Not too long ago in 2012, I was just about to be a sophomore in high school. I had just finished up my freshmen year with a load of girls who, like myself, were obsessed with Harry Potter and One Direction. Come that summer, the summer Olympics were held in London and it became an eye-opening experience to all of the wonderful things England has to offer. I had been in love with the Royal Family ever since the Royal wedding, but little did I know about all of the great music and such that England had to offer. Not too long after the closing ceremonies, I went on a " Youtube binge" so to speak, searching for all of these amazing artists that I had heard on the closing ceremonies, who's music I had wanted to explore. Something about those Olympics had opened me up to this whole new world of music.
Well, when you think about it, there are hundreds of artists all over the world that, as Americans, we might not know. For example, because of my French teacher in high school, I was able to discover a bunch of French cinema that I fell in love with, as well as new music with artists such as Stromae. We even took an unofficial field trip when he came to town to go see him. What I have discovered is that it can be hard to share the passion of things you love when not many people know about it. You sit there watching videos and listening to their music just wishing that they would do some show remotely close to you. You might hear news about them trying to "crack the US," but then you hear otherwise and get your heart-broken. You try to show all your friends these great artists and stress how great they are, but they just sit there and say "Who?" My point being, it's hard when you're so excited about something that you just want to share it with the world, yet it's something that isn't as well known so it gets harder to find someone to share that excitement with. England is just one country of many that has "undiscovered" talent. People obsess over Bollywood movies, but in a way it's as if they're "undiscovered" just because they haven't been brought to our attention in the US. Unless you have knowledge of Bollywood movies or the English music scene, there will be things and people that only you know about just because they haven't been brought to America. But like my dad says, sometimes "They don't even need to come to America when they're selling out at Wembley Stadium." It's hard when you feel isolated because some artist or movie isn't know in your country. But, on the bright side, it's like they're you're little secret, so if they ever make it big in the US, you can say "I knew them first."
Here are some great artists to check out for those looking for some new music.
Cheryl
Known as "the Nation's Sweetheart," Cheryl is almost the British version of Britney Spears. With her catchy-tunes and dancing, you'll be hooked on her right away.
Fleur East
Watch out Beyonce! Fleur is coming your way. She was a runner-up on the 2014 Season of "The X- Factor UK," but listen to her and you'll think she was the winner.
Olly Murs
Ever wonder who the British version of Michael Buble is? Well, here he is! Olly has had some hits in the US with songs like "My Heart Skips A Beat" and "Up ft. Demi Lovato." With his happy attitude and pop music, you can't help but smile.
Girls Aloud
Think of Cheryl's "Destiny's Child." The girl group was started in the early 2000's after competing on "Posters: The Rivals." While they might be on hiatus now, it never hurts to jam out to a girl group.
Take That
Think of a male Girls Aloud or an older One Direction. While they might be a little older, their age doesn't show in their catchy, up-beat pop hits. Take a listen and you'll be hooked right away.
Ben Haenow
Starting off as a delivery driver who was just chasing his dreams, he became the winner of the 2014 "X- Factor UK." If you're looking for someone who's similar to Imagine Dragons or has that rasp in their voice, well,here he is. Plus he's pretty cute too, which makes him even more lovable.
