The original version of this was one of my favourite tracks from 2007, and I’m in love with this reworking by BBC Sound of 2013 contenders Kodaline.
Feeling festive yet?
The Leftover Cuties are and they have just released an EP with Christmas covers which are undeniably adorable.
New Music: Zaki Ibrahim
Canadian-born South African star in the making. Her tracks all have a very eclectic vibe, well worth a listen. Check out here.
First Watch: SEASFIRE ‘We Will Wake’
Pretty cool new video from SEASFIRE. This single is taken from their debut EP ‘We Will Wake’ which was released with Cheap Thrills on 3rd December.
First Listen: Various Cruelties ‘If It Wasn’t For You’
There’s a prediction going round the industry right now reckoning guitar music to explode again in 2013, but to be honest I’m not quite sure I agree with it to the extent they think it will be. But then I’m hearing some really unique indie like this by Various Cruelties and it makes me question myself. In any case, I really like this. It’s catchy but doesn’t rely on big noisy hooks to grab attention.
First Listen: Amina Bryant ‘On My Own’
This new track from Amina Bryant is showing some real potential. Her debut EP is out next year.
New Music: Beech
Since being featured in March this year, Josh Beech is back with a new project know as… Beech. It’s thrashed up indie with a very British feel. Song’s available for free on their site. Check out here.
New Music: Denai Moore
Here’s a stunning acoustic sound from someone who’s still only 19. Check out here.
New Music: The Rebel Light
Hazy, retro-sounding Southern-Californian indie. They’re giving away their music over on Noisetrade, which is nice. Check out here.
Free Download: Mercedes ‘Airwave Hustle’
This can’t get any more Neneh Cherry if it tried- but that’s a good thing. There’s been considerable buzz for Mercedes, and now the Camden/ Copenhagen girl is signed to Warner Music Publishing in the USA and recording new music with producers including Robbie Lamond (Devlin, Katy B), Breakage (Jess Mills, Roots Manuva) and WoZ (Black Butter) for release throughout 2013. Grab a free download of this track here.
First Listen: Maya von Doll feat. Robs & Duke ‘Is This Love’
I’m kicking the week off with this massive tack. It’s Maya Von Doll’s new single and it’s out today. Get it.
BBC Sound of 2013 longlist announced!
The BBC has just released it’s Sound of 2013 list of artists. Over the years, this has proven to be one of the most accurate predictors of who’s likely to become a household name (in the UK at least) over the next twelve months, and it’s personally a very exciting thing to see. The list is compiled by the UK’s most influential music industry tastemakers, who were each asked to note their favourite emerging artists.
While I’m familiar with all the acts on these long lists by the time they are published, I do not necessarily agree with all the talent in them (that’s the great thing about music).
Still, every year I like to benchmark this blog against the list to see how many acts I’ve championed, and I’m chuffed to see that most of these artists have been featured on Alfitude over the past year or two (although some of these posts are already so old the sound clips may not be active any more):
- AlunaGeorge – first featured February 2011
- A*M*E – first featured January 2012
- Angel Haze – first featured July 2012
- Arlissa – first featured August 2012
- Chvrches – first featured June 2012
- King Krule – first featured January 2011 as ‘Zoo Kid’
- Laura Mvula – first featured October 2012
- The Weeknd – first featured March 2011
- Tom Odell – first featured August 2012
Other acts on the longlist also include:
- HAIM
- Kodaline
- Little Green Cars
- Palma Violets
- Peace
- Savages
Overall, I think this year’s list covers a much more varied and promising selection of talent compared to 2012, and it’ll be interesting to see who wins. The top five acts will begin to be revealed during the week of 31st December 2012.
Until then, I haven’t made my mind up who will make the shortlist just yet- who would you like to see win?
First Listen: Gus By Heart ‘The Last Place’
Something nice and mellow to wind the weekend down from Gus By Heart. He released his debut EP ‘Rather Be Singing Than Thinking’ on October 10th and this is the second single from it.
New Music: Sarah D
Sometimes all you need is some good, old fashioned radio pop to get you to smile. Not bad for an unsigned talent. Check out here.
Create Without Limits
This is Rio rehearsing one of his tracks. I love it, but I also hate it because I wish I was in that room with them all. Rio’s released the video to launch his new organisation, Create Without Limits, which is set up to support the innovative and artistic community in the Nashville, TN area through videos and live showcases.
New Music: Crooked Hands
Moody, atmospheric and beautiful new indie. They’re releasing their first single ‘Under’ on February 4th. Check out here.
New Music: George Maple
If you like Jessie Ware you may like this: it goes along the same veins. Sexy, sleek beats from Sydney. Check out here.
First Listen: A*M*E* ‘Heartless’
Another pop belter from A*M*E.
Live: Sebastien Tellier at Shepherds Bush Empire
This gig happened on Wednesday but I’ve been so busy this is the first chance I’ve been able to put a couple of pictures up. This man is a musical legend in my eyes. I think he was as confused as we all were during this set, but whatever sounds came out of the speakers was genius.
New Music: Teleman
Cute, jazzy 60’s sound fused with some innocent sounding indie. Check out here.