They’re not household names. . . yet, but these 10 up and coming artist are on the cusp of doing big things next year. All of artist on our list have released something awesome this year which has really made us sit up and take note, and we reckon they’re capable of producing something even better in 2015. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet some of these amazing artists, I would urge you to take the time to get to know them now before they are household names. Head to the bottom of the page for a SoundCloud playlist featuring all of the artists we’ve picked.
Raury
Raury, the 17-year-old singer/songwriter made a fantastic entrance into our musical world with the wonderful single “Gods Whisper“. He hasn’t looked back since, dropping an impressive slew of singles and his “Indigo Child” project With influences ranging from Kid Cudi, Phil Collins, Andre 3000, and Bon Iver. Raury seamlessly blends alternative rock, pop and hints hip-hop into his music to create a very distinct and hugely individual sound.
18+
One of the online underground’s best-kept secrets, 18+ have garnered acclaim with a trilogy of mixtapes. Blending lyrical themes of sexual ambiguity, anonymity, voyeurism and fantasy in the digital era with a minimal, yet catchy electronic hip-hop-meets-R&B aesthetic. On their debut album Trust, the duo really showcases their talents for twisting electronica to make fucked-up music that is not only really challenging but also very satisfying and enjoyable at the same time.
We Are Shining
We Are Shining are vocalist Acyde and ex Spacek member Morgan Zarate. They make the kind of music that we thought only existed in our dreams. Hip hop beats, pop, rock and some heavy percussion all mashed up in a hypnotic soulful vibe with a touch of the middle east thrown in for good measure. We’re really looking forward to more weird and wonderful sounds from the duo in 2015.
Shura
Shura has recently signed a deal with Polydor, which is a fitting end to an incredible year for the newcomer. She released three very beautiful tracks, her debut track “Touch” will no doubt feature on many best of lists. Shura is looking good for 2015.
Milk & Bone
Armed with the dreamy harmonies of Laurence Lafond-Beaulne and Camille Poliquin, every now and then, we come across a perfect blend of electronic, R&B, and pop, and that’s exactly the case with this duo. We can’t wait for their next musical step.
DEERS
Spanish girl group DEERS make simple but amazing lo-fi, surf-rock jams which you’ll want to play on rotation all day. The band consisting of Ana Garcia Perrote, Carlotta Cosials, Ade Martin and Amber Grimbergen may sound amateurishly on the surface, but that’s part of their unique charm. They give ramshackle a good name.
Nick Hakim
Washington D.C singer/songwriter Nick Hakim came to our attention earlier this year and since then we’ve been hooked on his blues-tinged soul. Go check out his two exceptional EP’s, full of heartfelt and considered songwriting that will make you stop and drink it in.
Ofei
One of the most arresting voices from a male British artist in recent years. The mysterious Londoner combines politically charged lyrics with a mix of leftfield soul, off-centre gospel and RnB. We can’t wait to see what he comes out with in 2015.
The Weather Station
Tamara Lindeman aka The Weather Station has been around a while, her debut LP came out in 2009. The release of What Am I Going To Do in September finds Lindeman coming into her own with a fuller and richer sound. With a full-length slated for 2015, this EP functions expertly as a teaser of the great things to come from one of Canada’s finest folk performers.
Ibeyi
We’re looking forward to Ibeyi’s debut self-titled album more than any other in 2015. The three tracks they’ve shared so far have been devastatingly raw, honest, and brilliant. The sisters have been working with XL boss Richard Russell for the album. It’ll be released on February 19th, and we can’t wait to hear it.
10 artist is of course never gonna be enough for the true music lover, so here’s some more acts we can’t wait to hear more from in 2015 (click the names to listen):
Love the inclusion of Raury on this list – I’ve been playing God’s Whisper all day today – that guy is destined for great things in 2015.