// Part 1
ALX
ALX released probably two of the most sultry singles we heard last year, with “Beautiful Criminal” and “Allure” (Which were both produced by Girls Aloud frequent collaborators Xenomania).
Although we weren’t massive fans of his most recent single, if he can keep the initial quality up then we should be really excited about his forthcoming output.
Suvi
We all know that Sweden is always going to churn out popstars, but we are always consistently impressed by the quality of those artists who don’t necessarily have huge major label backing. Suvi is most likely to fit in that category as we have been consistently impressed with her output during 2014.
“Bleeding For Your Love” was incredible, and “Find You” was one of the sneak attacks of the year. Maybe she’s not quite ready for a full blown album yet, but we could definitely do with sinking our teeth into a couple of juicy EPs.
Keljet
We have been tracking Keljet for quite a while, since their remixes seem to hit the spot every single time. In 2014 they started to branch out with come original mixes and collaborations with the likes of AYER, and EVVY and the results have been exciting to say the least.
Let’s see how these Dutchmen can deliver in 2015.
Speelburg
Speelburg is Noah Sacré, a young American-Belgium producer who has already appeared on tracks with Bondax, and been championed by the likes of Zane Lowe.
Speelburg’s music sounds a million miles away from a lot of the stuff that has been passing by our ears lately, and we are digging his individuality.
Saint Pepsi
Saint Pepsi followed up “Gin City” (one of our favourite EPs of the year), with one of our favourite singles of the year “Fiona Coyne”. We didn’t think he had that kind of songwriting potential in him, but we were so very wrong. After seeing him live we can tell you that this guy is just overflowing with funk.
We can only hope for more of the same from him in 2015.
TĀLĀ
We can safely say that we are in love with every aspect of TĀLĀ as a musician. After featuring as a vocalist on some early T Williams material, she has stepped out from the shadows in 2014 to truly put her stamp on the scene.
We are now two flawless EPs down, with “The Dutchess” and “Alchemy” making us crave for more. In early next year she will be performing her very first live show, and we sincerely hope that will be swiftly followed up by an album (which she is working on with Mike Elizondo amongst others…).
Klo.
Unless you have had your head buried in the sand then you will already know that Australia has been going through a musical renaissance over the past few years. One of the duos we have been most excited about is Klo., who are creating some of the most sultry R&B that you will have heard recently.
Their “Cusp” EP was something really special for 2014, and we can only see them getting better from here.
Coasts
We feel that Coasts are so close to the cup of becoming a huge name in the UK that they must literally be able to taste their continual success. We’ve heard a lot from this English five-piece that we are in no doubt that 2015 will be their breakthrough year.
Their “Rush of Blood” and “Paradise” EPs were both very impressive bodies of work, but what we are truly craving is an album.
Tei Shi
Genuinely one of the only tracks of the year to give me goosebumps from a single listen was from Tei Shi – the Columbian singer/songwriter coming to us via New York.
Teaming up with Gianluca Buccellati was a masterstroke since its inception, and their magnum opus has been “Bassically”, which has definitely blown a few ears off including mine. We are hoping 2015 is the year of the album.
Solomon Grey
What can we say about Solomon Grey that we haven’t already exhaustively written about them already? Not a lot really. These guys create movie soundtracks, link brilliantly with other artists (such as Lane8), release mind blowing singles, and (reportedly) put on one hell of a live show.
We’re really excited to see what these guys have planned for 2015, as every one of their releases is genuinely exciting.
