my favourite 10 "new" artists for 2009, in no order
1. A-Trak
A-Trak isnt new in the slightest, having been Kanye's tour dj since he was supporting Usher, but he is a top tip for me as he still hasnt released that much of his own material, and 2009 could mean a debut album? A-Trak is an amazing DJ, and a brilliant producer/remixer, and 2009 could spell big things for him. Annie Mac is a massive fan
Myspace
Website/blog
A-Trak-Knucklehead
Boyz Noize-Oh! (A-Trak Remix)
2. Mumford & Sons
Completely different, but equally brilliant. They originate from the same school of folk as Laura Marling (yay, pretty sure she features on one their songs, and they toured with her in the US) and Noah and the Whale (boo). 2 amazing ep's released so far, their sound is a blend of laura marling and josh radin, with maybe a bit of frank turner thrown in there. Liar is my favourite song in the world at the moment, lyrically so moving and astute. Although hardly suited for chart success, expect a critically aclaimed debut with loads of festival appearances this summer. I cant wait.
Myspace
Mumford & Sons-Liar
Mumford & Sons-Roll away your stone
new tour to be announced soon for the end of the month :D
3. Kid Cudi
Picture the scene. Front of the 02 arena, after queing for 4 hours outside we still had another 2 hours+ to wait for Kanye with no santogold to look forward to, the crowd was tired. Thn Kid cudi came on. He only played for about 10 minutes, exploding onto the stage with a crazy energy that had the crowd proper up (in contrast to all the other GOOD music artists). A Kid Named Cudi is an awesome mixtape, almost album quality. Admittedly he doesnt have the best flow in the world (lupe/andre 3k for me), but he is extremely versatile, he can actually sing (ahem Kanye), he is a good rapper, and a witty lyricist. The Crookers remix of Day N nite is already huge (people seem to think its the original). The best of Kanyes proteges for sure, he is going to be massive. Spring 2009 for his debut :D
Myspace
Website
Crookers-Embrace the Martian (feat. Kid Cudi)
Kid Cudi-Man on the moon (the anthem)
4. Kid Sister
Kid Sister is a Chicago rapper, not a GOOD music artist, but another highly tipped Kanye protege rapper. Her debut (whcih has bene forever postponed) features Kanye, the count and sinden, david banner and estelle, and sees production from A-Trak (her boyfriend and frequent touring mate), Kanye West, the count and sinden, the neptunes and spank rock. She is like the US Lady Sov, but 100 times better, with awesome flow, voice and lyrics. Cant wait for Dream date/A force to be recognised (no-ones quite sure of the name).
Myspace
Kid Sister-Pro Nails (feat. Kanye West)
Kid Sister-Pro Nails (Rusko Remix)
5. Empire of the Sun
These already have and Ossie only released album, but they are new to the US/UK. The band are a synthy, electronic duo sounding like a tone down less mental version of MGMT, the lead singers voice is strikingly similar to the singer in MGMT. They are not quite as good, but their dreamy tranquil style makes for a really nice album, and (Annie Mac is already playing them) it wont be long before they storm into the Radio 1 Playlist.
Myspace
Empire of the Sun-Walking on a dream
6. White Lies
Just to reiterate, this list is most definately not in order. White Lies have received a huge amount of hype, but a huge amount of it is deserved. They are similar to Joy Division, and Editors, big boots to fill but i am confident they fully can. Depressed, a bit grungy, a bit dark but awesome lyrically and musically, I cant really describe how excited i am about this band...
Only 1 week til the albums out, its streaming online all over the place but im gonna wait.
Myspace
White Lies-From the Stars
7. Wale
Wale has been around forever now, but with an album finally slated for release this album, I expect big things from the Washington rapper. He's released a mixtpae a year since 2005, another (back to the feature) is coming in 2009 before his debut, but is takig his sweet time about an album. Wale is so hotly tipped due to his intelligence and originality, the Kramer for example is perhaps a song youd expect from someone with a few more than 24 years. With Ronson by his side, Wale has featured on remixes of Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Duffy, and famously rapped of DANCE. Expect big production, and (i think) a feature light album. Srsly cant wait for this.
Myspace
Wale- The Freestyle (Roc Boys)
Wale-W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.
8. The Big Pink
Only heard the one song, but already loving this band, droning vocals mixed with cool effects, guitars and a dancy feel.
Myspace
The Big Pink-Too young to love
9. Passion Pit
"Passion Pit make colourful and cerebral electronica, combining layers of sunny vocals, warped samples, glitchy beats and euphoric effects with a sturdy rhythmic backbone. "
from BBC, pretty good summary
Another MGMT esque band, think that might be a trait of the new bands this year. Sleepyhead is a huge tune.
Myspace
Passion Pit-Sleepyhead
10. Tony Williams
Last but mos def not least is Kanyes frequent backing singer and GOOD Music artist. He has such a sweet voice, and his most famous for his appearances on Kanye West’s’ "Spaceship," "I’ll Fly Away," "Drive Slow," "We Major" and "Everything I Am." Has also sung on Common, Nas and Jay-Z songs, and is now ready to release some music of his own! King of the Fool is "coming soon".
Myspace
Tony Williams-Dreaming of your love
i am going to be using mediafire for a while now, until i can sort out hotlinkfiles
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