Following the theme of my last article, here’s some new artists I’m excited about going into 2015.
Also, if you haven’t already, check out the additions I made to my Best of 2014 playlist on Spotify -- found on my Spotify page or The Best Songs of 2014 article.
Aside from the multiple artists I already knew I liked going into 2014, I was pleasantly surprised and excited by some interesting new sounds. Some of these bands released their first LPs really late into the year, so 2015 may be their time to shine.
Bleachers - As mentioned in my Best of 2014 article, this new project from Fun.’s Jack Antonoff has plenty of potential radio hits. It’s a unique, modern take on 80s synth rock.
Highlights: Like a River Runs, Rollercoaster, Wild Heart, I Wanna Get Better
Genre: Synth Rock
Angel Olsen – Raised in St. Louis, Missouri and now residing in North Carolina, Angel Olsen strated her indie rock career collaborating with Bonnie "Prince" Billy and the Cairo Gang. Tim Kinsella of Cap'n Jazz and LeRoy Bach of Wilco. Her first full-band release and second album, Burn Your Fire For No Witness may be the fire to light her career in the lo-fi folk rock music sphere.
Highlights: Lights Out, Unfucktheworld
Genre: Indie Folk
Vance Joy – This Australian singer songrwriter offers a unique take on the folk pop sound heard from The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men and Head and the Heart.
Highlights: Mess Is Mine, Riptide, From Afar, Winds of Change
Genre: Indie Folk Pop, Singer-Songwriter
First Aid Kit - Also highlighted in my Best of 2014 article, this Swedish duo has technically been around since 2008. But for the United States, they’re still brand new. Their third LP, Stay Gold, is their first production with a big-time record company – Columbia – and it may be the break they need to gain the recognition they deserve. I’m certain their popularity will grow as more folk and alternative country fans come across this album in the upcoming months.
Highlights: Every song. Album of the year.
Genre: Folk, Americana
Misterwives – Based in New York City, this indie pop group released their first EP this past January. Their song, Reflections, made number one on my The Best Songs of 2014 list. These guys will be huge.
Highlights: Reflections, Vagabond
Genre: Indie Pop
Alvvays – This Canadian indie pop duo from Toronto joined forces in 2012. But their first, self-titled LP wasn’t released until this year. Has that summery, garage rock heard from “indie surf rock/dream pop” groups like Best Coast, the Dum Dum Girls and Summer Camp.
Highlights: Archie, Marry Me, Adult Diversion
Genre: Lo-Fi Indie Rock
St. Paul and the Broken Bones - As mentioned in my best of 2014 article, this band from Birmingham, Alabama is up there with the Alabama Shakes as one of the coolest soul bands out there.
Highlights: Call Me, Torn Up
Genre: Southern Soul
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And here’s a few more artists who’ve been around a bit longer, but maybe fell under your radar. In the shadow of last year's big names like Vampire Weekend, Kanye West and The Arctic Monkeys, these artist’s 2013 releases should really hit stride within the next year.
Kodaline - Highlights: Love Like This, Way Back When [In A Perfect World]
Genre: Indie Rock
Family of the Year - Highlights: Stairs, Hero
Genre: Indie Folk Rock
Lucius - Highlights: Don’t Just Sit There, Wildewoman, Go Home, Turn It Around
Genre: Indie Pop
Pacific Air - Highlights: Float, Roses
Genre: Indie Pop Rock
