Part Two of Little Indie's longlist of emerging artists who we think will be worth taking a gamble on in 2018, as well as a few who 'hatched' awhile ago but are now ready - we think - to break free.
See Part One here
Our panel is made up of music writers, promoters, managers, agents, gig photographers.
ALAN WELLS
ALISON MACK
BRADEN FLETCHER
BRANDON WRIGHT
DAVE BEECH
ELLIE WARD
IZZY B
JANE DAVIES
JOHN LITHGOW
KELLY MUNRO
LEAH RAYMOND
LINN BRANSON
MIKE JONNS (THIS FEELING)
RICHARD BRABIN
RICHARD COBB
RICHARD O'HAGAN
SAM GEARY
STEVE WILLCOX
LARKINS
Hailing from Glossop, the four former college friends spill out shimmering indie rock n roll. Influenced by the likes of Foals and Led Zeppelin, the band formed at college and embark on a UK tour in April. (Ellie Ward)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdxt2YhFZ4E&app=desktop
LAZYBONES
Brighton drum, bass and vocals trio released their debut single 'Snake', a riff-heavy, loud and brash piece of DIY rock'n'roll, just a few weeks ago. The DIY noisemakers have plenty to offer next year. (Sam Geary)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpGrFDokmFg&app=desktop
LEWIS CAPALDI
BBC Music Sound of 2018 longlist nominee, in January, the Scottish 21-year-old downtempo soul-folk singer-songwriter released his debut 'Bruises' and has since released the 'Bloom' EP, along the way becoming the fastest ever unsigned artist to reach 25 million plays on Spotify. (Alison Mack)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB8n58FHBxw&app=desktop
LHYMES
Darlington-based Lhymes released their debut single 'Is This Life' in September, snd followed it rapidly with two more before December; an EP coming in 2018. One of the hottest prospects coming out of the North East. (Linn Branson)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/premiere-lhymes-christo-rey.html?m=1
LLOVERS
Introduced by Little Indie at the back end of 2016, 2017 saw the Teesside band release three new tracks of their infectious blend of alt-pop, engaging, smooth harmonies and dreamy guitar work. (Ellie Ward)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/track-of-day-llovers-i-dont-mind.html
MAHALIA
19-year-old R&B singer Mahalia from Leicester impresses with her sultry vocals and her debut single 'Sober' saw her rise to fame in 2017. Now signed to Atlantic Records, she embarks on an already largely sold out February/March UK tour. (Ellie Ward)
http://www.mahaliamusic.co.uk/
MALLRAT
19-year-old pop-rap artist from Brisbane, Australia this year followed her 'Uninvited' EP with single 'Better', a sugar-coated, blissfully melancholic commentary on the life of a high school teen. Her catchy, pop rap style is fast catching on in home territories and could well do the same here. (Ellie Ward)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/watch-mallrat-debuts-her-video-for.html
MARSICANS
Four-piece from the north of England. The band have made themselves a name in 2017 touring with Hippo Campus, Clean Cut Kid, Catfish & The Bottlemen as well as Jaws. Released EP 'The Absence' in September. Out on headline tour in March in support of their latest single 'Throw Ourselves In'. (Braden Fletcher)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/watch-marsicans-are-throwing-themselves.html
Marsicans
MATT MALTESE
South London via Reading crooner taking influences from Leonard Cohen to French artist Francoise Hardy. His evocative lyrics are full of rich imagery as he observes London life around him. (Alison Mack)
http://www.matt-maltese.com/
METHOD ACTRESS
Brighton-based quartet (formed by Milo and Max, previously of Morning Smoke) released their melancholy, dream-shoe-gaze track 'Mistress'. Potential to exceed Morning Smoke if they can up their profile. (Sam Geary)
https://soundcloud.com/methodactress
MILK TEETH
Gloucestershire punk foursome Milk Teeth released their ‘Be Nice’ EP back in July, the follow on from last year's 'Vile Child' debut LP. (Sam Geary)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/video-milk-teeth-fight-skirt.html
MINT
Receiving recognition from Radio X, BBC Introducing, the Grimsby band had the support of This Feeling this year and played festivals such as Isle of Wight, Y Not and Reading before ending with single 'St Oxford'. Set to be a banger for '18. (Mike Jonns)
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreJustMint/
NEW LUNA
The Manchester quartet returned with the stonking five minute 'Opinionated' this year, the follow up to debut single 'TrafficLightCyclopsDisco' at the back end of 2015 and 2016's self-titled EP. If they could just be a little more prolific, this band could be immense. (Sam Geary)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/listen-manchester-band-new-luna-excel.html
NO HOT ASHES
The Stockport band went ftom strength to strength this year, playing sold out shows across Manchester, and releasing 'Eight Till Late' from their forthcoming Gavin Monaghan-produced EP 'Skint Kids Disco', which is out in March via Modern Sky. (Ellie Ward)
https://soundcloud.com/no-hot-ashes-2
OCTOBER
Auckland, New Zealand-based singer and producer Emma Logan released her addictive 'All She Does Is Stare' late in the year, following 'Cherry Cola' with her pumped up, industrial pop. Filled with the electric combination of sultry vocals, racing guitars and synths, and full on layered distortion. With SXSW on the cards in 2018, this could be her breakthrough year. (Sam Geary)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/track-of-day-october-all-she-does-is.html
OUR GIRL
Brighton three-piece, fronted by The Big Moon's Soph Nathan, dropped their debut EP 'Normally' in 2016, but used 2017 to build on their garage-rock rhythmic sound. On tour January/February. (Sam Geary)
https://www.facebook.com/weareourgirl
PALE WAVES
Ethereal dreampop from this BBC Sound of 2018 longlist nominated Manchester quartet, who released their debut single 'There's A Honey' was produced by Matty Healy and George Daniel of The 1975 - with whom they toured the US. 80s new wave fused with rock-fused pop. Their debut EP, 'New Year’s Eve', will be released in January. (Ellie Ward)
http://www.palewaves.co.uk/
PARA ALTA
Para Alta released their shimmery, alt-pop swooner of a single ‘Backseat Driver’ in November, and we hope there is more where that came from in 2018 from the Hartlepool-formed four-piece. (Ellie Ward)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/track-of-day-para-alta-backstreet-driver.html
Paris Youth Foundation
PARIS YOUTH FOUNDATION
Fast rising Liverpudlian five-piece might be a 'Lost Cause' in the title of their third single release in 2017, but in theory this is a band with plenty of mileage ahead, melding indie rock ingredients with Kevin Potter’s meaningful vocals and towering guitar riffs. (Linn Branson)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/track-of-day-paris-youth-foundation.html
PARTY HARDLY
Introduced by Little Indie at the end of 2016, this year saw the Leeds slacker pop-rockers return with 'Have We Got Time' and 'Living In Moths'. Kicking off the new year with a February/March tour. (Sam Geary)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/introducing-party-hardly.html?m=1
PINING FOR SUNSHINE
Described as 'funeral pop', the Brighton-based singer-songwriter has recently been recording at the Bella Union studios, and is lined up for 2018's Great Escape festival. Expect greatness. (Kelly Munro)
https://www.facebook.com/PiningForSunshine/
PIP HALL
Introduced by Little Indie in 2016, the Preston teen in 2017 has gone on to release several singles including debut ‘Devil You Don’t’ followed by the slow-burning 'Turn Over' after signing a record deal; has been fêted by Radio 1's Huw Stephens and brought out second EP 'James' in March. Expect more from this young talent in 2018. (Linn Branson)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/introducing-interview-pip-hall.html?m=1
PROLETARIAT
Making their debut early in the year with 'Mr. Brown', the Mossley, Manchester band followed with their debut EP 'Always The Same' in May before taking their blistering punk guitar riffs around festival stages. (Ellie Ward)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/listen-proletariat-make-their-debut.html
QUEEN ZEE & THE SASSTONES
Liverpool DIY punk outfit blur the lines between everything, from sexuality and gender to global politics. On tour with Marmozets in February. (Sam Geary)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&=&v=Ru0jebR9z8E&app=desktop
REDFACES
Introduced by Little Indie in 2016, the Sheffield teens came back in 2017 with 'Take It Or Leave It’ and 'Wise Up'. With a few more of these in '18 and some solid gigs, they should do well. (Izzy B)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/introducing-redfaces.html?m=1
RENTAL WIVES
London-based quartet - which includes Josh Falconer and Matt Bradstreet, formerly of Jubilee Courts - followed their debut single 'Twenty Pounds', with 'Keep Me On My Toes'. Easy, sway-along melodies and we love the vocal. (Linn Branson)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQqgZFkt09Y
REX ORANGE COUNTY
BBC Music Sound of 2018 longlist nominee, Surrey-born multi-instrumentalist Alex O’Connor has already caught the attention of Tyler the Creator and has subsequently been featured on Tyler’s latest album ‘Flower Boy’. On (mostly sold out) tour in February. (Leah Raymond)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39IU7ADaXmQ
RISCAS
Birmingham four-piece channel indie-rock sentimentality with a tropical edge. The band have spent 2017 playing various festivals, before their December released anthemic single 'Right Kinda Day' marked a more mature sound, eschewing their trademark jangly guitar pop for layered, pounding rhythms, and big choruses. (Richard Cobb)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8pQnPKwLx8
Sad Boys Club
SAD BOYS CLUB
With only one single, 'Know', this North London outfit are still largely an unknown quality, but with Jacob Wheldon out front and a starry social media following, this is one band we see with the potential to go stratospheric. New single coming in January. (Linn Branson)
http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.com/2017/12/track-of-day-sad-boys-club-know.html
SAINT SAPPHIRE
The former Rotten Royalty got a new name - and a fresher edge to their post-grunge/alt-rock sound. The Belfast four-piece play their first show on the mainland in London in February. (Richard Cobb)
SAM FENDER
This 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Newcastle only self-released his debut single, 'Play God' in March - before ending 2017 as a BBC Music Sound of 2018 longlist nominee. On tour February/March. (Alison Mack)
https://m.soundcloud.com/samfendermusic-1
SAUCE
The Manchester four blended psychedelia, blues and indie on two singles in 3917: 'Love Shocks' and 'What Feels Better (Than You and I)?' Guitar distortion and a flurry of catchy drums, before Dean Molyneux - taking lead vocal duties from Henry Lewis - comes in to blow you away. (Ellie Ward)
SEA GIRLS
London alt-indie quartet, with Henry Camamile's baritone arguably one of the best new indie voices to be heard. Two singles, 'Call Me Out' and 'Lost' in 2017 proved they're not one hit wonders. (Linn Branson)
SEAZOO
Ex-bedroom project from Wrexham, the five-piece released the pop scuzzer 'Telephone Jones' in February, followed by 'Teeth' in July, 'Shoreline' in September, and 'Dig' in December. Debut album arriving in January 2018. Scuzzy guitars in a shiny coating of catchy, effervescent pop. (Linn Branson)
SEMANTICS
The brooding Birmingham four-piece released their debut EP in 2016, and followed with second, 'Acid Test' in September 2017.' Their post-punk sound is dark, disturbing and definitely impressive. (Sam Geary)
SHAMBOLICS
The Fife 'dreamy rock 'n' roll' four-piece fuse 60s psychedelia, 70s harmonies and 80s guitar chimes. Strong fanbase with a not to be missed live show. (Richard Cobb)
SHAME
The South London punks have pulled out the stops in 2017 on driving guitar-led bruisers like 'Concrete' and 'One Rizla'. Debut album, 'Songs Of Praise', out on January 12 via Dead Oceans. Massive April headline tour.
(Richard Brabin)
SHEAFS
The Sheffield band followed earlier single ‘Mind Pollution’ with 'This Is Not A Protest', another thumping, loud and fierce slice of rock and propulsive riffs. A change of sound in 2017, and some sterling live shows with This Feeling look to have laid the groundwork for a big 2018.
(Alan Wells)
SHORE
Swindon quartet, formed early 2017, creating dreamy and moving indie tunes. Released five-track ‘From The Start’ EP in September of dark-themed subject matter (relationships, mental health issues, a near death experience). (Izzy B)
Sigrid
SIGRID
BBC Music Sound of 2018 longlist nominee, Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid Solbakk Raabe has been tipped as the new Lorde. Signed to Island Records, she released her single 'Don't Kill My Vibe' earlier this year and has been streamed on Spotify over 13 million times to date. (Leah Raymond)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cIriwVhRPVA
SLØTFACE
The Norwegian punk-poppers, although formed in 2012, really took off only in 2017 with the release of their debut album, 'Try Not To Freak Out'. Gleaming guitars and soaring choruses. On tour in US in January, Norway in February. (Richard O'Hagan)
SONS
The Brighton-based Meldrum brothers have taken Royal Blood's format and perverted it into something great, with catchy lyrics and some banging tunes. Early 2018 sees them supporting DEAD! at Tunbridge Wells Forum in January, a ‘Big In 2018’ London gig, German tour in March, and an EP. (Steve Willcox)
https://soundcloud.com/sonsbanduk
SORRY
London four-piece Domino signings released the December single 'Wished'/'Lies', both featuring 19-year-old Asha Lorenz's searing voice over ominous guitars. Played their biggest headline show the same month at London's Corsica Studios. (Sam Geary)
https://m.facebook.com/sorrybanduk
SPINN
Liverpool's infectious jangly reverb and riffs dreampop foursome closed the year with the excellent 'She Takes Her Time', taken from their EP, expected in March on Modern Sky UK, and follows the summer's jangly pop single 'Notice Me'. We did. And we like - a lot. (Linn Branson)
SPINNING COIN
The Glasgow quintet dropped their debut album ‘Permo’ in 2017, recorded with Edwyn Collins. 80s dreaminess in sugary pop ballad form. On tour late February/March. (Izzy B)
STELLA DONNELLY
Perth, Australia-based singer made her 2017 debut with 'Mechanical Bull', and EP 'Thrush Metal'. These a series of Oz live shows and a BIGSOUND appearance, her incredible voice and astute songwriting - such as 'Boys Will Be Boys' take on toxic masculinity - soon catapulted her name to the masses. Set to be a big Australian export over the next 12 months. (Alison Mack)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VcD9EKeCtIY
STEREO HONEY
The London-based quartet unveiled two sublime singles in 2017, 'The Bay' and 'Angel', both from their eagerly awaited debut EP 'Monuments', out on January 12 via Beatnik Creative. Exquisite melodies, thought-provoking, moving lyrics expertly crafted by vocalist Pete Restrick. (Linn Branson)
SUN ARCANA
The Essex alt-rock four-piece made their debut in the second half of 2017 with 'Wonderful' after signing to Life Records, and quickly got in a second, 'Oxygen'. (Leah Raymond)
SUPERORGANISM
Another BBC Music Sound of 2018 longlist nominee, and after three electrifying singles, with a buzz band tag to their eight-piece multi-national name. Expect an album early 2018. (Leah Raymond)
https://m.facebook.com/SPRORGNSM/
SWAY
The Glasgow band blend an eclectic mix of shoegazey guitars and pounding rhythms with strong power pop melodies; rock-gaze shot with through with an energetic fizz bomb of power pop. (Sam Geary)
SWIMMING GIRLS
Bristol-based dark dreampoppers with third single out early 2018, following 2017's 'Tastes Like Money' and '2 Kids' alt-pop gems. (Ellie Ward)
https://m.facebook.com/SwimmingGirls/
SWIMMING TAPES
London-based melody-rich, dreampop five-piece, released 'Souvenirs' and 'Soft Sea Blue' EPs in 2017. (Ellie Ward)
https:/m.facebook.com/swimmingtapes/
SZA
27-year-old New Jersey R&B singer Solána Imani Rowe released her debut album 'Ctrl' in 2017 to critical acclaim and is the queen of sassy, honest lyric-writing. Ended year with her first No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B Songs chart with 'The Weekend'. (Izzy B)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cMD63TwzB1o
Wow - this is a really great list. I love seeing artists that are on the cusp of great things like Rex Orange County, artists that definitely deserve more buzz like Swimming Tapes and Luvia, and I especially enjoyed discovering a lot of new talents that I have never heard of. Thanks for sharing this list. I think you should definitely also check out Milmine ( an 18 year old indie rock artist), Blanket Boys (a singer-songwriter duo from Ohio), and Mons Vi (an American indie rock band). They definitely fit the vibe of a lot of the other artists on this list.
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