Every January, music magazines and radio stations publish their ‘Ones to Watch’ lists – outlining the best artists that you should keep an eye on in 2018. It can all seem pretty overwhelming to keep track of all of these lists, so here are our top 5 picks that you definitely shouldn’t ignore.
Sigrid
After already taking 2017 by storm following the release of her debut EP Don’t Kill My Vibe, Sigrid is ready to own 2018 by touring relentlessly and finally putting out her debut album. Her lyrics are fiery, loaded with emotion and sass. She has recently been crowned the winner of the BBC’s prestigious Sound of 2018 poll and following the recent release of her latest single Strangers, she’s embarking on a sold out UK tour in March.
For fans of: Adele, Astrid S
Pale Waves
There’s a lot of bands around at the moment that have a very similar sound to The 1975, but few can claim to have an endorsement from the band themselves… although Pale Waves can! They supported The 1975 on tour last year and even managed to get a lot of airplay on BBC Radio 1 – making it to 5th place on the BBC ‘Sound of 2018’ poll. Pale Waves are better than riding the coat-tails of a similar band, they are forging their own path in the industry and are at the front of a wave of female-fronted bands that are getting a lot more recognition. The start of 2018 will be super busy for the band, who are touring around Europe, the UK and America this spring, so there are plenty of opportunities to go and see what all the hype is about!
For fans of: Wolf Alice, The 1975
Jorja Smith
She’s just been named as the BRITs Critics Choice for 2018, so if that isn’t a huge endorsement of talent, I don’t know what is. Since 2016, she’s released a string of incredible singles, such as ‘Blue Lights’, ‘Where Did I Go?’ and ‘Teenage Fantasy’. After supporting Bruno Mars on tour last year, she’s starting off 2018 with her huge new single ‘Let Me Down’ featuring Stormzy and is about to embark on a sold out UK tour this February.
For fans of: Amy Winehouse, SZA
Saint Raymond
After first being thrust into the public eye while supporting Ed Sheeran on tour in 2014 and releasing his outstanding debut album Young Blood (2015), Callum Burrows took a long break from the limelight. The first new music released in two years came towards the back end of last year in the form of the A Light That Blinds EP, and I absolutely loved it! Not only did it make it onto all my playlists but also all the biggest of Spotify’s new-music-focussed playlists as well. There should be plenty of shows in the new year for you all to see what the buzz is about because he will be itching to get back on the stage after going so long without performing.
For fans of: Coldplay, Will Joseph Cook
ALMA
Despite having the hit song ‘Chasing Highs’ last year, many people are still not aware of ALMA. Her latest single ‘Phases’ was criminally underrated, as well as some of her older tunes such as ‘Karma’, but that’s all about to change in 2018. Her nomination on the BBC Sound of 2018 poll simply confirms what we already know to be true – ALMA has plenty more bops up her sleeve!
For fans of: Charli XCX, Sigrid
Other acts that you should keep an eye on in 2018: Sarah Close, Fickle Friends, Mabel, Dagny, Rex Orange County, Jade Bird.
