Luke Jobling: The Night Café
Liverpool indie rockers The Night Café have certainly proved they are a force on the rise. Since the first release of their much loved singles such as ‘Addicted’ and ‘You Change With The Seasons’ several years ago, the lovable lads have climbed their way up festival posters and support slots, and now even currently delivering a headline tour. Blending heavy charring chords with danceable riffs and beats, the Scouse 4-piece are certain to have a storming 2018, with a debut album release incoming and a scorching live summer.
Toby Wainwright: BROCKHAMPTON
In 2017, BROCKHAMPTON made a name for themselves by releasing three of the year’s best hip-hop records in the form of the SATURATION trilogy. The 14-member strong all-American boyband (yes, they are a boyband and don’t argue with them otherwise) don’t seem to be slowing down for 2018 with their fourth album TEAM EFFORT already being announced. The band has an ability to mix catchy hooks and bouncy production with insights into society. The wide range of artists also help to make BROCKHAMPTON one of the most exciting projects in hip-hop at the moment, and in 2018 there are sure to keep making waves in the scene.
Millie Lynch: Gus Dapperton
I expect big things from 20-year old, self-produced artist Gus Dapperton in 2018. The dreamy melodies this New York artist comes up with are almost haunting, and his intelligent lyrics I’m sure will resonate with a lot of people in 2018. Listen to ‘I’m Just Snacking’, and you’ll instantly fall under his trance.
Rebecca Emery: Lianne La Havas
Though she is not technically a new artist having released her debut album ‘Is Your Love Big Enough?’ back in 2012, I am beyond excited to hear Lianne La Havas’ new music this year. Though her solo music is a hybrid of alternative folk and soul, she lent her velvety voice to Rudimental’s ’Needn’t Speak’ electronic track in 2015 proving that she can make anything sound amazing. Lyrically and melodically her songs (in my eyes) cannot be faulted. La Havas’ slightly husky voice sits perfectly on either an acoustic or electronic guitar, something that she successfully switches between on her second album ‘Blood’. She is an exceptionally talented singer/songwriter who deserves way more recognition and love, so keep an eye out for her in 2018 as she is set to release some new music.
Memoonah Hussain: 30 Seconds to Mars
It’s been five years since 30 Seconds to Mars have released a new album and “soon” certainly can’t come soon enough. They released the first track off of the unnamed album back in August, and the electronic rock single ‘Walk on Water’ is characteristically Jared Leto. With the music video compromising footage shot by fans on 4th July, Leto aims to make a statement about love and unity against today’s political environment. After winning Best Alternative at the 2017 MTV EMA and with a tour commencing later this year and the album still to be released, I do expect many more heartfelt tracks to hit the charts this coming year, especially since they dropped the passionate single ‘Dangerous Night’ last week.
Raphael Kalid: My Bloody Valentine
Four years since the release of their comeback album ‘MBV’ in 2013, shoegaze legends My Bloody Valentine have announced that their fourth album will be released in 2018. Despite the waves of psychedelic guitar and feedback on their previous albums already capturing what I imagine the inside of someone’s brain sounds like, guitarist Kevin Shields promises that the next album will be like MBV with “acid dropped on it”, which leaves me very excited.
Hannah Bradbridge-Jackson: Rhye
I’ve got to put my hands up here and say I actually didn’t come across Rhye until their appearance on Bonobo’s 2017 tune ‘Break Apart’. From there it was undoubtedly love at first listen and I went on to massively overplay their funk fuelled banger ‘Taste’ (honestly, no regrets there). So, although unlike other fans I haven’t had the painful 5 year wait between album releases, I was beyond relieved when I heard they were dropping new album Blood on February 2nd 2018. Fusing dream pop with silky R&B there’s really not an occasion that doesn’t have me pulling up their album on Spotify, producer and vocalist Mike Milosh’s androgynous honeyed vocals create a hazy sensuality that flows easily over tracks. Elusive and rhythmic their refreshing sound is accompanied by saxophones, strings and clicking beats, in which a spectrum of intimate space plays out. Take it from me, get out and catch them taking Blood on tour in 2018.
Ellena Burgess: The Vaccines
The Vaccines are to return in 2018. Their album titled ‘Combat Sports’ is set to be released on 30th March and they have already released tickets to a UK tour in early April. They kicked off 2018 by releasing the single ‘I can’t quit’. The short and simple track draws on the nostalgic sound of the early hits from debut album ‘What did you expect from The Vaccines?’. If tracks from the rest of Combat Sports follow this pattern, The Vaccines are set to have a great year.
Alev Omer: Jorja Smith
2018 is set to be Jorja Smith’s year. Having already won the Brits Critics’ Choice Award and releasing a song and music video with Stormzy, the 20 year old is also set to release her first album this summer. With a sold out tour on the way, Jorja is looking to be one of the most exciting and innovative R&B artists on the scene.
Paige Tracey: Daya
As the girl who delivered the powerful vocals on the Chainsmokers summer hit ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, we’re going to be hearing a lot more from Grace Martine Tandon – known to the world as Daya – in the coming months. At the age of 19, she’s already had a music career that even the most established of musicians fail to achieve in a lifetime. The aforementioned track won her a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, and she’s been invited to perform for the Obamas at the White House. However, as the title of her first album makes clear, she’s refusing to Sit Still, Look Pretty. Last year saw her sign a new record deal with Interscope, the result of which has been her latest release, ‘New’. The track documents Daya’s regret at breaking off a relationship in a well-crafted layering of soul, electronica and pop. She’s previously teased the release of her second album this year, and the release of ‘New’ only fans the flames of anticipation. The track promises that the record will be just as catchy, but more mature in its approach than its predecessor. Hopefully, Daya will realise that her fans can’t “sit still” any longer, and 2018 will herald a new chapter in her already impressive career.
