As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look forward to the New Year and all the exciting, fresh talent it’s set to bring with it. Here, Italian singer/songwriter and Female First regular Giulia brings us some of those very acts who she has her eyes on, and who she thinks we should be watching out for in 2018.
Giulia's got her eyes on some major talent
Rex Orange County
This Surrey born multi-instrumentalist has already caught the attention of Tyler the Creator and has subsequently been featured on Tyler’s latest album ‘Flower Boy’. Rex Orange County has been making waves in 2017 with his chilled out uplifting vibes. His lyrics are raw and real, Rex tells stories through his music that are specific enough to his life but also incredibly relatable. It’s because of Rex’s unique lyricism that he’s landed a space on the BBC music sound of 2018 longlist. My personal favourites of his and a great place to start are ‘Corduroy Dreams’ and ‘Best Friend’. I class this as the perfect soundtrack to get you through the day with a spring in your step!
The Magic Gang
It’s your classic cool indie band fix for 2018! The Magic Gang are a four piece indie band originally from the New Forest. They describe their music as “music for your mind/ body/ spirit and soul and they're not wrong. Having recently finished a tour supporting Reading based, flamboyant indie band Sundara Karma it’s fair to say that the Magic Gang are in great shape to make 2018 ‘their year’. Watching them support Sundara Karma at the o2 Academy Brixton it was clear to me that the Magic Gang are at the beginning of a journey that will eventually lead to them headlining Brixton in the next few years.
Lewis Capaldi
Scottish singer songwriter Lewis Capaldi has found himself longlisted for BBC sound of 2018 and certainly not by fluke. Lewis brings to the table a rich selection of raspy ballads and a flawless vocal performance. Lewis’s debut E.P ‘Bloom’ is out now and available to download and stream worldwide. The simplicity of Lewis Capaldi’s music is why he is slowly starting to emerge and make a name for himself. There are no gimmicks, just a guy and his guitar with one of the best voices out there at the moment.
Princess Nokia
Destiny Frasqueri aka Princess Nokia is fresh out of New York city with her refreshing and sometimes comical take on the rap scene. Princess Nokia started to gain a fanbase after the release of her 2014 mixtape ‘Metallic Butterfly’. Her 2017 release ‘1992 Deluxe’ delivers interesting and unique lyrics layered over cool and original beats. She’s really out there flying the flag for female rappers at the moment and is definitely one to watch for 2018.
IDLES
Bristol based punk band IDLES released their debut album ‘brutalism’ in 2017. What followed was a summer full of festivals that cemented IDLES as a real contender to take 2018 by storm. IDLES started gaining traction since attracting the attention of Steve Lamacq and he’s backed them ever since. IDLES are the perfect band to get into if you are into the likes of Slaves and Sleaford Mods.
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