Tips for 2011
I recently met up with some old school friends, one of whom works for a major record label. I quizzed him on who he thought would be the breakthrough acts of 2011 and having rattled off a list of artists he asked me to compile a Top 5 from those he suggested. What’s most notable from the three-solo artists included is the filtered down sound which British artists seem to have taken a shine to. The list is in no particular order.
Clare Maguire
When it comes to describing new artists it is always very difficult to avoid comparisons. I must admit that the two artists I am about to compare Maguire to do complete injustice to her ability. There is an intensity in her voice that is not dissimilar to that of Beth Ditto and her vocals resonate in the same haunting manner as Florence Welsh’s. A far more flattering comparison might be to that of a 2011 Kate Bush.
Jamie Woon
Jamie Woon is an artist who came to most peoples attention as a result of the excellent Burial remix of his first release a cover of folk song ‘Wayfaring Stranger’. His latest single ‘Night Air’ is equally as good and has received considerable radio play in the last month or so.
James Blake
A graduate of Goldsmiths, singer and producer James Blake has garnered much praise for his cover of Feist track ‘Limit to your love’, a track that, without sounding a cliche, he makes his own. Surprisingly, despite the minimalist sound of ‘Limit to your love’ as a producer Blake is creates far more production heavy tracks notably CMYK with its house/dubstep sound.
Francis and the Lights
Once again reverting back to the lazy journalism of a quick comparison, there is something about Francis Farewell, Francis of the Lights, which sounds very Cat Stevens like. The New York based band, who perform live with two drummers, also produced Karaoke from Drake’s debut album Thank Me Later.
Mona
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Mona produce rock with a notably southern twang. Their very raw and unpolished sound plays like out like pre-shaved Kings of Leon and their lead singer Nick Brown, with his hoarse vocals, has enough of an air of nonchalance to provide him with suitable Rock star swagger.
