It is a new year and with that comes new music. Here is a
list of 10 artists to keep an eye out for in the months to come. Some already
made a few ripples in the music world last year, but I am predicting that 2014
may be their true time to shine.
1) Unlocking the Truth
The Brooklyn indie metal scene came to light in recent weeks
after New York’s First Daughter Chiara de Blasio admitted she enjoyed heavy
metal music. Well, Chiara, here is a band for you – Unlocking the Truth. This
band is hard, heavy, fast, and under age! The members of Unlocking the Truth
are a trio of seventh graders from Flatbush, whose instruments are larger than
they are but play with a power that would have the members of Slayer stop and
take note.
2) Radkey
When punk rock comes to mind, places like London, New York,
LA, Berlin, even Washington, D.C., all jump out, not a place like St. Joseph,
Missouri. Yet, in St. Joseph is where you will find one of America's best new
punk bands -- Radkey. Formed by three brothers, Radkey combine Bad Brains
hardcore riffs with Danzig-style vocals and bring their own flair and fury
that make them stand out from any new band emerging today.
3) Until the Ribbon Breaks
From Cardiff, Wales, comes one of R&B’s leading new
voices. For fans of the tape loops and synth vibes of James Blake, take a
listen to the voice Pete Lawrie Winfield aka Until the Ribbon Breaks. After
releasing an EP last year and working with Run The Jewels, Until The Ribbon
Breaks is poised for a breakout year with the anticipation of his debut album.
4) Schoolboy Q
Rapper Schoolboy Q has made a name for himself over the last
few years after appearing on mixtapes and being a member of Kendrick Lamar’s
Black Hippy crew. Yet, with the release of his third solo album, Oxymoron, in
February, it will see Schoolboy Q really emerge as a figure all his own.
5) Little Green Cars
After forming in 2008 and releasing their debut album last
year, Galway, Ireland’s Little Green Cars have been selling out clubs all
around the world, however, this year, they can expect larger stages. After
capturing audiences attention at SXSW, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and gaining
support from Jake Bugg, Little Green Cars are in the fast lane to become your
next favorite band.
6) Saints of Valory
The only thing that matters in 2014 is the World Cup in
Brazil. Of course I would say this, I am a massive soccer fan, so, it is
fitting that a band with Brazilian roots is one of this years artists to watch.
Forming in Rio in 2008 with members from France, Canada, and Texas, the band
uprooted themselves to Austin, which is their home base now and have been
taking the radio by storm thanks to their single, “Neon Eyes,” but with their
debut arriving in April, they will take your attention with their stadium-ready
songs and catchy pop-rock hooks.
7) London Grammar
English universities must have something in the water that
seems to produce great bands. Radiohead, Coldplay, Queen, Pulp, Pink Floyd, and
so many more got their start at English institutions for higher learning, but
another name to add to that list is London Grammar. The band formed in 2009
while attending University of Nottingham and craft a pop sound unlike anyone
else. A trio that features guitars, keyboards and vocals, London Grammar find a
way to craft so much by using so little. The band, who released their debut, If
You Wait, last year are turning heads and 2014 is the year they will make their
mark.
8) John Wizards
The late, great Nelson Mandela fought and dreamed of his country
to become a rainbow nation and fought and dreamed for all Africans to come
together and unite as one. John Wizards takes Madiba's dream and makes it a
reality. The band, who are based in Cape Town, South Africa, combine African
drums, hip-hop, trippy electronica, ambient, shoe gaze, rock, new wave, and so
much and manage to filter it through in a way that doesn’t sound over produced,
over saturated, and most importantly overdone. This band is the brain child of
Cape Town’s John Withers who linked up with Rwandan singer Emmanuel Nzaramba to
craft this unique and very creative sound and vision.
9) James Bay
At first look, James Bay could be another singer-songwriter
from some small town in middle America. Long hair, top hat, beat up denim
jeans, he has the looks of an American, but looks can be deceiving and proves a
book should never be judge by his cover. Bay, an British singer, has been
cutting his teeth in the UK for years and thanks to a successful tour last
summer in America, it looks like Mr. Bay is going to stand out while managing
to blend in.
10) The Staves
Haim may have been 2013’s “it” sisters of music, but 2014
will belong to The Staves. England's The Staves are a trio of sisters that have
taken their own spin on traditional folk rock. The band have been touring the
US and Europe to critical acclaim as they have opened for Bon Iver, Ben Howard
and even sang back-up to Tom Jones, and Mumford & Sons at their headlining
Glastonbury slot last year.