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New Year, new music. The Yorker takes a look at those expected to take over the airwaves, the festivals and the dance floors this coming year. As well as these newbie acts, there are a few old favourites back with new albums. Look out for more soft ballads from Adele, as well as some rock anthems from the Foo Fighters and some melancholy tunes from Coldplay. Also be ready for White Lies, back with a new album and new tour, they’re said to put on an impressive live show.
Emma’s Imagination
After winning Sky One’s ‘Must be the Music’ in September last year, 27 year old Emma Gillespie has already had two top ten single and looks set to have more this year. With her beautifully simple guitar complimented by her honeyed vocals, Emma’s Imagination creates easy listening perfect for relaxing to. Lyrically, Gillespie is quirky, if a little soppy at times, but seeing as she’s stemmed from a reality TV show, we should really be grateful that she’s writing her own songs at all.
You’ll like this if you’re a fan of… James Morrison, KT Tunstall or Adele.
Jessie J
Off the back of single “Do It Like A Dude,” Jessie J has gone on to win BBC Sound of 2011. The award, won previously by Ellie Goulding, Little Boots and Adele, tends to be a sign of big things and the 22 year old Essex girl looks set to be no exception. Coming across as nothing more than down to earth, Jessie says herself that “Do It Like A Dude” was the only thing she’s written based around what’s in the charts and second single "Price Tag" is proof of this, with heartfelt sincerity found in her twanging vocals.
You’ll like this if you’re a fan of… Katie B, Alexis Jordan or Amy Winehouse
James Blake
If you’ve not heard of James Blake yet, even my mum has so keep up! Covering Feist’s “Limit To Your Love” highlights his powerful and smooth vocals, yet isn’t fully representative of his true creativity. Blake’s post dubstep style gives his music an edge unlike anyone else; listen to “CMYK” to fully appreciate his talent. With the new album expected in February, expect him to dominate both the airwaves and club nights alike throughout the warmer months of this year.
You’ll like this if you’re a fan of… Four Tet, Mùm or Everything Everything
Clare Maguire
With both a spot on the new Chase and Status album and her debut album just around the corner, it’s undeniable that the Birmingham girl is set for big things in 2011. First single “Ain’t Nobody” shows off her rich, deep vocals, dramatically put against a slow, dramatic background of piano and strings, and the album is much of a similar style. Maguire has been working on her first album, Light After Dark, since 2008 and has been on tour with Hurts and Plan B in 2010, making it a surprise that she only hit the headlines in the final few months of last year.
You’ll like this if you’re a fan of… Amanda Palmer, Bat For Lashes or Portishead
Gypsy and the Cat
Despite having released debut album, Gilgamesh, in November last year, this duo has yet to gain the recognition they deserve and hopefully 2011 will shed some light on this. Their music features stunning vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, which, accompanied by a catchy electronic back drop, make the Australian twosome thoroughly irresistible. Keeping a bright and optimistic feel to their music makes this band perfect for brightening up these cold days until summer comes back around.
You’ll like this if you’re a fan of… MGMT, The Flaming Lips or Neon Indian
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