It's time to reveal a small personal list that I establish each year: that of the 10 artists to follow in 2017.
As every year, I have fun making more or less reliable predictions about the artists of tomorrow. Last year I did not do too badly with the success of A-wa, present on many festivals and who ended the year with a concert at the Elysée Montmartre, but also with the emergence of Yanis, who we could find at Solidays. The Sunset Sons also toured a lot in France including 2 full Parisian concerts and Sage made us discover his first album…
In short, the idea is to share some favorites with you hoping to be able to bring you to follow them and discover them live in 2017. Let's go for a small inventory!
The Mystery Lights
We start with rock. A garage sound with psychedelic echoes that are not to displease us. Catchy and gripping solos, all on a throbbing rhythm. The Mystery Lights is undoubtedly the revival of the genre and a beautiful way to dive nostalgically into the 70's without getting too high and getting just right. Their self-titled debut album has been hailed by critics and they will be on February 7 at La Maroquinerie. We can expect a memorable show according to those who have already seen them live.
Page Facebook de The Mystery Lights
https://youtu.be/Vs0BUKTNjKA
Sampha
British electro artist, Sampha already has two albums to his credit and many collaborations with leaders of current music like Drake or Kanye West. But playing in the big leagues did not give him the big head and it is modestly that he is preparing to release a new album, Process is scheduled for February 3. Based on what we've heard so far, we can't wait to hear more: Blood On Me gives you the peach and will surely shake you.
https://youtu.be/_oM1DFL43Lk
He will be in concert on March 11 at La Cigale. And I propose you to let yourself be seduced by his last title, in a completely different register, much softer, where you can appreciate all the breadth of his warm and soothing soul voice.
https://youtu.be/njHcZMLDdSc
For those who have the means (and faith), it is also in the programming of the Coachella festival this year! I say that…
Dear Criminals
Last year I realized that we did not talk enough about Canadians and Quebecers; Well, I'm going to fix that right now because, as the Montreal Aurora Festival has shown us, Canada is full of talented artists who are too often missed. This is Dear Criminals, a group led by Frannie Holder, Vincent Legault and Charles Lavoie : a project that perfectly combines intensity and touching fragility; A vocal mix that delivers a dark and sensual folk/electro music at the same time. Their first album, Nelly, was released on January 20th and they will be Monday 23rd at Supersonic in Paris for a free concert!!
Page Facebook de Dear Criminals
https://youtu.be/yr67mY8S3MU
Soon in interview on Justfocus
Juveniles
Trio Rennes created in 2011, Juveniles has just joined the Capitole stable and we may hear about them! Their first album, Juveniles, dates back to 2013 was a great success and we expect their second opus for March 24th. In fact, nothing better than their name to describe their music: fresh pop without fuss that flows like spring water. Their title Can We Fix It made our mouths water and we are thirsty listening to the first notes of Someone Better. We will have to be a little more patient…
https://youtu.be/1E2nIcCdtS0
Calum Scott
We no longer present this participant in the Britain Got Talent who climbed the highest steps of the charts during the year 2016. His cover of Robin 's song – Dancing On My Own – made many cry and shudder and earned him a Golden Buzz at the English show. Calum Scott released last week his first original track and will unveil his first album later this year. We had the pleasure of meeting him and you can find his interview soon on the website and our Youtube channel. While waiting to enjoy his first opus, we can swing on Rhythm Inside : more dynamic, less melancholic, but always with this voice of a striking obviousness.
https://youtu.be/_ItUrGpQhEM
Charlotte OC
We mentioned it during one of our end-of-year playlists and this time the goddess Charlotte OC is about to unveil a first album: Careless People. 11 titles that will be released digitally on March 31st. Among them, we will find the 2 pieces that circulate on the web and that had literally seduced us. How not to melt in front of so much magnetism and sensuality. Like Banks, this young Brit is part of this renaissance of RnB, delivering a dark and captivating gothic soul. You will necessarily be conquered, do not resist him! We intend to talk to you about it very soon!
https://youtu.be/mochsfDjtN8
Tellma
French this time, Bertrand Mouty and Laurent Rousset, who form the duo Tellma, a pop folk musical project, sometimes rock that goes a little off the beaten track. Why will you ask me? Well, because we are not used to seeing this type of music made by French people. Already, two voices, pure and beautiful, deep and reassuring, a kind of Ying and Yang, the sacred union in a song. Then a way of composing close to prog and touching melodies, sensitive and powerful at the same time. Their first E.P, Swansong, was released in May 2016 and we hope to talk about them again this year.
https://youtu.be/MCh4PslrObA
LP
Laura Pergolizzi, LP of her stage name, created a surprise last year. For those who do not know it yet know that you may see it again this year. This will also be an opportunity for those who missed it last December to catch up. She will be at the first edition of Lollapalooza at the Longchamps racecourse on July 22nd and 23rd ! While waiting to see her reappear in our countries, do a catch-up session with her latest album, Lost On You, a little gem of Indie-Pop Alternative that you absolutely should not miss.
https://youtu.be/hn3wJ1_1Zsg
Emel
An oriental touch to warm up this selection a little. This is Emel Mathlouthi, a young committed Tunisian artist who was discovered by the public in 2006 and whose career is marked in particular by her stance during the Arab Spring. Between electronic and acoustic music, Eastern and Western, she has mixed her influences to create an epic and strong sound, simple and captivating. Her second album, Ensen, on February 24, 2017 and she knew how to surround herself divinely well: Valgeir Sigurðsson (Sigur Rós, Feist) and Franco-Tunisian Amine Metani, this album was recorded in seven countries and two continents. A lot of North African percussion, organic beats not to distort, Ensen Dhaif (Helpless Human) is a beautiful demonstration of this rich and vibrant mix.
https://youtu.be/TXv5ByGSsbA
Tow'rs
Well then you might as well warn you for this last group. He is one of those that you can come across while hanging out on the Noisetrade site and whose chances of seeing them in France are as important as seeing a unicorn… But we can dream!
Tow'rs is the kind of band that hooks you without really knowing why. Out of nostalgia? Because this pop rock sound vaguely reminds you of something? Because the harmony of the voices sounds right and it feels good? Or simply because it's simple and heartwarming! In any case, his Americans from Arizona are really good, whether in studio or acoustic version.
Besides, I suggest you help them: they are currently in the middle of a crowdfounding campaign to finance their new album and you can participate in this project on Indiegogo.
Maybe it will bring them to us?
https://youtu.be/La3–eH9v1s
