This Is Pop?’s advice on artists to watch out for next year. Some are absolute up-and-comers, others are already on the right track, but they all have potential that could blossom in the coming months. Enjoy!
Bryant Barnes
Houston-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Bryant Barnes has amassed hundreds of millions of views through his stunning acoustic covers on TikTok over the past few years.
Gallus
Gallus embodies youthful anticipation and energetic indie-punk. They blend the vitality of Sports Team, the wit of Yard Act, and introspection akin to Fontaines D.C. Originating in a Glasgow pub, cousins Paul and Eamon Ewins formed a band with Barry Dolan despite limited musical backgrounds. Later, they were joined by guitarist Gianluca Bernacchi, and Matt McGoldrick on bass.
Towa Bird
Since taking up electric guitar at the age of 12, Towa Bird has come to rely on her chosen instrument as something of a second voice – an immediate vessel for raw self-expression, often manifested in the form of frenetic yet sublimely executed guitar solos. Now 23 years old, the Hong Kong-born, half-Filipino, half-English singer/songwriter is ready to unleash her own original music unto the world.
Pozer
Earlier this year, the 21-year-old rapper from Croydon made history as the first UK rapper to have his first two singles – his debut Kitchen Stove and its follow-up Malicious Intentions — land in the UK singles chart at the same time.
Good Neighbours
Good Neighbours are Scott Verrill and Oli Fox who have neighbouring studios at their building in East London and first began making music for the project together out of the desire to make something positive and unpolished in a scene where most music felt quite mellow and intimate.
Bloomsday
The way Bloomsday’s Iris James Garrison writes songs feels like somewhere between a mirror and a memory. Spacious, full-bodied folk songs, they are an ode to things that are good no matter how small; they sometimes feel like the ghost of a Mary Oliver poem. Bloomsday’s new record, ‘Heart of the Artichoke’, is a relic of unfettered creativity and community. They recount the miracles of the mundane, the memories that become sacred, an ode to all that is holy: nightswimming, songs plucked from the ether, the ways friendship can endure.
Gen and the Degenerates
A rebellious and energetic alternative punk rock band, Gen and the Degenerates are known for their anthemic rock and aggression that brings swagger, charm, and presence to the stage. Continuously pushing boundaries, the band have quickly made their mark as one of the most memorable emerging live bands on the vibrant British rock scene.
Font
Font is an Austin-based band made up of Thom Waddill, Jack Owens, Anthony Lawrence, Roman Parnell, and Logan Wagner. Font began playing shows regularly in the beginning of 2022.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw
Man/Woman/Chainsaw are Billy Ward (vocals, guitars), Emmie-Mae Avery (vocals,keys/synths), Vera Leppänen (vocals, bass), Clio Starwood (violin) and Lola Cherry (drums). They are a precociously talented band from London, who recently celebrated their 100th gig. Since their debut at 16 years old and across three self-released singles,the band have proven themselves as one of the most exciting and unpredictable young acts in the capital, both joyous and raucous in equal measures.
Flip Top Head
Bewitchingly melancholic, Flip Top Head present a chimera of scintillating, poetic grit and haunting vocals into post-rock soundscapes. The six piece are laying down a marker on the alternative scene for effortlessly fusing emphatic, cult-like live performances with layers of harmony and experimental
instrumentation. Brighton-based,Flip Top Head are Bowie Bartlett, Bertie Beer, Marie Freiss, Harry Giles, Harrison Spooner and Ollie White.
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