WTHB Ones To Watch 2023
2022 saw the return of live music to it’s full capacity, after a few years of restrictions, face masks and social distancing - it came back in full force. 2022 brought us the rise of Sam Ryder, a fun evening called Harryween, the 1975 making their comeback with a monster of a headline set at Reading and Leeds Festival and Billie Eilish brought Glastonbury to a standstill. So it is safe to say that 2022 was quite the year, but it also brought us a fresh new wave of talent - rising through the ranks to bring us something special, something fresh, something that pushes our excitement levels through the roof to the point where we can’t help but shout at the full volume of our voice about them.
2023 is going to be an exciting year for new music - so please check out our top acts to keep an eye on for the next twelve months. They all took a moment to reflect on their past year and what the future holds in store for them.
DOLORES FOREVER
FFO: Abbie Ozard, Pixey, Phoebe Green
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
Highs definitely include playing Glastonbury, a dream!! Such a special place and we had such a fun weekend. And releasing two EPs, the response we've gotten has been pretty unbelievable.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which has been your favorite and why?
We'd say probably our latest song Conversations With Strangers. It comes from quite a dark place but we managed to turn that around both within the song and the accompanying visuals which is such an incredible and empowering thing. God, doing music is fun!
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Paul McCartney at Glasto was pretty amazing. We just played our first Glastonbury set so were on such a high then hot footed it to the pyramid stage with all our mates and watched such an icon roll through so many songs we've grown up with. So mad and special. Self Esteem and Phoebe Bridgers also blew us away that weekend.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Pretty unoriginal of us but As It Was by Harry Styles is an incredible pop song. We've been obsessed with the drum sound all year. Laurel Hell by Mitski is a phenomenal album.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Berry Galazka is consistently putting out tunes which bang. Her lyrics and concepts behind songs are amazing too - quite a special mind we think!
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
This feels like a trick question! Dolores Festever, of course. Would have to be a stadium but make it a forest also and a long weekend so there could be camping (we love camping). We'd have to headline as it's named after us otherwise it would be weird... Stevie Nicks too so we could become BFFS, this is our fantasyland festival so anything goes right? Rain would be banned, and all the food would be pizza. Free negronis for everyone. It would be iconic.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Julia: Band, baby, bangers.
Hannah: A party in my mind. “”
LEXIE CAROLL
FFO: Phoebe Bridgers, Cavetown
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
Playings gigs has really been the most exciting thing, definitely the highest of highs. I’ve played a couple of support slots for artists that I love which has been very surreal and their listeners were all so kind and welcomed us in with such warmth on the stage. I think those gigs really helped my confidence.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
I think the last single- annual birthday cry- just because it was such a brain dump of all of my fears and hopes. It feels nice to have put a feeling that was so overwhelming and taking up way too much of my brain space into something I can sing!
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
I saw Cavetown a couple of weeks ago and it was the best!!! And Orla Gartland and Sidney Gish were playing support and they were incredible, such a good night.
What is your favorite track or album of the year? Who are your top picks for next year?
Giving into the love by Aurora. I NEVER SHUT UP ABOUT THIS SONG but it just is everything to me. I’ve literally made myself only listen to it at particular times because it’s so special and makes me feel this energy that I want to keep and savour, I don’t want to ruin it haha.
My top picks for next year are Natsuma and tinyumbrellas - they're both smashing it at the moment so I'm just so excited to watch them take over the world next year :)
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it?
Oooh ‘nice cool festival’ because I have no other words in my vocabulary for some reason I just call everything either nice or cool.
Where would it be?
Maybe Norway or somewhere like that, I’ve never been but it seems like a lovely place.
And who would your headliners be?
Maisie Peters, Phoebe Bridgers, Aurora and Harry Styles (or screw it- there’ll be the one direction reunion at my festival, that would be COOL)
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Overwhelming but really exciting!
What does 2023 have in store for you?
Hopefully more gigs! Definitely more music, there’s something coming out in January that I am SO EXCITED about and then lots more after that :)
LITTLE DESTROYER
FFO: Dylan, Karen O
GIRL SCOUT
FFO: Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Hayley Williams
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
The high point was definitely running up on stage in front of 2300 Londoners when we supported Holly Humberstone at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in June. Also being able to travel and play in England and see all these places that we’ve read about in Beatles biographies, insane! Low point? Probably when Emma’s bag got lost at Heathrow and she had to explore the fashion selection at Asda.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
Both of the songs that we’ve released so far were written back when we started the band, which is fun because they remind us of the really early days when we were still just four students at College.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Little Simz at Way Out West was fucking lit!!! What a true professional.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
It’s corn. That little dude is a genius.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Girl Scout, they’re this Swedish band (kind of like ABBA don’t know if you’ve heard of them they we’re pretty good anyway they’re holograms now)
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
The festival would be called Scoutfest and the final act would be Phoebe Bridgers on vocals, Madison Cunningham on guitar, Kurt Rosenwinkel on bass, Brad Mehldau on synths and our guitarist, Viktor Spasov on drums. Other features would include holograms of Elliott Smith and John Lennon jamming, free Yorkshire pudding wraps and beer fountains.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
A continued impact of an inflation surge as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, global unrest due to geopolitical unreliability and further negative tendencies regarding global warming.
Well except that, this year has been really exciting for us. Releasing our first singles, touring, being played on the radio.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
We’re going on a UK tour supporting Coach Party and releasing our debut EP in February, before doing a Scandinavian tour in March! Also sex drugs and a healthy dose of rock and/or roll.
PANIC SHACK
FFO: Coach Party, Yard Act, Lime Garden
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
To be completely honest there haven’t been too many lows for us this year. Everything has just been getting better and better for us since we started properly gigging again and we feel so lucky to be here and doing it! Playing some European shows and Reading and Leeds are probably our highlights! If we absolutely had to think of a low it would probably having to pull out of a couple of shows due to illnesses; I think we need to be pumping Berrocca directly into our veins at this point!
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
I think our most recent single ‘Meal Deal’ was probably the most exciting release for us. Just because its the newest version of us and we’ve come so far since writing the songs from our EP. It feels like a new era for The Shack!
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this
year?
We supported Yard Act for 3 shows on their tour in November and those were up there with some of our favourite shows! We’ve been big fans of Yard Act for a few years now and seen them play a bunch of times. They are really having their moment right now and so getting to support them in the biggest venues we’ve ever played was amazing. They are also the most lovely people to tour with!
What is your favorite track or album of the vear?
Los Bitchos - Let the festivities begin
Honestly this album is just so fun. I love to listen to it in the gym when I need a bit of motivation! We absolutely love this band and were lucky enough to support them in Brussels earlier this year!
Who are your top picks for next year?
We’d love to hear an album from Lime Garden. They are so talented and the music they have out already is amazing!
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be?
It would be called Shackland and it would be on the mountain (AKA: ‘The 7 ‘umps.’ Behind Emily & Romi’s old school in the Rhondda)
And who would your headliners be?
Megan Thee Stallion, Spice Girls, Amyl & The Sniffers
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Busy, Sweaty, Drunk
What does 2023 have in store for you?
Our first ever headline tour is happening in February and we couldn’t be more excited. We want it to be a PARTY.
DEADLETTER
FFO: Talk Show, Opus Kink, Courting
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
Highs: Rotterdam - Left of the Dial Festival, Reading and Leeds festival, 100 club, Manchester - The Castle Hotel, The run of shows with Tropical Fuck Storm! We also just got back from an EU tour supporting Placebo, which was a crazy experience.
Lows: I won’t say too much but maybe there’s a reason the national lottery aren’t renowned for their music events...
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
It’s been nice to release a longer body of work in ‘Heat!’ our latest EP. Makes me think how nice it would be to release an even longer body of work...
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Pussy Riot at The Great Western Festival in Glasgow.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
‘Big Thief - Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You’ A very raw and emotional record that I’ve found I’ve gone back to time and time again this year.
Who are your top picks for next year?
DEADLETTER.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be?
The Last Dance, any woodlands in England, preferably in late august.
And who would your headliners be?
Soulwax, Massive Attack, Adrian Sherwood
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Personally: encouraging
Politically: horrifying
What does 2023 have in store for you?
Survival, hopefully.
BEAUX
FFO: Thomas Headon, The 1975, No Rome
2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year
The best thing that happened this year was my first ever headline show in October (sold out at The Camden Assembly wink wink). I’ve been lucky enough to do a few shows throughout the year as a support for other artists, but doing a show for my own fans, people who know all my lyrics and who were just as excited as me was the coolest experience - one night didn’t feel like enough, I just want to do it again and again.
I don’t know if I can pinpoint a particularly low point this year, the support from my fans has been incredible, I’ve released new music, I’ve been able to start doing shows, my friends and family are all doing good, I really can’t complain.
Of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
I really like ;can't help but let you down’ lyrically, ‘all of this (and more)’ sonically, and then ‘let’s go’ has been the most fun to perform live.
Whether it be attending or one of your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Went to Reading festival with my friends/band (Tate and Lyle) and my girlfriend (Rae), saw all the Dirty Hit people like Beabadoobee, Wolf Alice, Pale Waves and The 1975, they were all sick, also saw 100 Gecs, Black Honey, and Pa Salieu - was a good time!
Did some really cool supports as well, like Black Honey, Will Joseph Cook, Fickle Friends, and Pale Waves. It was sick getting to perform at The Great Escape for the first time! I didn’t think anyone was going to show up and then the venue ended up being over capacity, it was crazy.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
11:11 by Pinegrove is probably my top album for the year. ‘Ants From Up There’ by Black Country, New Road is also up there.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I’m excited for new Leo Bhanji, his last EP was sick. Also I want to see Cathy Jain live again, she’s so cool.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Gotta be ‘the beaux sheaux’ on Bow Street. Headliner? beaux of course.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Pretty good, but only went to the gym once
What does 2023 have in store for you?
I’ve started working on my first album, so hopefully I can put that out like mid next year or something, and just do a load of shows before and after that - more live and more music is the goal.
VICTORIA CANAL
FFO: Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail, Stella Donnelly
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
Oh man, this year has been a roller coaster! Some highs for me have been doing my first headline tour, making my acting debut in season 2 of Little America, and getting to see a bunch of my extended family again after so long. Lows… getting sick in the spring and having to back out of my tour opening for Teddy Swims, and not getting to be in my apartment and London very much.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
Swan Song is definitely the song closest to my heart. It feels like the deepest truth served on a plate - the four things you should tell the people you love while you’re still here: thank you, I love you, I forgive you, and can you forgive me.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Playing Amsterdam was so special - it was the first show of my first headline tour, the crowd was young and queer and femme, and my parents got to be there. That made my year. Best shows I went to were Madison Cunningham, half alive, and Samora Pinderhughes.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Life According to Raechel by Madison Cunningham.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Artists that I’m excited about who are really blossoming are Leith Ross, half alive, and Sammy Copley.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Oooh, good question. I’d call it Patterpatters, it would be in Laurel Canyon, and headliners would be… Fiona Apple, Bjork, and Big Thief. And Rufus Wainwright.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Fulfilling, stressful, invigorating, full throttle.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
My year’s actually pretty open - I have a new EP that will be out sometime, and planning to tour…. Other than that, who knows? Guess we’ll see :-)
EDIE BenS
FFO: Maisie Peters, Dylan
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
It’s been so good!
Highs:
Getting to play the dreamiest venues on the support tours I did this year including the London Palladium (eeeek)
Discovering you can make mash potatoes with a cheese to potato ratio of 9:1.
Releasing music properly (whatever that means) for the first time!!
Lows
Getting hit by moped and breaking my leg
Discovering my new mash-potato ratio has consequences lol
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favourite and why?
Therapist!! I wrote and recorded the song with my best mates and the shared experience of that felt really special.
Whether it be attending or one of your own - what have been your favourite live shows this year?
I supported Rae Morris a Lafayette with my band and everything about that night felt very special.
I’m in awe of Rae’s talent.
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
Lucy rose Morai (it was released in 2017)
But I fell in love with it all over again.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Nell Mescal
Low Lying sun
Tommy Lefroy
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
The best festival in the history of all festivals
Edie Bens (you got to back yourself lol)
Tom Jones
And Dolly Parton
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Finding joy in moments unexpected
What does 2023 have in store for you?
Loads more music my first headline shows and a trip over the pond
METTESON
FFO: Aurora, Sam Smith, Robyn
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
Touring with Aurora in the UK and Ireland in spring, just as things had opened up for certain, and then going on my first summer festival tour in Norway was a blast. Just to experience the masses and really feel a room pulsating with bass and love was something I truly needed this year. It wasn’t really a year of lows, but now as the year is coming to an end the pressure of making an album, and thinking of how I'm supposed to keep this amazing wheel rolling, is starting to take a toll. I think some Christmas carolling might do the trick.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favourite and why?
I think Second Heart is my favourite release this year. It’s a very emotional ballad that harkens back to my teenage musical infatuation, but also nods to masters of torch songs such as Adele. It was just a bit unexpected of Metteson, and I love to surprise.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Norwegian artist Emilie Nicholas had a performance at Øya Festival in Oslo and completely killed it. Metteson had a spot a couple of days after her, and after seeing it I had to flee the festival because the thought of having to play on that same stage made me sick to my stomach, haha. But also, seeing Aurora mastering Brixton Academy was a joy.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Since it came out I’ve been listening a lot to Hideous Bastard by Oliver Sim. It’s really intriguing and touching. The lyrics are great. Before that I’ve been bathing in the motion picture soundtrack of Orlando, by David Motion and Sally Potter. Such a great universe.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Ok, this is a really difficult question.. I lived in York for a year, studying back in 2010. I used to bicycle through a big moor in Acomb, Hob Moor, where I lived while I listened to Robyn, First Aid Kit and Lord Huron. Good times! We can call it More, more, Moor. I’d love to see Caroline Polachek live, and also John Grant, Daniela Lalita, MUNA, Fever Ray, myself and Oliver Sim.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Unexpected, thrilling and overwhelming.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
We’re kicking off the year with Eurosonic in Groeningen, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. And then I’m going to finish up my debut album. I’m in the writing process now and I’m over myself with nerves and joy. And festivals - lots of festivals and jeez I’m so excited to play my new songs and reach new listeners.
STEVIE BILL
FFO: Carly Rae Jespen, Sigrid
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
I agree with this so much! I feel like live music is more relevant than it has been in quite a few years, and I’m so excited and ready for that. I did my first big opener in New York this year for artist Rei Brown at ‘Baby’s all right’. That was definitely a crazy moment, playing for people that don’t know my music yet and seeing their reactions. I’m also so extremely happy to have dropped my debut EP ‘Messy’. Some lows have been feeling like I can’t keep up with the work. I feel like I’m still so young compared to my colleagues and sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing, or I don’t know how to handle life and work at the same time. As a person with a creative brain, I feel like sometimes it’s hard to stay structured.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favourite and why?
My favorite release was ‘Messy’ the single. My roommate Jacob and I wrote and produced the song together, so we threw a party the night it came out to celebrate our music child. We are besties now but when we wrote it, it was the first time we made music together. It was one of those sessions where without explanation, this song falls into your lap and suddenly you see the light and just everything makes sense. I was looking for a new sound to be excited about and this just CLICKED. From that moment on we had been manifesting that song to get onto the New Music Friday playlist. Before the ‘Messy’ party we stepped outside onto our rooftop to do a witchy manifestation ritual and whistled that melody from the Hunger Games. And our stupid little ritual worked. So yeah, dreams came true that night.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favourite live shows this year?
I went to see The 1975 at Madison Square Garden and that was a whole piece of performance art. I think it was the best show I’ve seen since I went to see Beyonce in 2012. Now after The 1975, I’m fucked because I can’t wear any of my old clothes anymore. I’m a changed woman.
What is your favourite track or album of the year?
At the moment Looking For Somebody (To Love) by The 1975. It sounds like a fun song at first but when you look a bit deeper into the lyrics the message is super sad. I love happy/sad melancholy feelings in music at the moment. Apart from that the new EP called ‘Messy’ by Stevie Bill is really crazy you should check it out if you wanna take life a little less serious and feel empowered in ur stupid boy problems………….
5. Who are your top picks for next year?
Dijon, Holly Humberstone, Ethel Cain, Madeline, The 1975.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
It would be called the shitshow. It would be in Brooklyn, New York on our unofficial rooftop and the headliner would be me and my friends. The openers would be The 1975, Tyler the Creator and Caroline Polacheck. It would be really exclusive. You need to climb through the bathroom window to see it and there’s limited seats. There would be the New York skyline with a sunset. Idk if it’s realistic but that wasn’t part of the prompt.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Messy.. Always messy. Happy, surreal, burnout vibes, overwhelming, fun.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
I want to tap into my European self and wear a beret and be kind of French and wear leather jackets. I want to produce more for myself, I want to learn how to be better at guitar. I want to stop outsourcing everything. I want to cut my own hair instead of going to the hairdresser. I want stuff to be more real and less on the internet and I want to play more live shows. I just want to keep making music and exploring it and doing what I love most. Thank you for these fun questions <3
SOFY
FFO: Abbie Ozard, dexter, Willow Kayne
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
This year has been nuts, my highs probably have to be my first summer on the festival circuit with the boys. We had so much fun!! If I had to pick one it would be our Rabbit Hole set at Glastonbury, there was a power cut at the end and the crowd carried the last two minutes of Strawberry Milkshake just chanting back to us whilst the stage managers were scrambling to get the power back on. It was magic. Low probably when James my keys player pissed all over my stuff in the tent at Boardmasters. Blame disclosure for that one because we got so drunk at their set.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
Probably Big Talk, because I still can’t believe it made it onto the FIFA soundtrack. Like what the hell haha. Massive dream come true. I love ‘btw’ as well though, it’s nice to have a change of pace and I’m so happy that everyone has been so receptive to it as it’s a bit different to my usual stuff.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Olivia Rodrigo bringing out Lily Allen at Glasto. Was one of the highlights of my whole life actually, let alone this year.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
Love Connie Constance’s new album it’s so fucking good! I’ve been a huge fan of her music for years and listening to her sound evolve has been really cool and inspiring. Also big up the Piri and Tommy mixtape, they’ve killed it this year.
Who are your top picks for next year?
SOFY, SOFY, SOFY and SOFY
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
You know that When We Were Young festival they did in America this year, the throwback emo band one? I’d do that but with cringe 00s UK pop music. Headliners would be Blue, Shayne Ward and The X Factor Finalists 2008 and I’d do it at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
‘someone fucking pinch me’
What does 2023 have in store for you?
My EP ‘Bored In Colour’ part 2 drops in January and we have our biggest ever headline show at Lafayette in March. Definitely planning some regional dates as well. And then who knows - watch this space though.
ELLIE DIXON
FFO: Orla Gartland, Sam Ryder, Lily Allen, Kate Nash
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
I have definitely felt the rebirth of live music! I’ve done the most gigging I’ve ever done in the last 9 months and I’ve felt so much confidence growth for it. It’s been quite a year of firsts and so much has happened it’s hard to pick favourites but my main highs this year were signing with my label, flying to LA for the iHeart Music Awards, shooting my first big music video for my latest single ‘Swing!’, and going on my first headline tour this October. My lows were various points of burnout and dealing with online hate as my platforms have grown. It’s been quite a learning curve around how to look after myself and deal with so much change but I’m definitely better for it. It has felt like a very formative year and I have done so many things that terrified me. I’ve been figuring out a lot as I go because so much of this is new ground for me, but there’s something very rewarding about being able to trust that you can go into situations blind and work out what to do.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
My favourite release this year has got to be ’Swing!’. It’s my first proper single with my label and the start of a new era of music. It’s very close to my heart because I wrote it when I was going through a real crisis of confidence as a way to keep myself positive and backing myself. It’s also packed full of silly baseball puns and fun audio samples like me hitting a glass with a whisk. It’s a fun rebellion against being brought down and the start of a load of new tunes!
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
I have so many favourites from the year! The top has to be my London headline show from my October tour - it’s the biggest headline show I’ve done, we sold out a 300 capacity venue and the vibes were incredible. I couldn’t believe the support from the crowd all shouting my lyrics back at me and everyone was just so wholesome. Another highlight was Latitude festival. We packed out the tent and I had some lovely kids at the front with signs they had made for me - it was really emotional. Finally, I got to play in a church in Cologne while supporting JC Stewart on a tour around Europe. It was such a magical venue and everyone was sat in the pews, it felt super intimate and almost ethereal.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
My track of the year is Elevator by Blu DeTiger. It’s a super funky track, her basslines are so tasty, and it’s got really fun vocals. My favourite album is froge.mp3 by piri & tommy - I don’t skip a single song on the release which is pretty rare for me.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Artists I feel are going to kick off next year are Devon Again (my biggest tip for any alt pop fans), Caroline Polacheck (a pop visionary), King Princess (already an icon but they are only getting bigger), Remi Wolf and Hailey Knox.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
This is such a great question! I’d love to have a festival in a big tree house in a forest, I think that would be such a fun location. The name would have to be a pun like “Tree’s Company” or “What a Releaf”. My headliners would be Doja Cat, Remi Wolf, Duckwrth, and Anderson .Paak. Basically my favourite artists that all have great basslines, funky rhythms and a sense of humour.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Exciting, formative, teaching, and fun.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
2023 is going to bring a whole lot of new music and bigger shows! I’ve been working on a lot behind the scenes this year which I can’t wait to put into the world in 2023. It has all still been made in my bedroom so the core of my creativity has remained the same - silly, fun, and explorative. Plenty of bad jokes coming don’t you worry!
BOY BLEACH
FFO: Only the Poets, The Hara, The Native
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
We were so excited to play again properly this year - it’s all we were leading up to for what felt like forever. Our highs definitely came from our European stints this year, Cologne on the Yungblud Tour was the biggest show we played to date and it felt biblical - it’s hard to describe but you can literally feel people singing along more than you can hear them. Hamburg was a great show too - we definitely left a piece of ourselves in that room, it was chaos from start to finish. I’d say one of our lows was weirdly at Reading - we were so grateful and loved our experience, but off the back of our wild summer Lou’s voice was completely fucked by the time Reading came about and we just felt like it was terrible timing - but it was fucking sick either way.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
Dance No More is definitely our highlight for releasing this year - its such a personal track to us, feels so local and close to home and to have the fans take to that song the way they have is crazy to us. To hear it screamed back at us by people with mirrored experience across the continent reminds you of what music can do for community.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Rock for People in Czech Republic was wild, we don’t remember much about it but we’re pretty sure we saw some incredible shows there. Wargasm were a highlight for sure. Not to be conceited but our Camden shows were a riot, we were proud of how they turned out it & felt so satisfying to round off our year with those.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
It’s hard to find one we all agree on so we’ll just fire a few off - Mac Wetha & Spill Tab released Play Pretend this year which has been on repeat. Baby Queen by Gorillaz is great too, and The Dare
Who are your top picks for next year?
Boy Bleach innit.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
It would be called London Feels, and it would be in London Fields. Joint Blur/Oasis headline for the culture haha. But honestly, probably pop Depeche Mode and Gorillaz as the headlines. Massive fans of both of theirs music and shows.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
- Absolute chaos mate.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
Boy Bleach is ready to explode to be honest, best music & shows we’ve done - we’re gonna tick off a lot of our bucket list in 2023.
CLARA MANN
FFO: Laura Marling, Lucy Rose
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
It’s been such a nice year for live shows, I’ve felt incredibly lucky all round. Highs include Pitchfork London, Union Chapel supporting Daniel Rossen on tour, and playing in an ancient wine museum in a small village in the Dolomite mountains- a lot of monks came to watch my set, it was a dream. One of those shows where I thought ‘don’t quite know how I’ve ended up here but I’m really glad I have’.
Lows? A weird show in Dublin at which a very drunk man tried to bite one of my earrings- a wild, wild move on his part.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
My favourite thing I’ve released this year is Travelling Clothes. It’s the only song I’ve released that’s I’ve produced and recorded alone- I’m proud of it. It also feels like the most authentically Clara song on the EP.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
I supported John Francis Flynn in Oxford in the early spring- his live show is really, really special. His voice is genuinely timeless, there’s something ancient about it.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
I absolutely loved the Alex G record- I was a bit late to the party on it but started listening to it last month and I’m obsessed with it. No one writes strings parts like him, and his lyrics are equal parts painful and funny.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I recently discovered a band called Skirts, they’re brilliant- really hoping they have things coming out in the new year.
I’m also a big Gia Margaret fan, so fingers crossed for new sad songs from her- or even happy ones, I’m not fussy.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
It would be on a small northern island, in a barn somewhere. It would not have a name- you would just have to stumble across it by chance.
My headliners would be Caroline Polachek, Tom Waits, and Edith Piaf. Curfew would be 10:30 and then we could all have hot choc together and get a good night’s sleep because that’s rock and roll x
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
A bit intense but I expect it’ll all work out for the best.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
More songs.
MARIPOOL
FFO: piglet, Lande Hekt
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
Probably the release of 'Softly' was my favorite. I hadn't released music for over a year prior to that, so felt really good to "come back" and start showing everyone what I had been working on for all that time. Releasing new music is always exciting because you get to play more exciting shows and everyone is just more interested in what you are doing.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Bar Italia and Moin at earth Hackney were definitely a highlight for me. Also watching Piglet play live on our tour together.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
I'm not sure about a favorite track but favorite album would be between 'Versions of Modern Performance' by Horsegirl and 'Warm Chris' by Aldous Harding.
Who are your top picks for next year?
There's a new Yo La Tengo album coming next year and I already know that going to be my highlight of 2023. In terms of smaller scale artists, Symbol Soup are due to release new music in the new year and, you heard first from me, it's all bangers!
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Probably something similar to the Numero Twenty festival, I'm quite gutted I can't go so would probably do something like that but in London. I would make it a 3 day festival with Unwound, Sunny Day Real Estate and Duster as headliners. Then would throw Cap N' Jazz, Seam and Vitreous Humor in the mix alongside other emo and Post Hardcore bands. It would most definitely end up having some kind of cringe name.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Chaotic and entertaining.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
Probably new music, my main focus now has been writing/finishing up songs. But most definitely a lot of new and exciting gigs!
LILO
FFO: bb sway, Low Girl, Bess Atwell
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - what have been your highs and lows this year?
Highs have included every person we’ve met and worked with this year, and another year of getting to be in a band with my best friend. Also a shoot we’re doing on Friday but that’s a secret. Lows! In the name of keeping this light, my low was very, very almost being responsible for getting us stranded overnight in the Cornish countryside on our way to Boardmasters. Nobody take me on as their tour manager.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
I sometimes feel like by the time anything is actually released, I’m already too deep into the next thing to really appreciate it. In the last couple of months, though, I’ve started re-listening to Change from quite a different headspace, and now it’s my favourite lilo song, alongside Settled - and also alongside everything else we’re about to release, and everything else we’re about to start recording.
Whether it be attending or one of your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
I’ve seen Phoebe Bridgers four times this year, and dressed up in a skeleton costume for Halloween, so this is quite a predictable answer, but my favourite show of the year was her Glastonbury set. I went to see it on my own and cried the whole way through. I don’t know what to say about it except I’ve not been the same since.
As for our own shows, it was unbelievable to be asked to play the BBC Introducing stage at Latitude; that felt like a big turning point for us. And playing the Practise Music showcase at Rough Trade East! Still can’t believe that happened. But really it’s also just been when we’ve played shows at places we care about, with people we care about, especially at our favourite London venues like The George Tavern, The Cavendish Arms, The Windmill, and so on. We have a lot of talented friends in excellent bands, and it’s always a treat to get to share the stage with them.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
My Spotify Wrapped (which I’m not condoning but it is quite interesting) says that I’ve listened to more music than ever before in my life this year, so it’s quite hard to choose. Lydia Wears A Cross by Julia Jacklin is up there as my potential number one. If you’re interested, my most listened to song was Silk Chiffon.
Who are your top picks for next year?
Kitty Fitz is my top pick for next year - she plays bass in our band, and is also the glue that holds us together (musically, emotionally). She writes the greatest pop music in her solo project, and just put out one of my favourite ever songs, I Want Your Love (Oh My God!). It’s an anthem. Every year should be her year really.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
There are so many big festivals already, so instead I would like to organise a festival in my kitchen, and limit ticket numbers to 2, for Christie and me. I’d invite Alex G, Matty Healy and both members of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing to make a supergroup with us. We would headline with a Bowie covers set.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
I will say with confidence that there is not going to be another year like this one.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
We have weathered a few storms in 2022, so I think are karmically owed a great 2023. Definitely releasing EP 2, hopefully starting work on an album. We’d like to get some touring in and play in some new fun places. I would also really like to get into pottery, if anyone has any tips, or a kiln I could borrow.
ASH LUNE
FFO: Holly Humberstone, GRAACE
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
Probably the release of 'Softly' was my favorite. I hadn't released music for over a year prior to that, so felt really good to "come back" and start showing everyone what I had been working on for all that time. Releasing new music is always exciting because you get to play more exciting shows and everyone is just more interested in what you are doing.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Bar Italia and Moin at earth Hackney were definitely a highlight for me. Also watching Piglet play live on our tour together.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
I'm not sure about a favorite track but favorite album would be between 'Versions of Modern Performance' by Horsegirl and 'Warm Chris' by Aldous Harding.
Who are your top picks for next year?
There's a new Yo La Tengo album coming next year and I already know that going to be my highlight of 2023. In terms of smaller scale artists, Symbol Soup are due to release new music in the new year and, you heard first from me, it's all bangers!
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Probably something similar to the Numero Twenty festival, I'm quite gutted I can't go so would probably do something like that but in London. I would make it a 3 day festival with Unwound, Sunny Day Real Estate and Duster as headliners. Then would throw Cap N' Jazz, Seam and Vitreous Humor in the mix alongside other emo and Post Hardcore bands. It would most definitely end up having some kind of cringe name.
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
Chaotic and entertaining.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
Probably new music, my main focus now has been writing/finishing up songs. But most definitely a lot of new and exciting gigs!
STORRY
FFO: CLAY, Naomi Banks
So 2022 felt like the year live music fully returned to the world - whathave been your highs and lows this year?
Let's start with the shitty stuff first, the lows... my tour through Eastern Canada and the USA in March 2022 was cancelled due to lockdowns and unforeseen restrictions. Boo. Let's forget about that. Some highs... being a creative collaborator and adding my operatic vocals to the title track of Stormzy's third album 'This Is What I Mean'. I got to star in the music video and attend the launch party. It was super fun and Stormzy is genuinely a really sweet human in the real, which is refreshing.
Out of all the music you have released this year - which have been your favorite and why?
I can't choose. It's like asking, who's your favourite child?! My single, Intimate Abuse, which is part of the Deluxe album dropping in January gives a resolve that the original version of the album didn't have. It gives people hope which I love. And I do feel hopeful. I'd also say the video for Bow Down is fucking beautiful. The director, Karimah Zakia Issa, absolutely smashed it. Powerful, poetic and yet quite simple. I think every womxn will feel stronger after watching it.
Whether it be attending or one your own - what have been your favorite live shows this year?
Getting to play for 15,000 fans at the biggest jazz festival in the world - The Montreal International Jazz Fest. That was the biggest crowd I ever played for, the biggest stage I ever played on. There were big screens on either side of me projecting my face. It was mad! And I got to play just before Corrine Bailey Rae who is such a legend. I found out afterwards that I did the 2nd highest in merchandise sales from all the artists at the festival which is wild since only approximately 100 people out of that 15k knew my music beforehand. I got to hug soooo many people after the show and sign records, and even have some people share their stories with me as well. It was a special moment and a pivot in my career.
What is your favorite track or album of the year?
For a musician, I don't listen to too much music so I'm sure I've missed some pretty epic albums this year. I was a bit of a hermit and just creating my next album. That being said, I really enjoyed FKA twigs 'CAPRISONGS' - I think she's really talented and I love the fusion of genres and textures. It's so dramatic and intricate and interesting. I really enjoyed the flow and storytelling of 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers'. Both these artists are always so creative and I LOVE taking in proper albums as bodies of work. I'm not really a single type of girl.
Who are your top picks for next year?
I can barely keep up with this year, never mind the next. So I have no idea what's in the pipeline with fellow artists. But I hope to hear from Frank Ocean and Janelle Monae. They're great musicians. But man, I'm just excited to be putting out this new concept album that I've been working on for some time now. It's been a long time in the making.
If you could organize a festival in 2023 - what would you call it? Where would it be? And who would your headliners be?
Without overthinking, it would be called 'Dramaqueen'. It would be in New York City (in the summer of course). The headliners would be Bjork and Beyonce and I'd like to squeeze myself in there. If Freddy Mercury were alive, Queen would definitely be there too. He and I share the same birthday so maybe we could have the show on September 5th and celebrate together. :-)
If you could sum up 2022 in a few words - what would they be?
For me it was... building a new foundation.
What does 2023 have in store for you?
The Deluxe edition of CH III comes out January 24th, the first day of my Western Canada tour that I'm co-headlining with Tanika Charles. I'll also be releasing the first singles off my third body of work titled, 'Chapter 2: Run' which is the prequel to my debut album. :-)
Then of course, there are lots more shows, festivals, and other artistic things up my sleeve - but I can't tell you everything just yet! Sign up to my mailing list and become a part of my fam at https://www.storrymusic.com to keep in the loop (and also get free music I only give to my peeps). I respond to everyone who emails me, so do it! I love hearing from ya'll.