Right here right now
So who looks like being your favourite new act of the next 12 months? JIM CARROLLasked artists, radio folk, industry dudes, journos and a football pundit who they are tipping for 2013. Here’s what they had to say
ANNIE MAC (BBC Radio One)
DISCLOSURE
Two super-talented brothers who make house music infused with garage and r’n’b. They’ve an album coming out in 2013 and I hope it does really well for them.
CONOR O’BRIEN (Villagers)
BLEEDING HEART PIGEONS
I’ve never seen Bleeding Heart Pigeons live, but the recordings I’ve heard so far are so unbelievably fully formed and emotionally gratifying to me that I’m finding it hard to believe that they’re still in their teens and have only played a handful of shows. The songs are awesome, but it’s their imaginative and textured arrangements that really set them apart for me. And the singer’s voice is ace.
AOIFE WOODLOCK (Other Voices music producer)
DRENGE BROTHERS
Eoin and Rory Loveless were destined for a musical career with those names. They are from Castleton, Sheffield, and I saw them play in their local cave at a JD event – the cave is called the Devil’s Arse and they live next door. Formed in 2010, the guitar and drums duo create a Jack-White-bluesy racket.
JEFFREY REMEDIOS (Founder Arts Crafts, Canada)
DIANA
My tip for 2013 is a band from Toronto called Diana.They’ve got this mellow, warm-blanket, sexy, vintage-but-progressive sound that I think it going to resonate with a lot of folks. I wish I’d signed them.
JESSICA (This Must Be Pop)
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
The Neighbourhood have great songs, a cool, charismatic frontman and a very fashionable sound. Their indie/r’n’b, complete with distinctive vocals and unexpected sound effects, should lead to comparisons with Lana Del Rey and Frank Ocean, and, since they’ve signed a major deal with Columbia, expect to hear them everywhere in 2013.
RICHIE EGAN (Jape)
MANO LE TOUGH
I met Mano about six years ago and, since then, he has consistently worked to become one of the best at what he does, which is produce and DJ a friendly and melodic brand of emotional vocal house music. Each year, he gets bigger and better.
BRIAN KERR (football pundit and former Republic Of Ireland manager)
THE STRYPES
I love them: energetic, confident and cool-looking; very competent musicians; versatile too. They combine the energy of the young Rolling Stones with the vocal harmonies and easy-on-the-ear sound of The Beatles. Throw in a bit of old style American blues, played with a slight twinkle in the eye, and it’s a potent mix.
CATHY DAVEY
GRETTA GUNN
She reminds me of bad dreams and primal fears. The melody is sickly sweet against the minimal but definitely sour music – and it’s really addictive. Candid lyrics to make you squirm: my kinda lady.
HARRY MARTIN (Domino Records)
LISA O’NEILL
Cavan singer imbued with the spirit of Margaret Barry and Edith Piaf. The perfect blend of charm and eccentricity, and a genuinely unique voice. Glad to report she recently signed to Domino Publishing. You’ll also hear a lot about Limerick’s richly talented Bleeding Heart Pigeons before 2013 is done.
JOHN McMAHON (Head of 2fm)
LITTLE GREEN CARS
I love their harmonies, pop sensibilities and obvious love for what they do. Their current single (The John Wayne) is just beautiful and I’m delighted that they are 2fm’s nominees for the Eurosonic festival in January.
DAN HEGARTY (2fm)
MMOTHS
Jack Colleran has been building an arsenal of material over the past 12 months, much of which we’ll hear next year. Will his music be covered on X-Factor? I doubt it, but you get the feeling he will leave an indelible mark on many in the very near future.
