With so much talent out there, it's heartbreaking to hear hordes of crusty old music snobs bellyaching about how music is dying. Fortunately for all of us, 2015 has already revealed a superb wave of artists to drown out their snivels and groans. So whether you're a firm believer in contemporary music or a skeptic who needs some convincing, here are 7 debut artists (in no particular order) you'll definitely want to check out.
1. Ibeyi
Ibeyi's music is often sparse: sometimes only chords on a keyboard and a pattern of snaps and claps accompany the two sisters' vocals. However, the duo's jazzy, Afro-Cuban sound is remarkably open and rich. This, coupled with a lyrical delivery that packs an enormous punch, guarantees that you won't be able to resist getting sucked into their magical performances.
2. Raury
Simply put, Raury's music is wish-fulfilment for anyone who's ever hoped that The Lumineers might someday try and break into hip-hop. At only 18 years old, Raury's eccentric mix of folk and rap sets him apart from any of today's major players in either of the two styles. Having already shattered the lines of genre so unflinchingly, Raury is undoubtedly a musical force to watch.
3. SOAK
SOAK's sobering lyrics and irresistibly childish Irish lilt provide a feeling that's been missing ever since Lorde's Pure Heroine: the astoundingly relatable, roll-your-windows-down-at-night passion of teenage intellectualism. The 18-year-old's music is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, and like Raury, her already-spectacular feats are made only more impressive and exciting because of her age.
4. Ella Henderson
Previously a contender on The X-Factor UK, Ella Henderson is by no means unknown. Another incredibly young artist at the age of 19, Ella has already proven her place in the industry with her huge hit, Ghost. With Adele-sized pipes, her undeniably powerful voice is destined to make Ella's a household name in the coming years.
5. Shamir
Disco? Pop? Rap? Funk? Male? Female? Doesn't matter. Shamir's music confidently dismantles any and all expectations of genre and gender with absolute ease. A contratenor voice meets hyper-stylized production to create a sound that is so unimaginably peculiar, all you can do is sit back and absorb Shamir's performances in absolute awe.
6. Girlpool
Girlpool has the ability to trigger nostalgia like no other. The two young women sing mostly in unison with scant harmonies, accompanied only by an electric and bass guitar. Resembling the cadence and chant of children's songs, the duo's music is acutely penetrating. It's both personal and universal, and masterfully does away with excess bells and whistles without sacrificing any musical or lyrical depth.
7. MisterWives
MisterWives is, really, really likeable. Their explosively poppy sound is constant throughout each of their songs, somehow without ever getting stale. This is most likely due to the fantastically unique voice of lead singer Mandy Lee Duffy. It's otherworldly-- almost witch like, in the best possible way-- and often achieves a level of power and momentum that you might never have thought possible.
