through his music, this artist eschewed a career as an Olympic Badminton hopeful, so that he could create art that references the aspirations of American youth and pop culture.
Hailing from South East London, Jim Legxacy is a highly experimental and creative artist who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable.
The producer, rapper and singer constructs a sound that fuses essences of rap, drill, indie and pop into mesmerising songs that are exceptionally unique in character.
Taken from the new project ‘CITADEL’ which is out now.
A master of many talents, Warren Hue is a 19-year old Indonesian rapper, singer and producer. His work has consistently stood out thanks to an ever-evolving approach to music-making; establishing a truly unique presence by fusing elements of R&B, house and electronica into a heady cocktail of alternative hip-hop.
Both nostalgic yet future-forward in tone, ‘WEST’ is taken from Hue’s forthcoming project ‘Boy of the Year’, and was produced by 88rising production wizards Bekon & The Donuts.
Undoubtedly one of the most exciting discoveries of the week, multi-talented artist North Naim is a singer, rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist emerging from Zurich.
New single ‘River’ features a multitude of genres, all combining together to create a sound that is not only epic in tone but also breathtakingly intense.
As another year of extraordinary new music comes to a close, the BBC Sound Of poll reveals it’s longlist of talent that is expected to make waves in 2022.
And per usual, most of the acts were featured on here quite some time ago… Here’s the longlist:
BBC Radio 1 will unveil the Top 5 daily from 2nd January 2022, with the winner announced on 6th January 2022.
The volume of talent that I have seen emerge from Canada over the past twelve months has been phenomenal. And it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon with the introduction of Toronto duo OBRIGADO.
Presenting a style of hip hop that is seemingly both nostalgic and current at the same time, this outfit create sounds that are relaxed and fun while still being effortlessly cool.
With a style of music-making that seamlessly fuses elements of alt-rock with grunge, pop, shoegaze and psychedelica, London-based outfit Dutch Mustard are creating a hugely exciting sound that feels full of life and energy.
Your alt-pop banger for the weekend comes courtesy of Nashville-native turned LA local Dela Kay.
‘The Worst Part’ was inspired by Dela’s own fears regarding vulnerability, after a series of toxic relationships. It’s all about allowing yourself to be vulnerable in love, and overcoming fears of potential rejection and abandonment – no matter how many times you have been burned in the past.
“I feel like a lot of people can relate to this song. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted for who they are, but we end up pushing people away for fear of being rejected when they see all of us- not just the good but also the flaws. When the harsh reality is that we can’t experience the wonderful joys of falling in love without exposing ourselves to potential heartbreak. It’s really hard to let people in, especially after being hurt, but you have to remember- there is always beauty in pain, and sun after rain.”
Pushing the boundaries of pop music, Maie is a virtual being who’s story follows the struggles and aspirations of China’s post-95s and Gen Z demographic.
Debut single ‘Like You’ is a dynamic take on electro-pop that describes the intricate relationship between Maie and our physical reality.
“I’m still learning how to be here, how to be human and how to create. I don’t think I’m very different to the other singers in the world but I know I’m not the same. But, that’s a good thing. I’ve spent most of my time on Earth learning trying to fit in but with my music video, I wanted to show people what MY world looks like. “
With the current successes of Miquela and Ai-Da, it seems only a matter of time before Maie joins this influential and hugely exciting roster of virtual artistry.
Emerging Stockport three-piece JCK release the sublime ‘Lullaby’ today, and it’s just about one of the most beautiful songs you’ll experience all weekend.
Recorded in lead singer Jack’s bedroom in just one single take, the track features a truly captivating and emotional vocal performance that guides you through the song.
This is one indie outfit that should be firmly placed on your radars for 2022.
Hailing from Cumbria, indie folk alt project Callinsick is one of the most promising new finds of the week. This artist crafts intricate songs that are based upon feeling unheard, unseen, off the radar of mainstream opportunity and knowing no different.
‘Cold Feet’ features Callinsick’s distinctive vocals delivering captivating lyricism, and was co written by MyRiot (who’s worked alongside the likes of London Grammar, Halsey and Aurora).
“’Cold Feet’ is about the inevitable, stupid arguments you have in relationships. Little resentments that build up quietly until something insignificant ends up dragging you both into a six hour argument on a night out. It’s like the hours leading up to a bloodletting, you know it’s gonna hurt and you know it’s coming.”
Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Holy Holy Holy’ which is due in spring 2022.
LA-based singer and songwriter Lily Donat crafts beautifully catchy pop songs that are refreshingly honest in tone, thanks to compelling lyricism that carries raw emotion.
‘Most Important Man’ is a song that’s all about a dark kind of love, and was written by Lily in an effort to release the mental obsession with willing light into shadowed places – and making the impossible true.
With support from the likes of Huw Stephen sand BBC Introducing already under their belt, British indie-pop trio Talu are already carving a name for themselves.
New single ‘So Good’ is an anthemic bop that’s all about the naivety of youth, as well as its optimism and pitfalls.
Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Something to Build’ which is out soon.
Newcomer Under The Influence is an emerging artist from Aotearoa in New Zealand. With a smooth approach to soulful pop, this talent effortlessly creates infectiously memorable sounds that are sure to win hearts.
“This is a track about a love lost, the feeling that the other person isn’t telling you the whole truth… A feeling of defeat wrapped in warm pop melodies and the drunken sway of a few drinks with friends to help the feelings pass.”
New York outfit Meyru construct a style of indie-rock that is near impossible not to be charmed by.
This band deliver guitar-driven sounds that feel psychedelic and raw in essence, while their lyricism exudes character and wit.
“’I’d Ask’ is our love letter to the band. As we get older and continue to play together, sometimes there’s a stress that comes along with ‘trying to make it’ in music. This song is is our light hearted reminder that everything’s all good and to not take anything too seriously. It’s the pop song of the record.”
Hailing from southern England comes Josie Proto, who’s playful blend of indie-pop and rock has a sense of character that is refreshingly unique.
Already receiving praise from the likes of WONDERLAND, MTV, 1883, EARMILK and CLASH as well as continued support from Annie Mac, Jack Saunders and Clara Amfo, this is one UK artist to watch out for over the next twelve months.
“The song is the story of a girl who is building her personality out of stolen attributes from the people around her. I think more than anything, it’s a warning to people to be aware of how you grow and build yourself. It’s very easy to hide behind a facade that you’ve created to please others, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, you’re left wondering if you could exist without all the parts of yourself that belong to others. It’s also maybe a dig at our culture and the way we make people feel as though they should hide who they are, and that they are unworthy of attention unless they are part of the club that behaves in the most desirable way.”
Taken from the new EP ‘Problem Child’ which is out now.
One of the most exciting R&B-soul newcomers to have emerged from the UK this year, 23-year old singer and songwriter Amethyst is serving some of the most finessed releases from the genre right now.
With a distinctively smooth vocal, it’s only a matter of time before this artist begins to pick up mainstream traction!
Emerging from LA is songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hotjohnmichael. Raised on a healthy dose of hardcore punk, 90’s rock and Top 40 music, this talent seamlessly blends elements of hip hop with punk and pop in a refreshingly unique way.
New single ‘GOD AGAIN’ is all about finding your community when you need them most; how the joy and strength they bring make you feel invincible.
“‘GOD AGAIN’ is about a time where I was at a low point and I let my friends know I was hurting. They said they were too, and we leaned on each other in our time of need.”
Hailing from LA comes DIY artist Coco Columbia, who’s uniquely emotive approach to cyber-pop is both intriguing and captivating in equal measures.
This is a sound that pushes the boundaries of pop just enough to ignite listeners’ imaginations, all the while still feeling relatable and moving.
“I wrote, recorded and produced this track in my bedroom and it’s about the ups and downs I experience with my mental illness. It’s the first single off of an album I will release next year – an album full written, recorded and produced by me. It is very important to me to uplift female/ trans/ non-binary producers in a male-dominated field and I want to start by showing the world that I, as a queer woman, can write, record and produce my own music.”
