So here we are, a brand new decade! Where did the past ten years go? What a better way to celebrate it than to give you our top forty acts you should be checking out this year in 2020! This list has been personally picked by our team and some of personal friends within the music industry. Check out our playlist on Spotify to listen to all their music.

THYLA

Thyla’s last EP was something special for me, so the fact that 2020 is starting with this band releasing another one, puts them right at the top of my list for bands who are going to blow everyone’s mind this year! Think space pop meets big guitar sounds with the added dose of Brighton-awesomeness’ - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

RACHEL CHINOURIRI

“Incredibly versatile artist that is full of bants and bangers.” - Tyler Damara Kelly, WTHB Writer

ARXX

“I discovered Arxx at a free bar on the opening night of Great Escape Festival over the summer, and it’s usually one of those events where people talk over the bands and don’t really care what is on stage. But this duo managed to capture everyone’s attention from the moment go! Big guitar sounds and loud drums! Bit bluesy and rock’n’roll but with a modern heavier twist. Since that show, they have dropped their EP ‘Wrong Girl, Honey’, and I’ve caught them a few more times live. And I wont lie, they get better every time! Plus they are the most polite people on stage. So loud band with wonderful personalities, what more do I need to say yo convince you?” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

NIA WYN

“Little Nia Wyn, an artist that again came on to my radar at Great Escape Festival a few years ago. But since then she has been working her sound, and the past few singles she has dropped at the end of this year have been wonderful, showing off this nu-soul vibe she has now. Her last track ’10 Seconds’ has been my winter slow jam, and has certainly got me warmed up for this EP she is releasing early 2020”. - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

ODD MORRIS

“Sharing spaces with names lie Fontaines D.C. and The Murder Capital, these Dublin boys certainly made an impact with their last single ‘Lilac Leaves’. Unlike their peers, their sound is more shoegaze-y and brooding post punk. Their headline show at the Old Blue Last this fall certainly got some tongues waggling, so keen to see what 2020 brings for them!” - Ant Adas, WTHB Assistant Editor

THE MYSTERINES

“The Mysterines crashed onto my radar with their single ‘Who’s Ur Girl?’, a track that is equally fast-paced and exciting. Having toured with the likes of Royal Blood, and The Amazons, plus selling out Jimmy’s in Liverpool in December, and upgrading their London date this February to a bigger venues tells me 2020 is starting off with a band for this band! So if you like fuzzy guitars and warm sweaty shows, go see this band on their headline tour this February.” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

JNR WILLIAMS

GLASS PEAKS

“Glass Peaks feel like the dark horse to me for 2020. Having not played a live show since mid Summer, the three piece have been locked away in the studio writing some new music. Popping out a few singles to keep those ears pricked, but they are making their return to the live scene in January at the beautiful St Pancras Old Church. So if you love dystopian-style-melodic indie rock, these are the band to keep an eye out for!” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor.

ABBIE OZARD

PINT + BLISTER

“Loud, ear piecing, somewhat surreal, but yet Chester’s Pint + Blister have the reputation of a being absolutely brutal live and it’s starting to get our hearts racing again. Whether it’s five people or one hundred people, Pint + Blister give it their all! Sounding like if Idles spat into the mouth of Slaves and then threw it into your face with no warning, this three piece are certain a band to add to your must-see gig list in 2020!” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

DRUG STORE ROMEOS

“Shoegaze, art-school melancholia mixed with that youthful effervescence.” - Tyler Damara Kelly, WTHB Writer

BELLEVUE DAYS

“Their debut album is stunning (at least to me). Plus three of the four provide lead vocals for different songs which is kinda unique and keeps both their music and their whole sound fresh.” - James O’Sullivan, WTHB Writer

SHANGHAI BLUES

“If you love does shots of Jager and getting stupidly sweaty at gigs, then this is the band for you!” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

CLEOPATRICK

“A Canadian two-piece that are stunning live. Incredibly hard-hitting music, poundingly energetic and simply what ‘rock’ music needs right now. Plus, their support slot with Frank Carter is sure to make them explode” - James O’Sullivan, WTHB Writer

BEACH BUNNY

KELSY KARTER

“‘Liquor Store on Mars’ that’s it, that’s the answer. No explanation needed” - Laura Freyaldenhoven, WTHB Writer

CHAPTER AND VERSE

“Gritty post-hardcore with poignant messages of self-care and inclusivity at the heart.” - Tyler Damara Kelly

ALEXANDRA SAVIOUR

“Her second album is soon to be released (after working on her first album with Alex Turner) and I am looking forward to hearing her new songs!” - Lizzie Conner, WTHB Writer

RAYOWA

“Their debut gig was so much fun - excited to hear their next few songs!” - 'Lizzie Conner, WTHB Writer

TAMINO

“Very emotive, raw, moody music and vocals. Not the type of sound I have heard a lot of before.” - Lizzie Conner, WTHB Writer

JOY CROOKES

“Already starting to pick up traction, Joy Crookes is only set to make an even bigger name for herself with her powerhouse vocals, strong feminist message and awe-inspiring charisma. Her recent nomination by the BRITs onto their Rising Star shortlist is only the first of a long list of accolades that will come her way” - Athena Kam, WTHB Writer

DREAM NAILS

LARKINS

“Teasing debut album, picking up a hell of a lot of speed in regards to fans/radio plays/exposure. Just finished a 30+ date tour hitting pretty much every part of the country.” - James Baker, WTHB Writer and Photographer

CLAUD

“Debut EP came out this year, speaks about a lot of underrepresented issues in the industry i.e. the queer experience i.e.i.e. “wish you were gay” is what billie eilish’s single should’ve been. non-binary legend and super talented!!!” - Audrey Battis, WTHB Photographer

VISTAS

MXMTOON

“Been a huge fan since her early ‘plum blossom’ EP, but her bedroom pop is going to take over the world this year” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor.

SUBCULTURE

“I first stumbled across Subcutlure from his work on producing Tertia May’s tracks and EP. But in 2019 he dropped his debut mixtape, featuring some amazing names, and to me was album of the year. So I'm keen to see where 2020 takes him.” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

OTTA

GEOFFROY

“I'm rather obsessed with Geoffrey's new album 1952, which is rather reminiscent of Nick Murphy aka Chet Faker in it's brooding electronica with flourishes of melodic soul, indie songwriting and flawless production. One track you must listen to is 'When Everything Is Gone'.” - Hannah Thacker, Charm Factory

TAMZENE

MIMI BAY

ELIZA SHADDAD

SORRY

“Twisted and dark indie, that's also catchy. You can hum along to the beeps.” - Ellie Thompson, Prescription PR

WALT DISCO

“One of the most exciting artists I've seen live in the last twelve months” - Matt Aston, Super Cat

JORDAN MACKAMPA

BONNIESONGS

“One of my biggest regrets of 2019 is not seeing Bonniesongs live, her album ‘Energetic Mind’ is takes art-folk to a whole new level, plus I can just ignore the world with her music and walk around with a smile on my face. Definitely won’t miss her playing live this time around.” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor.

ANGELICA GARCIA

“When the world finally catches up with Angelica Garcia, they are going to be obsessed with her. Definitely the most unique artist I discovered last year! 2020 for Angelica is certainly going to be exciting!” - Ant Adams, WTHB Assistant Editor

NELSON CAN

DAN D’LION

“He's energetic, quirky and is creating a new wave of left field pop music. He's jumped up onto the scene and he's racing full steam ahead. Achieving, SO much this past year, I am so excited to see where 2020 will take him. Take note, you will see him popping up, dancing around and all in all having a great time next year.” -Keely Bremner

WTHB Ones To Watch 2020