WTHB Ones To Watch 2022
2021 was filled with ups and downs, we started the year with a full national lockdown, but as summer crept up on us, festivals started coming out of the shadows. Sick to death of live streams, the live music scene came back with a bang. Huge sets from Wolf Alice at Lattitude Festival, Reading brought us Stormzy and Liam Gallagher, while Slam Dunk provided us with a huge light show from Don Broco. After a disastrous year with many music venues shut or at limited capacity, the end of 2021 saw the live scene start to make a return, maybe not to it’s full potential - but there is some sunshine peaking through the cloudy skies.
Music always fights itself out of a corner, no matter how troubled it may be. And 2021 was no different, as it provided us with a massive wave of new talent. So with that in mind, here is our top musical names you should be keeping an eye on next year in 2022!
Amber Jay, Ash Lune, Beren Olivia, Cassyette, Cathy Jain, Claire Rosinkranz, Cody Frost, Connie Constance, dexter, Doll Skin, Finn Askew, girlhouse, Honey Mooncie, Just Mustard, Kai Kwasi, Laufey, Lowertown, The Mysterines, Peakes, Polo, Sad Boys Club, SPINN, swim school, Tom King, Veps, Wallice, Witch Fever, Yen Strange, Zuzu, Sister Lucy, Thomas Headon, Mollie Coddled, Kid Brunswick, Billie Flynn, Devon Again, Head Ballet.
Amber Jay
FFO: Billie Eilish, Marika Hackman, PHOEBE ∆X∆
Top Tracks: ‘The House’, ‘Equal’, ‘Pencilled Brims’
It’s been quite the year for Liverpool based artist Amber Jay. After releasing her debut EP in March - she has been hitting the road supporting the likes of Michael Aldag, Girli, Georgia and Zuzu. A bedroom-pop vibe with hints of atmospheric cinematic sounds. Amber Jay has a pure ability to ignore boundaries in non-conformist fashion to make each genre her own.
Amber Jay took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
I’d say one high was supporting Michael Aldag at his Liverpool and London shows. I changed my setup for those gigs and developed my live show, which has had a really good response so far!
I think the year has felt low in a way in which I feel like I’ve got a pandemic hangover. Like I think i didn’t start processing what’s actually happened till this year. It’s hard though cause it’s so easy to slip into a negative mindset when so much good stuff music wise has happened too!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
Probably my latest single ‘Equal.’ I was supported by a non profit organisation called ‘start the wave’ who covered the recording costs but more importantly stood behind the message of the track too. Having them support it was a huge moment for me personally. Also it’s a bop to play live.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I supported Me and Deboe in London in November and seeing them play live is incredible. I think they’re actual geniuses. Also I played a show the other day and it was dead. I could see more floorspace than people. But I t was one of the best gigs I’ve done and had the most fun doing it because I put no pressure on myself and just enjoyed myself it.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Nooo this is such a hard question. I’d say orla gartlands album ‘woman on the internet’ has been my fave record to come out. I know the whole album and love every song. Which is really rare for me. I think she’s a classic songwriter and her story telling is brilliant.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Callum Crighton is doing major major things. I’m excited to see the projects he’s got planned play out.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Omg okaaaay. I’d call it ‘rainbow road’ and it would be this magical beach festival. It would be super colourful with soft neon lights everywhere, beach huts selling cold drinks and fresh food. BBQs, people playing volley ball and big roaring camp fires everywhere. I’d go full on and have gaga as the headliner. Why not.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Slowly slowly catchy monkey. (I believe it’s a Killing Eve quote)
What does 2022 hold in store for you
Hopefully loads more cool opportunities and new music :)
Ash Lune
FFO: Lana Del Ray, Laura Marling, Lorde
Top Tracks: ‘Panic At The Party’, ‘Before’
We got introduced to Brisbane based artist Ash Lune rather late in the year when she released her debut single ‘Panic At The Party’ in August. With stunning piano led pop songs, Ash Lune has a timelessness quality to her music - taking listeners back to a simpler time of being. With stunning melodies paired with brilliant, poetic lyricism - it might be rather early in this artists career, and with her debut album EP out this February - we are excited for the beautiful journey she is going to be taking us on.
Ash Lune took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Not being able to see my family for almost two years now has definitely been one of the biggest lows for me. I also definitely feel like Covid has taken away a lot of opportunities from artists, specifically new and emerging artists, in the music industry. Even if I don’t fully acknowledge that blow, I know that I frequently think of the “what if’s” at the back of my mind. However, I’m still quite grateful to even get this far. So many people have much less. I feel very lucky to be signed to my dream management and to have so much love and support from every direction.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
I’ve only released two songs this year really. If you ask me to pick from my EP, neither of the songs I released this year would be my favourite. However, Panic At The party will always be a special song for me because it was my debut single and it received a phenomenal amount of love and support from everyone. Imagine having a debut single play so many times on BBC Radio One and having Jack Saunders passionately talk about it every time that it plays. That’s insane, in a beautiful way of course.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I haven’t been to a lot of live shows this year. I’ve only been to three live shows in my entire life so I wouldn’t be the best judge. I used to perform quite a bit in Bombay and I look forward to performing at my live shows. I’m currently working on my live set and the whole Lune team is trying to make it super captivating. We’re looking to sell an experience, rather than just a show.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
I’d say it’s impossible for me to pick a song of the year for me when a lot of the music I listen to wasn’t even released this year. Song of the year if picked from 2021 for me would either be ‘Till forever falls apart- Ashe & Finneas’ or ‘Dumb Love- Mimi Webb”. I spent a large amount of time listening to Madison Beer’s Debut Album, Life support, for the first half of the year. In the middle I listened to Kanye West’s Donda Album. By the end I was obsessed with Blue Bannisters (the album) by Lana Del Rey.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I don’t know I probably don’t have any.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Lune Land. The headliners would be Lana Del Rey, Miley Cyrus, FINNEAS, Jaden, Vance Joy, Rex Orange County, Cuco, Two Door Cinema Club, BlackPink , Sam Smith and The Weekend. Not in that order.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Fantastic, blurry, exhausting and A pleasant surprise.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Happiness & success I hope.
Beren Olivia
FFO: Dua Lipa, Mabel, Tate McRae
Top Tracks: ‘Early Hours of the the AM’, ‘Hurt Again’
Over the next few months Beren Olivia is going to be a name you will be hearing a lot. A fresh new take on the modern pop, this artist has already raked up over five million online streams this year. Her debut EP was produced by Dylan Bauld, who has worked with big names such as Halsey, and it’s filled with chart anthems made for big arena venues. Definitely the pop-star to keep an eye on!
Beren Olivia took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
My high was definitely Reading Festival! It was the first festival I’d ever been to and it was also over my birthday weekend so we had such a blast! The low is probably the fact I didn’t get to travel and tour as much as we initially had planned this year due to Covid…but next year will be a different story!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
It’s got to be 'Early Hours of the AM' just because the music video for it is one of my favourite things I’ve ever done. I had all of my best friends in the video and we had the best time filming it. I kept forgetting we were on an actual shoot - it just felt like one of the many sleepovers we’ve all had!
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I saw Harry Styles for the first time in LA last month and I’m still in recovery mode from it. Hands down the best show I’ve ever seen. Also in October, my band and I went into rehearsals for the first time putting my own show together for next year and I’ve got to say, I’m so so excited about it I can’t even begin to tell you.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
The two albums I’ve probably listened to the most that came out this year are Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" album and Jxdn’s "Tell Me About Tomorrow”. They were all over my Spotify Wrapped!
Who are your top picks for next year?
I think the artist DYLAN is cool! I’ve been watching her grow this last year and I’m so excited to see what she’s got up her sleeve for next year!
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I’ve always wanted to go to a beach festival, so I’d definitely have it by the ocean. I’d call it “Virgo” or something like that because it literally became a joke over the Reading weekend that I got asked what my star sign was every half an hour by a random person. I’d have Yungblud, Jxdn, Halsey, Avril Lavigne, Sam Fender, Post Malone. I could go on but I’m going to stop myself there
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
I learned a lot about myself, my music and the industry and I feel like I’ve gotten myself into a position where Im ready to take on 2022.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Lots of singles to be released, lots of shows to be played and lots of overdue hugs that are often talked about on Twitter with the fans!
Cassyette
FFO: Wargasm, Nova Twins
Top Tracks: ‘Dear Goth’
There is a huge amount of mystery that surrounds Cassyette, but we can’t help but be drawn to it. Having done a collaboration with Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes this year, there is certainly a storm brewing next year for Cassyette.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Yeah it was shit.
I lost my dad at the beginning so wasn’t great.
He was my biggest supporter so I guess throwing myself into my art was the best thing I could do. I have just been focusing on my career as an artist, lots of highs have come from that. I know he would be proud
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
Petrichor because it is about ending a chapter and starting a new one. I needed something new in my life and that song helped me turn a corner
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
My favourite show was at the courtyard theatre in Hoxton playing my first London headline it was wild it sold out really quickly and the crowd came in with so much energy. Was such a vibe in there people were on the ceiling.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Kid Brunswick X forever EP
It’s fucking awesome and I wrote some of it.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Kid Brunswick
Wargasm
Bambie Thug
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Cultur Cult and hot bitchez
Would be on a beach in the heat
With all the Cultur Cult gang and our favourite bands
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Every cloud has a silver lining.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
The Mayhem tour in February to kick start a year of fucking awesome music that I’m so excited for you to hear.
Cathy Jain
FFO: Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean
Top Tracks: ‘Cool Kid’, ‘green screen’
Cathy Jain is only just seventeen but this year has seen her sign to YALA! Records, gain support from the likes of Lauren Laverne and Greg James. Played an amazing set at Lattitude Festival for good measure. A cool blend of hazy, blissful little alt-pop laced with hints of R&B.
Cathy took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
There have been so many highs this year from performing at Latitude to the release of my debut EP. It was so much fun spending time over the summer recording new songs with super cool producers too. Sadly the restrictions on travel meant that I couldn’t see my grandparents for quite a while so that would be the only low for me. Luckily my overseas family can still watch and listen online and support my music nonetheless!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
I think ‘cool kid’ has been my favourite release this year. I wrote it when I was in quite an anxious part of my teenage life and many people have told me how much they relate to the lyrics which was so touching to hear. It was also the song that got me so far into the live lounge competition and hearing such talented artists like Ellie Rowsell, Yungblud and Celeste compliment it really made me feel recognised!
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
This year was the first time I saw a proper live music concert! It was Wolf Alice at Latitude and it was mind-blowingly awesome. I also saw Eloise who performed on the same stage as me - she has been such an inspiration to my songwriting. I’m so excited to see more shows next year since tours are starting up again!
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
Album of the year for me would have to go to Lana Del Rey’s ‘Blue Banisters’. I’m such a huge fan and her songwriting on this album is absolutely beautiful. I love all the subtle details in the production and the hopefulness of the lyrics. My current favourites on the album would be ‘Dealer’, ‘Sweet Carolina’ and ‘Black Bathing Suit’. Definitely recommend!
Who are your top picks for next year?
Conan Gray is one of my favourite artists and he has big plans for world touring next year so I’d definitely look out for him! There have also been rumours that Frank Ocean will be headlining Coachella in 2023 so I’m dying for him to release some new music. That would be the best news for 2022 for sure.
If you could organise a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I'm very much a city girl so I'd love to arrange something in a big city. Maybe Beijing as I spent most of my childhood there. We could call it "Top of the World" and have shows at rooftop venues on top of the skyscrapers. For those who like a more rural experience there could be a big camp in the forests around the Great Wall of China outside of Beijing and call it the ‘The Great Wall of Music’. I’d love to increase recognition for asian artists so having the whole 88rising lineup as well as groups like BTS would be so dope. We could even incorporate traditional dance and opera elements to spread cultural awareness and positivity!
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
The start of something amazing....
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
I spent most of lockdown writing new music and recorded a load of songs over summer. Plans are already in place to start releasing these songs early in the year and a longer EP to be released before the summer!!! This new one is far more experimental and playful, with a theme surrounding space, aliens and other extraterrestrial things. I’m so excited to get it out as soon as I finish A-levels in June!!
Claire Rosinkranz
FFO: Olivia Rodrigo, Benee
Top Tracks: ‘Backyard Boy’, ‘don’t miss me’
Claire Rosinkranz has been making the headlines this year as a major breakthrough artist. Having just won the award for Best Breakthrough song at the MTV Video Awards 2021 for her huge hit ‘Backyard Boy’. The song exploded on TikTok and went on to become a viral hit, eclipsing over half-a-billion total streams and receiving widespread acclaim. Her debut EP BeVerly Hills BoYfRiend quickly followed via her signing with slowplay/Republic.
Claire took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Highs - spending time w/ friends, making music w dad, getting to perform for the first time.
Lows - not being able to hang w/ friends or rly go out when we were in the heat of covid.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
One of my fav projects I put out was my 6 of a billion EP but more specifically I was excited for my songs ‘pretty little things’ and ‘Frankenstein’ (both in the EP).
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
Performing in LA and NY have been some of my favorite live experiences but besides that I lovvveed gov ball.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
My go to song this yr was probably the Spins by Mac Miller.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Cautious Clay, Tai Verdes, Lexi Jayde, Clinton Kane, 347 Aidan, Aidan Bissett.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I’d call it frank fest (Frankenstein fest) or in a billion and it would be on the moon and SZA, Drake, JB Doja and Tame Impala would headline .
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Scary emotional and exciting roller coaster.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
GET AS MUCH MUSIC OUT AS POSSIBLE. an album + more tours.
Cody Frost
FFO: Ashnikko, Bring Me The Horizon and MCR
Top Tracks: ‘Berlin’, ‘STOMACHACHES’
Cody Frost could honestly be the cult-pop super star in the making. She creates pop music that is made for the radio, that clean commercial sound but it comes with a huge dose of authenticity. There is no fucking about when it comes to Cody - a kind of ‘this is me, don’t like it? Fuck off then!’. And in a sea of TikTok music stars and label money fueled artists - you definitely need people like Cody Frost to show you what true pop music is. Co-writing/producing partner Dan Weller - the co-founder of cult Brit metal experimentalists SiKtH helps Cody put a unique spin on her music giving us a blender full of punk and alt-pop.
Cody took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
I think getting to perform live has definitely been one of my highs. My lows have been me trying to adapt to this new world and dealing with my anxiety, but so many positive things happened for me this year so I’m thankful for that!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
I thoroughly enjoyed the process of making BERLIN, it’s the start of something new and fresh for me and I’m super excited about it
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I got to see Ashnikko at Leeds Fest this year and that was pretty sick, I’m really looking forward to seeing Enter Shikari at the end of the year though, I’ll be at the front, crying.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Omg Doja Cat’s 'Planet Her', every song on that album slaps.
Who are your top picks for next year?
This is hard, I saw The Elephant Trees love the other day and they were SICK, but also Orchid has been dropping some really great songs and Zand!!!
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
My Chemical Romance, Enter Shikari, Deftones, The Skints, Somewhere In A Forest. I’d Call It Boogy Town :)
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Growth, patience and change
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
MORE MUSIC and hopefully more live music!
Connie Constance
FFO: Joy Crookes, Baby Queen, Rosie Lowe
Top Tracks: ‘Kids Like Us’, ‘Prim & Propa’
Connie Constance has cemented herself as an English rose unapologetic about her thorns. Her worldly wit brings the personal to the universal, and her music is a defiant act of rebellion through her curiosity and never-ending explorations of anger, tenderness and fun. With a huge sold out tour this year, Connie brought her unmistakable voice and modern British-style-pop music to the masses. 2022 is going to be amazing for this artist.
Connie took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Highs have to be my U.K. tour. It was so amazing to finally see the faces and meet the energy of the gremlins that have been listening to my music. These songs have really helped me get through these last two years and so when my listeners were telling me that they have helped them too, it felt like our online family came alive. Lows were really every time something fun in the pipeline got cancelled, makes you feel like nothing is really happening until it happens. Which I guess is the truth of the universe and time anyway, like you can’t be certain on the future, however it is nice to have things to look forward to.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
Ahhh dam, this is such a hard question, I think the song I’m most entertained at the thought of it existing beyond my own headphones is Prim & Propa. I feel like it sounds like stepping into an 80’s college party and punching that arsehole in the face that’s been making your life a living hell. I was so bored of new music when me and karma kid made that song. Just needed to bring some drama into existence and that song does it for me.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
It’s really been the boys for me this year. Hak Bakers show at village underground was so emotional, important and chaotic which is everything the world needs in my opinion. I also got to see obongjayar at the roundhouse and his energy on stage was electric and band was so in sync it felt like I was invited into his world rather than being performed at. I had Sam Akpro support me in London and Bristol and his show was beautiful, raw but badass. I think within my generation we have really praised and allowed space for men to express themselves in a more avant garde or emotional way and as long and the gate holders move out the way for what is happening in especially black music we will create a future where music coming from male artists is more eclectic then ever before.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Stay alive - Hak Baker is the greatest song ever written. Period.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Connie Constance, Rachel Chinouriri, Aziya
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I’d call it B.B.B.B. ( baddass black and brown bitches )
Somewhere very in your face for the first one like Central Park or Hyde park.
Headliners would be Willow Smith, Megan the stallion, MIA, Azealia Banks.
Then.
Myself obviously, Aziya, Nova Twins, Lava la Rue.
That would be a killer festival.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
We came we slayed, we did what we had to do and we kept it moving.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Finishing my album
Releasing more choons
Double or triple the gremlin empire
See places I’ve never seen before.
Have fun.
dexter
FFO: Arlo Parks, Josie Man, Pixey
Top Tracks: ‘Paper Cup’, ‘Blue Skies’
If you haven’t heard of dexter - where have you been the past twelve months? dexter is the moniker of 18-year-old Charmaine, who first arrived with a series of self-uploads in 2020 that were created entirely on her phone. They caught the attention of the likes of Annie Mac and Sian Eleri on BBC Radio1, and were independently picked up by playlists including Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Our Generation. Creating beautifully-dreamy bedroom pop sounds that creates a backdrop for her honest-relatable style lyrics to fly on. Capturing a raw sense of youthful melancholy and a bittersweet self-awareness, dexter is an artist for her generation.
dexter took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Getting one mill streams on a song for the first time has been really cool as well as doing my first show and realising my first EP has all been really exciting and stuff I didn’t see myself doing now a year ago.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
My favourite song I released this year has been either 'Blue Skies' or 'Maybe the Problem Is Me' as they are the two songs that still resonate the most with me now and the two I’ve been the most excited to release this year
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
I don’t know if this counts as a show but the Corteiz Bone Soda party in summer was very very fun and it was just so good it was so fun oh my gosh and also I really enjoyed Ashbecks headline at Sebright Arms in July that was so cool
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
I don’t have a specific song but Pinkpantheress’ music has been sick this year and my favourite song from her has been 'Time with Me'. Slowthai's album was ALSO SO GOOD. I also loved ‘Believe What I Say’ off of the Donda album that is definitely one of my favourite songs this year. But the songs I’ve listened to the most this year are 'Vas' by Jagger Finn, 'Sunday' by Earl Sweatshirt and 'Focus' by Slowthai.
Who are your top picks for next year?
My top picks for next year would be Louis Culture , Nix Northwest , Kamal, Ashbeck, Deb Never and Nayana IZ.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I’ve actually thought about this and it would be called Jamville which is a place I made up last year the name just sounds cool. It would have all my favourite artists and people who really inspire me like Beabadoobee , Tom Misch , Tyler the creator , Solange , Mura Masa , King Krule and Rex Orange County. AND HOMESHAKE WOULD BE THERE .I would also want Sade and Phil Collins to come cos that would be so cool . And Tom Austin would have to host it cos he is the funniest person ever.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
A very interesting year.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
I’m not sure but I hope it will be cool.
Doll Skin
FFO: Dream Nails, Nova Twins, VUKOVI
Top Tracks: ‘Eat Shit’, ‘Control Freak’
After five years of touring together, we only managed to stumble across Doll Skin at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival. Combining an influence of hard rock and punk sounds. They signed to Hopeless Records in 2019, but this past year they have really been capturing people’s attention with their intense live shows and strong message. We know we are late to the party, but Doll Skin are blooming awesome!
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
It certainly has Some good moments over the past few months includes us playing Slam Dunk Fest in the UK, and also touring with Neck Deep, Hot Milk, and Anti Flag! We also released two singles over quarantine that we love: Control Freak and Eat Shit. PS. I’m currently doing this interview from our hotel room in Buffalo on the last day of the Anti Flag tour!
As for lows, we’ve been through A LOT over quarantine. Half our band decided to exit the band, which we have no bad blood over. The transition period was pretty tough, but we got through it and we have a strong team on our side!! We love finding new femme and non-binary talent to join us on tour. We love being able to give them opportunities like these!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
My personal favorite has been our single Control Freak. That song was a labor of love with our friends Zach Tuch and Max Calkins. Zach blew this song out of the water with the production. I’m also super proud of how my drums sound in the song!
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
Our second set at Slam Dunk felt pretty incredible!
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
I might give you a list. Bare with me.
Bands with sick releases this year:
The Technicolors’ new album Cinema Sublimina
Turnstile’s new album Glow On
Every single that Delaire the Liar has released this year
Pinegrove’s singles Orange and Alaska.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I’m obsessed with anything Pinegrove and I know they’re releasing a new album soon so I’m veryyyy stoked about that.
If you could organise a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would be your headliners?
We’re actually in the middle of organizing one right now. Stay tuuuuned.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Unadulterated
Unhinged
Chaos
Finn Askew
FFO: Easy Life, The Kid Laroi
Top Tracks: ‘Tokyo’, ‘Adidas’
Over the past 18 months Finn Askew has clocked up millions of streams across platforms and garnered radio support from all the right areas. He played a storming set at Reading & Leeds festival to his rabid fanbase and played four sold out shows this November. His six track EP ‘Tokyo’ provided us with a huge Gen-Z ethos with it being unable to be pinned down to one genre. With a number of major live shows and festival appearances in the pipeline for 2022; all focus now is on the incredibly bright future Finn Askew has ahead of him.
Finn took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for him.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
I feel like my biggest high was festival season, jus playing to big crowds and seeing myself on the big screen was very surreal. I think I felt my lowest at the start of the year there were just a few personal things weighing me down, but 2021 ended up being one of the best years of my life so it all worked out.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
I’d probably say tokyo, its a song I’ve been sitting on for a few years & it’s just super nice that it’s finally out & the world can give it the love it deserves.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
My favourite show I went too was probably Kamal’s debut headline last month & my favourite show of the year was probably my headline show at the Courtyard Theatre.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Album wise I’d probably day fuck love 3 by Kid Laroi, one of a few albums were I know most of the lyrics. super hard to pick a single track, there’s been so many, I feel like 2021 has been a good year for music.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Kamal
Berwyn
Lucy Blue
Master Peace
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Blue Boy Festival
Cornwall (anywhere near the sea)
The 1975
Kid Laroi
Post Malone
Lil Tracy
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
The start.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Hopefully big things but we will have to wait & see.
girlhouse
FFO: Phoebe Bridgers, Soccer Mommy, Lucy Dacus
Top Tracks: ‘boundary issues’, ‘concussion’
Following on from the release of her critically acclaimed debut 'the girlhouse ep' in May this year, which found support from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6Music - girl house finished off her year with the amazing ‘the second ep’. Blending a mix of alt-pop and lo-fi indie-rock textures throughout, her newest EP is a true bold captivating proof of her forward-thinking approach to songwriting.
girlhouse took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
The lows have definitely been associated with Covid still existing and our shows being cancelled due to it. We are SO ready to play shows but we’re still waiting for the right time. Concussion getting on NMF was definitely a high for us. We’re big Spotify fans so that was really exciting.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
Knuckle Tattoo was the most fun to make and release. We dropped it right on New Years and made the video as the sun was going down on 2020.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
We haven’t seen a lot of shows this year but we saw Lydia Luce in the park this summer and it was magical.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Everything big thief and Lucy Dacus do is perfect.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Rick Steves Travel has a lot of great things in store. He’s already hiking a ton so I feel like content in 2022 is gonna be amazing.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Seeking Validation From Strangers Fest 2022, located in a cave under Kentucky. Featuring: Fanclubwallet, dad sports, Casey dubie, Richard Orofino, samia, Lucy Dacus, lomelda, and big thief (all if they’re free and want to come).
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
‘Crying into my coffee’ or ‘why is every day still the same?’.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Leaving my house.
Honey Mooncie
FFO: Amy Winehouse, Joy Crookes, Celeste
Top Tracks: ‘1953’, ‘Better Run’
Sussex artist Honey Mooncie has truly captured our hearts with her mix of pop and jazz influences. Honey began writing music at just 11 years old, influenced by the songwriting greats, whilst also consuming contemporary pop music to create her own unique style that combines retro aesthetics with modern embellishments. Honey Mooncie is a cool force of nature within the UK net-jazz scene.
Honey took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Releasing my mixtape ‘To Whom It May Concern’ was a massive high of this year. Making the mixtape through the pandemic was definitely a challenge but I think it’s made me treasure and appreciate performing live and writing with others more.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
This is a tricky one!! I think either ‘1953’ or ‘You Can’t See Me Anymore’.
‘1953’ was the first track I wrote with Fred and Owen and I remember it just being so easy, the memory I have of that day makes me love the song even more. It is the perfect love song to me, not too cheesy whilst telling all the lovely parts of falling in love. The lyrics of this song are defo my favourite from my mixtape.
‘You Can’t See Me Anymore’ is one of my favourites to sing, it’s vocally quite challenging for me but so much fun. I remember going into the session and saying “I want to write a James Bond theme” and I think we did a pretty decent job! I think it will always be between those two tracks.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I went to a Billie Marten show a month or so ago in London and it was so lovely, her voice is so dreamy.
I also supported Sam Wills at Omeara in the summer and the audience was one of the best. Everyone was just so happy to be in a room dancing and singing together. The atmosphere was insane that night.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
There’s been loads of good music out this year! One of my favourites is Arlo Parks’ album, also Eloise’s mini-album is soo good, I wish I wrote her song ‘Wanderlust’ it’s so beaut.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I recently started listening to a singer called Gracie Abrams who released her album the same day as me and it’s defo my go-to at the moment.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Ooo that’s really hard! I’d need to have a good think on the name but would be cool for it to be on the coast somewhere. My headliners would be Jessie Ware (I love her latest album) and maybe Big Thief, they’re a fav of mine too.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Exciting, unpredictable and hopeful.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Lots of new music! I’ve been writing a lot over the recent months and can’t wait to carry on writing more. A few gigs are on the cards too, which I’m very excited for!
Just Mustard
FFO: Fontaines DC, The Murder Capital, Sorry
Top Tracks: ‘I Am You’
Irish five piece Just Mustard have been providing us with a few tasters this year of their highly anticipated album, which is due out in 2022. Giving us a unique and intense take on shoegaze it is no wonder this band finished a huge sold out tour this year and are supporting Fontaines DC in the spring. Freshly signed to Partisan Records, Just Mustard are pushing boundaries by dismantling the genre they belong it in to full beautifully chaotic effect.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Highs were without doubt getting back to playing and going to shows again, I think everyone generally took the experience of live music for granted somewhat. Lows were the opposite of that.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
‘I am you’, its quite an old track relative to the rest of the music on our next album so it was nice to finally get that out
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
Definitely seeing Jinx Lennon in The Spirit Store Dundalk, Ireland
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Black metal 2 - Dean Blunt.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Clara Tracey, Cruel Sister, Elaine Malone
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Would organise a festival in Dundalk it has everything you need a forest and a beach. The headliners would be Elvis, Nirvana, Jinx Lennon, The Mary Wallopers, Enya and us. And it would be called ‘The Dundalk Music Festival’
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Very bad and then a bit good.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Hopefully a whole lot of gigging, releasing and writing music and trying some new dinners.
Kai Kwasi
FFO: Arlo Parks, Puma Blue
Top Tracks: ‘Cracks’, ‘sms’
South East London based Kai found a natural home for himself as a musician. Influenced by a variety of sounds from Highlife and Bossa nova to RnB, Soul and Grime, Kai’s diverse references have shaped a musicality unique only to Kai’s upbringing - equal parts Indie, Jazz, RnB, LoFi and Bedroom Pop. Growing up in South-East London, his Mum was a dancer and his Dad was a rapper, with his musical exposure an intersection of their tastes everything from D’Angelo, Kano, Jay Z to Otis Redding and Drummers of Burundi. Having spent the past couple of years perfecting his craft, the Jahlila EP is set to affirm Kai’s arrival on the contemporary British scene, a first look at a bright and authentic young talent.
He took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for him.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Highlight was getting to play a bunch of shows in November ending with one in Paris [Pitchfork Music Festival]. I’m still very new to it all so it’s all learning and figuring things out. Low light prolly almost getting arrested in Paris, or having work the day I got back tbh, you choose.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
'Cracks' is exciting for me because it’s the first song out from this project i’ve been working my ass off on but theres a b-side called aint that just the way which is still probably my favourite so far.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
Gotta be watching Joy Crookes every night, stupendous set. Shrink as well! His set is cold, they do light and shade so well.
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
Dijon's new project soundtracked our tour, that shit is emotional abuse. First album in a long ass time I've loved the whole way thru.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I think everyone’s gonna know about Lea Sen, got a sneak peak at dat n that shit is oo boi. Been listening to a lot of reggie, and Venna's project 'VENOLOGY' has been on repeat everywhere I go.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Abandoned office settings, get everyone playin tiny desk like sets. We’re gonna track down D’angelo, get Natalia Lafourcade to play. Fuck it - Mary J. Blige too - I want everyone leaving feelin heart broken and confused.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
This year has been one whole political krinkrum krankrum
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
In 2022 I'm droppin' this debut project (Jahlila EP) on ya foreheads, it’ go time!
Laufey
FFO: Willow, Judy Gartland, Billie Eilish
Top Tracks: ‘Magnolia’, ‘Love To Keep Me Warm’
Laufey, who has been on an entirely sold-out tour over the past few weeks, has had a whirlwind of a year. Her breakout single “Street By Street” earned her a big social following, hit #1 on Icelandic Radio, her own new music series on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds, the distinction of Best New Artist at the Iceland Music Awards, and a big following that includes fans like Billie Eilish, Willow Smith and more. All of this took place before her debut EP entitled Typical of Me was even dropped this Spring, and has since been streamed over 10 million times across all platforms.
Laufey took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
I have to admit it’s been mostly highs! Releasing my first EP, Typical of Me, recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra, graduating college and hosting my own BBC Radio show were definitely the highs! The lows were adjusting to a new life and moving an ocean away from my family and friends.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
It’s so hard to pick a favorite but I must say that "Let You Break My Heart Again" with the Philharmonia Orchestra is extra extra special to me. I've dreamt of recording with a symphony since a was a little girl so to have gotten the opportunity this year to bring a song I wrote in my bedroom to life with the magical sounds and textures of the Philharmonia was so meaningful.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
It's been so incredible to perform my music for a live audience this year!! I didn’t start releasing music until the pandemic had started so seeing my fans in real life and hearing them sing my lyrics back to me has been mind blowing!! London Jazz festival in November was probably the most memorable evening because I got to bring my twin sister with me on stage to play my song Best Friend with me that was inspired by her!
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
My favorite track of the year was definitely Hypotheticals by Lake Street Dive!
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
If I were to organize a music festival I would definitely want to find a way to bring different genres together, mix jazz and classical and pop. I would want to have it in Iceland - my home! It’s the perfect destination because it’s halfway between the US and Europe! Knowing myself the headliners would probably be my friends!!
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
“Like a Movie”
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
I’ll be working on new music and developing my sound!! :) otherwise I'll be performing more live shows! it’s my favorite thing to do!
Lowertown
FFO: Pretty Sick, Slow Pulp
Top Tracks: ‘The Gaping Mouth’
Fresh faces for Dirty Hit, Lowertown is comprised of 19-year-old bandmates and best friends Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg, who have quietly built a cult following while garnering praise for their moody riffs and lyrics about the trials and tribulations of becoming a young adult. From ad hoc, folky lo-fi soundscapes to more lacquered offerings, Lowertown’s unique brand of indie music is at once nostalgic and futuristic, chaotic and orderly, wise and young. Olivia, the self-taught singer-songwriter, and Avsha, the classically trained multi-instrumentalist, achieve success in their music through their symbiotic collaboration style, imbued with joy and respect.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
A high was definitely dropping our project "The Gaping Mouth" as well as recording our LP in London. A big low was not being able to play as many live shows as we’ve hoped. That’s for next year!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
”Burn On My Own“ from our EP “The Gaping Mouth” is probably our favourite song we've dropped this year. We worked incredibly hard on it last year, and it felt really great releasing the music into the world again.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
Avsha: We had so many great experiences at live shows. I think some of our favourites were shows that we attended whilst staying in New York. We saw Lucy, Momma, and Brutus VII at Elsewhere that was really great.
Olivia: Some of the hardcore shows I attended in New York were my favourite. There’s a great community of people there who I became close with. The NYC punk scene has so many great bands and music happening in it right now, and I can’t wait to move back.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Avsha: I think Porches' album All Day Gentle Hold ! is one of my favorites of the year.
Olivia: Pretty Sick’s new album Come Down.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Pretty Sick is really great, and the record she dropped this year was amazing. Waveform is another great band and Jessx is a friend of ours who makes great punky music. All are based outta New York.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Trashfest - it would be 5 days long during the fall in our hometown of Atlanta, GA. Headlines would be Radiohead, Aphex Twin, Iggy Pop, My Bloody Valentine, and Bauhaus.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
A dark and difficult transition.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Hopefully a tour of Europe and the US! We will also be releasing our first LP with our label which is super exciting! We're working on that now.
The Mysterines
FFO: Red Rum Club, The Blinders, Coach Party
Top Tracks: ‘Hung Up’
The Mysterines are a true force to be reckoned with in UK rock. Barely out of their teens, they sold out their first ever UK headline tour in February 2020, have supported Royal Blood, The Amazons and Sea Girls on tour, as well as headlined the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds. Their debut album ‘Reeling’, which is due out next year - was made under the watchful eye of acclaimed producer Catherine Marks (Wolf Alice, The Big Moon, PJ Harvey) over three weeks in between lockdowns at Assault & Battery studios in London, recorded live to capture the intensity of the songs.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I’ve been lucky enough to be able to go to some great gigs in between touring, which never usually happens...One of them being Patti Smith at the Royal Albert Hall in London, she was truly incredible.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
I’ve really enjoyed ‘Finger Pies’ by Anika off her new album ‘Change’, and everything else on it too. The new War On Drugs record is phenomenal as always, Tre Burts new record ‘You, Yeah You’ is great, I like the new Velvet Underground compilation, and I love a new song by a band in Liverpool named King Hannah called 'All Being Fine'.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Just Mustard, Billie Marten, Wunderhorse, The Blinders, The Goa Express...
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
The whole concept of organising a festival is my idea of a living hell, so I’m not even going to attempt to answer this. Apologies
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
David Lynch
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
I always worry that when people ask this question they expect an exciting answer, something like ‘oh I’m actually planning on taking up haberdashery next year!’ but in reality, it’s just the same stuff all over again because, that’s the reality of being in a band... Our debut record is going to be released, it’s called ‘Reeling’... We also have a lot of touring planned and festivals… and potentially some haberdashery workshops after thinking about it.
Peakes
FFO: Gary Newman, Drug Store Romeos
Top Tracks: ‘Lately’, ‘An Infinite Divide’
The life of Peakes this year has been huge. With huge plays on Radio 1 and the release of their debut album ‘Peripheral Figures’. They crash together the classic sounds of the 80s with a wave of modern pop. Unsure if we should dance our socks off or politely sway to their music. Peakes have always kept us fully excited with each relase.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Molly: A high has definitely been recording an album. That’s something that felt so far away for us and unachievable. But when you’re put on furlough for 7 months anything is possible! We also just played 3 shows back to back in Leeds, Glasgow and London and loved being back on stage together and playing these songs live. We missed gigs so much.
And I think we’re all aware of the big low in the room…
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
Molly: I think Day & Age has been my favourite as not only do I love the song, I’m so proud of the video we made for it. We wrote the song with performing it in mind and we were so excited at the time to get to play it live. We never imagined it would be a year and a half later though…but still I’m not bored of it, it’s so different to anything we’ve written before.
Max: An infinite Divide is currently my favourite. It’s the first song we released from the album and I think it sets the scene for the sound world we wanted to create. I had so much fun layering lots of different synths and textures to create a mishmash of sounds that really work when they’re all combined together.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
Molly: Are we allowed to say our own?! Cos these three gigs we just did were SO MUCH FUN. We actually got to feel like a band again…it was surreal.
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
Max: Hmm this is tough but here’s a few that spring to mind…
PVA - Exhaust / Surroundings
Jessie Ware - Please
Nation of Language - They’re Beckoning
Drug Store Romeos - What’s On Your Mind
(Obvs) ABBA - Don’t Shut Me Down
Who are your top picks for next year?
Molly: New Beach House double album. I’m hoping LCD Sound System have new stuff coming soon cos they’re starting to gig again. Also SZA has to release a new album…I can’t wait any longer woman!
Max: Really loved the EP that PVA brought out so I’m super excited to hear what they do next. Seriously hoping that MBV’s new stuff will be coming out too… Also Boy Harsher’s album is coming out in Feb and we can’t wait for that and to see them live.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Name: Minimal Wave & The Reimagined Dream Synth Wonderland
Location: Lapland
Headliners:
(Ok this was really hard but here’s a few we could agree on)
Kraftwerk
New Order
Cocteau Twins
The Blue Nile
Gary Numan
Depeche Mode
… Let’s get it booked yeah?
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Almost over.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Molly: I hope a lot more writing, a lot more live shows and maybe I’ll leave this bloody country for the first time in 2 years, now that would be nice!
Polo
FFO: Charli XCX, Orla Gartland, Crystal Fighters
Top Tracks: ‘A Place Between States’, ‘Clublight’
Polo have been bouncing around for a while now with their synth driven sound but this year saw them release their debut album ‘A Place Between States’. A delicate piece of pure art that push the boundaries of the pop-sphere to new levels. Taking dance floors to a new cool but darker place.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Aside from the album release, our biggest highlight was the listening event that we held. We invited our close friends and family, played the album in full, and did a Q&A. It felt like closure on the whole process, and allowed us to share our work ahead of the release.
The writing process had plenty of lows, but most memorable is having to move our recording session as a result of lockdown restrictions. We were closing in on finishing the album but were unable to attend studios because of lockdown. This meant that we had to sit stagnant for a while, and it was really hard to keep excitement and drive up during this time.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
We all have different favourites from the record, but an all-round winner is the title track, A Place Between States. Both thematically and musically it captures the heart of the record, and marks a pivotal moment in the writing process.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
Wide Awake Festival was pretty stand out. Self Esteem’s live show is one of the best around, plus Black Midi, Idles and Porridge Radio all killed it. Oh, and we also all have tickets for the Rina Sawayama tour!
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Who are your top picks for next year?
Joshua Zero, Dua Saleh
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Thrive Aid, Paris
Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama. 070 Shake
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Hectic, humbling, hilarious.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
We’re touring the album at the end of February, so we’ll be rehearsing and prepping from the beginning of the year. We’re hoping to play the album in full, bring in session musicians, and make the show an immersive experience.
Sad Boys Club
FFO: King No-One, Two Door Cinema Club, The 1975
Top Tracks: ‘Your Mind (Makes Mine Seem Fine)’, ‘White Hart Lane’
Sad Boys Club offer themselves as one the UKs most exciting and quickly growing indie outfits, offering a much needed bridge between nostalgic emo & contemporary rock. After teasing a new EP that is due out in January, 2021 saw the band’s explosive live performance grow even further; lauded for their energetic and charismatic performances, the band have cut their teeth supporting some of the biggest names in UK rock scene, including Bombay Bicycle Club, Spector, Slow Readers Club and King No-One. The four piece will also tour extensively into 2022, with a massive run of headline dates soon to be announced
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
We've been relatively blessed to have dodged too many lows I think, they seemed to threaten at points, and when faced even with just the possibility of spiritual crisis the easy answer can be to just absolve yourself of a soul. I was weeks away from a full-time job and making a living. Luckily the high has been the return to live shows; real life catharsis, actual ecstasy, an existential eureka. Relieved to have arrived at self-discovery only somewhat changed from where I'd last found myself. I'm not sure if that's a joke.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
It's choosing between children, but I'm enjoying the campaign for 'White Hart Lane' so far. There are several central themes of interest in the thriving Sad Boy songbook and it really ticks a lot of them; faith, fate, loyalty, masculinity, vulnerability, identity dysmorphia, love... all the good ones. It's still the most grounded song of what is a dark and occasionally pretty abstract forthcoming EP though - it's been a fun angle to explore. In a more practical sense the press has been more impressive to my family and to my mates. As much as I'm sure my Uncle Mark would love When The Horn Blows, soundtracking Match of The Day does a little more to make sense of the senseless for him. I think he has quite a warped idea of what that PRS cheque looks like, though.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
The one that first comes to mind is Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at the Royal Albert Hall. I don't actually remember some chunks of the show, it went on at points - but he opened with a version of 'Spinning Song' that fucked me up, transported me - 'Waiting for You' a little later on gave me one of those moments, too.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
I'm not too sure, I often don't know what year something I'm listening to has come out, I gave up trying to keep on top of current stuff when I realised I didn't like a vast majority of it and actually nobody was forcing me to. Recent bits I've enjoyed though... I love CMAT, Indigo de Souza, I'm really enjoying War on Drugs' album, Hiss Golden Messenger, Flock of Dimes' record, I've finally caved and love the MUNA and Phoebe Bridgers’ track, Big Thief.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Wunderhorse. Jacob Slater is the fucking man, the real deal. We got the chance to see him at Dot to Dot and the place was half empty, it was criminal. He is absolutely immense, leagues ahead. 'Teal' is an iconic debut single but the live show is another level.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I couldn't think of a name so I used the Wu-Tang generator and it suggested 'Jaguar Mean' Festival. Which I like. I think I'd want to go somewhere extremely remote, somewhere people were forced into a proper pilgrimage, somewhere in Finland maybe. Headliners? Phantom Planet, LEN, Counting Crows.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
You don't know what you've lost until you've got it back.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
We're putting out our EP 'I'm Not Afraid of The Death (But I Am Afraid of The Dying)' early next year, I'm very excited about that coming out, we're also on our first headline tour of the UK + a few bits in Europe in late February/March which is what I really want to get into... depending on how that goes, probably an album? I haven't had a chance to think that far ahead just yet. Thank you for having me!
SPINN
FFO: Sea Girls, Vistas
Top Tracks: ‘People Should Know Better’
Liverpool based indie-outfit SPINN have been keeping us on our toes with tasters of their second album ‘Outside Of The Blue’ - which is due out in February via Modern Sky. With festival-ready-anthems, 2022 is going to be the year of SPINN.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Yeh it has been a bit weird hasn’t it haha. I think my highlight was probably playing our first gig in over a year at. the main stage at tramlines festival, we had really beautiful dressing room that looked over the pitch Sheffield Wednesday’s home ground, also it was a beautiful day too. I try not to think about the lows, I’d probably say England losing the euros final vs Italy though. That one stung.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
I’d have to say our latest single Stargazing. It was a real passion project for me to get the music video looking as good as it does, and it was great experience to write a song about a movie (a girl works home alone at night) which is something which lies outside my usual subject matter. Im buzzing it’s been received so well!
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
The best band I’ve seen this year by far is the jazz band who play Wednesday nights at Kieth’s Wine Bar on Lark Lane in Liverpool. I’m not sure what they’re called but they proper blew me away.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
I’m a HUGE huge Beach Fossils fan. They’re currently releasing reworked versions on their songs for their next album and the new version of Down The Line is truly beautiful. Well worth a listen if you ask old Johnny.
Who are your top picks for next year?
L’Objectif are gonna kick heads in I reckon. Also Pixey, she’s already smashing it and it’s great to see her doing well off the back of good old indie pop and loads of hard work. It helps you believe in something good, do you know what I mean?
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I spent like 5 minutes trying to think of a good pun for this imaginary festival but my mind is dry as fuck bc I’m hungover so I’m just gonna call it “Johnny’s Big Fuck Off Festival”. Headliners include The ghost of Leonard Cohen and the fella in the pub by ours who only ever sings gold by Spandau Ballet on Karaoke night, but he does it like scarily well.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Very long and really short and also a bit good sometimes but mostly kind of shit.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
’m gonna learn to drive and get really rich and famous from our new album (Outside Of The Blue out on February the 4th) and then smash my rolls Royce into a swimming pool, that’s rock and roll isn’t it?
swim school
FFO: Wolf Alice, Black Honey, Coach Party
Top Tracks: ‘outside’, ‘see red’
Hotly tipped Edinburgh indie four piece swim school certainly caught everyone’s attention this year with their youthful blend of fuzzy, anthemic grunge and the catchy, hook-fuelled haze of dream-pop. With huge crowds at numerous festivals this summer and a highly praised debut EP to match, they finished off their year with huge sold out show at London’s Sebright Arms. 2021 certainly saw school define themselves as one of indie’s most exciting breakthrough bands at the moment.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
I think collectively, we would say the highs for us definitely outnumber the lows. In 2020, we obviously knew that we weren’t going to be playing live shows for some time and tried to occupy the time the best we could, which resulted in us writing our debut ep. So I suppose we took a negative and turned it into a positive. When 2021 came around, we were naive to think we’d be playing live straight away and we had to wait until the summer to get back up and running with pilot events. A massive high for us was Latitude festival, our first show back and it honestly could not have gone better. It opened so many opportunities for us, we actually ended up playing twice that weekend and hung out with our favourite bands.
We then went on to play with Declan McKenna in Edinburgh which was insane. We have then sold out our Edinburgh headline show, toured with Coach Party who are amazing and also about to play our debut London show headliner. It’s honestly been the best welcome back we could have asked for!!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
I think we all have different answers! Collectively though, ‘let me inside your head’ was the turning point for this chapter of swim school. It was our first release with the new sound and although we were a bit apprehensive of how it would be received because it’s a big change, we were so passionate about it and it completely blew our expectations. We received backing from Spotify, UK wide press and festival bookings which was immense! Each track from there has just got bigger and better and we are so glad our fans are on board with us!
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
Of our shows, we would say Latitude as it was the first show back and the festival itself is just so good! We had a queue waiting outside the tent for us way before we came on which was surreal as we had never played an English festival before. Our King Tut’s sold out show was also a big highlight. It was so good to see a packed out room again and the venue itself is so iconic for any band to play, let alone sell out!
In terms of shows we’ve been to, we recently saw Inhaler at Glasgow Barrowlands which was unbelievable. It was surreal being in the barrowlands again and their production was the best we’ve seen in a while!
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
We would all have different answers for this, but collectively, Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice is just the perfect album isn’t it? We saw them perform it at Latitude and Reading Festival and it’s just so good live.
We saw Foals play at All Points East and from what we’ve heard, their album is going to be huge! Hopefully that comes out early next year as their latest single ‘Wake Me Up’ is an absolute banger!
Who are your top picks for next year?
We played a few dates with a band called Coach Party who are amazing. It’s rare to find a band that you just connect with on so many levels and they’re songs are as good live as they are through headphones. We join them again in January for a few dates and seem to be on the festival circuit with them so we can’t wait for that! They are going to be huge!
Wet Leg are also a big one for us. We crossed a few festival dates with them and recently caught them supporting Inhaler in Glasgow. They have the perfect formula for absolute tunes and it’s exciting to see what they do next year.
More local to us, we are loving Theo Bleak. Recently toured with Josef and released some absolute bangers. Can’t wait to hear more in 2022
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Oh, good question.
NAME - MAKING SENSE OF IT ALL - the experience
LOCATION - Outskirts of Edinburgh, close to a Tesco
HEADLINERS - FOALS // WOLF ALICE // TAYLOR SWIFT
Bangers central
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Exciting, enlightening and massive
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Honestly, we can’t wait to get started! Ending this year with two big headliners in London and Edinburgh so 2022 will bring new music, tonnes of festivals and tour supports. We guarantee we’ll be at a venue near you! See you in 2022!
Tom King
FFO: Adele, Sam Smith, Freya Ridings
Top Tracks: ‘Hollow’, ‘Freedom’
Mirroring the likes of his idols, Adele and Sam Smith, Tom has the incredible ability to transform stark sadness into something bold and powerful. Emotional clarity seeps through every corner of the his music, and with the help of Tom’s soul-drenched vocals, his heartache is amplified with beautiful precision, offering a perspective that goes way beyond his nineteen years.
He took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for him.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
My least favourite part of 2021 had to be our third lockdown, although as depressing as it was it was also a blessing because I got to work on and finish off my EP that I’d been writing for the past year. My favourite part has been going out and performing it to everyone, I never got much of a chance to do live in 2020 so it's been so much fun and really got me excited for music again.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
My favourite song I released this year has to be ‘Fool’ from the new EP. It's a super personal one that I actually ended up writing over zoom. I produced it as well which is why I’m so proud of it and I just love how it came out. It’s one of those songs that I go back to all the time to listen to.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I loved performing at the Notting Hill Arts Club so much. It was such a cool venue and the audience just felt electric. Another one where I wasn’t performing was going to see Olivia Dean. I’m so in love with her and all her songs.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Omg there’s so many! My favourite albums this year have been Sam Fender’s ’Seventeen Going Under’ (I listened to this twice through first time), obviously Adele’s ’30’, and another of my favourites, Griff’s ‘One Foot In Front Of The Other’. I have also been LOVING Holly Humberstone’s new EP. Ugh there’s been so much good music this year!
Who are your top picks for next year?
Emie Nathan is incredible, she’s definitely one to watch. I also love this TikToker Lauren Spencer-Smith can’t wait to hear what she puts out next year!
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Wow, ok. Lets call it “Kings Fest”. Obviously I would be headlining alongside my favourites at the moment, Adele and Griff would have to be there. I’d have special guests Cardi B and Meg performing WAP and Queen Beyonce and Jenifer Hudson have to be there too but only singing songs from Dream Girls.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
‘I’m a rising artist, GET ME OUT OF HERE!’
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Hopefully loads more live shows, I’m working on more new music as we speak so maybe a ‘Confessions’ part 2? But mostly just happiness, health and no more Covid pleaseee!
Veps
FFO: slotface, Lokoy, Calva Louise
Top Tracks: ‘His Brother’, ‘Ecstasy’
Hailing from the eastside of Norway’s capital, Oslo, VEPS have known each other since elementary school and began playing music together in middle school, aged 14. Although growing up with very different influences, the girls had a common sense as outsiders and while making a short film together decided to make an impromptu band. With Helena, Laura and June already accomplished at their instruments, Maja was assigned as drummer, she had never touched a drum set before, and VEPS was born.
Fast forward to 2021 and the band, equipped with their stunning debut EP, have firmly planted themselves as one of the most exciting bands in Europe. While they finish up high school, VEPS plan to release singles as they build into their debut album, expected in 2022. Watch this space!
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
2021 has been a very good year for us so far. We’ve gotten the opportunity to travel and play concerts again, which feels really good. A highlight from this year was playing at Paradiso in Amsterdam for a packed crowd! Our lows must be the weeks we’re not playing any gigs, but that gives us something to look forward to and time to write new music.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
We love our newest single “His Brother” because it shows a different side of our band and it’s about personal experiences.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
The best shows we’ve done this year were probably at the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg or at the By:Larm Festival in Oslo. At the By:Larm Festival we also got to see a lot of different Norwegian and international artists and that was a great experience!
Who are your top picks for next year?
The Howl & The Hum and Shelter Boy!
If you could organise a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Maybe Wasps Nest Festival? It would take place in a European city like Paris or Madrid and our headliners would be someone like The Pixies, MGMT and Mika.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
The most important and influential year in our lives yet.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
In 2022 we hope to release our new music, and we are also going on tour in UK so it will be a lot of traveling and little time to sleep…
Wallice
FFO: Beabadoobee, spill tab, Claud
Top Tracks: ‘Nothing Scares Me’, ‘Wisdom Tooth’
It’s been a breakout 12 months for the 23-year-old, who has drawn a fast-following and wide critical acclaim for her signature wit and razor sharp lyricism. With a Gen-Z style voice, she finished off her year signing to Dirty Hit - home to the likes of The 1975, Beabadoobee and Rina Sawayama. Blending bedroom pop sensibilities with the energy and ethos of indie rock, Wallice’s tracks have already been embraced as hyper-relatable Gen-Z anthems, a recognition that will surely rise as she joins her new label home.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
I feel very grateful and lucky that this year has been overall positive for me. I know that is not the same case for many people. I think 2020 was a bit harder of a year personally. I have had a lot of new success in my career that I didn’t have prior to this year. I think that the pandemic gave me my audience because everyone had extra time on their hands to sit and discover new music. It also gave me the ability to dedicate time to work on music rather than worrying about a day job.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
I think my favorite release was Hey Michael in March because making that video was so fun and has so many of my friends in it and it was the first time I had any sort of budget for it (more that $50). I knew for that video I wanted to have a party vibe but because of quarantine I couldn’t have a bunch of people in one house so I thought of the idea to have it take place after a party has happened. I also used some of my friends as extras who lived in the house we shot at so it was the closest thing to a party any of us had in a while.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I have been going to so many live shows since they’ve been back. I made a new record of 8 shows in 9 days. I think my favorite event was playing my first festival which was the 88rising Head in the Clouds festival in early November in Pasadena, which was less than 20 min from my house. It was probably the biggest crowd I’ve played and overall such an amazing experience. I also got to see my best friend Marinelli open up for Finneas at the Wiltern in LA and I was tearing up so happy to see him play for such a huge venue. I also loved seeing the Drums at Elsewhere in New York this month too. I’ve listened to them since I was a teenager and it was so fun to see them perform.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Currently I would say Sam Evian’s Time to Melt album. I think that album is so amazing and he is such an underrated artist. But I have also been playing Jubilee by Japanese Breakfast on repeat.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I’m super excited for the new Mitski album and more new Beach House; I think that’s the only two albums I know that are coming out.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I have no idea what I would call it but I would want it to be in Japan, (maybe somewhere in the town called Arashiyama neat Kyoto) and have Radiohead, Japanese Breakfast, and Beach House headline and then have Grizzly Bear, Moses Sumney, Mitski, and some of my friends like Spilltab, Mykey, Boyish and Ethan Tasch play too.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Unexpected, Lucky, Fast
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
I am super excited to start the year off with a tour opening for Still Woozy across the US. It’ll be my second tour, but the first was just 5 days on the west coast so very easy and this one is 2 months. My band consists of my best friends so I’m so excited to get to travel around with them. I also will be releasing my second EP that I’m almost done writing. And I also hope to play some more festivals and get to travel to some cool places through my music.
Witch Fever
FFO: Black Sabbath, Marmozets
Top Tracks: ‘Bully Boy’, ‘In Birth’
Concocting a potent sonic assault that recalls the foreboding darkness of Black Sabbath, Savages’ monochrome post-punk, and the dirty breathlessness of Bleach-era Nirvana, Manchester’s Witch Fever create a confrontational racket that takes no prisoners.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
We’ve had a lot of highs this year after 2020 being pretty slow for everyone. Doing live gigs again and our debut EP release are particular highlights! We’ve not had many lows but I guess we were all pretty gutted when the Idles tour was postponed- something to look forward to next year though.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
Reincarnate was great to release, it felt like a new beginning for us and we’re buzzing with the video along side it (thank u Sam O).
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
Nova Twins at Burn It Down festival was a favourite this year, they’re very sick. Of our own this year, playing at 100 club in london was also very sick.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
King Woman - Celestial Blues - the whole album is amazing!
Who are your top picks for next year?
Miso Extra released 3 sick singles this year so very excited to hear more from her and everyone should try catch Nova Twins live. Plus CLT DRP, Iceboy Violet and XL Life!
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Sunday Mass - at the Vatican.
Stevie Nicks, PJ Harvey and Kate Bush.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
When will COVID end.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
More shows, more releases and probably a lot of time in a van.
Yen Strange
FFO: Beabadoobee, Baby Queen, Deb Never
Top Tracks: ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Go Away’
Creating hooky bedroom pop that glistens with dark, gothy overtones, the singer-songwriter used her music as a vehicle for escapism from her small-town life in Moruya to begin a new chapter in the creative hive of Sydney. Inspired largely by her experiences of small-town life and struggling to fit in as a teen. While the life of Yen Strange might be rather fresh in the music world, her comic book style bedroom pop certainly has us looking forward to her full graphic novel.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Highs were driving to the Sydney airport lookout and watching the planes and discovering so much amazing new music and going to the supermarket and playing computer games and playing basketball with my friend Kyneisha. Lows were losing my nan, and not getting to see the people I miss and not getting to play shows when I released music.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
I think the next one will be my favourite because it’s entirely produced by me and I can finally show off my skills. And it’s just on piano which was my first and is my favourite instrument so it’ll just be a lovely thing to have out in the world.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
I played a couple small shows and a festival in Wollongong briefly earlier in the year before I had any music out. But as soon as Donnie Darko came out Sydney was back in lockdown so that was annoying. But I really liked seeing Sycco play at the Lansdowne when I opened for her back in April.
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
I love Lights (4444) by Nothing Nowhere and the whole Album Trauma Factory really hits me in my stomach. But I also Love the song Sorry by Deb Never and am obsessed with her Album Where Have All The Flowers Gone.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I think Mallrats album is gonna be huge, I’m anticipating it a lot anyway. And I’m keen to see what’s next for Zheani.
If you could organise a festival in 2022, what would you call it, where would it be and who would your headliners be?
I’d call my festival $ADPARTY and I’d have it in an old basketball stadium. Headliners would be Rina Sawayama, Zheani, Rico Nasty, Mallrat, Joji, PinkPantheress, Deb Never and Nothing Nowhere. Then other acts would be daine, Peach PRC, To Octavia, Yours Truly, Baker Boy, Tired Lion, Kflay, Washington and maybe more.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words what would they be?
Well that happened
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
I just wanna play shows. That’s all I’ve wanted to do aside from writing and releasing my own music. Even though people are listening to my songs It doesn’t feel like anything has changed because I haven't been able to share them with anyone in a live setting since they've been out. And that’s something that so many artists have gone through. Nothing feels real when it’s just numbers on a screen. So hopefully 2022 will be a bit less disappointing and a bit more travelling around and getting my music out there. And I have heaps of songs done just ready to put out so I’ll be a busy girl!
Zuzu
FFO: Beabadoobee, Baby Queen
Top Tracks: ‘Queensway Tunnel’, ‘Lie To Myself’
Through a year that began under lockdown, Zuzu made the most of her enforced downtime by writing music for Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time: Distant Lands” and contributing a re-working of her song “How It Feels” to The Sims video game (sung in the The Sims’ own language, “Simlish”). Back in the spring, she quite literally took the first opportunity to play live again when she became the first artist in the northern hemisphere to perform a full capacity live show as she opened for Blossoms in front of 5000 people. Liverpool’s singer-songwriter wow’ed us with her debut album ‘Queensway Tunnel’ this year, with the amount of hard work she has put in this year. If anyone deserves to be top of our lists it definitely Zuzu.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
A lot of highs and a lot of lows! I think the Sefton Park show was certainly a highlight, I’m not sure i’ll ever experience a show like that again. It was so special to play a show at that period, we were living through a time where we were so uncertain of how live music was going to recover so to witness and be a part of the start of that coming back made me feel very very lucky. Low moments are harder to talk about but I've had some solid waves of self-doubt I've been riding out haha.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
I keep changing my mind but I’m really proud of ‘The Van Is Evil’. It’s sonically the most interesting to me and the subject matter is probably the most important on the record.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
BLOSSOMS AT SEFTON PARK! I’m a huge Blossoms fan so to see them play to a crowd of 5,000 people during a pandemic in the park I learnt to ride my bike was overwhelming. I lost it when they played their cover of ’Paper Back Writer. WHAT A SHOUT!
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
Woman On The Internet - Orla Gartland absolutely outstanding record and the title track is my favourite. I’m a huge fan and it fills me with joy to see them killing it.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Been working with a lot of cool artists recently who are due to release new music next year which i’m really excited about. My producer Kurran Karbal has a record coming out next year which is amazing. Our pals Gen And The Degenerates who signed to Marshall this year, Sophie Morgan, Amber Jay, Goodnight Fiona.. I could go on forever!
If you could organise a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Planet Z fest! Headliners would be Taylor Swift cause she’s the best! We’ll have Diana Ross too cause she’s an icon and we don’t deserve her. I’d have David Attenborough on to give us a real ass talk about how we’re destroying the planet. Then Scouse legends like The La’s, Paul McCartney, The coral. This festival is looking pretty hectic.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Stranger than fiction.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Lots of new songs and potentially with a bit of luck, some inner peace haha.
Sister Lucy
FFO: Baby Queen, Orla Gartland, Girl In Red
Top Tracks: ‘Dream’, ‘Best At Being Sad’
Hailing from Devon and now residing in South East London, Sister Lucy has filled converted us with her blend of country-grunge. Her debut EP came out towards the end of 2021, which is a recor make for you to scream-sing along to. Filled with raw guitars, unique vocals and heart-hitting lyrics.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Some recent highlights include training my cat Mungo how to sit, and all the UK wild sea swimming I packed in this summer. Sister Lucy highlights were definitely playing at Swn festival in Cardiff, supporting the amazing Coach Party at Omeara and my very lovely EP headline show!
Of course the lows were not being able to see family and friends at the beginning of the year!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
My favourite track from the 'Big Girl Pants' EP has to be 'Best At Being Sad'. This was the first Sister Lucy song I wrote for the project, it was a real departure from the music I wrote for my previous band Bat and Ball. It was also written at the start of Lockdown, so it has a real end of the world association for me.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
My favourite live shows have definitely been seeing all my friends play again. A few favourites have been Semi Precious, Imogen, Ailsa Tully, bb Sway and Memorial.
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
I really can't decide between the Bachelor "Doomin' Sun" album and Hannah Cohen's incredible album "Welcome Home". Both incredible albums I have been playing obsessively!
Who are your top picks for next year?
I have so many talented musician friends, here are just a handful that I am beyond excited for what they will do next year:
Thallo, Clare Kelly, Muna IIeiwat and BB Sway! Go check them out!
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
A cat festival in the middle of nowhere with headliners Fleetwood Cat, Mews and Red Hot Kitty Peppers!!!
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Still thinking it's 2020!
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Very excited to be supporting Coach Party in January on their UK tour, and I have some new music coming out too!
Thomas Headon
FFO: Harry Styles, Dylan, Oscar Welsh
Top Tracks: ‘Strawberry Kisses’, ‘Nobody Has To Know’
Building an incredibly loyal fanbase over lockdown and amassing 100K followers on Instagram, Thomas’ blend of playful alternative pop that speaks to the Gen-Z experience, has been compared to the likes of the 1975’s Matty Healy, and critically praised by Triple J, naming him a “seriously impressive force in pop music”. Already performing a charmingly energetic live session on Jack Saunders’ BBC Radio 1 show, Thomas has just sold out two nights at London’s Heaven on a 17-date tour in November, following the “Living Room Shows” tour, where he played an intimate acoustic series to thousands of fans across the UK. One of the first artists to curate Spotify’s Our Generation playlist, the 21-year-old has also collaborated with American singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine on his single 'Bored’, and gained over 50M global streams.
He took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for him.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
It definitely has ! I’m very lucky that I finally got to go on tour, it’s been rescheduled 4 times but it’s finally happened this year and it was the most fun I’ve ever had. That along with releasing new music that I love and am super confident with has definitely been the high’s. Haven’t had too many lows… yet at least. Still have a month left… I’m spending christmas alone in my flat so that might be a bit sad but either way it’d be nice to do my own thing. Never any lows! Always highs here!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
wow I don’t know if I can pick actually ! Releasing ‘Nobody Has To Know’ felt really good, it’s one of my favourite songs off my new EP and it felt like a well needed new step for me. ‘Strawberry Kisses’ was also great though, have been playing that live for months so to finally have that out is great… but I also had a super fun collaboration with Chloe Moriondo and Alfie Templeman called ‘Dizzy’ which was fun. I don’t know ! So much to choose from !
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I mean I said it above too but my tour was wild. Crazy to see that many people in room’s across the country coming to listen to me and react the way they did. I loved playing up north and outside of England. Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds were definitely highlights. I also got to play Reading & Leeds festival and saw a bunch of my friends too! Alfie Templeman does a killer live show, as well as Will Joseph Cook.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Last minute contender but Wet Leg’s ‘Chaise Longue’ is absolutely one of my favourites from this year. Such a killer song. My friend Ella Jane also released a song called ‘Calling Card’ which is just such a banger too. I’m gonna leave it there otherwise I won’t be able to choose. So much good music this year.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I have such talented friends it’s gonna be so hard to pick. But I said above I think Ella Jane’s about to have a big year, definitely as well as Alfie Templeman. But I don’t know ! I know a lot of people who are releasing such cool music but I also know I’m definitely not allowed to mention too much. I’m very excited for next year though, so much cool music is gonna come out.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I would call it the throwback festival, it would be on an island in the middle of nowhere in the pacific ocean and it would just have bands and artists that no longer release music. I’m talking Mozart, Bach, The Beatles, One Direction… the whole lot. It would be huge.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Is Covid over yet?
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
I’m releasing my EP on March 11th! Very excited for that, as well as lots of touring I’m supporting Sigrid in the UK & Europe, as well as some headline shows in the US and Australia! More music after the EP as well ! My own stuff, collaborations, everything ! Gonna be a huge year I’m super excited.
Mollie Coddled
FFO: Abbie Ozard, Phoebe Green
Top Tracks: ‘Strawberry Kisses’, ‘Nobody Has To Know’
Mollie Coddled is a Gen-Z Queen! Fueled by plastic beaded jewelry, crocs and a huge obsession with large sunglasses. She uses these ingredients to make huge bedroom pop style banger.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
Haha indeed! Highs have definitely been being able to play LIVE again!!!! I love playing gigs so much so was missing them so much and finally got to play my first Hometown Headline show which was cool! My lowest point was probably
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
Oh, definitely Lonely Bitch! It’s such an honest and vulnerable song for me and was hard to write so I’m glad so many people have resonated with it! :)
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I recently played 'DORK’s Night Out’ which was my first time ever playing in London so that was pretty mad and such a cool experience !!!
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Juno by Remi Wolf!!! 100000%! Every track BANGS!
Who are your top picks for next year?
PinkPantheress, Mazie, Remi Wolf :)
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
It would be of course, “Mollie’s Farm” on the farm where I grew up in Yorkshire and I would be headlining (duh, who wouldn’t want to headline their own festival?!) (Yes, I have thought about this before hahahah),
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Intense, amazing, super-fun stressful madness! (for me, anyways haha!)
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
Be expecting loadssss of BANGING tunes, lots of gigs and festivals and loads of great amazing content so stay tuned mwa ha ha...
Kid Brunswick
FFO: Yonaka, DE’WAYNE, phem
Top Tracks: ‘Stained’
Kid Brunswick has continued this year to bring a new era of music with each release. It is impossible to put him into a genre because of the rule book doesn't exist for him. All eyes will be on Kid Brunswick next year.
He took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for him.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
I haven’t really had any lows. It’s all been great. Releasing XForever, going on tour for the first time, meeting fans and playing huge venues has all been a thrill and a half.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favourite and why?
Would have to be 'Skin', I’m just very proud of that tune, it felt good to release a proper acoustic song.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favourite live shows?
My first headline show in Courtyard Theatre, 6th October 2021. It was the best show of the year.
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
Stained by Kid Brunswick.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Kid Brunswick.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
It would be in London, the headline act would be me.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Very nice.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
World domination.
Billie Flynn
FFO: Billie Marten, Lucy Rose
Top Tracks: ‘Forever Goodbye’
It’s rare that artists come on the the scene with such a mature, thought-out sound. Yet, Billie offers up tangible evidence that she’s more than ready for the recognition that most certainly awaits her, as she immerses her audience in stunning guitar licks and hypnotically smooth vocals.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
2021 has been a crazy year in so many ways. I think the first half of the year was challenging for everyone, not being able to gig and make music with people in person was really hard but being able to release my debut EP was obviously a massive highlight for me. Alongside signing a record deal, this year has been incredible.
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
I would say the final track on my EP called ‘Forever Goodbye’ is my favourite music I’ve put out so far. It’s the closest to my heart and I just felt a real release when I wrote it.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I loved playing Boardmasters, that has to be a highlight for me. Also seeing Sam Fender play main stage there was unreal, definitely one of my favourites.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Can I say Taylor swift’s re releases? If not then I would say Maisie peters debut album, and H.E.R have been what I’ve binge listened to this year.
Who are your top picks for next year?
A few people I’m really looking forward to hearing more from next year are Joey Knight, Emie Nathan and Joe Dolman
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
I don’t think I could beat Boardmasters. Perfect name, perfect location on the Cornish Cliffs. My headliners would be Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Michaels and Griff.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Happy free confused and lonely at the same time.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
A load more music and hopefully a lot more live shows! I can’t wait.
Devon Again
FFO: Dylan, spill tab.
Top Tracks: ‘Burn Down’ ‘Suburbia’
Devon Again is a left of center pop artist living in Los Angeles by way of Denver, CO. Her talent first caught the attention of fans in 2020 after several viral moments on TikTok that showcased her arresting voice and affinity for playful, hooky melodies. She released her first single ‘Suburbia’ in July of 2021 which received overwhelming support from Spotify (NMF, Lorem, Pop Sauce, Fresh Finds) and Apple Music (Travis Mills Show, Alt Pop, Pop Chill). Devon’s following and engagement continues to grow daily as she starts to tease new original music online. The songs are naturally turning into a full project that has a cohesive voice and perspective that encapsulates Devon’s eccentric and magnetic personality.
She took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for her.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
This year has been the coolest year ever music wise. The best, craziest part was definitely finally releasing a song. I was able to quit my jobs to do music full time pretty soon after release which was so insane. The hardest part has really just been learning how to a person… on my own in the world. Being away from my mom and not being in college, trying to convince myself that music is a viable career option has been really terrifying. I am insanely lucky to be paying my rent and doing what I love because I was so fucking scared it was never going to work out
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
It would have be suburbia- every part of the process of birthing that song was so viseral. It’s what allowed me to quit my job. Not to mention it’s kind of a banger.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
I got to play my first live show ever last month at the Moroccan in LA and it was absolutely bonkers. I’m really excited to see more live stuff because it has definitely been a second.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Well- Remi Wolf’s album “Juno” is absolutely incredible. My new fav song as of late is ”knuckles” by Critter.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
It would be in Colorado, in the summer and it would be called “PEE” and the headliners would be incubus, Remi Wolf, James Blake and 1000 gecs. And all of the artists would be Colorado for a week beforehand to get used to the altitude.
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Eat, Pray, Love
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
More music! More shows! More beans!!!
Head Ballet
FFO: Wolf Alice, Robyn, Oh Wonder
Top Tracks: ‘Real Life’, ‘Eraser’
HEAD BALLET are creating music undefined by boundaries and building a soundtrack to the growing pains of young adulthood. After gaining over 7,000 streams through a string of Soundcloud only releases this year - they finally stepped into the world of Spotify this year with their debut single ‘Real Life’. It’s still very fresh to them, but the music world is ready for a sound like HEAD BALLET.
They took a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and what the next few have in store for them.
So 2021 has certainly been a mixed bag for everyone - what have been your highs and lows?
A major high for us this year has been launching Head Ballet and releasing our first single. It’s so rewarding to see it connecting with people after all the hard work we’ve put into it. All the comments on social media and out and about have been very lovely. A low point would have to be joining and actually enjoying making TikToks. Jokes aside, after overcoming the slot-machine culture shock we’ve found TikTok to be a really useful way of connecting with people who might enjoy listening to our music, it’s very egalitarian in that way. If you make good shit, people tend to find it!
Out of all the music you have released this year, which has been your favorite and why?
While we’re super reluctant to pick, our latest single Eraser is a firm favourite, mainly because of the sonic journey the song went on, from starting off as an industrial Nine Inch Nails vibe to taking on an indie pop form with the heavy bass synth and acoustic guitars. The visuals were hilarious to make, we danced about in the dark for a fair while trying to replicate an old iPod advert or something.
This year saw the return of live music. Whether it be attending or your own. What have been your favorite live shows?
We’re holding out on the live side of things for the immediate future, but we’ve been getting inspired by quite a few other artists in the meantime like Glass Animals and Wet and can’t wait to see the likes of Caroline Polacheck and CHVRCHES next year.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Daddy’s Home by St Vincent or Jubilee by Japanese Breakfast (albums) and our favourite track is Silk Chiffon by MUNA and Phoebe Bridgers.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Completely obsessed with Wet Leg, Swim School and Self-Esteem. There are some really cool Northern artists such as Pixie and Phoebe Green we’re excited about, too.
If you could organize a festival in 2022, what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
True to UK tradition, we would probably have it in a huge, slippery and overcrowded field, with two toilets in really inconvenient places. I think we’d have to call it Mud Ballet. We’ve been to a fair few of those. Headline acts include - Wolf Alice, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Pink Slip (from Freaky Friday)
If you could sum up 2021 in a few words - what would they be?
Exciting, introspective and stressful.
What does 2022 hold in store for you?
We’re looking forward to releasing much more music and welcoming much more people into the world of Head Ballet.