BBM’s One’s To Watch: Hot Upcoming Artists and Tracks

Bored of the radio playlist? Need some musical inspiration? Well, as usual, BBM is here to help with our ‘One’s To Watch’ list. In this instalment we’re being amused, inspired and thrilled by Conor Maynard, Willis Earl Beal, Dot Rotten, PNAU, Lana Del Rey, Grimes, Red Light, Django Django, Howler and Midnight Lion.

Be sure to check out the BBM Favourites!

Conor Maynard, ‘Can’t Say No’
One of MTV’s tips for success in 2012, teeny bopper Maynard mixes white soul with a production that is classic Neptunes. Check out this video for his single ‘Next to You’ with Ebony Day (but be prepared to laugh your arse off at two 12 year olds singing about giving their lives and kids to eachother…)
Released April 2012

BBM FAVOURITE: Willis Earl Beal, ‘Evenings Kiss’
First XL release for 2012 comes via new imprint, Hot Charity. From his debut album, Acoustic Sorcery. A kind of eery, melanchiloic yet thoroughly enjoyable listen. Reminds us a bit of Daniel Johnston, but a bit less mental.
Released 19 March 2012

Dot Rotten, ‘Are You Not Entertained?’
Clocking up over 200,000 hits in just three days online, Mercury’s latest charge is off to a strong start. A good one for all you soft dup/british r’n’b fans.
Release TBA

PNAU, ‘Unite Us’
Despite years of success in their native Australia, Pnau have never quite nailed it in the UK. This could be the single to change all that – it’s got a strong mainstream indie pop appeal.
Release TBA

Lana Del Rey, ‘This is What Makes Us Girls’
A step sideways from the dreamy David Lynch-esque soundscapes of her lead singles, this is more direct, boasting sassy vocal atop an upbeat commercial backdrop. Though, if we’re going to be honest – it’s no ‘Born to Die.’
Released 30 January 2012

You can stream ‘This is What Makes us Girls’ through Hypetrack

BBM FAVOURITE: Grimes, ‘Genesis’
Signed to 4AD for the world outside Canada, Grimes gets the ball rolling with this infectious slice of left-field pop. A happy piece of electro fused candy pop with some lovely vocals. We dare you not to smile while listening.
Available now as free download from 4ad.com

Red Light, ‘Get Out of My Head’
Bristol based production talent Redlight follows up his Ms Dynamite collaboration with this punchy slice of infectious, beat driven pop which has already been B-listed at Radio One. There is a serious hint of the 90’s about this track and (especially) the video: we’re thinking 2 Unlimited ‘No Limits.’ See what you think.
Released 23 January 2012

BBM FAVOURITE: Django Django, ‘Default (Because)’
An inspired concoction of jumpy guitar loops, beats and samples plays host to a Beta Band-esque vocal. With remixes from Dan Carey, The Horrors and Walls. Dance, dance, dance! This track is massive.
Released 23 January

Howler, ‘Back of Your Neck’
Racking up lots of specialist support, Howler occupy a space that fits snugly alongside The Vaccines. An undoubtedly great tune, full of surfery niceness mixed with Arctic Monkey’s ‘who gives a fuck’ attitude, though if you happen to listen to BBC 6Music a lot you are going to be pig sick of it. If you don’t – fill your boots!
Release TBA

Midnight Lion, ‘Sleeping in The Woods’
Lead single from the Scottish group’s new EP, this is an engaging slice of melancholy pop that sits somewhere between Snow Patrol and James Blake. Nice to chill out to, but for god’s sake, stay away if you’re on a come down.
Released 27 February 2012

By Rebecca Jones
Twitter: @RebeccaEJones