Little Indie's Ones To Watch Part 2

2020 may have been something of a damp squib in terms of everything, not least the music world. But, nevertheless, we still managed to find a whole host of new artists emerging as well as those who first raised their heads a little earlier shining through.

We asked a few of our contributors to give us a handful of acts that have been impressing them and who they are earmarking for more attention in 2021.

Here in Part 2, Steve Willcox shares his recommended choices.

The Royston Club

This Welsh four-piece have been making a splash on the indie scene recently with over 700k streams under their belt. The guitar-driven group has a hint of The Strokes about them and for me that’s worth alot.

 

Milo Gore

Credit: Fred Ellis

What can I say, totally took e by surprise this one. Came across by chance on Instagram and was blown away by his debut album’s journey into mental health, drug addiction and relationships. This Bristol-based artist is environmentally aware and promotes openness and honesty through his music. Can’t wait to see him perform his show live for us all in 2021.



Scowl

When I’m in the mood for a bit of heavy punk attitude I don’t need to look far, Tunbridge Wells in fact. First seeing them at Neverworld 2019, I was blown away by the stage presence of a group barely out their school uniform. I also saw them support GURU earlier last year and the whole room shook from the baying crowd dancing as they started to play. With new single ‘Lord Porno’ in the pipeline, their future looks pretty naughty.

 

The Institutes

This Coventry indie quartet delivers punchy lyrics with anthemic guitars, cross between New Order and The La’s they manage to breathe new life into a well loved format. With lots of radio airplay on Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 and Radio X, these lads are starting to blossom.

The Novus

I saw these Birmingham art-punks play live a year ago and was impressed by their ‘dont give a fuck’ attitude and singer Connor Hill’s stagecraft. Lots of fun throughout their set and songs that are politically charged and subversive. With a new EP ‘Thaleia Standing' out this year (produced by my favourite producer, Gavin Monaghan), The Novus are headed in one direction: Up!