As we enter 2013 EFrs have been busy thinking about new music and more importantly finding what we think will be the next big thing.
Needless to say just like previous years it’s been hard to make up our minds. Nevertheless here is a shortlist of our favourite up and coming acts for the new year.
Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons are an American band from Las Vegas. Originally formed 2008 in Utah the band moved to Sin City following their win on BYU’s Battle of the Bands. Imagine Dragons recently got signed to major label Interscope, which explains their sudden appearance. We’ve come across these guys online and have become completely hooked on their catchy tunes. Their EP Continued Science was one of our favourite this year and features their massive tune Radioactive.
The 1975
We discovered The 1975 when they supported Little Comets on their UK tour this month. As we entered Scala we couldn’t quite believe our ears, soaring with guitars and great melodies The 1975 wowed us and the crowd of Little Comets fans. This is because the young band has changed names quite a few times in the last couple of years. The Manchester four-piece has received support from Hew Stephens and been on tour with the likes of One Night Only, Tellison and Little Comets. Their Sex EP is quite catchy and the title track has been receiving some extensive airplay. We can’t wait to see what they’ll do this year.
AlunaGeorge
Nominated for a Brit Award Critics’ choice and Sound of 2013, AlunaGeorge are a force to be reckoned with. The London duo first caught our attention at last year’s In the Woods festival; the captivating show had catchy beats and sexy moves by young Aluna, which captivated the whole audience. No wonder everyone is talking about them but don’t take our word for it check out their synth pop tunes like Your Drums, Your Love or Analyser. You might find some of it a little cheesy but cheese is good!
Kodaline
Kodaline are a Dublin band who in a short amount of time have with their melodies and beautiful vocals captured quite a fearsome fanbase. With their track All I Want featured on hit series Grey’s Anatomy and shortlisted for MTV Brand New 2012 it seems that 2013 might just be a big year for Kodaline. The band is on tour this February so don’t miss out.
Allen Stone
You may not have heard of Allen Stone yet but the Washington native is sure to be a permanent fixture on our radios. The son of a preacher and hippie looking singer/songwriter was raised singing gospel and was hooked on music from an early age. Listening to his soulful single Sleep you would not picture the man behind the voice. As for his inspiration Stone says: “Soul music from that time wasn’t just about bumpin’ and grindin’ at the club – it was a huge part of a cultural movement. That’s where my inspiration comes from”. To us though his music does all the talking.
Nabiha
When it comes to new music there is nothing more refreshing then to look for inspiration abroad. That’s exactly why we are quite excited by Danish songstress Nabiha. Europe was buzzing about Never Played The Bass, the infectious horn-laden song that went gold, as well as getting Nabiha, her a 5th consecutive top 10 airplay hit in native Denmark.
Laura Mvula
Birmingham-based Laura Mvula is no stranger to the stage and has been gracing our music scene for a while already. 2013 though seems to be her year with nominations for a Brit Award Critics’ choice and Sound of 2013, Mvula’s blend of soul and atmospheric music is both soothing and intriguing. Listen to She and you’ll understand what the buzz surrounding her is all about.
Savages
Not many bands have managed to form, have their first gig and within a year get as much buzz as London foursome Savages. A force to be reckoned with, Savages sing punk like it’s the 70s. With appearances on Later…with Jools Holland (check out Husbands) these ladies are taking over and you better let them.
Tom Odell
In December BRITs revealed Tom Odell as the winner of this year’s prestigious Critics’ Choice Award, with AlunaGeorge and Laura Mvula as runners up. Being the first male winner of the prestigious award Odell won’t be resting on his laurels. The young singer songwriter from West Sussex started writing songs age 13 and never looked back. His performance of Another Love on Later…with Jools Holland propelled him into the limelight and strengthened his fanbase. 2013 is sure to be a big year for this new British artist so keep your eyes peeled and ears ready.
Asaf Avidan & The Mojos
Asaf Avidan is and Israeli-born singer-songwriter and probably doesn’t sound familiar if asked about. With his latest project Asaf Avidan & The Mojos the artist has recorded acoustic albums, which have captivated fans in his native Israel. What caught our attention is the success of single One Day / Reckoning Song, which topped charts all over Europe. Some think this is a one off but we are looking forward to hear more.
So there you have it Entertainment Focus’ ones to watch for 2013. We are sure there will be plenty more but in the meantime enjoy these few promising artists.
