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EF’s Ones To Watch 2016

What a great year 2015 has been in terms of music but it’s now almost over and it’s time to think about 2016.

It might feel a bit scary and I for one feel like this year has flown past me but I am already excited about next year.  Music-wise have been listening to all kinds and here is the list of acts I think will make it big in 2016.

Keep reading to find out who I’m tipping for greatness in 2016…

Girli

Girli might have a youthful name and is at the prime of her life and with her bright pink outfits she appears a little innocent but actually this is a feisty one. Her music has been supported by the likes of Zane Lowe and has been included on I-D’s Class of 2016 as well as on Dazed’s Ten Artists You Should Be Listening to in 2016. I like it because it feels fresh!

Check out ASBOys below:

Blossoms

Blossoms are a five-piece band from the Manchester area. All members of the band were in other bands before forming. As a band the five boys have been busy recording and touring in order to build their fan base. These boys aren’t reinventing the wheel but what they do is a really good pop-rock sound. I like it because it’s not trying to be something it’s not.

Check out Blossoms’ video for Charlemagne:

MDNGHT

MDNGHT hail from Manchester and have been working with Steve Osborne (New Order Perfecto, Depeche Mode) on their latest single, I Will Lead You On. The single alone is reason enough to give the trio a few spins as it is quite refreshing and is full of summery vibes. I Will Lead You On follows the band’s successful track Into The Night, which made it to number three in the club charts. I love the MDNGHT’s groove.

You can watch the video for I Will Lead You On below:

Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt is an American country singer-songwriter and former college footballer. Inspired by his love of urban music, Hunt’s country is something quite different and very easy to get into. Hunt performed at C2C: Country To Country festival in London this year and will be back in 2016. I like Sam Hunt’s originality and fresh take on the country genre.

Check out the video for my favourite, Take Your Time:

iSHi

iSHi is originally from Stockholm and has already been working with big names such as Usher, Tinie Tempah, Ne-Yo, Avicii, Emeli Sande just to name a few. Strangely though he’s not been on the forefront of things until now. 2016 will be different though as the super producer plans to release his single We Run, which features hip hop superstars French Montana and Raekwon. When it comes to pop music and deep beats no one does it like the Swedes it seems. I like it because its clean and has big production.

You can watch the video for Push it featuring Pusha T below:

Alessia Cara

At the tender age of 18, Canadian singer songwriter Alessia Cara has already made an impact on the US and UK charts with her ironic party anthem Here, which was premiered by The Fader and took the top spot on the Billboard and Twitter Emerging Artists’ chart. The young Canadian received support from Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, Annie Mac, Clara Amfo, Mista Jam, Toddla T and Benji B as well as Trevor Nelson from 1xtra. Most recently she’s been shortlisted for the Sound of 2016. I like it because it takes me back!

You can watch the video for I’m Yours below:

Eska

Prior to her success as a solo artist Eska has provided vocals for original acts as Nitin, Sawhney, Courtney Pine and Tony Allen. Her own music is different and captures the imagination of those who listen to it. The singer has been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and earned plaudits from DJs such as Lauren Laverne and Don Letts. This year the artist’s self-titled album was nominated for Mercury Prize. I like how Eska’s music surprises me.

You can watch Eska’s Shades of Blue video below:

Izzy Bizu

Izzy Bizu is a British singer-songwriter of Ethiopian descent. The young singer gathered support from the likes of Annie Mac, Phil Taggart and Trevor Nelson and has supported Sam Smith and Rudimental on tour. Most recently Izzy Bizu was shortlisted for the Brits Critics’ Choice Award. I love this girl’s voice so much!

You can watch Izzy Bizu’s video for White Tiger below:

Frances

Frances has been making some serious waves lately. Just in the last six months alone this young singer was nominated for the Brits’ Critics’ Choice award and BBC’s Sound of 2016 Poll. Currently signed to Capitol Records, Frances is scheduled to release her new single, Borrowed time in January. I love her voice and pretty lyrics.

You can watch her video for Let it Out below:

Here you have it, EF’s OTW 2016! Plenty more new artist’s will probably emerge this year and I can’t wait to discover them. Till next year music lovers.

So who is your favourite? Leave your comments in the usual place and tell us who you think will be big in 2016.

Sarah Bargiela
Sarah Bargiela
Sarah aka Bargi is the Assistant Editor and Music Editor for Entertainment Focus (EF).

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