It's a new year, and that means it's a good time to talk about some rising artists that are predicted to be big news throughout 2021.
Rather than ramming hundreds of new artists down your throats, I've limited it down to a very specific 5 that cover all major genres, that I would bet a good amount of money
So, we've rounded up 5 artists across a variety of genres. However, this list is by no means exhaustive
For pop: Charlotte Sands
IF YOU LIKE: Charli XCX, Julia Michaels, lovelytheband
It was Dress that introduced me to Charlotte Sands but I stayed interested because pretty much every song she’s released is a potential hit.
Sands has that star quality that you can see in a lot of up-and-coming artists and her individual style of pop is something that’s a little different to trademark pop that’s topping the charts at the moment.
Sands is yet to release an album, but with the success of her most recent singles I wouldn't be surprised if a debut album will be coming in 2021 - I certainly hope it is!
If none of that so far has sold you, her song 'Dress' was inspired by Harry Styles very talked about vogue cover, so every stream on Dress is basically a tiny 'f you' to toxic masculinity.
For indie R&B: Arlo Parks
IF YOU LIKE: Lianne La Havas, Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith
Arlo Parks has been the name on everyone’s lips for a good while now, but 2021 is set to be her year. Arlo Parks is probably the most widely heard-of artist on this list, with many famous names being fans, but still somehow her music is incredibly underrated. With a good reputation already built, and clear and definitive talent within their existing releases, I would expect Arlo Parks to become the next big thing in music over the course of 2021. Her sound is honest, warm-hearted and chills you out with just a couple minutes of listening. What’s not to love? Her debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams is set to be released towards the end of this month, so this is a great time to discover her music and give her existing releases a listen before her new music comes out and inevitably impresses the critics.
For edgy British rock: Kid Kapichi
IF YOU LIKE: Early Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Royal Blood
Kid Kapichi have been on the rock radar for a good while now, but it really seems like 2021 will be their year. Their debut album This Time Next Year is coming out on 5 February and they’re being talked about on big radio stations already. Their sound is edgy and cynical to the point of being borderline punk and perfect for if you want to get some anger out by listening to some hard-hitting music. They're incredibly well known and successful in their local area on the south coast, so it’s about time this success spreads right across the UK and further. Kid Kapichi are incredible live performers (as I know from personal experience) so I hope in 2021 they get to perform more shows across the country so more people get to see what a great band they are.
Ironically, I think This Time Next Year Kid Kapichi will be a staple of up-and-coming British rock.
For subtle acoustic: Matilda Mann
IF YOU LIKE: Ben Howard, Laura Marling, dodie
If story-telling light folk is your type of thing, then you should be paying attention to Matilda Mann in 2021.
Her EP Because I Wanted You To Know is clean and quaint and the perfect type of music to calm you down after a long day whilst you stare into nature from your window or something along those lines.
She’s already supported previously mentioned Arlo Parks on tour and featured on BBC introducing, so clearly, Mann is well regarded in the industry already.
With an exciting headline show confirmed for Omeara on 29 April 2021 (if all things go to plan) Matilda Mann is set to become a very popular artist this year.
For hard rock and metal: Cassyette
IF YOU LIKE: Slipknot, Bring Me The Horizon, Black Honey
Cassyette is another artist that’s been on the periphery of success for a while, and 2021 is set to just push her over the edge into it. Recently she’s been posting incredibly successful metal covers of songs on TikTok which has really boosted her profile. If you want to check them out, it's @cassyette on TikTok. Rumour has it Cassyette will be releasing her own metal music this year which means she’s going heavier than her previous releases. With metal taking a bit of a backseat in the mainstream over the past few years, it’ll be interesting to see how Cassyette takes it into her stride. She has the vocals for it, so I’m excited to see what she brings.
There are so many more artists that you should keep an eye on - and I’ll constantly be promoting any dope new artists that I see around both on this blog and on my blog Instagram @rubyonmusic_, but these are 5 that I think are going to be everywhere in 2020.