By Sean O | December 18th, 2012
Assembling a “Bands to Watch in 2013″ playlist has been a great way of sifting through my 2012 music discoveries. So many sounds, so many good vibes. Trying to represent them all here would be ridiculous, so I’ve narrowed things down to a list of the best new songs.
There are so many artists I love — Seven Lions, Carousel, Joey Bada$$, Draper, Ryan Hemsworth, Blondfire, Flume, Catching Flies, Petite Noir, Wildcat! Wildcat!, Waldo, AlunaGeorge, Mt. Wolf, Happa., ViLLΛGE, and Last Dinosaurs to name a few — that aren’t featured. I’m sure you’ve also got some opinions on who will be hot in 2013. Let me know who you’re stoked about in the comment section below.
For more artists on the come up, peep my archives and stay tuned. In the meantime, let’s go to it.
"HAERTS - Wings"
Eargasmic is an understatement here, folks. HAERTS came from out of nowhere with "Wings," one of the most dynamic tracks of 2012. With nearly 100,000 listens on SoundCloud, it's safe to say they hit this one out of the park. HAERTS is signed to HeavyRoc, the same label responsible for St. Lucia and The Knocks, so they're in good hands.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Dan Croll - From Nowhere"
Dan Croll is one of my favorite discoveries of 2012, and "From Nowhere" is a great way to get acquainted with the UK-based indie rock artist. I've only heard a handful of tracks, but have been quite impressed with Croll's talent. With proper studio time, I expect Dan to deliver one of the better debut albums of 2013.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Moon Boots - Got Somebody"
There was like a two week period where "Got Somebody" was the best song that ever existed, ever. When that glorious Wayne Wonder sampled kicks in, there's just no going back. Moon Boots delivered sweet, sweet dance floor nectar in 2012. With an ever-growing fan base, I expect the French Express-backed producer to keep the nu-disco flame burning well into 2013.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"MS MR - Dark Doo Wop"
MS MR impressed me greatly with Candy Bar Creep Show. "Dark Doo Wop" is one fantastic cut from the EP, and is a wonderful showcase of the New York-based duo's emotional take on electro pop. Their singles also led to some of my favorite remixes of 2012 — looking at you Twin Shadow on that sprawling "Hurricane" remix. My interest is piqued. What will MS MR deliver in 2013?
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Disclosure - Latch (Ft. Sam Smith)"
It's been a whirlwind year for Guy and Howard Lawrence, the brothers behind Disclosure. Between The Face EP and the Sam Smith-assisted "Latch," it takes a second to realize that these two have yet to drop a proper LP. Disclosure has more momentum than just about anybody heading into 2013.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Electric Guest - Holiday"
Los Angeles-based Electric Guest delivered a hell of a debut album back in April with Mondo. It's too bad that it won't be appearing on too many end-of-year lists. The rising indie rock duo have the support of Danger Mouse, which says a lot. Dude can only work with so many artists, if that makes sense. I'm excited to see how Electric Guest evolves in the new year.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"CHVRCHES - The Mother We Share"
Happy to show this up and coming Glasgow-based trio some love. CHVRCHES delivered this year's "Midnight City" with "The Mother We Share," a song drenched in synth pop goodness. Talk about replay value! Plus, having seen some of CHVRCHES' live performances floating around the web, I am convinced this act will (hopefully) put together quite the LP next year.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Tourist - Your Girl"
Tourist is something else. I fell in love with the UK-based producer's beats earlier this year with the release of his self-titled debut EP. Since then, his drops have been erratic. Late last month, he delivered the soulful, upbeat "Your Girl," which has received crazy love from the blogalaxy. Tourist's ability to blend big room dance melodies and edgier garage elements should lead to a lot of success in 2013 as the world fully embraces electronica.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather"
Zane Lowe premiered The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather” on his Radio 1 showback in March, and it quickly blew up. Since then, the band has released a few songs via their EP I'm Sorry. Have they got an album lined up? We can only guess so...
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Sir Sly - Ghost"
A whole lot of people raised their heads when we premiered Sir Sly's track "Ghost." We knew nothing about the band, but guessed that they might be fronted by Mark Foster (of Foster The People). Turns out that wasn't true...but we haven't learned much more beyond that.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).