Music to watch out for in 2014

2014 is going to be another year of incredibly hot music. As usual, London will be the music capital, as the best new features emerge from this wonderful multicultural melting pot. Rock n roll, punk, soul, r’n’b, electro and psychedelia – all the musical genres’ shades will be well represented during 2014. We’ve picked what we believe are the musicians to watch out for and follow, those who gave us a taster of their talent in 2013. This will be a fantastic year!

Real Lies

The sound of love, the noise of the early dance tracks of the 90s, the dancey mood of Saint Etienne, the Frankie Knuckles productions of those years, the New Order of Ibiza’s summer of love – that mood and sound is back thanks to the London trio Real Lies. This can be termed disco pop – these boys (KK, TW and PK) are keen to keep it all about the music. Their epic 15-minute-long track Poise of Veron is ethereal and funky, reminiscent of late night beach cocktails. Mix it up with some modern hypnagogic twists in the shape of Air France or Washed Out – here we have some more of the next big things of 2014. Yet Real Lies’ debut AA-side World Peace/Deeper is a charming and soulful voyage into style and class. Check them out!

For further information about Real Lies or to listen to their tracks visit here.

Jaakko Eino Kalevi

This emerging new musician is nothing if not edgy and stripped back – there is little that can be read about him online, adding to the mystery that surrounds him. He has risen from absolute obscurity, initially inspired by progressive metal and now expressing an ode to memories with his latest endeavours. There is always a need for psychedelic music, unfortunately never played enough. Thank God in the last few years this sound has reflowered indeed, this time from Finland, thanks to Jaakko Eino Kalevi and his latest EP Dreamzone, on which he plays all instruments himself. This record is a warm, kaleidoscopic trip into space and time, like a multi-dimensional journey into planets full of soul, seventies mood, acid and hippies, but most of all, full of good taste. Absolutely stunning.

For further information about Jaakko Eino Kalevi or to listen to his EP visit here.

Courtney Barnett

Courtney’s stunning double EP A Sea of Split Peas was one of the better records of 2013, and we just can’t wait for a proper album full of brand new songs about love, sadness and panic attacks from this 25-year-old from Melbourne. Barnett set up her own label Milk! Records in 2012 and is celebrated across Australia for her special blend of psychedelia, country and folk. She is undoubtedly creative and something of an unstoppable force, with three EPs in less than two years. Avant Gardener is something really special, with clever lyrics and a catchy hook. Other popular highlights are Lance. Jr and Anonymous Club, both witty and engaging. Inspired by the great Bob Dylan and with songwriting skills in abundance, Barnett is a whirlwind of talent and a star on the rise. 

For further information about Courtney Barrett or to hear her tracks visit here.

Rosie Lowe

 Soulstep’s next big thing is Rosie Lowe and her amazing velvety voice. Dubbed the female James Blake (no slur indeed), Lowe may look edgy and perhaps a bit punk but her voice is soul to a t. Championed by Radio One, Lowe’s music is emotional and atmospheric. The buzz surrounding her is well-deserved, and she will definitely be a greater name by the end of 2014.  Her EP Right Thing shows off an educated and clever singer who can play with her voice and her talent. There is drama, rhythm, RnB tones, a folksy edge; it’s fantastic from start to finish. 10K Balloons has a magical edge that calls Joni Mitchell to mind, and Me & Your Ghost is an electronic masterpiece. Let’s see what is going to happen in the long term…

For further information about Rosie Lowe or to hear her voice visit here.

 

Fat White Family

Over the last year, this South London-based band have released an excellent record – a mix of post-blues and garage rock – and have offered burning live shows around the city. Their punk attitude (Champagne Holocaust is the name of the record), reminiscent of bands like Clinic and The John Spencer Blues Explosion but with a personal twist, is now ready to explode all over the world. Songs like Without Your Consent and Bomb Disneyland show a remarkable psychedelic mood, which becomes clear in their live gigs, where the band gives their best. If this trend continues, we should expect great stuff from these young Londoners.

For further information about Fat White Family or to listen to their tracks visit here.

Radkey

Is rock n roll dead? According to these three brothers from Missouri – inspired by The Who, Ramones and most of all Death – rock n roll is healthy and in great shape, and apparently they are here to show us. After having released their EP Devil Fruit, the trio is now ready to demonstrate to the world its skills and quality, and considering their extreme potential and promising songs, it’s not going to be very hard for them. High energy tracks made with a bass, a drum and a guitar (Start Freaking Out, Little Man): a classic line up which is always great in the rock and roll industry.

For further information about Radkey or to hear their music visit here.

Jungle

This mysterious duo from London, who don’t like to be photographed or interviewed, have been for the whole of 2013 on everyone’s lips – quite bizarre for a band who don’t want to be known. Thanks to the 600,000 views of their song Platoon on Vimeo, they’ve become incredibly hyped. For sure, the sound of this duo is pretty innovative, as they managed to mix r’n’b to wave and pseudo-kraut productions (listen to the base of their superb hit). Hopefully the rumours surrounding a following debut album will become real in 2014. Until then, we keep on listening to their A-side Platoon/Drops.

For further information about Jungle or to check out their sound visit here.

Lorenzo Cibrario