Sad you didn't make it to Bestival last weekend? DON'T BE. First of all, think how lovely and dry you were in comparison to those poor blighters out there having the time of their lives. Okay, maybe we need a better reason. How about we just give you a roasting hot playlist of fresh new talent to listen to you to enjoy your own mini-festival in the comfort of your mud-free home instead? Yeah, now we're talking!
Below you'll find a handful of our most favourite musical discoveries of the past week. There's a little of everything you fancy- from upbeat indie pop to theatrical rock n' roll; so you'll be well looked after here.
So, here we have it! These are the Emerging Icons you really need to hear...
Having already earned the title of Zane Lowe's 'Next Hype' on Radio 1, it was only a matter of time 'til Eliza and the Bear made their debut on our 'You Need To Hear This' round-up. For an emerging band, they've already conquered highly coveted territories- selling out The Borderline, storming top fests Hard Rock Calling and Secret Garden Party, being invited to open for Paramore's super-massive arena tour... y'know, just your standard mind-boggling shit like that. Their rapid rise to such giddy heights has been so intense we're wondering how the five-piece aren't wobbling around the place with persistent head-rush. Instead, they continue to knock out the highest class of upbeat, indie-pop earworms to help you take on the world- much like they are, really. Forthcoming single 'Friends' is an utter stunner to look forward to- but for now, sit back and breathe a huge sigh of contentment as 'Upon The North' works its magic on your blissed-out ears...
It's no secret that we're huge fans of rock n' roll mavericks Felix Hagan & The Family. Ever since unearthing their uniquely infectious and shimmering sound, we ain't stopped banging on about them; bringing them in on our 'Westfield Presents' stage and our new music feature in Loaded Magazine amongst other things. With their eccentric fusion of style settling somewhere between a rock opera and musical theatre, they continue to beguile and dazzle us like nothing else can. The new video for 'Sing Your Last Lullaby' is a case in point. Who else could we imagine staging a recreation of The Last Supper which involves a food fight that lays waste to the entire contents of Gregg's? If you're into cakes and jam-related sexual innuendo you're going to love this. Oh, and the song is absolutely sublime as you might imagine. Look out for Tankus The Henge drummer Will making a Biblical cameo too...
Listening to the sweet electronica of Paper Crows will transport you somewhere far, far away. We're still undecided if it's a Neverending Story-type land on the back of a Luck Dragon or a glittering club in the 80s- but either way, it's pretty damn magical. While the vulnerability of Emma Panas' gentle vocal adds a stunning fragility to the Paper Crows sound, the atmosphere and drama created through synths and beats makes for an incredibly powerful performance that we just adore. It's all about the light and darkness with this duo, providing a spectrum of shade to create something that feels much bigger than the two people stood before you. Championed by the likes of Pete Tong and Nick Grimshaw, we're beyond excited about having them make an appearance on our Westfield stage on 28th September. Have a listen to 'White Noise' to see just why...
Canadian rockers The Balconies haven't just made it onto our radar, they've blown the whole damn thing away. This is a band who are serious about their commitment to rock n' roll. To date, Toronto's most ferocious four-piece have made it to South By Southwest, The Great Escape and North By Northeast. They're shared stages with Rival Sons, Bad Religion and Cold War Kids amongst many others... but they're never going to have their fill and they'll always be wanting more. Have you ever seen 'The Little Shop of Horrors'? Greenness aside, The Balconies do kinda remind us of that famous carnivorous plant. Frontwoman Jacquie may not be screaming 'FEED ME, SEYMOUR!' but she does certainly look like she could cut anyone down to size in a heartbeat. With a performance style that's as fresh and fierce as their riff n' rhythm laden sound, this lot are destined for huge things. Check out this video for 'Kill Count'. The only time rock n' roll can get any better is when lucha libre is involved...
Come find and follow us for more great new music:
Website:www.emergingicons.com
Facebook:www.facebook.com/emergingicons
Twitter: @emergingicons