2013 was a GREAT year for promising, new artists. We had 16-year old dark-indietronica singer/songwriter Lorde becoming one of the biggest, and most unlikely popstars, Disclosure getting nominated for a Grammy, Icona Pop having one of the biggest hits of 2013, with the song “I Love It”, London Grammar’s debut album being announced as one of the Mercury Prize nominees, without it even being out, and many others.
But, will the same happen for these ten acts in 2014? Can they become successful? These are, in my opinion, ten artists to watch next year.
Banks
Country: USA // Genre: Art Pop, Downtempo, Indietronica, Alternative R&B
A young, Los Angeles-born, London-based singer-songwriter, who rose to fame thanks to the release of her EP ‘London’, produced by people like Jamie Woon, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and many others. Her debut album is set to be released in 2014, and her song “Waiting Game” was featured on a Victoria’s Secreat
You’ll Like It If You Like: James Blake, AlunaGeorge, Lorde
FFFRRANNNO
Country: New Zealand // Genre: Wonky, Chillwave, Future Garage, Glitch Hop
Well, you might be familiar with his name, mainly because of the fact that he remixed Lorde’s song “Bravado”, and the remix got featured on her hit EP, ‘The Love Club’. But he’s released some great stuff of his own (on his SoundCloud), and, most recently, remixed The 1975’s “Me” and “Pressure”.
You’ll Like It If You Like: Flume, Flying Lotus, Washed Out
Foxes
Country: UK // Genre: Art Pop, Synth Pop, Indietronica, Chamber Pop
Foxes is probably one of the most known of what I’m listing here, probably because of Zedd’s “Clarity”, a song she lend her vocals to, and became a worldwide hit. But, she’s also got amazing song like the wonderful “Youth” and the confessional “Beauty Queen” - the last sounding like a mix between Lana and Marina. Her debut album, ‘Glorious’, is set to be released in March 2014.
You’ll Like It If You Like: Lana del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds
Kelela
Country: USA // Genre: Alternative R&B, UK Bass, Neo-Soul
Kelela’s mixtape ‘Cut 4 Me’, quickly became one of the most critically-acclaimed of the year, getting BNM’d on Pitchfork, and being featured on many year-end lists. Her sound is quite unique, mixing 90’s-like R&B/soul music with futuristic bass music, and for her mixtape, she’s worked with Bok Bok, Ngunzuguzu, and Kingdom. Can’t wait to see more of her stuff.
You’ll Like It If You Like: Rihanna’s darkest stuff, AlunaGeorge, Solange
Perfect P***y
Country: USA // Genre: Noise Rock, Hardcore Punk, Punk Rock, Noise Pop
I discovered this band a few months ago. I saw Pitchfork called their song “I”, featured in their (demo?) EP, ‘I Have Lost All Desire for Feelings’ their best new track, and I fell in love with their music. Meredith Graves’ “shouted” vocals drowns perfectly into the harsh sound in the background. Excited for what’s to come for this band.
You’ll Like It If You Like: Sonic Youth, Deafheaven
Postiljonen
Country: Sweden // Genre: Chillwave, Synth Pop, Dream Pop, Indietronica
From the same wave of scandinavian artists like Kate Boy, or MØ, we have Postiljonen. I literally discovered them a few days ago, and I really regret not discovering them earlier. Whatever. They’re still great. They released their debut album ‘Skyer’, in mid-2013, featuring stunning songs like “Supreme” and “All That We Had Is Lost”.
You’ll Like It If You Like: iamamiwhoami, The Knife, Kate Boy
Sasha Keable
Country: UK // Genre: Electropop, UK Bass, Indietronica, Alternative R&B
I’ve known this girl thanks to one of the biggest new artists of the year, Disclosure, she lent vocals for their amazing track “Voices”, featured on their debut album, ‘Settle’. She’s got an amazing, soulful voice, and released a free EP, called ‘Black Book’, which is available to download here: http://www.sashakeable.com.
You’ll Like It If You Like: Katy B, Disclosure, Jessie Ware
Say Lou Lou
Country: Sweden // Genre: Electropop, Indie Pop, Indietronica
Say Lou Lou is a project between twin sisters Elektra, and Miranda Kilbey. They got known for their, really good track “Julian”, and, recently, they released a new track, called “Better in the Dark”. Their music is, really ethereal, yet, direct Electropop, with really catchy hooks, and beautiful vocals.
You’ll Like It If You Like: Passion Pit, Bastille, Lykke Li
The Range
Country: USA // Genre: IDM, Glitch Hop, Footwork, Wonky
James Hinton, better known by his stage name The Range, is a producer who, mixes 90’s-like IDM, with heavy breakbeats, and -kinda unusual- samples. He’s released his debut album, ‘Nonfiction’, a few weeks ago, and, Pitchfork already called the album “Best New Music”, giving him more exposure. This guy’s sound is pretty interesting, I’m sure 2014 is going to be a great year for him.
You’ll Like It If You Like: Boards of Canada-meets-Rustie, Flying Lotus
Tove Lo
Country: Sweden // Genre: Electropop, Contemporary R&B, Art Pop
Ugh, what can I say? I just love Sweden. And, I also love this girl. In 2013, she released amazing songs like “Habits” and “Out of Mind”. Those songs are, kind of mixing the hardcore-partying-image of Ke$ha, mixed with a powerful voice, and the deep, really confessional lyrics of Lana del Rey. Also, Lorde said that a #1 hit would be on her way! I really hope so!
You’ll Like It If You Like: Lana del Rey-meets-Ke$ha, a poppier Austra, Sky Ferreira
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And yes, I know this is the same lay-out from my tumblr. Not that I care, tho.
Yeah I heard about the drama around 110%. Well If You're Never Gonna Move is still a soothing song. Now is Not the Time is such an amazing song. I hope that Foxes has a successful 2014. Not bad.
FKA twigs 'EP2' Genre:
Alternative R&B, Art Pop, Trip Hop
Wonky, Downtempo, Ambient Pop Highlights: "Water Me", "Ultraviolet" You'll Like It If You Like:
AlunaGeorge-meets-Eno, Björk's 'Vespertine' (7.9)
#05.
MØ 'Bikini Daze' Genre:
Alternative R&B, Electropop, Art Pop
Synth Pop, Glitch Pop, Dancehall, Psychedelic Pop Highlights: "Freedom (#1.)", "XXX 88 (feat. Diplo)" You'll Like It If You Like:
Purity Ring, Rihanna-meets-Lana del Rey-meets-iamamiwhoami (8.2)
#04.
Jacques Greene 'On Your Side' Genre:
Deep House, Future Garage, UK Bass
Indietronica, Ambient House, IDM Highlights: "Quicksand" "On Your Side (Extended Mix) (feat. How to Dress Well)" You'll Like It If You Like:
Disclosure, James Blake, Bonobo (8.3)
For those that didn't know, Jacques Greene is the white-ass/hipster dude in the "212" video.
Gotta check out more of Kelela and Sasha Keable for sure (I love Voices) 
