Flavourmag presents the music class of 2014. We list the hottest music artists to look out for this year. Have a listen and let us know who you think will graduate at the top of the class.
MNEK – The Cool Kid
Born in Lewisham, London, Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike (MNEK for short) is certainly one of the best connected men in the UK music industry. The 19 year-old started making music in his bedroom at the age of nine, and had a publishing deal by the time he was 14. He has credits on songs by Rudimental and Little Mix, and scored his first number one this April on Duke Dumont and AME’s club Anthem Need U (100%). In his downtime, he remixes hits for A-list artists including Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez and George Michael.
His sultry, soulful vocals recently got an outing on the Gorgon City’s house track Ready For Your Love but MNEK, who cites Janet Jackson and Timbaland amongst his formative influences. He is signed to dance collective Rudimental’s label, Black Butter but is yet to release any material under his own name.
Ella Eyre – The Musical Maven
Despite venturing into songwriting just two years ago, 19-year-old British singer/songwriter collaborated on Rudimental’s no.1 single Waiting all Night, appeared alongside Wiz Khalifa on Naughty Boy’s 2013 album and to top off an incredible year, she was nominated for the 2014 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award. Initially working with unknown writers in order to sharpen her skills, Ella quickly found herself in Copenhagen with Cutfather (Kylie, Brandy) and Sweden with Ishi and Eric Turner (Tinie Tempah, Professor Green, Cheryl Cole). Bold, edgy and occasionally a bit swear-y, with an incredible vocal to boot, Ella’s buzz grew exponentially.
MOKO – The Alternative Chick
We first heard from Moko earlier this year when she uploaded her first demo ‘Summon The Strength’ which went along way to win over early adopters and the support of tastemakers. The online chatter about her fresh take on 90’s soul, house and R&B infused emotive pop lead to key gigs including The Great Escape, BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury, Boiler Room (with her idol Neneh Cherry) as well as her own sold out headline shows at Birthdays and Electrowerks in the summer and more recently at Corsica Studios. Black’ is the eagerly awaited debut EP from 21-year old soul singer from SE London who is sure to cement her star status in 2014.
Dan Croll – The Indie Kid
A British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Dan Croll is a trained musician that studied the subject at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The 22-year-old combines blending folk elements and classic Paul Simon-like melodies with electronic beats, African polyrhythms, and guitar hooks.
Joey Bada$$ – The Rebel
A Brooklyn born and bred hip-hop rapper whose earliest rhymes were written in the first grade released his first mix tape 1999 last year at the age of 18 and has already attracted some high profile fans.
Say Lou Lou – The Exchange Students
Say Lou Lou are 21 year old Swedish/Australian twin sisters Miranda and Elektra Kilbey. After releasing the quietly devastating tracks “Maybe You” and “Julian” they are currently finishing off their self-written debut album which has been recorded in London, Sweden and Los Angeles. Their elegant retro styling has already caught the attention of Vogue magazine, which praised their “Jaclyn Smith-meets-young Meryl Streep” look.
Banks – The ‘It’ Girl
LA-based songstress BANKS blends a hypnotic fusion of beats and pianos. Coupled with her heart piercing lyrics and growing fan base, BANKS is certainly one to watch in 2014.
Bipolar Sunshine – The Daydreamer
Originally co-vocalist with Manchester six-piece Kid British, Adio Marchant a.k.a Bipolar Sunshine is an artist with a soulful, vulnerable and euphoric voice and with his debut album nearing completion he’s tipped for success.
G-Eazy – Mr Popular
G-Eazy has spent the past couple of years finishing school in the US while building up a grassroots fan-base. He’s played live shows from the smallest of Midwest clubs all the way up to arenas on dates with Lil Wayne, Big Sean, and Drake
Sam Smith – The Head Boy
Singer-songwriter Sam Smith has already performed with Mercury nominees Disclosure and sang on the number one single La La La by British producer Naughty Boy. The 21-year-old has won the Brits Critics’ Choice award, which will be presented to him during the Brits nominations this month.
[…] their vocals and their covers just get better and better, the girls did a fantastic performance of Ella Eyre‘s song ‘Deeper’ is one of them. With the girls single ‘Damn’ out at […]