Eleven For Eleven

Posted by Mark in Lists | 4 comments

This is my alternative list to the’ BBC Sound of list’ which always seems to me to feature artists who have pretty much broken already. That may sound pretentious of me but I can assure you that’s not my intention. I never forget the privileged position I have of hearing lots of great artists ahead of the curve. The price I pay tapping away at a keypad every evening and listening to every promo that hits the mat seems a small one, and I still get a real buzz from seeing and meeting emerging artists in small venues.

This year the artists I have chosen after careful consideration cover a pretty wide spectrum of genres. They are all artists that have wowed me live or on record when our paths have crossed. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the whole host of PR companies I deal with but especially Matt Brown, Giovanna Ferin, all at Charm Factory, Anorak & Cannonball. Finally a big thank you to Sean for giving me a platform, and to everyone of you who take the time to read my ramblings and comment!

So here goes! Where possible I have included tracks by the artists, so please support them and buy the music to show them some love. This list is in no particular order, with some old friends of the site and some yet to feature, but all worthy of your time!

Breton: Having come to my attention earlier in the year, these guys are pretty much at the cutting edge of new music, mixing Hip Hop in with guitarsm synths and all manner of beats.

http://www.myspace.com/bretonbretonbreton

http://bretonbretonbreton.blogspot.com/

Ella Blame: I have only just touched base with this avant-garde multi-talented lady from Wisconsin with a most amazing vocal range. There is something quite unique and mesmerising in her, both musically and vocally. I shall be covering her in depth in the new year, but if there is any justice her music will be heard heard far and wide in 2011.

Ella Blame – How Things Have Changed

http://www.facebook.com/ellablame

Saint Saviour: Having spent time honing her talents as a session singer, 2010 saw Saint Saviour take centre stage as the voice of Groove Armada. Having seen them on the farewell tour I was totally blown away by her stagecraft. It’s her songwriting ability and solo work that has really struck a real chord with me, though. At times almost operatic with minimal instrumentation, she has the ability to switch genres with consummate ease. The début album promises to be a highlight of 2011.

Saint Saviour – Woman Scorned (MOPP Remix)

http://www.myspace.com/oursaintsaviour

Daughter: The new persona of singer Elena Tonra. I have featured her a couple of times this year and believe that she really can cross the divide in 2011. I love the simplistic, clever lyrical style. She’s as sweet as Kate Nash and as nasty as Lily Allen!

http://www.myspace.com/ohdaughter

The Kabeedies: A band that’s from my home city of Norwich, but I have neglected them over the last year or so. Sometimes it’s all too easy to miss something developing right under your nose! They have become all grown up from the call-and-respond group that caused a stir at Latitude in 2008. I well remember security struggling to cope with the barrier crush. I was recently sent some new demo tracks, and the musical shift suits them. ‘Milk’ – the B-side to recent single ‘Come out of The Blue’ – is a beautiful track. I’m sure this year will see them reap the fruits of their labours.

http://www.myspace.com/thekabeedies

Pete Lawrie: This is an artist I have championed through 2010. Indeed, his track ‘Jimmy & The Birds on Fire’ was my track of the year. I’m kind of protective about Pete; he writes heart-wrenching lyrics and delivers them in a gravel baritone. He may well be dismissed by some of the cool cats as middle of the road, but I don’t care. When he sings I feel like he means every word and that’s good enough for me.

Pete Lawrie – All That We Keep (Jocks Remix)

http://www.petelawrie.com/

Young The Giant: In simple terms the best indie pop band I have heard since The Temper Trap hit my radar in Spring 2009. These guys have the ability to transport you to top down summer cruising in the middle of winter – no mean feat this year in the UK. Artists who can deliver credible crossover music are few and far between, and I always feel that it’s probably the hardest thing in the world to do. With Young The Giant it seems to be effortless, and the marketplace could be huge. I hope that they manage to bridge the divide without compromise.

Young The Giant – My Body

http://www.myspace.com/youngthegiant

S.Kyle Robinson: Ever since I first encountered this guy I have been blown away! From first-hand experience I know that Joe Foster is pretty fussy who he chooses to produce. With that in mind, when two of the people I admire tell me to check out an artist, it’s a no brainer. What I chanced upon in this guy and his music blew me away. To be perfectly honest, his music is so precious to me that I hope nobody else ever catches on.

S Kyle Robinson – Ocean Pier

iTunes

The 66: These lads make music in the best rock traditions, and at times it’s edgy and purposeful. Mixed in is an ability to nail a tune. ‘Break Of Dawn’ from the recent Storm EP deserves a place on the nations’ iPods. With a debut longplayer due in 2011, fingers are crossed that it’s going to be a big year for them.

The 66 – Break Of Dawn

http://www.myspace.com/the66uk

Sweet Jane: These Irish fuzzmasters have a place close to my blogging heart. The album Sugar For My Soul ranked #2 on my list for 2010, they have a quality and you believe the music of Sweet Jane. They epitomise all that is right in this cruel throwaway industry. In twenty years time people will revisit albums like this.

http://www.myspace.com/officialsweetjane

The Palpitations: These indie rockers from South East London are as good as anything I have heard since I first started writing. It’s powerful, uncomplicated, good old-fashioned guitar-driven rock with great melodies and hooks. I am really looking forward to catching them live at some stage this year!

http://www.myspace.com/thepalpitationsuk

Some of you may well be thinking, ‘What, no Joy Formidable on Mark’s list?’. I toyed with the idea, but I think we all pretty much know that they are going to blast off in 2011. Finally, my one hope for the New Year would be to see people turn off the X-Factor and get out and support real artists playing real music before we lose any more small venues!