Apocalypse Shmocalypse

It's a bit of stereotypical feature to post but you can't deny the fact that you'd like to know who is going to be big in 2012. I'm not predicting the next music prodigies, just sharing the new acts I think you'll be hearing a lot more of in the year of "The End."


1. Rae Morris

Think Birdy, Kate Bush and Curly Sue's love child. Yo, it's Rae Morris.

The gal is only 18 and has been trying to make it through the mediums of YouTube for a while as well as playing small gigs in her home town of Blackpool alongside studying in college. Defo must be a key task manager because not only has she now finished her full time education but has been signed a publishing deal with Universal.

I've been spreading her music like.the.plague. for the pure fact that this girl is one ball of fuzzy talent.

http://raemorris.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/raemorrisblackpool

2. Michael Kiwanuka

Aside from making millions from her obvious heart-break experiences, I seriously respect Adele for her taste in music and have found that she regularly recommends gems of artists. Michael Kiwanuka is one of them. And she has majorly plugged the dude. So-much-so, he supported her on her Adele Live 2011 tour. What an ego boost.

Kiwanuka grew up in London and has been compared to artists such as Otis Redding, Van Morrisson and Bill Withers.

I'd have to back the BBC's announcement of his nomination for the Sound of 2012 poll. #onetowatch2012

http://michaelkiwanuka.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MichaelKiwanuka

3. Charli XCX

"With a plethora of emotive, dark pop songs...Charli is not your run-of-the-mill musician" - describing yourself like that in the bio of your music page is obviously going to boost the play count. But then you'll find yourself listening to her music again for the simple reason that her sound is quirky, catchy and she has talent. 

She creates a mash up (in my imagination only, I'm sure) of Marina and the Diamonds, LadyHawke and perhaps the Yeah Yeah Yeahs so I wouldn't particularly endorse the statement of a musician contrary to the run-of-the-mill but overall, this chic is goooooood. 

http://charlixcxmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic


4. Alabama Shakes

These guys are really bringing back the sounds of Southern soul/rock and I'm certainly not complaining. Lead vocalist Brittany Howard gives the band that unique edge that have made them the ones to watch in 2012.

They've only released a 4 song EP but no doubt there will be more coming for the Athens four piece throughout the year.

http://alabamashakes.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theAlabamaShakes


5. Dry the River

Hi. 


I'm absolutely addicted to this band. 


First off, I adore their name for some reason? It's a very indie/folk name perhaps following the same style as Band of Horses or Cage the Elephant. When I looked them up I knew there was going to be a seriously emotional connection before the play bar had reached 0:03 seconds.


The five piece, who hale from London, released their debut album Weights and Measures at the end of 2011 but is no doubt a record sure to storm the folk scene in 2012.

http://www.drytheriver.net/
https://www.facebook.com/drytheriver


6. Electric Guest

Electric Guest are currently one of the most promising unsigned acts this year and the fact that they're managed by the same company as Jack White, Vampire Weekend and Cold War Kids (who EG have also supported) indicates that they won't remain unsigned for long in 2012.

The Los Angeles duo have only released an EP on the iTunes consisting of two singles but nonetheless, a record furnished with impressive melodies and catchy guitar riffs.

http://www.electricguest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/electricguest


7. Lianne La Havas

Such a beautiful sound. 

Judging by her online biography she has quite a quirky eccentric personality as well - contrary to the acoustic, soulful accent of her music; "Nothing like Corinne Bailey Rae...but we have similar hair." Ironic considering the first artist she remined me of was Ms. Rae. But I can understand why she would want to distinguish herself among the overwhelmed genre. 

Self-confessed fan of Laura Marling and Ella Fitzgerald, La Havas has also supported Bon Iver during numerous shows. Watch yo' back Corinne.

http://www.liannelahavas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LianneLaHavas

8. The Minutes

Following the 7 overseas artists I've just posted I think an Irish act for 2012 is on call. Enter The Minutes. 

The three lads from Dublin have done pretty well from themselves thus far. Aside from being signed to Model Citizen Records, they've just released their debut album Marcata. They boast a genre of rock and roll with the added guarantee of "proper rock and roll, born in the 50′s, dragged kicking and screaming through the late 20th century, a ragged flag passed from generation to generation under the stewardship of true believers – Chuck Berry, John Lennon, Phil Lynott, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen." 

Respect. 

http://theminutesmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theminutes

The End. 

Lol just kidding.