alex’s blog

yahoorising:

Now that the best-of lists have been written, published, and read, let’s forget 2015, shall we? It’s done. Over. A faded musical memory. It’s now time to look to the future. 2016 is destined to bring fresh grooves and higher musical ground. Power up your playlists and make room on your vinyl shelf. Here’s our lucky list of 13 artists who will be your favorites by this time next year. Shocker: most of them are from London. It’s just the way it is. That town has the magic touch.

Here’s to a year of heroes, hooks, and hell-raising licks. See you on the other side.

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Jack Garratt

Garrett’s debut isn’t due until February, but the star-making machine is already gearing up for his official arrival. The Londoner has an electronica soul, a R&B heart, and a music critic’s lucky charm. He’s already won the BRITs’ Critics’ Choice Award, which didn’t hurt past winners James
Bay, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Florence Welch, and someone you may have hard of named Adele. (Photo: Getty Images)

Watch the music video for “Weathered.” 

Marlon Williams

Marlon Williams is New Zealand born-but carries the soul of Nashville Skyline-era Bob Dylan. Not unlike Chris Stapleton or Sturgill Simpson, Williams seems hellbent on keeping honest music making alive and relevant. He’s keeping cowpunk safe for the 21st century. (Photo: Getty Images)

Watch the music video for “Hello Miss Lonesome.” 

Wet

The Brooklyn trio has had pretty fairytale ride: a successful independently released EP, a major-label bidding war, and a sold-out headlining club tour. They deserve it all. Wet makes spare, haunting music that sounds like Everything But the Girl and Imogen Heap’s forlorn lovechild. Get ready to fall in love. (Photo: Getty Images)

Watch the music video for “Deadwater.”

Sonny Boy Thorn

Christopher Thorn used to be in Blind Melon. Davie Dennis used to be in Voxhaul Broadcast. Sonny Boy Thorn is WAY better than those two bands. They’re full of ragged glory, Joshua Tree roots, and singalong harmonies. Plus, they pal around with Dave Grohl. (Photo: Facebook)

Watch the music video for “Wild and Free.” 

Gallant

Christopher Gallant is 23 years old, sings like a wrongly fallen angel, and defies categorization (although most seem to be calling it “alt-R&B”). Skrillex comes to his gigs. Zane Lowe spins his tracks. He’s a long way from his Maryland home and on his way to serious stardom. Hopefully he’s ready. The dude’s future is bright. (Photo: Facebook)

Listen to “Open Up.” 

The Suffers

Along with Leon Bridges, the Suffers are part of the so-called “Gulf Coast Soul” movement that has cropped up in Houston. Don’t let the name confuse you. The Suffers are full of joy. They’ve a got big sound that only a 10-piece band can deliver. And after a year making all the tastemaker stops (NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, one of Late Night With David Letterman’s last shows), the Suffers are ready for flight.

Watch the music video for “Stay.” 

Gabriel Garzón-Montano

Every artist is looking for his lucky break. Gabriel Garzón-Montano’s was named Lenny. Lenny Kravitz called him up to invite him to open on his 2014 European tour. Next break? Drake sampled one of Garzón-Montano’s tunes on his 2015 mixtape, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. How could Lenny and Drake be wrong? They can’t. Garzón-Montano is a 21st century Donny Hathaway. Pure international soul. (Photo: Facebook)

Watch the music video for “Everything Is Everything.” 

Nao

The East London singer did a stint with Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker before releasing a 2014 EP and getting a slot at 2015′s Glastonbury. Her jazz training is front and center, but Nao is not interested in recreating some smoky bandstand vibe. She disarms you like the best pop singers but has the gravitas of a master. (Photo: Getty Images)

Watch the video for “In the Morning.” 

The Big Moon

More good news from London. Four women who have known each other less than two years and make rock ‘n’ roll like they they came of age in a ‘90s garage. They’re hard and run like a gang with guitars. They’ll make you want to throw it all away and join a band. (Photo: Getty Images)

Watch the music video for “Sucker.” 

Tiggs Da Author

And MORE good news from London. Tiggs comes to East London by way of Tanzania. The brother makes music as if Motown was relaunched in a Camden dancehall. Play his infectious single, “Georgia” until his debut arrives sometime in 2016. And check out his Instagram feed for a glimpse at his trip back to Tanzania. He’s got a beautiful family. (Photo: Getty Images)

Listen to “Georgia.” 

Declan McKenna

This dude is proof that not all 16-year-olds are destined for the boy band wasteland. Listen to “Brazil” and tell me how it could it be any more perfect of a pop song. His Bandcamp page says it all:

i am declan mckenna 

n i make music with 

my hands and dignity

Right on, brother. 

Watch the music video for “Brazil.”

Clean Cut Kid

We’re suckers for a husband and wife who decide to double down as bandmates. This Liverpool quartet has got the magic potion: a band name copped from a Bob Dylan tune, infectious songs, and one of the best music videos around. (Photo: Facebook)

Watch the music video for “Vitamin C.” 

Blossoms

The BBC says they are the sound of 2016. Who are we to argue? Here is your latest ‘80s guilty pleasure courtesy of Manchester. (Photo: Facebook)

Watch the music video for “Charlemagne.”