Showing posts with label MDS Sound of 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MDS Sound of 2012. Show all posts
MDS Sound of 2012
05 February, 2012 8:17 PM
Results:
1st Place: Lana Del Rey: It's finally here! After more than 2 months, we have our winner! Probably the most hyped new artist in the world, Lana's debut album "Born To Die" topped the charts in over 10 countries despite some negative reviews. We can definitely say she's the most promising artist of 2012.
2nd Place: FOE: This avant-garde musician which oddly reminds me to Marina and the Diamonds, is our runner up! Her debut album, "Bad Dream Hotline" came out in January 13 via Mercury Records and recived a warm reception from critics. Let's see how she does in the long run ....
3rd Place: Kyla La Grange: I've been following Kyla for quite a while now since her "Walk Through Walls" first showed up. Her vocals just enchanted me and I instantly fell in love with her. As times goes by, it looks like 2012 will finally be her year and hopefully, the year we'll get her debut album!
4th Place: Grimes: Canadian singer Claire Boucher is our fourth placer! The eerie singer will release her album "Visions" in the following months and hopefully, she'll score the success she's been waiting for and after all the hype around her, that's due to happen!
5th Place: Lucy Rose: The sweet Warwickshire native has claimed the fifth place of the competition after hypnotizing the voters with her fantastic tone, cause we all know that's what happened. With an album coming out this year, there's no doubt that this is a well deserved poisition for this raising star!
And it's back! Another year has almost gone by and with that, a new one is coming, and that only means new music stars for us! The MDS Sound of 2011, which was topped by Sweden's iamamiwhoami, proved to be a success so it will be just stupid not to keep doing it. For those who aren't familiar with it, the list features the most promising music acts for the coming year and instead of me being the only pundit, you will be part of the decision by casting your vote on your favourites! This year, it gets bigger and better! In the next days, I'll post my Top 56 acts, that'd be a post for each act featuring its music and my comments on them, and you'll be able to vote for them after all the acts are posted! There will be 2 votation stages. The first will feature all the 56, divided in 4 polls of 14 acts each. You'll be able to pick 2 acts per poll, so choose wisely. Each poll will be open for a week, then I'll reopen all of them for one more week. Then, in the second stage, the Top 15 acts, that's the 15 acts with the most votes (all the polls considered) will be in a new poll where the winner will be decided! In addition to that, some of last year's acts will be in a different
poll, where you'll be able to vote for them in order to give them a
second chance of winning the contest given that they didn't release any
new material this year, there will be 7 acts in the poll but only 1 of
them will make it ... Who will be the sound of 2012?!!
VOTE after the JUMP ...
VOTE after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Zowie
14 January, 2012 8:28 PM
Signed with Sony and formerly known as Bionic Pixie, Zowie released her bubbly debut single "Broken Machine" in 2010 and went gold in her native New Zealand. Not long after that, she released her second single "Bite Back" to New Zealand and Australia. After being named one of the top 5 acts to watch in 2011 by blogger Perez Hilton, the electropop singer-songwriter Kiwi opened for Katy Perry's Australian California Gurls tour in the summer of 2011. I can best describe her sound as The Ting Tings plus new wave/synthpop. She has since gone on to release two more singles, "Love or Hate" and "Smash It" and plans to release her long-awaited debut album in 2012.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Yasmin
8:26 PM
She made her big breakout when she apperaed on Devlin's single "Runaway" in October 2010 and since then, this raising disco goddess hasn't stopped. Signed by Levels Entertainment, an imprint of Ministry of Sound, her debut single, "On My Own," was released on 30 January 2011 and instantly became a club anthem charting at #39, with the following single, "Finish Line" charting at #13. But her biggest bet is with "Light Up (The World)", which features Shy FX and Ms. Dynamite, and is set for release on January 15, 2012. It's a catchy tune and Yasmin's vocals sound great on it plus Ms Dynamite brings it a nice edge. Will this be the hit single Yasmin's been waiting for? Likely ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Willy Moon
8:26 PM
Perhaps the most intriguing artist on the rise is 21 year old Willy Moon from New Zealand, who might have been sent here from the past to save today's music. At the age of 17, in order to avoid a life of drug-dealing, Moon purchased a one-way ticket to London and never looked back. After making music in Berlin for a few, he went back to London with a new vision: to be an iconic pop star. Moon released his first single "I Wanna Be Your Man" in November 2o11, His music and style is basically '50s rock-n-roll with a modern twist. An interesting combination, the 21st century world has never heard anything quite like this. One would think that resurrecting music from a long gone era would be quite the risk but Moon makes it so throwback, it's relevant. While he is probably the strangest act out of the 56 nominated in the MDS Sound of 2012, he might be the one with the most potential to make a long-lasting impression in the coming year. Moon is currently writing songs for his debut album, one that I will highly anticipate and watch for.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: To Kill A King
8:21 PM
This guys definitely got something unique going on. Though sometimes it may sound a little weird, their sound is really distinctive and their music stands out from their genre, which I'd say it's folk, but this sounds much more contemporary, maybe electrofolk? But still more folk than electro. To Kill A King was only formed in 2009 by frontman Ralph Pelleymounter,Ian Dudfield and Josh Platman, to which they later added Ben Jackson. Based in London, the band is signed to Communion Records, same label as Michael Kiwanuka, and with a great EP already under the sleeve, "My Crooked Saint", the band is set to release their debut in the next few months, and that's somthing I'm eagerly expecting!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Tigertown
8:21 PM
Playing with your siblings isn't always a great idea, cause in many cases, the rivalries make the bands break up, Oasis anyone? Well, this isn't the case with Tigertown. The Sydney based indie folk band is formed of married couple Chris, who's the guitarist, and Charlie, the lead singer and each of them brought two siblings to the band, Chris brought Elodie (bass) and Alexi (keys) and Charlie brought Crystal (mandolin and vocals) and Kurt (drums), making it a big happy musical family! Their popularity began when a popular Australian radio, triple j, played their eponymous EP, which they recorded themselves. With a sound reminiscent of Angus and Julia Stone's, it's no wonder why they are so popular and if they play their cards right, they could be as big as them.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Trouble With Templeton
8:21 PM
You know something is good when you are amazed with only just one listen and that's exactly what happened to me with Thomas Calder, aka The Trouble With Templeton, a Brisbane raising indie musician. He first came into my spotlight with his first single "Bleeders", a haunting slow burner that builds amazingly and is accompanied by an eerie music video, which makes the listening experience even more wonderful. "Bleeders" is the title track of his debut album, which was released on November 4. It's certainly one of the best debuts I've heard in a while and I was left wanting more as soon as the final track ended. To sum up, he's one of my faves from this list, is he yours too?
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Staves
8:20 PM
This trio was first discovered by producers Glyn and Ethan Johns (The Rolling Stones, Ray LaMontagne, Kings of Leon, Laura Marlin) but their talent began developing long before. That's because the girls are sisters and as such, they've been playing music together since they can remember. And that shows in their music. Their single "Mexico" attracted lots of fans which were pleasantly surprised by their beautiful harmonies, their sweet folky sound and it's dusky melody. With an album expected for release on early 2012, this trio is definitely gonna win some hearts.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Paper Kites
8:20 PM
This independent Aussie folk quintet (Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powys, Sam Rasmussen and Josh Bentley) made quite a stirr down under with their debut, "Woodland", a perfectly executed 6 track EP, which includes the fabulous "Featherstone" and "Bloom", two guitar driven tunes with an incrediblly soft vocal, making beautiful tracks, as all the songs in the album. Certainly one of the Australian revelations of 2011, will they take over the world now?
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Honey Trees
8:20 PM
Magic, that's the word Becky Filip and Jacob Wick repeatedly use to describe their music. And they are magical indeed! Originally hailing from California, this indie pop band dreams of finding their place in the people hearts. Their debut EP, "Wake the Earth", which was released in 2009, is made of some amazing 2008 recordings, such as "To Be With You", probably the best song to represent them. Becky's quirky voice takes us to a whole new world along with their dreamy and alluring lyrics. "Find Home", is the opposite to it, a perfect song to help us face the reality and gives us strength to get through everything. They are worthy and relevant as a band, and the best from The Honey Trees is yet to come...
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Good Natured
8:19 PM
I really can't describe how much I love this band and their music. English band The Good Natured, consisting of lead vocalist Sarah McIntosh, drummer George Hinton and Hamish, her brother the bassist. Their music is described as a Dark Electropop and songs like "Skeleton", "Your Body Is a Machine" and "Wolves" prove the musical theme to be captivating and addictive while their lyrics are witty and catchy. They released their music independently until 2011, when the band was signed by Regal / Parlophone Records and released their third EP "Skeleton" in June 2011. With their ability to stay loyal to the original sound and still put out catchy singles, The Good Natured will definitely win more fans and well-deserved recognition as they go forward in this new year with massive potential. But honestly, with music this good, how can they go wrong?
Video after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Templecloud
8:14 PM
Templecloud has been around for a few years but they recently achieved major recognition for their hit cover of Embrace's "One Big Family", which was used in an advertisement for KFC in the United Kingdom. Signed to Polydor Records, the band's lead vocalist Hannah Symons is only 23 years old and has a voice well beyond her years with her excellent soulful tone, her and producers Simon Gwilliam and Steve Evans make up the band. The "One Big Family" cover is a favorite of mine, haunting verses and a mesmerizing chorus. It also seems to be a favorite of the United Kingdom, shooting up to #11 on the UK iTunes chart. They are currently in the studio writing and recording their debut album. With such an impressive debut, we can only expect more great things from Templecloud.
Video after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Tanya Lacey
8:09 PM
Up and coming singer Tanya Lacey started her music career by featuring on Tinchy Stryder's song "Spotlight" in 2009, now she is best known for featuring in fellow MDS Sound of 2012 nominee Loick Essien's hit song "How We Roll". Lacey's music is R&B meets Reggae and Pop and her vocal ability reminds me of Alicia Keys a little bit. She released her debut single "Letter to My Ex/ Born to Fly" on December 2nd 2011 and as she says in the song: "I'm gonna be a star". We at MDS believe every word and look forward to an album!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: StooShe
12 January, 2012 7:52 PM
Another BBC Sound of 2012 act, this Salt N' Pepa reincarnation made of Karis, Courtney
and Alex, has been impressing with their catchy and fun urban material and critics are already loving on them. Now signed by Warner records, the trio's first single "Betty Woz Gone" is as sassy as you would expect it to be and has lots of nice qualities plus their voices sound much more stronger than you would expect them to. Is StooShe on the way of becoming the next En Vogue? Not at all, I'm confident they'll be better than them!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Spector
7:01 PM
This five-piece London band, signed to Luv Luv Luv Records, may be 2012 answer to The Beatles. Fronted by Fred Macpherson, they were announced as one of the top 15 of the BBC Sound of 2012 and from the moment I saw them nominated, The Vaccines and The Drums came to my mind, only difference is those placed in the Top 5, and Spector didn't. That's not saying they are bad. Their three singles to date, "Never Fade Away", "What You Wanted" and "Grey Shirt and Tie" were extremelly well recived and they will support Florence + The Machine on her upcoming tour.With an album also expected for this year, there's no doubt you'll be seeing a lot more from them!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: SoKo
11 January, 2012 6:05 PM
Just like the previous act, Stéphanie Sokolinski (aka SoKo), is a French actress and singer. Her actress carrer started in 2002 when she took part on a TV series and several different roles later, she was nominated for a
César Award as best actress for her starring part in the French film "À l'origine" in 2009. Her musical carrer started a bit later, 2007 to be exact, when she achived success with her song "I'll Kill Her", which was a hit in Denmark and Belgium. Notable for her unique folky tone, SoKo was signed by Because Music with which her debut album is expected to be released on February 6, 2012. Will this finally be the year this raising star tops the charts? If her 2007 hit is any indication of it, I'm willing to say it's definitely possible!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Slow Moving Millie
5:37 PM
English actress and singer Amelia Warner (aka Slow Moving Millie) made his big break in the music scene when her cover of The Smith's "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" appeared on a John Lewis advert, causing a major stir among the viewers. But that wasn't her first attempt in the bussiness. Before focusing on music, Amelia was trying to make it as an actress and she landed several roles, including Winter Passing, Aeon Flux,
and Stoned, as well as the 2000 BBC adaptation of Lorna Doone. In 2001, she "married" (or not) Colin Farrell but the "marriage" only lasted for a few months. Her music carrer only began in 2009, when she wrote the song "Beasts" which was later featured on a Virgin Media commercial and it was then released as a single. 2 years later, Amelia was signed to Island Records and released her first album with them, "Renditions" on December 9, 2011, which included two original tracks ("Beasts" and "Hart with a Crown and Chain") and eight ballad-style covers of '80s classics, such as "Feels Like Heaven" and "Wonderful Life". Tough she sounds beautiful on them, her strong material is surprisingly really strong and I hope she keeps writing for her following album, cause she's definitely got talent to spare!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Skylar Grey
3:38 PM
One word... "Invisible". One of my favorite songs of 2011 and the debut single for the upcoming album of Interscope recording artist Skylar Grey. She wrote the hook to the massive 2010 hit "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna and earned a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for her contributions, she can be heard performing a demo of the song below. Grey's music can be described as dark and eerie pop/hip-hop while her voice has a similar tone to that of Sarah McLachlan and American Idol finalist Haley Reinhart. In the end product, her music balances itself out well. She has a great variety of influences, the most telling being Marilyn Manson, Sarah McLachlan, Bob Dylan and Death Cab for Cutie. Skylar Grey's debut album "Invinsible" is scheduled a January 2012 release, with Interscope behind her, the world should prepare to be wowed. This girl is definitely one to watch.
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Sabi
3:34 PM
Perhaps currently best known for being featured in the huge Cobra Starship hit "You Make Me Feel..." (a favorite of mine) in 2011, Jenice Portlock, better known as Sabi, is currently signed to Warner Bros. Records with a debut album expected in early 2012. Her hairstyle reminds me of Janelle Monáe and her voice is Rihanna-esque but her music couldn't be more original and out-of-the-box. Sabi says her album will incorperate her love for pop, alternative rock and urban music. With buzz singles like "Goodnight" and "Wild Heart" already gaining many fans, Sabi should be a highlight of Urban/Pop in 2012 and one to look forward to.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Ren Harvieu
3:27 PM
After a terrible accident in the summer, in which she thought she would never walk again, this raising Lancashire musician got back on her feet, literally, and went to became one of the top 15 acts on the BBC Sound of 2012. Before her accident, she was expected to release her debut album via Island and now, more than eight months later, the album will finally see the light in the near future. Ren's first single, the enchanting slightly dark "Through The Night" was released on December 16, and immediatly recived critical acclaim. Ren's voice is reminiscent of Rumer's or even to Adele's and seeing the success both have had recently, I'm confident Ren will follow the same path.
Videos after the JUMP ...
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