KBPS Sound of 2019

On Monday 10th December the BBC will announce the 2019 edition of their long-running 'Sound Of...' poll, which speaks to pundits across various fields in music to find out who they think will make it big in that year, based on artists that have not had top ten singles or albums in the last year or are well known in music.

Previous years have had a good strike rate with Sigrid, Years and Years, Sam Smith, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, Adele, Mika and Keane being winners in the past.

Here at KBPS we like to take a stab at who we think will do well next year, and though we're not on the BBC's taste makers list and our opinions are based only on our tastes and what we've heard so far, let's have a go at our own 15-strong long list, with acts in alphabetical order...

Cam

Camaron Marvel Ochs, or Cam as she's known, is an American country singer who got lots of airplay with 'Diane', rumoured to be a response to the classic Dolly Parton song 'Jolene'. Recently appearing alongside Train and Travie McCoy on their song 'Call Me Sir' will 2019 be the year country makes a further push into the modern mainstream?

Alice Chater 

With several singles under her belt already, it's the 'Ring My Bell' interpolation of July's 'Heartbreak Hotel' that has got us buzzing. Her pop and RNB crossover sound is popular at the moment.

Coin

Formed in Nashville in 2012, they came to our attention recently with the 'A Christmas Carol' themed 'Cemetery', a catchy slice of indie-pop that sounds very much in the British taste. Will they enjoy success this side of the Atlantic in 2019?

Fjokra

Hailing from Dublin, Fjokra has released a succession of great singles over the last 12 months including 'Bang on the Door' and 'Evening Lights', plus recently 'Sugarface'. The eccentric, excitingly produced songs cross genres and really jump out as something different and interesting.

Franko Fraize

A British rapper from Thetford, Norfolk, he's been bubbling under for a few years on BBC playlists and television shows, but with songs like 'Stop Me', released a month ago with Alex Joseph capturing our imagination, this could be his breakthrough thanks to has fast-paced style like a modern the Streets.

Girli 

English singer and rapper Milly Toomey, AKA Girl, has had several songs released this year and 'Mr 10pm Bedtime' is our favourite. A punky attitude mixed with a catchy poppiness helps her stand out musically, and an image that explodes visually.  

I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

1.9m views of their latest single speaks volumes. This quirky duo hails from Salt Lake City and their eccentrically produced, yet very catchy, pop song echoes 'Panic! At the Disco' crossed with 'Franz Ferdinand'.

Hannah Jane Lewis 

Based in London, her feisty relatable pop songs burst out of your speakers, especially the bouncy, tempo-shifting well-produced 'Aftershock'.

Kimono Loco

One of our lesser known pics, their recent single 'Big Boy' and the EP from which it was taken immediately grabbed us and we definitely want to hear more from this unsigned London band in 2019.

Little Brother Eli

Some songs immediately grab you when you hear them and Little Brother Eli's 'Oops' is one of them. Unsigned and from Oxford we look forward to more from this dark dance four-piece.

lovelytheband

With 14m views on their latest video this Los Angeles pop band formed in 2016 look set for big things with 'Broken' feeling like an anthem for Millennials, picking the darker personality songs of bands like 'Pale Waves'.

The Marmozets

A local band to me from Bingley, West Yorkshire, I've seen them live and their on stage power is every bit as great as their recorded material. Sounding like early Paramore there's plenty of energy in their music. With their second album out now and recent festivals under their belt, what will 2019 bring for them?

Matt Simons

The infectious 'We Can Do Better' has 20m views on YouTube and so it should. Catchy and upbeat, it's a great slice of pop, and Simons has a voice that should prove even bigger in 2019.

The Struts

A band from Derby that had much success over the last few years looks to bringing its sparky glam rock sound to a bigger audience, as showcased by their recent incredible collaboration with Ke$ha. More please!

Kerri Watt

An artist we've be following for several years since her tour of Universities early on in her career, she's recently added to her strong back catalogue with a heartfelt duet with Embrace which she also released an even more powerful solo version of. If there's one artist on this list we'd hope for big things from it's the incredible Kerri Watt.


What do you think of our selection? Have your own choices? Comment below!

New Music Review #100

Another ten tracks? Oh go on then!

Big Tide - Half The Time

With a retro sixties sound that combines the vocals of Elvis Costello and the sound of the Byrds, this a smooth warming track with a throwback feel. (6.5/10)

Franko Fraize feat Alex Joseph - Side By Side

A strong mix of slow-rap delivery and lighters-out chorus with a simple but building production that all combines well into a soaring number that empowers you. (7/10)

HAIM - Little of Your Love

Having recently enjoyed their full album this funky song definitely stood out and it's good to see it releases as a single as it balances a very singable chorus with a strong crisp production. (7/10)

Kelsea Ballerini - Legends

After the punchier XO we get the more touching, sentimental and well-written 'Legends', which will certainly pull at the old heart strings. Beautiful. (7.5/10)

Niall Horan - Too Much To Ask 

A little bit overly sentimental and covers familiar ground for the genre but this is a touching, nicely written and sung ode to break ups which resonates well. (7/10)

P!nk - Beautiful Trauma

Though not quite as big as her recent comeback single this is still a strong emotionally written ballad with throwbacks to her big drug-related hit. Neat enough. (6.5/10)

P!nk - Whatever You Want 

It's double pink for this edition with this gentle yet soaring ballad. It's not quite got the bite of her other big records but has a smooth and likeable vibe to how it progresses. (6.5/10)

PVRIS - Winter

With plenty of attitude in its electronic-influenced rock sound, this is quite an experimental sounding piece but one that works to bring together many elements into an interestingly produced piece. (6/10)

Roy Orbison feat. Ward Thomas & the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) -  I Drove All Night

Taking a break from their work with Elvis Presley's back catalogue, the orchestra move onto the Big O with this spirited, yet faithful, re-imaginging of one of his biggest hits. The strings really compliment it, as do the voices of Ward Thomas on the second verse and harmonies. A cool take on a classic. (7.5/10)


Voice of the Sea - Life's an Elevator / Cosmic Dancer

Acting as a tribute to Marc Bolan and T-Rex, this is a delightful pairing of covers from Voice of the Sea, combining her strong vocals with a sweet and touching backing that pairs back the originals. The first track is much more fun than the latter, but both boast strong production. Pleasing. (6.5/10)