So far 2012 has seen many artists come out of nowhere to take the music world by storm (see artists like Gotye, Of Monsters and Men and Fun for example.) But with Summer only a few weeks away it’s the perfect time to introduce a new batch of rising stars who could prove to be hotter than the temperatures this Summer. Below is a list of 12 artists to watch in 2012 who seem poised to rule the Summer and beyond and songs from each artist that are personal favorites. With unique sounds, catchy tunes and undeniable talent it's likely everyone will be hearing a lot about these bands and singers this year. Luckily for local fans seven of the artists have upcoming shows scheduled in the area. Hopefully the other five will add local dates to their upcoming tours this year too. The local shows are listed under each artist's name along with a link to a “Must hear track” and more info about each artist. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions on artists who you think will breakout in 2012 too. So here are my picks for 12 Up & Coming Artists To Watch In 2012...
1) THE CHEVIN
Must hear track: “Drive” http://youtu.be/ZRJiWVgFsQY
The Chevin may be more well-known in Europe at the moment after opening for bands like White Lies, Franz Ferdinand and The Airborne Toxic Event abroad. But get to know their name (pronounced like Shevin) because it looks like soon they'll be making a name for themselves in America too. The band has played some recent dates in the U.S. including shows at SXSW, in California and in New York where they currently reside. But thanks to their tireless touring this extremely talented British quartet is gaining new fans and word of mouth buzz all over the world. The Chevin is comprised of singer Coyle Girelli, guitarist Mat Steel, bassist Jon Langford and drummer Mal Taylor. FYI the band gets their interesting name from the ridge on the south side of Leeds in England overlooking the town of Otley where the band is from. But their name isn't the only thing that stands out, so does their music. Even before their first CD is released their live performances and dynamic stage presence have made not only music lovers but music critics take notice. (cont'd...)
Last year they released their Champion EP which featured the tour de force single “Champion” along with four equally amazing and diverse songs. "Champion" will also get more attention soon because it looks like it will be included on the 2013 FIFA soundtrack. But this year the band is set to release their debut CD Borderland which the song “Drive” comes from. “Drive” is one of those energetic, mesmerizing songs that grabs your attention from the start and never lets go. It also has potential summer hit written all over it. Girelli’s powerful vocals are reminiscent of Roy Orbison and a young Bono and help set this band apart from other Indie artists. But combined with the equally talented Steel, Langford and Taylor the band have already managed to create a polished, electrifying and commanding sound that usually takes artists years to create. The band will also get more exposure when they perform on David Letterman later this summer. But anyone who has heard the band’s debut EP or songs from their upcoming CD could verify that The Chevin are the real deal. They also seem destined to be selling out large venues all over the world in the near future. The single “Drive” is out now in the UK and Ireland. No details of a CD or single release in the US yet but stay tuned for more info. when it becomes available. For now get more info about these talented lads from Leeds and my #1 band to watch here: http://www.the-chevin.com/
2) CIVIL TWILIGHT
Must hear track: “Fire Escape” http://youtu.be/KybczRyLhqE
*Local show: RamsHead Live in Baltimore 6/9 w/Carbon Leaf
Civil Twilight’s sophomore CD Holy Weather follows up a pretty spectacular self-titled debut CD from this promising South African band. But with their second CD comes a different and more refined sound. Their songs focus on things like love, religion and life’s transformations but even despite heavy subject matter the CD is never preachy or depressing but is actually hopeful and uplifting. Holy Weather finds the band leaving the mellowness behind for the most part (as heard on previous songs like “Human” and “Letters From the Sky“) in favor of more guitars, synth and an all around more mature sound that suits them. The CD is flawless from start to finish and is almost like a journey of discovery for the band.
The changes also apply to the band who went from being a trio to a quartet this year. They added new member Kevin Dailey (keyboards) who joins the original trio of Steven McKellar (Vocals, piano and bass,) Andrew McKellar (lead guitar) and Richard Wouters (drums) in the band. The first single from Holy Weather “Fire Escape” is an upbeat and memorable rock song that allows every member of the band to shine. With many tour dates already lined up including dates with Young The Giant and festival stops at Bumbershoot and Austin City Limits this could be the year where everyone finally knows the name Civil Twilight. It could also prove to be the year that this band that is quite possibly better live then in recorded form starts headlining at bigger venues too. So you've been warned make sure to see them at small clubs while you still can. In the meantime get to know more about one of the best artists to come from South Africa since Paul Simon here: www.civiltwilightband.com/
3) GARY CLARK JR
Must hear track: “Bright Lights” http://youtu.be/CFjMeOnqAPI
*Local shows: Jiffy Lube Live 6/16 in Bristow, VA & Farm Bureau Live in Virginia Beach 6/17 (both shows w/Dave Matthews Band)
Appropriately Clark says: “You gonna know my name by the end of the night” in the song “Bright Lights.” One listen to his songs or upon seeing this guitar virtuoso live and everyone will no doubt want to know his name. With a bluesy, soulful voice and songs that just ooze heart, coolness and even a bit of sex appeal he seems on the verge of gaining a lot of attention this year. But it’s not just his spectacular voice that sets Clark apart from other artists but his undeniable skills as a guitar player. His style is reminiscent of greats like Stevie Ray Vaughn, BB King, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz. He’s definitely talented beyond his years and demands attention with his unbelievable voice, his extraordinary guitar prowess and well-written songs.
Clark has already garnered praise from musical heavyweights like Alicia Keys and has become a big music festival mainstay playing at Bonnaroo, Sasquatch and many other festivals. Currently he’s on tour with Dave Matthews Band. But if his four track Bright Lights EP offers even a taste of what is to come from Clark then America could be witnessing the rise of the next Blues superstar. One of the EP’s stand out tracks “Don’t Owe You A Thang” is serious foot stomping, body moving, gritty rock meets blues at its finest. With killer tunes and endless talent to boot Gary Clark Jr looks like he could become one of the most talked about and mainstream Blues acts to hit the music scene in a long time. Get more info about the man who has been dubbed “the savior of Blues music” here: www.garyclarkjr.com/
4) WALK THE MOON
Must hear track: “Next In Line” http://soundcloud.com/walk-the-moon/next-in-line
*Local show: Black Cat on 6/22
Walk The Moon are one of those bands that seem to come out of nowhere this year and gain instant attention with the song "Anna Sun." That song could easily become a summer anthem and unless you live under a rock then you most likely have heard this song even if you don’t know the name. "Anna Sun" has become a huge radio hit and help put four guys from Cincinnati, Ohio on the map. Those four talented gentlemen would be Nicholas Petricca, Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman, and Eli Maiman. But the other songs on their Anna Sun EP like “Next In Line” and “Tightrope” really showcase the potential of this band. The songs are all well crafted with catchy sing along choruses but they’re far from your ordinary band that gets played on the radio.
Their songs have a colorful quality to them that sets them apart from most of the music that usually gets major airplay on the radio. That colorful quality also applies to their live shows too…literally. That’s because not only are their shows known for being high-energy and extremely fun but the band is famous for sporting war paint live and for painting the faces of fans in the audience too. Frontman Nicholas Petricca’s entrancing voice sells this band and their carefree tunes instantly get stuck in your head. They have already toured with Young The Giant and Kaiser Chiefs, played Sasquatch Music Festival and will play the nearby Firefly Music Festival next month. But when you’re done humming your current or future earworm “Anna Sun” go check out the bands website for more info on the band: http://walkthemoonband.com/
5) IMAGINE DRAGONS
Must hear track: “Radioactive” http://youtu.be/eu-xFvLaE68
The name Imagine Dragons likely conjures up images of magical creatures from a fantasy story. But don’t let that affect what you think this band will sound like because you would likely be wrong. They could be described as one part synth-rock and one part hip-hop and that is the formula that makes this Las Vegas band one of the most hard to label bands out there. But it also makes them one of the most exciting and remarkable new bands too. The band who is Ben McKee, Daniel Platzman, Dan Reynolds and Wayne Sermon have created a complex and interesting experimental sound comparable to the one that made Awolnation breakout stars last year. Imagine Dragons seem on the verge of having the same thing happen for them too. Their song “It’s Time” has already become a radio hit and took this band from under the radar to band on the rise.
“It’s Time” comes from the Continued Silence EP which was released on March 6 and features and eclectic mix of songs. The rest of the songs on their EP are just as good if not better. Their songs range from fun and quirky to dark and intense and it’s that diversity that makes this band so genuine and so good. They have a few EPs under their belt but it seems like this is finally their moment to shine. They're also about to hit the road as the opener on Awolnation's Fall tour. Sadly there is no DC area stop on that tour as of right now but if your jonesing for a live show then catch them when they play Firefly Festival in Delaware next month. But hopefully that the lyric from “It’s Time” that says “Now don't you understand that I'm never changing who I am.” is true to life because Imagine Dragons are perfect just the way they are and they should never change. Learn more about the not so mythical men of Imagine Dragons here: www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/
6) KIMBRA
Must hear track: “Cameo Love” http://youtu.be/eaTEySLiLmc
*Local show: Merriweather Post Pavilion 6/10 w/Foster The People
New Zealand’s Kimbra has found a winning combo that helps her stand out. She has a chameleon-like, sultry and soulful voice that makes her unique and a bubbly and quirky persona that makes her very likeable. While technically Kimbra’s CD Vows came out last year in the UK it finally was released in the US this year on May 22. The release of Vows in the US couldn’t come at a better time too. That's because it allows her to capitalize on the major buzz she has garnered from singing with Gotye on the megahit “Somebody That I Used To Know” and from getting attention as his opening act on his recent tour. She has a lot going on because not only was her incredible debut CD finally released in the US but she is now venturing out on the road with a few headlining dates, some festival stops and also opening for Foster The People.
But 2012 definitely should be the year that Kimbra comes out from Gotye’s shadow. Instead of playing a supporting role she seems poised to take her rightful place as one of the best new singers around. The song “Cameo Lover” has potential hit written all over it and other songs like “Good Intent” and “Settle Down” are equally catchy and attention-grabbing. Her voice is very retro and even if she has drawn comparisons to Katy Perry Kimbra is one of kind. Make sure to get to know this young woman from New Zealand because 2012 could very well be the year Kimbra becomes a megastar. Get more info. about one of the best new female artists here: www.kimbramusic.com/
7) MILO GREENE
Must hear track: “1957” http://youtu.be/NUazz0gML00
*Local show: DC9 on 7/24
Milo Greene could be the Of Monsters and Men, Mumford and Sons or even The Civil Wars of 2012. But don’t mistake the comparison as saying this band from Los Angeles sounds exactly like the aforementioned bands. Milo Greene does however feature the same enchanting quality and exquisite harmonies that make them as impressive and memorable as those more well-known bands. It’s refreshing to see a band where every member sings too and sometimes simultaneously. The alternating singing of the female and male vocalists adds a level of romanticism to their songs.
Also when the band members Robbie Arnett, Graham Fink, Andrew Heringer, Curtis Marrero and Marlana Sheetz combine their individually impressive voices together the songs become even more haunting and beautiful. It also adds a level of depth and magnificence to their songs that is sorely lacking in a lot of songs nowadays. They seamlessly blend pop, rock and folk for a delightful, ethereal and optimistic sound all their own. Their debut CD is due to be released on July 12 and will no doubt be the soundtrack for many people’s summer. But if their unforgettable recent singles "1957" and "Don't You Give Up On Me" are just a small taste of what to expect then this is one band that will be making many people's best of lists this year. But get to know more about one of the best new bands out there here: http://milogreene.com/
8) A SILENT FILM
Must hear track: “Danny Dakota and The Wishing Well” http://youtu.be/iW-nFVctiWE
A Silent Film may not be a familiar name to most but listeners of stations like AltNation on Sirius XM and Philly’s Radio 104.5 have no doubt heard at least one of their songs. Their debut CD The City That Sleeps featured the popular song “You Will Leave A Mark” which received a lot of airplay on those stations and others and put the band on the map. Other songs like “Driven By Their Beating Hearts” also showcased the immense talent of this up and coming band who hail from Oxford, England. The band who consists of Robert Stevenson (vocals/piano), Karl Bareham (guitar), Ali Hussain (bass) and Spencer Walker (drums) got their interesting name after Stevenson wrote a song using the melody from one of Charlie Chaplin’s films. But don’t let the quiet name fool you because this band rocks both on CD and live.
While A Silent Film have been compared to bands like Keane, Coldplay, The Killers and Snow Patrol they don’t sound exactly like any of those bands. While you can hear subtle inspirations from those bands styles in their music A Silent Film has managed to create their own wonderfully unusual style of music that's hard to describe. The band is set to release the follow-up to their debut CD called Sand & Snow which will being released on June 5. Their new songs still retain the same simple beauty that was featured on The City That Sleeps but with a bit of a transformation and with a tiny more of a rock n roll edge to some of the songs. The first single “Danny Dakota and The Wishing Well” showcases the band’s ability to tell stories in their songs. Because that’s what this band does best they produce songs that are like narratives set to music and each journey is one you’ll be glad you took too. But check out this promising British band here: http://asilentfilm.com/
9) EMPIRES
Must hear track: “Surrenderer” http://soundcloud.com/weareempires/surrenderer
*Local Show: Jammin Java in Arlington, VA 6/21
The Chicago band Empires almost had their big break last year when they just barely lost out to the band Sheepdog to become the first ever unsigned band to be on the cover of Rolling Stone. But not winning hasn’t stopped the band’s momentum. This year has seen the multifaceted rock band playing shows with The Temper Trap, Kaiser Chiefs and A Silent Film and also they will be playing one of the most popular music festivals around too: Lollapalooza. The band’s members Sean Van Vleet (vocals), Tom Conrad (guitar) and Max Steger (guitar) site bands like Nirvana, The Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins as influences. But their raw sound is completely their own and could be called “garage” rock at its best and most boisterous.
They are one of the strongest up and coming rock bands out there not just musically but lyrically too. While they have a previous release under their belt with 2008’s Howl their new CD Garage Hymns which will be released on June 12 looks to be the CD that could launch this band from unknown to stars. Until their new CD is released make sure to stop by the band’s website & download their EP Can’t Steal Your Heart Away for free. It’s a brilliant EP and will at least offer a taste of what fans can expect from their upcoming CD. Find out more about rockers Empires and download their EP here: http://weareempires.com/
10) ELECTRIC GUEST
Must hear track: “This Head I Hold” http://youtu.be/nVSiwMVaKe4
Asa Taccone’s expressive voice combined with the sick beats produced by Matthew Compton (drums), the brothers Todd (Bass guitar) and Tory Dahlhoff (keyboards) are already enough to make Electric Guest one of the most promising electro soul/indie pop bands around. But it was another type of addition that may have taken Electric Guest to a whole new level. That’s because they received the help of super producer Danger Mouse on their debut CD and the final result can only be described as magic. The band originally started off as just Taccone and Compton before the Dahlhoff’s joined the band and seemed to solidify the bands sound.
But the introduction of Danger Mouse’s recognizable signature sound that helped make Gnarls Barkley and Broken Bells stand out may have provided that extra spark that really made this band live up to their name as being "electric." The band and it’s cool, old-school R&B vibe sells itself with a wide range of song types from fun dance tunes to more introspective ballads.The CD Mondo which was released on April 24th is exceptional and one of the most impressive debuts of the year. The band just wrapped up a tour in Europe and America that had them playing SXSW. But Electric Guest will no doubt have everyone dancing and humming their tunes not just this year but for years to come too. Get to know the sure to be future kings of indie pop at: http://electricguest.com/
11) THE DAYLIGHTS
Must hear track: “Get Ready” http://www.box.com/s/c455a918dac36e19f6b7
The Daylights gained a lot of attention when they released a very strong self-titled debut CD in 2010 and then hit the road for three headlining tours including the 'No Reverse Tour' last Fall. But the Los Angeles based band has also gained new fans when they toured with artists like Katy Perry, One Republic, Need To Breathe, The Parlotones and Civil Twilight. Their songs have even got TV airplay when they were used on popular shows like Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars and Teen Wolf. Their debut CD, which was produced on the band's own label 87th Floor Records, spent 5 weeks on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and their song "I Hope This Gets To You" went to #4 on Sirius XM.. But the alternative rock trio which features the Jackson brothers Ran (vocals, lead guitar) and Ricky (bass guitar, vocals) and Svend Lerche (drums) are one of those bands that everyone needs to know. They have a star quality about them and seem like they’re just on the cusp of superstardom which they could achieve with their forthcoming sophomore CD.
Recently The Daylights used the power of online media to help finance that CD when they used the site Kickstarter in an ingenious campaign to raise money to record it. Thanks to the combined effort of band and fan promotion they not only met their fundraising goal but they exceeded it. When the band did a short tour last year they showcased some of their new material and gave fans a taste of what is to come. Their new song “Get Ready” is currently being featured in the movie Chronicle and also on the MLB Network. If that song is any indication the CD will be full of the same high energy and well written good, old fashioned rock n roll that made their first CD so amazing. Get to know more about The Daylights and get updates in studio at: www.thedaylights.com/
12) FRANK OCEAN
Must hear track: “Swim Good” http://youtu.be/PmN9rZW0HGo
*Local Show: 930 Club in DC on 7/23
Best known as the soulful voice from the band Odd Future, Frank Ocean sometimes got lost in all the chatter about his band mate Tyler The Creator. But it’s looking like the New Orleans native won't have to worry about playing a supporting role anymore. The 24-year-old rapper and singer is one of the most promising new Hip-Hop/R&B artists out there. Ocean has worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for artists like Justin Bieber and John Legend in the past. But he's finally breaking out on his own and making a name for himself very quickly. But it was last year when he really got some well-deserved attention for his stellar songs & lyrics.
That was because last year Ocean released his debut mixtape: Nostalgia, Ultra. It touched on subjects like personal relationships and social commentary was a hit both with fans and critics. His much anticipated debut CD is expected to be released later this year too. Along with performing with Odd Future he has played with Nas and performed at numerous music festivals. But in perhaps one of the most surprising tour combinations he will also be opening for Coldplay on their European tour this July and August. But that pairing actually makes sense because he did a heavenly and brilliant reinterpretation of Coldplay's "Strawberry Swing" on Nostalgia, Ultra. He showcases his vocal range on the song and could appeal to a new group of fans too. It’s that wide-reaching appeal that makes Frank Ocean look like he will not only make waves in hip hop this year but could also gain a huge following across multiple genres. With beats and lyrics that rival Kanye West he mixes soulful singing and rapping and much like West his talent is undeniable. Get to know more about the future of rap Frank Ocean here: http://frankocean.com/
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