There are so many new musical adventures to be had at the moment! Whatever genre you’re into, it’s becoming so much easier to discover new, exciting talent and stunning tracks. As it’s the start of a new year (and, dare we say it, decade), we’re looking ahead to what’s upcoming, and can reveal our top music acts to watch in 2020! Read on to discover your new favourite!
Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers made a name for herself with the release of her debut album Stranger in the Alps in 2017, a collection of honest, self-assured melancholy folk songs. Since then, she’s kept herself busy forming ‘super-groups’ Boygenius, and Better Oblivion Community Center. Her sophomore album is set for release in 2020, and is as yet untitled, and we can’t wait!
Joy Crookes
At just 21 years old, London-born Joy Crookes began to take the world by storm. Her acoustic rendition of Don’t Let Me Down became one of the most talked about moments from Glastonbury this year. Her soulful music seems timeless, while being entirely perfect for the moment, working her way through relationships, British youth culture and grief with a maturity that belies her years.
King Princess
Another 21-year-old, this time hailing from Los Angeles (via Brooklyn), King Princess burst onto the scene in 2018, with pop anthems such as 1950. She’s recently released her first album, Cheap Queen, in which she displays a heartfelt earnestness that’s been compared to Lana Del Rey. Often lauded as a gay icon in waiting, we’re sure everyone will be hearing much more from King Princess!
Pop Smoke
He’s only been releasing music since December 2018, but Pop Smoke’s Welcome to the Party became one of the defining tracks of the summer for many. With remixes from the likes of Nicki Minaj, and produced by 808Melo, it brought both the Brooklyn and London Drill scenes into the mainstream. Coming to the UK for a tour with Skepta in 2020, Pop Smoke is one to look out for this year!
Conan Gray
YouTube has revolutionised the way in which musicians often get their big break nowadays, and this is definitely the case for Conan Gray! Gray began posting videos of himself aged nine, and by age 12 was already recording his own music! With 1.67 million subscribers, his fan base is already outgrowing the venues he’s playing. After opening for Panic! At the Disco in 2019, we should be hearing much more from him in 2020, including a debut album!
Beach Bunny
If the words indie, sadgirl alt-rock get your musical fires going, you should check out Beach Bunny! Hailing from Chicago, their dreamy guitar riffs, together with Lili Tifilio’s angst-ridden lyrics make for a nostalgic sound of summers past. After releasing several EPs, they’ve finally announced the 14th of February 2020 as the release date for their debut album!
Celeste
On pretty much everyone’s list of artists to watch this year is the American-born, British singer and songwriter Celeste! Recently named BBC Music Introducing artist of the year, as well as winning the Brits Rising Star award, her soulful blues-tinged lyrics set to R&B melodies have been turning heads. Set to release her debut album some time in 2020, you can listen to her single Strange, here.
Maisie Peters
At only 19 years old, Brighton-based Maisie Peters seems to be on a meteoric race to musical fame! Describing her work as “emo organic girlpop”, Peters began penning songs aged just 12, filming the best and posting them on YouTube four years later. She’s recently been signed to Atlantic Records, and her track Feels Like This featured on Love Island, so she’s sure to have a fantastic 2020!
Aitch
Harrison Armstrong, aka Aitch, had a particularly busy 2019, amassing three top-ten hits, such as his track Taste (Make it Shake), and releasing his EP AitcH20. Heading a new wave of British rappers from outside London, the Manchester MC has already collaborated with artists such as Stormzy and Ed Sheeran. With an unassailable sense of self-confidence, Aitch seems destined to become even bigger over the next year!
Beabadoobee
Bea Kristi, or Beabadoobee, only picked up a guitar for the first time two years ago, but has been proving her song writing abilities ever since. Her lo-fi sound was originally discovered by fans on YouTube, before she signed with Dirty Hit Records. Supporting The 1975 in February, Kristi has also said she plans to record film soundtracks in the future.
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