Here in January, it is really difficult to imagine how much great (and terrible) music this new year will bring. While it’s almost impossible to predict who will be the next “big” act, there are some really exciting bands and artists that were getting revved up at the end of 2011, and could easily make 2012 one great year for music.
Right at the top of my list is New York female rapper/singer Azealia Banks, who released her fantastic debut single, “212” at the end of ’11. While some might immediately write her off as a Nicki Minaj wannabe, she couldn’t be more different. Merging together Hip-Hop and House music layered underneath her sharp, stinging lyrics and her rhythmic prowess, Banks is about as interesting and un-radio friendly as it gets, which just might make her the next big superstar. She just signed a major label deal with Universal and is currently featured on the Scissor Sisters’ new single, “Shady Love,” under the pseudonym Krystal Pepsey.
In the rock world, British band Spector is expected to make a huge splash. Blending distinct indie rock sounds with a touch of electro and classic charm, the band brings together all of the best parts of, say, The Strokes or The Killers when they first burst onto the scene. Spector released three singles in 2011, but are planning on releasing their debut album this year, where they will also support Florence + The Machine on their tour.
This year’s winner of the BBC Sound of 2012 poll, Michael Kiwanuka, is also set to have a huge year. This poll sees British music critics and industry experts vote on the most promising new artists predicted to “make it big” in the coming year. Previous winners include Adele in 2008, Keane in 2004, and 50 Cent in 2003. Kiwanuka’s music is a hauntingly perfectly blend of folk rock and soul, falling somewhere in between Jack Johnson and John Legend, but with a much more classic feel. In my opinion, he easily trumps them both. He spent part of last year opening for Adele, and released his second single, “Home Again” on the first of this year. His debut album will be coming out in March.
Finally, the artist most likely to make a huge dent in 2012, who is actually already started her ascent into stardom is Lana Del Rey, who will be releasing her debut album at the end of this month. Having been “all the buzz” in the music world for the second half of 2011, and a debut single, “Video Games” that reached the top-10 in the UK, Lana is set to have a big year. Her music has a lingering, evocative sultriness to it, with a voice to match. There was so much buzz about her that she even landed a spot as the musical guest on SNL before her album was even released (a rare, almost unheard of accomplishment). This will no doubt be a great for her, and for music in general.
