With the help from some our friends in the live music industry, after much scouting, searching and song-listening, we have collated our Artists to Watch for 2018 list; the go-to guide for all things musically up-and-coming, yet spectacular. Take a look and a listen at who we're vouching for in 2018.
Adam French
Lauren from Kilimanjaro Live says:
French is one of the most interesting singer-songwriters currently operating. Be it bashing a radiator for percussion or even asking an engineer to walk around with carrier bags tied to his feet to “dirty up” ambient guitar sounds in a recording session, Adam will make it happen. The last 18 months have been wild for him, playing Reading & Leeds, Boardmasters and Latitude - just to name a few. Who knows what 2018 has in store for French, but it can only be great things.
Girl Ray
Joe from Be Nothing says:
Hailing from North London, Girl Ray released their debut album in the summer on Moshi Moshi Records. The trio of childhoods friends are all still in their teens yet the music they make stretches far beyond their limited years while retaining an adolescent charm. They recently embarked on their debut UK headline tour, after a busy festival season appearing at Glastonbury, End of the Road Green Man, and more. With the majority if not all the dates sold out (including Scala in London) they're set to tour again next April, only the venues will be much bigger.
Imarhan
India from Bird On The Wire says:
When Imarhan released their self-titled debut album in 2016, they stepped into a genre already flooded with talent and exposure, but still managed to rise to the top and be heralded as the “new wave Of Tuareg music“ by Fact Magazine and The Guardian. Hailing from Algeria, this five-piece's much anticipated, upcoming album 'Temet' speaks of themes of community, culture and connectivity; making future generations aware of the importance of friendship and coming together. Imarhan are already making waves on the Algerian music scene and we're certain that there's even bigger things in store.
Laurel
Lauren from Kilimanjaro Live says:
2017 has been a non-stop whirlwind of a year for London-based singer songwriter, Laurel. Releasing tracks 'Life Worth Living' and 'San Francisco' last year, the singer was soon met with a sold-out, UK headline tour and named as Apple Music's very first New Artist of the Week. Not only that, the year has also praised her with Teen Vogue's artist to watch and listed as one of Radio X's top 20 artists of 2017; in such a short space of time, Laurel has achieved so much and we can't wait to see what happens next.
Totally
India from Bird On The Wire also contributes:
Totally are a five-piece who have quietly amassed a loyal audience since their formation in late 2015. Each member brings their own influences and life experience to the project, resulting in a sound which draws from DIY, sixties girl groups, Australian guitar pop and '90s R&B to result in something completely fresh.The first track to premiere, 'Moonlit Memory' follows the band’s 2016 debut 'Falling Apart'. Well received by critics, 'Falling Apart' was named the 9th best song of 2016 by Loud and Quiet and was placed on Apple Music’s Indie A-List. Big things are predicted for these girls!
Drahla
Elliot from Rockfeedback says:
One of the many, many exciting new bands coming from Leeds recently, Drahla are definitely a must-listen for 2018. Having just released their first EP, 'Fictional Decision', and new single 'Form Of Luxury', Drahla's super loud, grungy, and indie rock sound creates a punchy vibe that will blow you away. Recently, they performed at their very first London headline show and packed out the venue! To follow, they're off on a European and UK tour with Metz, which we're certain will set them up nicely for an explosive 2018.
The Ninth Wave
Andy from The Kids Are Solid Gold says:
There are a host of exciting acts breaking through from Scotland right now and one of the most essential is undoubtedly The Ninth Wave. Already gaining a burgeoning reputation for their live shows, it's still early days for this exciting four-piece but The Ninth Wave have the huge songs and stage presence to match the hype. Their sold out 'The Great Escape First Fifty' appearance at Hoxton Bar and Kitchen seemingly offers a glimpse of what's to come with the band destined to have a very busy year ahead of them. Catch them while you can.
Sam Fender
Matthew from SSD Concerts says:
Sam Fender burst on to the scene with debut single ‘Play God’ in March 2017 and was hailed as one of Annie Mac’s New Names on Radio 1. Picking up a guitar at the age of 8, Sam made a name for himself some years later by securing support slots with some of the most well respected acts on the planet - including Ben Howard, Hozier and Daughter. With indie, hook-laden songwriting and vocals that are compared with Springsteen's, it's no surprise that Sam's hometown headline show sold out within seconds. With that, 2018 certainly looks to be the year of Sam Fender.
Maggie Rogers
Lucy from Communion Presents says:
Maggie's debut EP, 'Now That The Light Is Fading', was a huge success with singles 'Alaska', 'Dog Years' and 'On + Off' reaching over 30 million streams combined worldwide across a number of platforms! With this, the stage really is set for widespread international acclaim next year. Rogers was included on the BBC’s 'Sound Of 2017' list in addition to being tipped for success in 2017 by The Telegraph, The Guardian, Metro, & NME, amongst many others. With her debut album set for 2018, we expect big things for Maggie.
Isaac Gracie
Lucy from Communion Presents also contributes:
Isaac Gracie orbits a musical world that is pretty oversubscribed with talented young voices, but in truth he acts as the antidote to all of them. A characterful modern musician who takes the tested inspirations of love and hurt. His latest EP 'The Death of You & I' portrays these themes vividly and his live set has become a raucous thrashing out of emotion. Isaac is the sound of a young poet comfortable with dropping his words onto a page and re-arranging them emphatically. He's the real deal.
Ho99o9
Lauren from Kilimanjaro Live says:
Los Angeles based and New Jersey bred, Ho99o9 (Horror) have been decimating stages, venues and festival sites across the globe even prior to the release of their debut album ‘United States of Horror’ earlier this year. Over the past couple of years they’ve played Glastonbury, Primavera Sound, Afropunk, Pukkelpop, Reading & Leeds, and Download - just to name a few; but Ho99o9’s art needs to be seen and heard in person in order to experience it wholly.
Parcels
Matt from DHP says
Signed to the ultra cool French electronic music and fashion label Kitsuné, Parcels hail from Australia via Berlin and create glossy groove pop music. Recalling early Chic era 70's funk with a contemporary electronic twist, their latest single ‘Overnight’ was produced by legendary robotic duo Daft Punk. After embarking on their first headline UK tour last month, they are set for a big year in 2018.
If you'd like to take a listen to all of these amazing, upcoming artists then check out our specially curated Spotify playlist below!
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