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Last year saw the release of countless musical feats, from Beyoncé to Harry Styles, big name albums were dropping left, right and centre.
With the BRIT Award nominees just announced, here is our list of fresh artists to keep your ear out for in 2023 – because they’re about to step into a bigger spotlight.
INHALER
Inhaler proved they are a band to command your attention with their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This. The record hit number one in the UK Album Chart in 2021 and the Dublin-based group are steadily working their way to stardom.
The indie rock band’s hit single My Honest Face is an enjoyable listen for all ages, and a good place to start if you’re interested in giving the band a go.
Formed in 2012, when they were just teenagers, they are following in some big musical footsteps, as lead singer Elijah Hewson is the son of U2 legend Bono.
BLOSSOMS
Formed back in 2013, all five guys in the group attended the same secondary school in Stockport, Manchester, and co-incidentally were all born in the same hospital.
They’ve been pumping out albums consistently, making themselves a big name around the north west. If you’re interested in giving Blossoms a listen, their 2015 single Charlemagne has proven to be a fun and up-lifting tune to dance to.
WET LEG
The spunky duo behind Wet Leg are an indie rock delight for all listeners. Formed on the Isle of Wight, Rhian and Hester have dominated the scene since their debut, self-titled album reached number one in the UK, Ireland and Australia, as well as racking up an impressive five Grammy nominations.
A good place to start listening to these talented two, would be their popular singles; Wet Dream and Chaise Longue.
YARD ACT
This rock and punk band are not for the faint of heart. Yard Act express their political opinions freely through their music and their unapologetic lyrics are sure to start a fire in you.
Debut album The Overload reached number two on the UK Album Charts. They are new kids on the block after forming in 2019, but Yard Act are making their voices heard and are definitely a band to listen to if you’re into heavy rock music.
STEVE LACY
Steve Lacy was a hidden gem before 2022, being loved by fans of modern R&B for years. His newest album Gemini Rights blew up after the success of his viral single Bad Habits on TikTok, turning him into a global superstar overnight.
If you haven’t already heard of Steve Lacy at this point, the six-time Grammy nominee is worth checking out. With an impressive discography of both his own records and production work on other artists’ top hits, a good album to start with would be his 2019 album Apollo XII.
THE GARDEN
Twin brothers Wyatt and Fletcher Shears joined forces in 2011 to create a musical adventure in their experimental rock band: The Garden.
Known for their fast-paced songs, The Garden created the term “vada vada” to describe their music style, meaning: “represents total freedom of expression without boundaries or guidelines of any sort”.
Refusing to conform to any music norms, this duo headed onto the 2023 scene with a large discography. Although you’re spoilt for choice, their single Thy Mission, featuring Mac Demarco is a great place to start listening.
FONTAINES DC
Fontaines DC are the new face of Irish post-punk music. A big hit with all ages, these Grammy nominees are predicted to dominate the charts in the coming years. The group of five young men joined forces while attending music college, bonding over their joint love of poetry.
You’ll like Fontaines D.C. if you can appreciate great lyricism hidden in head-banging tunes and ferocious mosh-pits. With three albums under their belt, you can take your pick at where to start, but their newest release Skinty Fia is full of fantastic songs to sing along to.
WUNDERHORSE
Wunderhorse have impressed us all, with their debut album Cub being released just a few months ago in October, the group have already booked a headlining UK and Ireland tour.
Frontman Jacob Slater, heavily inspired by great songwriters Bob Dylan and Sinead O’Connor, tells his stories through grungy rock and powerful vocals. Cub is the starting point for this band, but definitely not the finishing line.
These are our top picks for new musical listening pleasure. Have we missed your fave out, please comment below to let us know.