There’s very few things that make January worthwhile. Film season is one (Shame being the highlight so far – read the review here – and of course the Golden Globes). Erm, what else? Well, nothing, save for annual onslaught of new band lists and tips for the year ahead.
With that in mind, we recently picked 100 names for you to check out, a massive list of new music that should see you through the next couple of months. Here’s 20 of the best in glorious widescreen. Drop your own tips at the bottom, and listen to all 100 in our bespoke Soundcloud player at the end.
- Grimes
- Spector
- A$AP Rocky
- DZ Deathrays
- Howler
- Wise Blood
- Azealia Banks
- Friends
- Discopolis
- Willis Earl Beal
- 2:54
- King Krule
- Citizens
- Toy
- Alabama Shakes
- Apes & Horses
- Frank Ocean
- Dog Is Dead
- Zulu Winter
- Milk Music
Not actually grime at all, Claire Boucher is rethinking electro pop instead. Photo: Tom Oxley/NME
Fred Macpherson’s latest project, a dapper arch indie collective. Photo: Roger Sargent/NME
Harlem’s new rap prodigy, just signed for big bucks. Photo: Pieter M Van Hattem/NME
Australian noiseniks that call to mind The Scare. Remember them? Photo: Amy Brammall/NME
2012’s answer to The Strokes – expect a very successful year from this lot. Photo: Pieter M Van Hattem/NME
A gloriously chaotic mess of Led Zep beats and Outkast-style funk. Photo: Press
You must know Banksy by now – rap’s potty-mouted protegee. Photo: Richard Johnson/NME
Angular indie thrills from the Brooklyn collective. Photo: Matt Salacuse/NME
Clue’s in the title – kind of. Photo: Eoin Carey.
[Pic from The Skinny]
The fact XL picked him tells you all you need to know. Go listen. Photo: Press
Bad name, great tunes from the sisters, who come hotly-tipped by Hayden Thorpe no less. Photo: David Edwards/NME
He may sport “African sunset” hair, and only be 17, but the hype-adverse teenager will be doing Big Things this year. Photo: Mikael Gregorsky/NME
London’s Citizens were tagged in the new bands issue as the new Franz Ferdinand. Alex Kapranos himself tips them, so check them out. Photo: Press
Formed from some of the ashes of Joe Lean’s band, these Londoners look instead to The Horrors for their inspiration. Photo: Stew Capper/NME
Rough Trade’s raucous soul rocker from, you guessed it, Alabama. Photo: Pieter M Van Hattem/NME
Parisian duo, for fans of Wu Lyf and Talking Heads. Photo: Press
Odd Future’s smooth soul crooner, striking out on his own. Photo: Press
Nottingham boys fond of harmonies, for Fleet Foxes and Mumford fans especially, but everyone welcome. Photo: Press
Branded “the new Foals” in the mag, but sharing DNA with the Vaccines and Friendly Fires too. Download ‘Never Leave’. Photo: Press
The most exciting DIY band to come out of America in years. Photo: Jean Nagai