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Artists to Watch in 2016 by George Webb

Blossoms

Perceived by many as Manchester’s latest big output, this youthful five-piece fuse elements of 60s psychedelia with modern synth-rock, and it is a wonderful partnership. They draw blatant comparisons to the likes of The Charlatans and Happy Mondays, but Blossoms are more than just revivalists, as they undoubtedly possess a modern edge which elevates them from the endless list of bands being emitted by the Manchester music scene.

Best Track: Charlemagne

Nao

With only a couple of EP’s under her belt, rising R&B star Nao has covered a lot of bases. Her music represents 80s electro funk with a crisp modern zest to it. Strong basslines are ever present in her releases to date, which make it difficult to not give in to the pure groove of her sound. She also featured on the 2015 dance hit ‘Firefly’ by Mura Masa, which excellently showcased her ability to lay down her vocals on a floorfiller.

Best Track: Inhale Exhale

Alessia Cara

Canada’s new pop princess, Alessia Cara managed to secure a top 10 hit in the American charts with her smash single ‘Here’. It depicted an ‘anti-social pessimist’ party goer who wanted nothing more than to get away from where she was; a feeling which evidently resonated with many. Her debut album ‘Know It All’ was released late last year, and it is littered with tracks that are ready and waiting to take the charts by storm.

Best Track: Seventeen

King Mez

After bagging himself features on no less than three tracks on Dr. Dre’s 2015 LP, ‘Compton’, the North Carolina rapper has become one of the most notable rising stars in hip-hop. At only 25 years of age, King Mez shows real promise and potential to take charge of the rap game for decades to come. When you catch the eye of someone as influential as Dr. Dre, people are inevitably going to take notice.

Best Track: Can’t Let Go

The Japanese House

After securing a support slot on the 1975’s forthcoming tour, The Japanese House has found herself with an abundance of airplay towards the end of last year. She boasts the same folktronica sound which saw bands like Alt-J and The xx skyrocket to the A list of modern alternative music, while still managing to make it unique by adding things such as electronically layered harmonies and an increased use of reverb.

Best Track: Cool Blue


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