With the music industry gaining momentum post-pandemic, there’s a clear shift in energy in the new music coming from future stars. From his sharp-tongued indie pop to his fast-paced drum ‘n’ bass, this new wave artist is just not here.
Here are 10 artists to watch in 2023.
bloody civilian
Nigerian singer and producer Bloody Civilian is a born storyteller, drawing on his West African pedigree with influences from the likes of Frank Ocean and Kid Cudi. She, whose real name is Emose Kamov, released her debut single “How to Kill a Man” last year. This was followed by “Wake Up”, a collaboration with fellow Nigerian artist Rema. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Don’t mess with her – she’s here to kill. Roycin O’connor
Katie Baser
Caity Baser riots, ushering in a new era of bright and bold Generation Z-pop. She released her first song on her TikTok, but she had already released her debut EP. Lil CB, by the time the labels start to cycle. Acquired by her EMI last summer, she’s committed to maintaining her DIY sensibility with songs like ’90s garage-influenced “Friendly Sex” and breakup bop’s “X&Y.” Successful. Combining the gum-chewing nonchalance of Charli XCX, Meghan’s sarcastic frankness of her Trainor, and Lily’s Allen’s early ska and reggae influences, she’s hard to resist. ROC
Charlotte Plank
The first wave of the drum’n’bass renaissance comes with 21-year-old producer and singer Charlotte Plank, freshly signed to Black Butter records. She is inevitably compared to her fellow Pink Pantherless, thanks to the way she melds 90s and her 2000s grunge and R&B with jungle and electronic music. But her style is more breezy, blending perky beats and shuffling rhythms with understated lyrics about “lost boys” and self-destructive behavior. She claims it makes you hate her – I’m not sure. ROC
Dolores Forever
Dolores Forever is Hannah Wilson from Yorkshire and Julia Fablin from Copenhagen. They met at a house party in London and bonded over their mutual adoration of the Spice Girls, Stevie Nicks and Sharon Van Etten. I am having the best time of my life,” he claims. Catch her set headlining at her Omeara in London in February. ROC
English teacher
English Teacher are already off to a promising start with three Glastonbury gigs, a record deal and supporting Mercury Prize-nominated indie band The Yard Act. Formed in Leeds, the quartet tackles everything from testicles to track-and-trace apps through the surreal gaze of frontwoman Lily Fontaine. Around Fontaine’s metaphorical lyrics, the band’s “art her indie” shines through every instrument, building erratic riffs and noisy, detailed exclamations. It’s not bad for what bassist Louis Whiting calls “silly, noisy guitar music.” You can read the full interview with the English teacher here. Megan Gray
FLOMore
Following the success of their breakout single “Cardboard Box,” British trio FLO, consisting of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma and Renee Downer, have won Rising Star Gong at this year’s Brit Awards. They scoffed at comparisons to Little Mix, but no doubt they helped fill the void left by their fellow girl groups after their hiatus. Delighting millennials, strong anthems and Y2K fashion captivate the TikTok generation. our predictions? They may be just the ticket to crack the picky US market. ROC
Hannah Jadug
Hannah Jadugu’s sun-drenched, whimsical DIY sounds bring something new to the table. The Texas-born, New York-based artist got his start by making music on his iPhone. However, since the release of 2021’s What’s Going On, the 20-year-old has captured the attention of the industry, earning support slots for Arlo Parks, Metronomy and Faye Webster. Jadugu’s youthful indie his pop is as calming as a summer afternoon. Last year she attended her first UK show. Her debut album, due out next spring, should keep them satisfied. MG
Joseph
Joseph never intended to be an artist. That was until friends heard his velvety voice from Glaswegian when he “absolutely frowned” at his mic at the 2019 Open: Rina Sawayama and Paolo Nutini. .on debut album permanent damage Scheduled for release in January, expect his wistful alternative pop, with ongoing Radio 1 support, to come summer. MG
new dad
Galway band NewDad grew out of a school project. Now, thanks to their indie-pop earworm, their school and exam days are well behind them. Listen to “Blue,” a moody, bass-driven melody that swims around singer Julie Dawson’s luscious vocals. She blames her ex-partner for wasting her time. Their layered guitars give them an old school grunge edge. Key support slots (Dope Lemon, Paolo Nutini), several 6 music playlists and a sold-out headline tour across the UK and Ireland followed. MG
Wonder Horse
Wunderhorse’s debut album was one of the year’s best. turnip is a coming-of-age future classic that, as frontman and author Jacob Slater describes, “connects the dots from me at 17 to the present.” The band combines muddy rock and ’90s-inspired grunge with stories of growth, healing, and forgiveness. Across 11 tracks, Slater’s solemn storytelling meets ambitious melodies that nod to Radiohead, Nirvana, the Stone Roses and more. And with its own tour that is nearly sold out in 2023, Wunderhorse is definitely leading the way. You can read the full interview with Wunderhorse here. MG
