50 Bands to See at SXSW 2017

Posted on by Lexi Kelson

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We’ll admit it—scrolling through the list of the year’s SXSW artists is intimidating. But, as we all know, preparation always pays off. You have seven days (March 13-19) to soak in as much music as humanly possible, with a smorgasbord of artists featured at showcases and parties all over downtown Austin.

Enter us. We’ve compiled a Spotify playlist of 50 can’t-miss bands at SX this year. From Atlanta and Nashville to Los Angeles and Canada, the artists on our playlist hail from all over. Leo James Conroy (interview coming soon) is a musician originally from Manchester, England who currently resides in Los Angeles, while Mise en Scene and Jessie Reyez are repping the Canadian music scene.

In case you didn’t hear, we’re sponsoring the 11th annual Athens in Austin Party, To Eleven on Saturday, March 18.  The artists scheduled to play at our party (located at The Side Bar) are a) kickass and b) included on the playlist below.  Enjoy, at see you out there.

 

SXSW 2017: Mise en Scene x Vinyl Mag

Posted on by Lexi Kelson

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With SXSW’s seemingly endless lists of performers all incredible in their own right, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Mise en Scene, however, is one act you definitely do not want to miss. The Canadian quartet effortlessly combines beautiful, heartfelt lyrics with rock instrumentation, giving everyone something to enjoy. Their first full-length album, Desire’s Despair, involved producers Howard Redekopp (Tegan & Sara), Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire) and Tony Berg (Beck) and gave the band quite an entry onto the scene in 2012. Not only did it have a 16-week run on Canada’s Top 50 national charts, but it also received a 2014 Sirius XM Indies Award nomination. The foursome rode that success all over the world with performances in Barcelona, downtown Paris, Berlin and more.

Stefanie Blondal Johnson (vocals/guitar) and Jodi Dunlop (drums) first founded the Manitoba-based band after bonding in art school over painting. These days, they’ve added friends Corey D Hykawy and Dave Gagnon on bass and lead guitar, respectively. Bringing in the two new members to the group allowed room to create songs with more dimension and sounds, which even further enhances the experience of their on stage performances. Mise en Scene knows how to have fun at their own live shows, and according to Do512, their performances are “soaked with emotion.”

Just a few weeks ago, the team graced our ears with a new release courtesy of Light Organ Records. The song “Show Me You’re Real” is the first single off their upcoming sophomore album, Still Life On Fire and embodies the band’s signature marriage of garage pop and indie rock. Huffington Post calls their sound a combination of “’60s pop with strokes of garage rock” and hears a “beachy vibe, reminiscent of the Dum Dum Girls.” The new album will be released Summer 2017, but until then, fans can sink their teeth into the single as well as their performances at SXSW.

To get us all pumped up for their SXSW sets, we chatted with bassist Corey Hykawy about pre-show band rituals, emotional space and French fries. Check out the interview below.

Vinyl Mag: Tell me a little bit about your musical background.

Corey Hykawy: I played in a couple high school bands—nothing serious—and then I was living in Toronto after college, and I came back to Gimli [Manitoba] for a summer and ended up joining a friend’s band. I ended up staying in Gimli instead of moving back to Toronto and played in Winnipeg, played in a bunch of bands and then eventually joined Mise en Scene. That was about two and a half to three years ago now, and I’ve just been playing with them ever since.

VM: What made you want to jump on board with this band?

CH: I’d known the drummer, Jodi, since we were in high school. She had a high school band, and I remember being like, “if you ever need a bass player I’d love to play with you guys,” but it never worked out. And then I’d seen them play all over Winnipeg, we played shows together, and I always really enjoyed the music, I really liked the songs. They both have connections to Gimli, the small town we’re from, and we’re all just friends so it seemed like a good fit. So when they were looking for a bass player, I threw my name in there, and then it all worked out.

VM: What’s the dynamic like between the four of you?

CH: When we’re writing, it’s very collaborative. But we’re also pretty goofy people, so there’s lots of joking and lots of trash talking and stuff like that… a lot of back and forth joking around and wine-drinking.

VM: I’m sure that relationship makes being on stage together more fun.

CH: Yeah, we all get along so well as friends, and we spend a lot of time together whether we’re practicing or just hanging out. I think that helps a lot—just being close friends and being on stage, and you look over across the stage and you see a good friend, and it’s just like you’re there having fun. It doesn’t feel like work, doesn’t feel like any pressure or anything like that.

VM: You did some touring back in the Fall—what was the most fun part about that?

CH: That’s tough, because there are so many different parts of it that all come together. I love touring, but honestly one of my favorite parts is driving in the van from one city to the next and just talking about the show the night before, or talking about the show coming up that night and how we can make it better, or just listening to tunes on the road and talking. And that’s completely ignoring the whole side of playing while you’re on tour, which is also amazing and fun. It’s hard to narrow it down to just one thing.

VM: What about the most challenging part?

CH: Definitely learning what makes each other tick and when to give someone space and knowing how much emotional space you’re taking up as an individual. Just being aware of everyone’s state of mind…asking someone how they’re doing if they need it. I think it’s just learning to juggle the emotions of four passionate people in such tight quarters when things can be so manic–one day things are going so well, and then the next day you’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire.

VM: Do you have a favorite venue you’ve played?

CH: Since I’ve been in the band, we played one in Berlin called Privatclub, and we really liked that venue a lot. I think my favorite would be in Paris when we played the Mécanique Ondulatoire. It was this basement venue, and it looked like The Cavern [Club] that the Beatles used to play in. It had this brick wall, and it was just this really cool, small, dingy basement. It felt like a little punk bar or something like that.

VM: You’ve played a lot of festivals—do you prefer those over more traditional gigs?

CH: We really like playing festivals, because we’re all music fans as well, so you get the best side of music with that. You have your set in the afternoon or evening, and then you have the whole day to watch other bands. Being anywhere where it’s sunny outside in the summer watching music is just the best thing ever.

VM: Do you have any pre-show band rituals?

CH: Not really; we just kind of look at each other. I always try to make eye contact with everyone and give them a little wink or something like that, or just a wink and a smile to let them know like, “hey, let’s do this.” Just hugs and things like that, some high fives, nothing too crazy.

VM: As a performer, what’s your personal mindset when you step on stage?

CH: I don’t really think that much about it, because when I was younger, I kind of got stage fright, so I tried to not acknowledge the fact that I was in front of people. So I guess my approach is just like, we’re in the jam space having fun and not in front of a hundred or two hundred people.

VM: You recently released the single “Show Me You’re Real” off the upcoming album.  How does it reflect the rest of the record?

CH: That song is almost the best summation for the album in the sense that it’s a very dynamic song–it’s loud, it’s quiet, it’s fast, it’s slow.  I think that that’s a big part of the album. I didn’t write the lyrics, but Stef’s lyrics on the album, that song sums up what she’s going for in all the other songs. It really takes everything and puts it together.

VM: What was the creative process like in making that song?

CH: In the studio when we’re trying out different instruments and different parts, when we have the bass track and the drums down and we’re just messing around with guitar and vocal ideas, that was a lot of fun. The writing process for it was pretty quick. It was one of those songs where they had it written when I joined the band, and then I came in and we didn’t agonize over anything; it just kind of came together. All the parts just naturally fit into place. I find when I’m writing a song that the first thing I play is always the best. I’ll try different ideas or different parts, but it always comes back to that first idea that you play naturally because it’s almost just a reaction to what you’re hearing.

VM: So, for South by Southwest, what shows are you guys playing?

CH: We’re doing the Halifax Pop Explosion showcase at the Swan Dive Patio on March 16. I think that’s also Canada House, which it’s always awesome being around other Canadian bands. And then we’re at Esther’s Follies on March 18 for a showcase.

VM: If a new listener sees your band name on the schedule, how would you sum up what they’re going to hear?

CH: They’re going to hear loud, jangly guitars, some distortion, some reverb. They’re going to hear some sultry vocals from Stef, some infectious melodies coming out of the guitar, and a driving rhythm section with Jodi and I. Just an all around fun time–we try and have as much fun as possible!

VM: Who are you most looking forward to seeing at SXSW?

CH: It’s insane how many bands are there, it blows my mind. Every year that we go, I’ll go through all the bands that are playing and scroll through, and then either based on a town that they’re from or a genre or the name, I’ll just randomly click on the band and listen to a song. I was doing that this year and found this band called Aero Flynn from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and I listened to their record and it blew me away. So, I’m really excited to see them. Eric Slick, who’s the drummer from Dr. Dog, is releasing an album and he’s playing there.  I really want to see him. He’s a fantastic drummer, and I’m not sure what to expect from his solo music.

VM: Now, our last question that we always have to ask is: do you prefer barbecue or tacos?

CH: I’m definitely a barbecue guy. You know, a burger on the barbecue prepared any way is never a disappointment for me—a burger is just the food for me. You put some fries next to it, and I’m the happiest guy ever. Jodi, our drummer, she and I both love, love French fries, and that’s probably our main meal on tour.

Join Us at SXSW for the 11th Annual Athens in Austin Party

Posted on by Vinyl Mag


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We are so excited to sponsor the 11th annual Athens in Austin Party, To Eleven!

Local acts will be performing at The Side Bar, located at 602 E. 7th Street in Austin, Texas during SXSW.  The party will occur from noon to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18.

Artists in attendance will include Cindy Wilson of the B-52’s, Mothers, Muuy Biien and a crapload of other killer acts.

Check out the lineup here:
12:00 p.m. – Juan de Fuca
12:30 p.m. – Neighbor Lady
1:00 p.m. – DEEP STATE
1:30 p.m. – Chief Scout
2:00 p.m. – Thayer Sarrano
2:30 p.m. – The Nude Party
3:00 p.m. – Eureka California
3:30 p.m. – Mothers
4:00 p.m. – White Violet
4:30 p.m. – Oak House
5:00 p.m. – Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires
5:30 p.m. – Muuy Biien
6:00 p.m. – The Dexateens
6:30 p.m. – Cindy Wilson (of the B-52’s)

Other sponsors include Georgia Theatre, Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, Athens Popfest, Bragg Jam Music, Arts and Kids’ Festival, Chase Park Transduction, Cottonseed Studios, Dos Equis, Flagpole Magazine, Georgia Tourism, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Kindercore Vinyl, Laser Brains, Newk’s Eatery, Normaltown Records, RubySue Graphics, Tiger Bomb Promo, UGA Music Business Program and We’re HEAR For You.

If you’re in Austin for SXSW and want a little taste of Athens, we’ll see you there.  Double fisting Lone Stars.  All damn day.

 

Five Artists Who Could be Huge Pop Stars by the End of 2017

Posted on by Darby McNally

Every spring, we see the release of new pop music as the genre awakens from its winter lull. Upcoming and already established artists vie for a coveted spot on Top 40 radio’s regular rotation, hoping to earn themselves a hit that gets airplay well into the summer and potentially leads to a lasting career. Of course, one single on the Hot 100 won’t thrust someone into superstardom, but it’s definitely the first step. Pop is a hostile genre; there are plenty of one-hit-wonders and artists whose careers fizzle out after a couple of singles. While there is no set formula or instruction manual for becoming a pop star, there are certain characteristics all of them share. Each are effortlessly unique and individualistic while simultaneously being marketable to a huge demographic. This dichotomy is a difficult balancing act, but it’s not impossible. We’ve made a list of five artists who we think could pull it off in the very near future.

1) Noah Cyrus

Noah makes following in the footsteps of an older sibling who just happens to be an ex-Disney superstar look exceptionally easy. After the release of her debut single – the vocally impressive Labrinth collab “Make Me (Cry)” – late last year, she’s proving she has what it takes to carve her own path. She’s also lent her voice to an EDM track produced by Marshmello and Ookay, giving us a taste of her own personal style. With her debut album NC-17 set to release sometime this year, we’re excited to see what the youngest Cyrus has in store.

2) Kehlani

Kehlani is the ultimate comeback kid. After some personal issues took the spotlight at the beginning of last year, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter has since reinvented herself, reemerging onto the scene with an air of unstoppable fierceness. Fresh off of the release of her debut album SweetSexySavage, Kehlani has both the momentum and the image to make it in the pop scene. Her single “Distraction” has been on heavy rotation on hip-hop and R&B stations, and it’s only a matter of time before Top 40 takes notice.

3) SZA

While her discography includes a long list of high-profile collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Chance the Rapper and Jill Scott, it’s SZA’s unique vocal and personal style that make her a good candidate for solo mainstream success. Her debut album CTRL, which will be released sometime this year, is one of the most anticipated of 2017. If the rest of the album is as promising as its first single, Top 40 could be welcoming her soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meka6L6qXzw

4) Tinashe

Multitalented R&B songstress Tinashe has been patiently waiting her turn to take over the Top 40 since 2011. A rare gem of the pop world, she’s been writing and producing her own songs, as well as creating high-energy visuals for her performances, for six years. It seems as if she’s been flirting with megastardom for the duration of her career. Her recent collab with Britney Spears was certainly memorable, but it wasn’t enough to push her over the threshold. We believe that Joyride – the 2017 release that will serve as part two of her 2016 release Nightride – will be the album that brings Tinashe mainstream success.

5) Marian Hill

This funky electronic duo is a force to be reckoned with. Comprised of producer Jeremy Lloyd and vocalist Samantha Gongol, Marian Hill writes music from the perspective a woman who is in control of her sexuality, a theme that couldn’t be more relevant to the zeitgeist. Thanks to the single’s placement in an Apple AirPods commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, they’re current single “Down” is gaining traction on mainstream pop radio. The duo’s collab with Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui was another smart move, drawing in a new demographic of fans outside of their already established fanbase. “Down” shouldn’t be last we see of Marian Hill on the pop charts.

David Barbe Talks February Residency at The World Famous

Posted on by Macy Thrower

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Leave it to David Barbe, Athens local and University of Georgia professor, to schedule a show on a Super Bowl Sunday.  

Beginning a month-long series of intimate sets at the World Famous with his band David Barbe and the Quick Hooks, Barbe played a solo set Sunday, Feb. 5th to a pleasant crowd, which is saying something due to an unpleasant end to a Georgia sporting event (shocker).

Barbe says he didn’t realize his show was scheduled during the game at first, but decided to keep the date once he knew. No one else in his band wanted to play that date, but Barbe liked that it was a strange thing to do, so he decided to play a solo set for his first performance.

“Now I can say I played the Super Bowl,” he jokes.

He began this series of performances with a stripped down, raw compilation of recently written originals.  The small venue made for an intimate, cozy atmosphere.  Listeners sat either at tables in front of the stage or at the bar, drinking and eating snacks, and chatting quietly while listening to the moving set.

Barbe performed new compositions, one of which he stated was more of a poem than a song, while interacting and speaking with the crowd. His abstract performance created a unique and enjoyable experience for the listeners.

Barbe played four weeks straight at World Famous, with every show delivering a different sound.  He was accompanied by various versions of his band The Quick Hooks, as well as other special guests.

The main group that appeared includes Frank McDonald and Joe Row of The Glands, John Mills of Blood Kin, John Neff and Jay Gonzalez of Drive By Truckers, and Kyle Spence, drummer for Kurt Vile.

Some of the openers include Juan de Fuca, Jay Gonzalez and T. Hardy Morris.

Barbe stated that every show would contain a different combination of players on different instruments with a different setlist. During the show on the 12th, the ensemble didn’t have a drummer, so Barbe jumped on the kit himself while continuing to sing.

Every show contained a lot of freedom for the musicians to change up the setlist and improv.  Barbe said he was expecting a lot of creativity and connection from these shows, promising “a lot of creation on the spot.”

Barbe prefers this type of show to a typical, outlined performance. He enjoys freedom to change his sound and be connected to his music in the moment.  He stated that he is wary of falling into a routine, as it may dampen creativity.

“When you do something for a long time, you can get into a rut.  I don’t like that. I play music for the way it makes me feel.  I’m not concerned with being bound by a setlist.”

Barbe is known for shifting from ensemble to ensemble—he says this is healthier for his creativity and forces him to constantly rethink his sound.

Constantly playing with different musicians seems to  be a catalyst for his ingenuity. This unique series of shows is definitely a testament to that.

Barbe describes the feel of these performances as “quiet, weird, tripped out and unpredictable.” And they were indeed that.

Some reincarnation of the Quick Hooks has played each Sunday in February.  Catch Barbe’s last show of this series tonight, February 26, along with T. Hardy Morris opening.

Morris will begin at 8 p.m. and Barbe’s set will begin at 9.

David Barbe is also in the process of recording a solo album, due to be released this summer.

Song Premiere: Jo Harman – “No One Left To Blame”

Posted on by Lexi Kelson

Jo Harman

Jo Harman is back with her signature bluesy style in her new single “No One Left To Blame.” The track marries her smooth vocal line with a rock-driven bite and leaves us even more excited to hear the rest of the album. People We Become will be Harman’s second studio album and drops on February 3rd. While her first record was released independently in 2013, this time she’s teamed up with Sands Foley Entertainment.

“‘No One Left To Blame’ is, like most of the songs I write, more about my relationship with myself than anything else,” Harman says. “People can take from it whatever they find in it—I’m not even sure I understand it completely yet. But I guess it comes from a place of self doubt, of self blame, of experiencing loss. The Nashville musicians did a fantastic job with this, and I especially love Pat Buchanan’s slide guitar playing. My friend Mike Ross back home had some incredible old vintage pedals from the ’70s which give us the sirens in the middle section—he ‘played’ those parts live, no samples or digital enhancements in sight. I think they add a perfect tension to an already rather dramatic track!”

The singer-songwriter hails from Southwest England, but made the trek to Nashville to make this record. With a producer like Fred Mollin (Billy Joel, Carly Simon, Joe Cocker) and a feature from The Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald, fans are sure to have their soulful cravings met. To get the full Harman effect, grab a seat at Joe’s Pub in New York City on March 28 to witness her first US live performance. It’s sure to be a good show since Harman is no stranger to the stage. After her first record, she performed with Sinead O’Connor and Patti Smith, just to name a few.

Listen to “No One Left To Blame” above.

Camp In 2017: David Lowery x Vinyl Mag

Posted on by Macy Thrower

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David Lowery, frontman of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker, professor at the University of Georgia, and general music-business-Renaissance-man, is preparing for the 17th annual Camp In festival taking place at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA.

Although previously located in Pioneertown, California, at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, Camp In has taken place at 40 Watt Club for the past four years.  

Lowery claims that this festival is geared specifically toward CVB and Cracker fans; there are multiple sets with different reincarnations of the bands, unique combinations of members, and re-imaginings of original material.

In keeping with the tradition of Camp In, Lowery says that there will be a variety of combinations of musicians playing sets during the festival.  Performances will include a solo set with David Lowery (which he excitedly informs me is also a pizza party), a performance by Johnny Hickman at Hendershots, and an acoustic set with Lowery, Johnny Hickman and Peter Case “Pistol” (the “Trippy Trio,” as Lowery calls it)—which plays some reinterpreted, abstract approaches to Cracker songs. There will also be performances by Edward David Anderson of Backyard Tire Fire, The Heap, The Darnell Boys, Ike Reilly, Peter Case, Daisy, Eric Bachman and The Drapes.

When it comes to playing with two bands, Lowery explains that basic differences lie in the songwriting of CVB and Cracker, and therefore in the music itself. CVB, for one, tends to be more instrumental.  According to Lowery, CVB began as a side project for the members, so each musician chose an instrument other than their primary one to play. (Lowery switched from bass to guitar/lead vocals.)  He adds that their songs began with a simple structure and then gradually became more complex over time.

“When I’m writing, I’ll wake up in the morning, grab some coffee and just go through the lyrics or melody motif over and over until I find something,” says Lowery. Then, with a general idea for the song hashed out, Lowery would meet with the rest of the band to develop the idea by co-writing or recording a demo.

When it comes to Cracker, however, Lowery says the songwriting stays more in that second stage of co-writing with the band.  He observes that there tends to be “more formal co-writing,” and he will also occasionally go to Nashville for sessions with songwriters to co-write material with him.

Over the years, Lowery says songwriting with his bands has remained very much the same, although writing his new solo album Conquistador took him on a completely different path.  The central concept for the album had been on his mind for around 10 years.  “There were lots of false starts. Then one day, I just had a bass drum—a marching band bass drum—and a mic, and it just sort of came together.” With the instrumentation in place, Lowery began reading the lyrics more like poetry or spoken word, and his abstract ideas finally solidified.

It seems nonsensical to talk to David Lowery (someone very outspoken about digital advancements and their relationship with musicians’ rights) and not to touch on streaming, so I asked him about how (and if) it affects his songwriting.

“It definitely makes it more challenging,” he tells me.  “In the past, we would get a recording advance. Now, it’s not so much a priority to put out an album. We won’t set aside time to do it. Instead, I just try to squeeze it in the margins.”

Since releasing an album isn’t as lucrative as it once was, Lowery says he doesn’t actively take time off from his responsibilities of teaching or touring for creating an album; instead, he fits in writing when he can or when ideas come to him.  

Shifting back to the festival scene, Lowery recalls a favorite memory of Camp In.  “I pulled my wife up on stage and played this song ‘Palace Guards’ to her. It was almost like a stand-up comedy routine. I posed it like a love song—the audience loved it and thought it was funny. She had tears in her eyes; it was too funny. Now it’s hard for us to keep playing that song and take it seriously.”

Be sure to catch Camp In featuring Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven in Athens, GA at the 40 Watt Club from today, January 19 through Saturday, January 21.  Tickets are available at crackersoul.com and 40watt.com.

15 Irish Bands You’ve Never Heard of But Should Listen to Immediately

Posted on by Darby McNally

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From The Cranberries to U2, Ireland has blessed the music world with talented, iconic acts that continue to inspire artists today. In the spirit of keeping the country’s music scene alive, Irish music-lovers throw an annual festival known as Hard Working Class Heroes which gives up-and-coming acts a platform to share their art. The event, described as a “music trail,” is held in Dublin every October, showcasing The Emerald Isle’s freshest faces in spots all throughout the capital. For those of you who didn’t get to attend the event all the way across the pond, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 acts that performed at HWCH that you need to keep your eye on.

1. Chris Kabs

Producer and artist Chris Kabs transcends genre, making music that bridges R&B, soul, and pop. His eclectic arrangements are undeniably cool and advanced, which is expected of someone who has been playing music since he was five years old.

2. New Portals

In the age of CHVRCHES, Shura, and Garden City Movement, crisply-produced beat machines and 80’s synths are the new ultimate combo for electropop. Hailing from Belfast, the duo New Portals have taken advantage of this emerging trend while adding their own flare.

3. Maija Sofia

Maija Sofia’s raw lyricism and overall aesthetic make a great pair to accompany her haunting vocals and lo-fi production. She’s vulnerable, but still adopts a take-no-shit attitude à la Fiona Apple.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgkkCp_quBg

4. Super Silly

Dublin-based four piece Super Silly is possibly the coolest family band ever. Having been raised on the sounds of gospel and R&B classics, this group makes “futuristic sexy music with meticulous joy.”

5. Jafaris

Rapper Jafaris is one of the few hip-hop artists out of Ireland. His style deviates between that of Roy Woods and Cam’ron, bridging the gap between generational hip-hop styles. It wouldn’t be socking to see his name on Drake’s OVO roster sometime soon.

6. Erica-Cody

North Dublin singer-songwriter Erica-Cody is proof that all a good song needs is a soulful female vocal sailing over a dangerously slick beat. Her music strikes the perfect balance; it’s able to mellow you out without putting you to sleep, much like that of her PR&B contemporaries Jhené Aiko and SZA.

7. Loah

Sallay Matu Garnett, whose goes by the stage name of Loah, is heavily influenced by her West African heritage. Her sound is, simply put, unique. While her vocal is tinted with a hint of Sade, the production on each track varies, keeping the listener on their toes.

8. Wyvern Lingo

Even if there were another gospel-infused alternative girl group in Ireland, we’re sure they would be the coolest. The trio has garnered quite a following already, which isn’t hard to imagine considering how impressively catchy their music is.

9. Tebi Rex

This alternative hip-hop duo is making waves with their experimental style. Tebi Rex consists of producer Matt O’Baoill and rapper Max Zanga. Zanga’s raps are slick and melody-infused, reminiscent of Childish Gambino’s “Because the Internet.”

10. AikJ

AikJ doesn’t like to confine his music into a single genre. After a listen, it’s easy to see why. There really is no way to condense even a single song into a specific genre; from spoken word to electronica, AikJ is one of the most versatile artists in the game.

11. Dammy Ari

Carlow singer-songwriter Dammy Ari is a quintessential artist; he makes music as a way of documenting, writing his life story in his work. From rap to soul to jazz, Dammy does it all.

12. SOULÉ

SOULÉ is, without a doubt, the dopest artist in Ireland. The music of this urban electronic songstress evokes memories of Vogue-era Madonna. It’s so sleek and catchy that by the end of a track you’re not sure exactly what you just listened to, but you know you want to listen to it again.

13. Le Boom

This duo from Dublin is electropop gold. With seamless production and a distinguishable vocal, Le Boom could very well see mainstream success in the near future.

14. Miles Graham

Backed by a multi-faceted band, Miles Graham delivers soulful songs that sound like they arrived from another time. “She Knows” has a hook that could easily make it a hit on Top 40 radio, taking cues from similar artists like Hozier and James Bay.

15. Samyel

Samyel’s quaint and simple songs belong on the soundtrack of a Wes Anderson film. He also makes music videos featuring his dog, which makes listening to his voice that much more enjoyable.