For up-and-comers in the music business, the first step is usually to release a single. The next, and sometimes overlooked step in the process is to release an extended player (EP). These are shorter than LPs/albums, and they are what really introduce to the public what an artist's sound is going to be like. Below, check out 10 EPs that were released in 2015 from newcomers that will surely grow in popularity in 2016.
"Pieces of You" by Chris Carmck
Genre: country; for fans of Brett Eldridge, Jamie Johnson, James Otto.
Carmack is best known for his role as Will Lexington on ABC's "Nashville," and he is making an honest effort to make his own contribution to mainstream country music. Personally, I like his sound better than a lot new country that is played nowadays.
"Heartland" by Vineyard.
Genre: alternative; for fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Five Seconds of Summer.
As products of Manhattan, KS, Vineyard represents the high level of talent that is bred in heart of America. A career highlight was opening for Lindsey Sterling at KSU last year, and they have since been diligent in writing and recording new material.
"Tales from the Runaway" by Grady Frazier.
Genre: singer/songwriter, alternative; for fans of Ed Sheeran, 21 Pilots.
Frazier is signed with Unlabeled Records in Kansas City, and his
first EP shows massive potential. In addition to writing each song, Frazier
played each instrument himself for each song. Look for him to be playing shows around the Kansas City area this year.
"Haiz" by Hailey Steinfeld.
Genre: pop; for fans of Selena Gomez, Fifth Harmony.
Steinfeld is easily the best known artist in this article; before focusing more on music, she has been in several movies such as "True Grit," "Begin Again," and "Pitch Perfect 2." The first single to be released from her EP is “Love Myself,” and the remaining songs are also worth listening to.
"Distance" by With Confidence.
Genre: pop rock; for fans of Five Seconds of Summer, DNCE.
This four-member band from Australia is now in their fourth year together. This is their second EP release, and they have already toured with Five Seconds of Summer and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
Mickey Guyton.
Genre: country; for fans of Jana Kramer, Maddie and Tae.
With a voice that could very easily be mistaken for Carrie Underwood, it is no surprise that Guyton’s first single has been so successful. Country music fans should look forward to seeing and hearing a lot of her in 2016.
My Twins.
Genre: rock, indie rock; for fans of My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, The Used.
Last year My Twins self-funded their EP, won best new rock band at the Mid Missouri Music Awards, and also scored nominations for rock band of the year and best indie rock band. The surprising thing about them is how talented they are for their age -- three of the band’s four members are under 21.
"Forever, Pt. II" by Snakehips.
Genre: electronic; for fans of Odesza, DJ Mustard.
Oliver Lee and James Carter split time between London and LA writing and recording with notable talents, most recently being Tinashe and Chance the Rapper.
Josh Dorr.
Genre: country; for fans of: David Nail, Eli Young Band, Thomas Rhett.
Dorr is not yet a well-known name in country music, but he has the mainstream appeal that will likely propel him into a bigger spotlight this year.
"Temporary Love" by The Brinks.
Genre: alternative, pop; for fans of: Passion Pit, Coldplay.
Nearly every track on The Brinks' first EP sounds like it could have been on Coldplay's "Ghost Stories." While they are not yet very well know, look for that to change fast this year.
