As the last in our series of music picks for 2012, Emma gives us the low-down on who she’s hyping as the hot shots for the coming year…
2012 is shaping up to be a good year for music; and with the announcement of the Brit Awards Critics’ Choice, the BBC’s Sound Poll and MTV’s Brand New list, I thought I’d give you a taste of who I’m backing this year.
Of course, there is the wonderful Lana Del Rey, who has reinvented herself as a “Gangster Nancy Sinatra,” or the electro- goth pop style of Charlie XCX, who offers dark, emotive pop songs. With these in mind, check out a few more promising acts below.
CONOR MAYNARD
Fresh from MTV’s Brand New 2012, Conor Maynard, a 18- year-old singing sensation from Brighton, is set to be one of the biggest breakout stars of the year. The talented teen started by posting cover versions on YouTube while still at school. Within a few months his online popularity exploded and he was signed by Parlophone Records. The bieber-esque charmer offers an angelic sound, soaring like a soft beatific breeze, yet crystal clear and passionately charged none the less. Having scored over 40 million hits on YouTube and 150,000 Facebook followers, his debut single, out in the spring of 2012, is one of the most hotly-anticipated releases of the year. Could this soulful songster be the UK’s answer to Justin Bieber? I certainly think so.
SPECTOR
Dalston five-piece Spector are undoubtedly my latest band crush. Fronted by former Les Incompetents and Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man singer Fred MacPherson, the London quintet offer a divine melancholic bluster of sound, similar to the morose tones of The Killers and The Vaccines. Spector’s songs – such as singles “Never Fade Away” and “Gray Shirt and Tie” – are dolefully romantic affairs, ringing with anguish and intrigue. A debut album is set for release in 2012, as well as an extensive headline UK tour in February. They have also been confirmed as a support slot for Florence And The Machine’s forthcoming arena tour and they will join The Horrors on the jaunt, which kicks off in March.
CLEMENT MARFO & THE FRONTLINE
Clement & The Frontline are a seven-piece multifarious collective from South London led by charismatic front man Clement. Fusing elements of hip-hop, grime, rave and rock, this “mini-army” tick all the boxes, conjuring to musical goers of the commercial variety. Vocalist Kojo, drummer Dion, Bassist Johnny, guitarists Rich and Dan and the sole female of the collective, Stacey, on keyboards and vocals compliment Clements hard-hitting flow, generating a solid, euphoric sound. Having gained early radio support from Zane Lowe, Huw Stephens and Semtex; as well as playing live with the likes of Plan B, Example and Florence and the Machine, it’s no wonder these guys are tipped for a very successful and lucrative year.
Let us know who you’re backing in the comments section below.
Twitter: @LiveEm
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