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With the recent announcement of the Grammy nominees, the music industry will crown the best of the best after a solid 2013 full of great albums. Despite the importance of popular artists and their role as shapers of the industry, relatively unknown acts have gained momentum in 2013 and will definitely gain well deserved attention next year. While artists like Lorde ands bands like Disclosure have just debuted this year, they are already considered established acts. Before acts can reach the mainstream status, they have to go through the hard process of defining their sound, releasing material and getting a significant number of gigs on their backs. Here are five acts that you should watch out for in 2014:
Phoria
Hailing from Brighton, England. This five-piece alternative rock band has released two critically acclaimed EPs, Bloodworks came out this year and has been performing well. They have been compared to other alternative bands like Radiohead or Sigur Rós. However, their current sound resembles the style of James Blake. Watch out for their next EP, coming out early 2014:
Listen to: Red
Night Riots
This five-piece from California has surprisingly released 4 EPs already. However, this year’s Young Lore really represents growth and the possibility of immediate explosion. Infused with electronic sounds, this group sounds like the missing link between The Killers’ Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town. Lead singer Travis Hawley definitely sounds like a Brandon Flowers’ relative. They are currently on tour in their native California.
Listen to: Remedy
The Other Tribe
Another five-piece from England is rocking festivals in the UK and Europe. With a few EPs and tracks out there, this tribe takes the D in EDM very seriously, as they are electrifying their audiences with nothing but danceable tunes. In proper Tribal costumes and makeup, they take their image and sound seriously. These guys sound nothing like what the EDM world is offering right now. They are gaining popularity after their slots in key festivals around Europe. They recently released a new track on their SoundCloud account, possibly hinting a new EP, or just a new track for the world to listen to.
Listen to: We Should Be Dancing
ETML
British teen producer Elliot Marshall isn’t even old enough to drink in America, but he’s old enough to have released a massive debut single this past summer. It’s been rather quiet since that release, but “Bind Me” still manages to remain an important track from 2013. Compared to fellow British electronic artists Disclosure and Bondax, it won’t be too long before ETML earns constant spots in festivals around Europe.
Listen to: Bind Me
Sam Smith
Providing vocals for the lead single of one of 2013′s biggest albums isn’t too shabby for this English singer. Disclosure’s “Latch” was released in October 2012, but the sound of Smith’s voice is still in everyone’s mind. This man can sing his heart out and we have been blessed with a debut EP called Nirvana released back in October. He has received the Brits Critic’s Choice Award this week, which is an amazing accomplishment. This guy means business, if you don’t believe me, check out what Latch sounds like without the classic Disclosure sound.
Listen to: Latch (Acoustic Version)
