Mark’s Sound of 2012

Posted by Mark in Featured, New Bands | 0 comments

This is my alternative list to the BBC’s Sound Of’, 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 & listening to every promo that hits the mat seems a small one, and I still get a real buzz from seeing & 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 and Ellie over at Stay Loose, Ed over at Mudhut, 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!

#1 Daughter

Site favourite Elena Tonra with her now expanded band recording as Daughter will be a star if there is any justice out there!

http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/

#2 Monument Valley

Responsible for my favourite EP in the form of Tongues and my favourite track of 2011 with ‘Dear John Letters’. This guy is stunning live.

http://www.monumentvalley.co.uk/

#3 Kamilla Lovett

This young starlet in the making is Kate Bush meets Lily Allen with a twist of Kate Nash.

https://www.facebook.com/kamillalovett

#4 Trophy Wife

I loved both releases in 2011 by these talented Oxford-based indie songsmiths.

http://www.myspace.com/atrophywife

#5 Ryan Keen

I’m going to feature four artists who have toured with Ed Sheeran last year, with the first being Ryan. Just an amazingly talented singer/songwriter.

http://www.ryankeen.co.uk/

#6 Lester Clayton

Pop songs with a social conscience, infused with a reggae vibe. Lester’s music wowed me on the Ed Sheeran Tour and also when he played a headlining gig for us in November.

http://www.myspace.com/lesterclayton

#7 Kal Lavelle

The voice behind the recent ‘Artful Dodger’ single , Kal Lavelle was recent iTunes single of the week and her EP is a stunning collection of songs.

https://www.facebook.com/kallavellemusic

#8 Saint Saviour

One of our tips for 2011 and I see no reason not to include her again! Truly outstanding artist with a debut album to come in 2012.

http://saintsaviour.co.uk/

#9 Lucy Rose

Such an amazing voice! I first saw her as support on the Bombay lads acoustic tour as the opening act.

http://www.lucyrosemusic.co.uk/

#10 Beth Jeans Houghton

Quirky yet extremely listenable, and her last single ‘Liliput’ blew me away.

https://www.facebook.com/BethJeansHoughton

#11 Bastille

One of the best potential breakthrough indie/electro acts out there. One man band Dan will break through in 2012.

#12 Solko

A local act to me but they racked up over 2,000 plays for their lastest upload to Soundcloud in three days. Look for bigger things in 2012.

http://solko.bandcamp.com/

#13 James Vincent McMorrow

Just the latest in a line of talented singer/songwriters I came across last year.

http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/

#14 Paul Thomas Saunders

I ran an introducing post on this guy late last year and have not been able to stop listening to his breathtaking music.

http://www.paulthomassaunders.com/

#15 Louise and the Pins

These girls were site favourites in 2011 and we went all the way to the Glastonbury ETC final with them. I still hold true to my belief that they are stunning on record and live.

http://www.myspace.com/louiseandthepins

#16 The Kabeedies

Having signed to Fierce Panda to release their difficult second album, The Kabeedies were one of my tips for 2011, and the new record Soap – dropping 23rd Jan – should win them a new army of fans.

https://www.facebook.com/thekabeedies

#17 12 Dirty Bullets

I love these guy’s the real sound of indie as it should be – no landfill just pure rock’n'roll!

https://www.facebook.com/12dirtybullets

#18 Danny Mahon

No need for an introduction for Danny, if you know me you know I think it is a travesty that he is not selling bucketloads already! Maybe 2012 and his debut album will change that.

https://www.facebook.com/dannymahonmcr

#19 The Phoenix Experiment

These guys were on my list in a previous incarnation in both 2009 and 2010. The 66 split and they have been cooking this up for the last year. 2012 is going to see the beast unleashed!

https://www.facebook.com/TPEONLINE

#20 Tortoise Family Connections
Their mini-album made my top albums of 2011 list, and with the right exposure they could go all the way to the top next year.

http://tortoisefamilyconnections.bandcamp.com/album/tortoise-family-connections-ep

I would also like to give an honourable mention to Axel Loughrey, who’s debut album I will be featuring on the site. Many of you will know Axel is a good friend of mine, and I felt I could not include him on a list like this without feeling I was being biased. I wish him and all the other great acts currently making the Norwich scene so happening – like Alloy Ark and The Broken Seas – all the best for 2012.