The Thirty Best New Music (Acts) for 2015:
‘The First Ten’
Jen Armstrong:
A woman who had made me reassess life; made me make some big changes- switch to vegetarianism, sign up as a blood and organ donor- and strive for better things. She is going to be rocking the U.S. (for six months) very soon- and is an incredible talent to watch. One of the most stunning musicians in the U.K., you would be foolish to pass her by.
https://www.facebook.com/jenarmstrongmusic
http://jenarmstrong.tv/official/Home.html
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmzh5aKAJQvyNNvlUsiEuwA
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl5LEN9rvo8&w=560&h=315]
Chess:
From Malta to Surrey, to… who knows where? Last year was a busy and promising one; her two previous E.P.s- Babygirl and Tuxedo- have shown what a songwriter she is. We are less than a month in (to 2015) but the signs point to some big things: a new single is just the start of it. Keep your eyes planted her way…
https://www.facebook.com/chessofficial
https://twitter.com/chess_galea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_o9y24Tfl_ZDXXUF0qTeQ
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkEeqnSR68Y&w=560&h=315]
Marisa Rodriguez:
A young talent that works tirelessly (to promote her music). One of the most diverse and impressive young songwriters around: her upcoming E.P. will be one of the most anticipated of 2015. A stunning voice- and stunning artist- it will only be a matter of time (before Marisa) is a big name.
https://www.facebook.com/marisarodriguezmusic
https://soundcloud.com/marisarodriguezmusic
https://twitter.com/marisasingsalot
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsbJj47SZ4UhIE4yMHVfXw
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172133533" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Elena Ramona:
In a scene that can be defined (by predictability and limits), Elena Ramona is a singer/songwriter who offers something fresh- a unique voice with a special talent. Growing in stature and confidence; she is a stunning artist that will be making waves (and impressions) as the year unfolds (with a new E.P. mooted).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elena-Ramona/323928237668916
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheStathaki1
https://twitter.com/elenaramona90
https://soundcloud.com/elenaramona90
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BxYc4ItFgc&w=560&h=315]
Issimo:
A charming and (hugely gifted) Yorkshire duo, these guys are an immense prospect. Seemingly capable of owning any themes, style (or genre), their effortless and diverse songwriting is a joy to hear- their live performances have charmed and seduced many. It is only a matter of time before the heartwarming twosome are festival mainstays.
https://www.facebook.com/issimomusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS4vlVv1QKYB2qQC9s28wIA
https://soundcloud.com/issimomusic
https://twitter.com/ISSIMOMUSIC
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3y3wtrqT84&w=560&h=315]
Gypsyfingers:
Over 2014, I reviewed many amazing musicians: few more memorable than Gypsyfingers. Their album Circus Life was a highlight for me: it demonstrated how naturally they (Luke Oldfield and Victoria Coghlan) unite. Stunning vocals, entrancing songs; incredible compositions- a Folk duo with a massive future.
https://www.facebook.com/gypsyfingersmusic
http://gypsyfingers.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1x8RNElu-Zb2_UvrMm9Ag
https://twitter.com/Gypsyfingers
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsSGFIGZt7U&w=560&h=315]
Ellene Masri:
Alluring and romantic; impassioned and empowering: Ellene Masri creates music for the masses. Elements of Jazz and Pop fuse into songs which linger in the mind- topped with a voice that can buckle the knees. Splitting her time between the U.S. and Europe, the young star is a continent-straddling artist with plenty to say: with many ears (more than) willing to listen (and adore).
https://www.facebook.com/masriellene
https://www.youtube.com/user/ellenemasriOFFICIAL
https://soundcloud.com/ellenemasri
https://twitter.com/ellenemasri
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/127264071" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
The Updraft Imperative:
Christian-Rock magic from the Australian wonders. If you love your music catchy, nuanced and inspiring: these are the guys for you. Whether you are religious (or not) then they will appeal and entice: their songs are designed to make you smile, think and reflect- few other bands are capable of doing this. Let us just hope they come and play (in the U.K.) as much as possible this year.
https://www.facebook.com/theupdraftimperative
http://www.theupdraftimperative.com/
https://soundcloud.com/theupdraftimperative
https://twitter.com/TUI_official
http://youtube.com/user/TheUpdraftImperative
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/162956080" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Chenai Music:
Strong and defiant; principled and thoughtful- an artist that has the power to inspire musicians and change minds. One of the most naturally beautiful women (I have seen), her voice and artistry is a glistening treat: her music is some of the most original and innovative around. With new releases (surely forthcoming) this year- check out a young artist with limitless potential.
https://www.facebook.com/chenaimusic
https://twitter.com/ChenaiMusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/ChenaiOfficial?feature=watch
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFNmrPt5HB0&w=560&h=315]
Los and the Deadlines:
A band I am familiar with: their songs never fail to amaze me. Hard-rocking and swaggering; cool and detached- these guys can pretty much do anything. Their order composes multiple nationalities; their songs cover masses of ground- their consistency and prowess is staggering. Going from strength-to-strength, the London group is one of our finest.
https://www.facebook.com/losandthedeadlines
http://www.losandthedeadlines.com/
https://twitter.com/LosDeadlines
https://soundcloud.com/losandthedeadlines
https://www.youtube.com/user/LosAndTheDeadlines
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123435479" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]