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We dive into 2017’s future stars of the music industry. From grime to pop, here’s our list of top acts that you should watch out for.
First up… Dave
At only 18 years of age, Streatham based rapper Dave (previously known as Santan Dave) is already leaving a lasting mark on the UK hip-hop scene after the independent release of his debut ‘Six Paths’ EP in September, which saw him debut at #6 on iTunes album chart & #1 on the Hip-Hop chart.
Created with production partner 169 alongside Grammy Award winning producer Fraser T Smith (Adele, Kano, Stormzy), the six track EP perfectly showcases the intelligent wordplay and social commentary that Dave has become synonymous for.
The palpable sense of excitement around the young rapper has seen his debut headline show at Camden Assembly (on 9th December) sell out within 10 minutes of going on sale, not to mention earn him famous fans from Stormzy to Drake, with the Canadian artist recently remixing Dave’s track ‘Wanna Know’ for his OVO radio show.
GIRLI
Introducing 18 y/o singer-cum-rapper and native Londoner ,GIRLI. Despite her young age, GIRLI has recently collaborated with some of the most exciting new producers in London and sold out upstairs at The Garage for a special headline London show this summer.
Incredibly outspoken and intelligent, GIRLI gave a speech to the House of Commons on worker’s rights and feminism as a Young MP for Camden when she was only 15 and is becoming known for her unpredictable live shows where she has taken to protesting everything from Brexit to the UK sanitary tax.
GIRLI has recently released brand new single ‘Girl I Met on the Internet’, which like many of her previous tracks contains really interesting observations and subtext underneath her trademark tongue-in-cheek style.
Hare Squead
Hailing from Dublin, hip-hop trio Hare Squead [a play on ‘squarehead’] met through a mutual affinity for skateboarding before quickly discovering a shared love of music & a real spark when writing together.
Gearing up to the release of their debut ‘Supernormal’ EP through Columbia Records, the trio recently premiered the video for it’s lead single ‘Long Way To Go’ via Noisey. The track perfectly showcases the unique dynamic between the smooth delivery of rappers Tony Konstone and E-Knock and the soul-laden vocals of singer Jessy Rose.
Having made a distinct impression in Ireland over the last year playing to huge crowds at Longitude and Electric Picnic festivals this summer & a sold out show at Dublin’s Button Factory in September, Hare Squead are currently in the middle of supporting rising superstar Dua Lipa on her sold out European tour and they continue to bring down the house with their unique blend of hip hop, soul and pop.
Kelsey Lu
Classically trained, NYC-based instrumentalist and singer Kelsey Lu released her debut EP ‘Church’ on True Panther/Matador this June.
Recently collaborating with the likes of Blood Orange, Kelela, Wet & Solange, she joined Dev Hynes onstage to play cello at his Blood Orange & Friends benefit show at The Apollo, supported Grimes in NYC and is has joined Sampha as his main support throughout his Europe and US tour.
Incredibly switched on, she’s really outspoken about feminism and black rights, has just been shot by Ryan McGinley for Dazed, joined Young Turks on their NTS show and was the musical director for Graces Wales Bonner’s new show. ‘article’
PARRI$
PARRI$ – AKA Parris Goebel – is a native New Zealander and globally-renowned choreographer, responsible for videos from some of the biggest names in music including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj.
Also known for starring in Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’ video, Parri$ this year made her first confident strides into music with a series of incredible dance videos. The latest track ‘Fiyah’ is an explosive fusion of LA hip hop and Brooklyn bass.
The 24 year-old multi-talent releases her debut EP ‘Run & Tell Your Friends’ on October 17th.
Salute
Felix Nyajó, better known as Salute, is a one of the most exciting talents in electronica right now.
Having been born & raised in Vienna, with Nigerian heritage, before moving to the UK to study, this year he signed to influential imprint 37 Adventures before successful support slots for the likes of Flume & Caribou.
August saw the release of the hotly tipped artist/producer’s ‘My Heart’ mini-album; a great introduction to his genre blurring electronica & featuring vocals from a wealth of breakthrough talent such as D.R.A.M. & KAMAU.
The release received support from the likes of Pitchfork, The FADER, i-D, Noisey & Radio One stalwart Huw Stephens, who even invited salute and his live band to record a special Maida Vale session –
Currently on a European tour which includes dates at Amsterdam’s ADE & Paris’ Pitchfork Avant-Garde, salute has recently been back in the studio writing music that will make up part of his debut LP, which is due for release in 2017.
Saint PHNX
Hotly tipped Glaswegian duo Saint PHNX have been making waves ever since emerging during the summer with their debut single ‘Reload’ – a 3-minute dose of anthemic hooks and stadium-ready choruses that perfectly showcases their vast ambition.
Picking up over 100,000 views in a matter of days, the track drew early support from the likes of Q, 1883 Magazine, Digital Spy and BBC Radio 1 with Phil Taggert animatedly describing their sound as “Kasabian meeting Tame Impala in a Glasgow pub carpark for a big o