2019 is looking to be an exciting year for music with a multitude of artists, spanning across a variety of genres making waves. From the post punk sounds of Heavy Lungs to the sickly sweet sounds of Lauran Hibberd, there is something out there for everyone.
IDER
By Lexi Goodland
Pop duo, IDER, are most definitely one to watch in 2019. Based in London, Lily Somerville and Megan Markwick first embarked on their musical journey after meeting at university in Falmouth. Together, as IDER, the girls craft a harmonic and mystifying pop sound for their audience. Their music, which takes influence from several different genres, combines electronic beats with raw and personal lyrics. The release of their foot-stomping break-up anthem ‘Mirror’ last year was met with rave reviews, and 2019 will see them not only release a completed album, but also embark on their first UK and European tour. These girls are not to be missed this year.
Lauran Hibberd
By Kieran WebberÂ
Hailing from the Isle Of Wight is one of the most exciting artists the emerge in the last five years, Lauran Hibberd. It was only recently the artist had caught my attention with the single ‘Call Shotgun’ an anthemic, bouncing indie-rock tune that is dangerously infectious. By Blending hip-swinging riffs with heartfelt, emotionally driven songwriting that is rich in character Lauran creates music that is brilliantly enticing. It won’t be long until everyone is raving about this enigmatic artist and we cannot wait to see what she brings to the table in 2019.
Jade Bird
By Kieran WebberÂ
Jade Bird has arguably one of the most powerful voices to emerge in the last 30 years and has been linked to artists such as Janis Joplin. Which comes as no surprise as you can hear the influence, particularly in songs such as ‘Uh Huh’ and ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’. It’s not just the raw power of her vocals though, this young artists songwriting is years ahead, carrying similarities to Bob Dylan with a modern twist. This April we will see the release of her debut album and no doubt some memorable festival performances, 2019 is going to be huge for Jade and we cannot wait to see her explode.
Heavy Lungs
By Kieran WebberÂ
The Bristol based band have been turning some heads, especially in 2018 which saw them open for IDLES during their UK tour. Their use of foreboding rhythm sections and howls from lead singer Danny Nedelko creates a pulsing, driving post-punk force to be reckoned with. The effective use of controlled chaos through their music and level of untamed energy makes them one of the UK’s most exciting bands. Much like their pals IDLESÂ they are politically driven and tackle issues of today’s society, especially within our divided isles. It makes them one of the UK’s most important bands and 2019 is going to be a huge year for them.
PhoxjawÂ
By Karum Cooper
The Bristol-based belligerent grunge machine that is Phoxjaw have had an incredible few years since their inception in early 2016. From supporting the likes of Black Peaks, Loathe and Black Foxxes to performances at 2000 Trees, Radio 1 airplay and an EP release.
No more than a week into 2019 and the band have already announced a tour with the Black Peaks, as well as festival performances at Camden Rocks and 2000 Trees.
The self-acclaimed ‘noise makers & brain shakers’ formed their own distinctive and destructive reputation, rampaging around the UK with nothing but their a manic stage show and a harrowing, heavy brand of grunge-fuelled alternative rock mayhem.
With a second EP in the works and a sack-full of festival appearances still yet to be announced, 2019 is only the start for these dinosaur loving hooligans.
Fontaines D.C
By Kieran Webber
The Dublin based post-punk outfit have been growing strength to strength with each release and 2019 is shaping up to be a big year for the band. They kick things off with a UK/EU tour this January and February as well as shows planned for across the pond.
They’re an exciting band that fuses slacker vocals with fast paced percussion and steady rhythm, creating a driving, pulsing and somewhat hypnotic sound. They’re another band that have appeared during an interesting political climate, songs such as ‘Reckless Chequeless’ sing directly to a disgruntled generation.
They’re another incredibly important band that are going to make a real impact in 2019.
The Velvet Hands
By Kieran WebberÂ
Cornish via London rippers The Velvet Hands have been demanding attention for past few years, but the release of their debut LP ‘Party’s Over’ really changed things for the young band in 2018. They received playtime on BBC Radio 6 and national coverage. Their sound is reminiscent of bands such as The Buzzcocks and The Strokes, carrying a level infectious energy that is jaw dropping. It’s fun, bouncy and full of raucous angst. We have big hopes for the band in 2019 and no doubt the second album that is on the way is going to be a game changer.
Milo GoreÂ
By Kieran Webber
The Falmouth based collective whose members include Luke Moss and FARE are a wonderful bout of charming indie-pop. Since being birthed they have been working hard playing a variety of festivals, releasing music and a UK tour with The Petties.
It’s no surprise that the eclectic band have started to turn heads as their emotively driven, anthemic sound is overwhelmingly beautiful. With a strong focus on mental health this band are an important sound that needs to be heard. It’s also worth mentioning that their live performances are incredibly raw and full of passion, it’s an amazing energy they harness.
It is with no doubt 2019 is going to be an important and special year for the band and we cannot wait to see what they do.
Bay FactionÂ
By Dev Place
When Bay Faction first released their self-titled debut, they described their music as ‘post-coital’ on their social media. Slightly tongue-in-cheek, yet somehow accurate. Bay Faction ooze broodiness and seduce with a soundtrack fuelled by melodic, slackerish synths and melodic guitars. Not to be confused with The 1975s of the world, this is not just a band on a hype-trend-train. There is a certain authenticity to Bay Faction’s sound. With their most recent release, ‘Florida Guilt’, their progression is undeniable and the consistency in James McDermott’s husky voice charms upon first listen. This band have somehow stuck within their radar of loyal fans, but 2019 is the year they should be set to break out.
Hockeysmith
By Georgia Cummings
Hockeysmith is lined up to take 2019 by storm, as Annie Hockeysmith embarks on the next chapter of this truly inspiring and unique project releasing the title track of her soon to be released EP ‘Tears At My Age’.
The dark, electronic energy of Hockeysmith is released throughout this track in a trance of synthesised layers, eventually descending into a thrashing of punk guitar loops. Yet the heartbreak themed dream-pop vocals drenched in reverb and delay swirl around the sonic field, lifting the track into an ironic sweetness.
‘Tears At My Age’ is said to be for the female fans, contemplating the woes of young heartbreak and asking, are these tears worth it? The personal exploration of lost love and its implications on the soul relates to the encompassing human experience of bittersweet teenage romance, and the tears surrendered.
Sam Fender
By Em Marcovecchio
Sam Fender was tipped as big for 2018 by most of the industry, however 2019 is set to be even bigger for North Shields born musician. With his debut EP ‘Dead Boys’ being released in November and a Spring tour already in the diary, this year is going to be eye opening. Talking about real, hard hitting topics is something that Sam manages to do with respect and dignity; his music is beautifully pure and capturing. Using multi-layered guitar tones, the sound is capturing and alluring. Sam’s charm and charisma makes him even more loveable live, the chemistry between the whole band is incredible to watch.
Jumanji
 By Em Marcovecchio
Brighton sextet Jumanji are set to take on 2019, releasing their most recent single ‘Foxes’ in Autumn of 2018. This band have a groovy feeling about them; with the lead vocalist Neneh Atkins having a particularly punchy voice. The electronic feel that runs throughout their tracks reminds me of long days spent in the sun with friends. Full of tropical sparkle, the track ‘For Now’ (from ‘Swings and Roundabouts’ EP) has a slight haunting feel, with lyrics that resonate with the listener.
Jerry WilliamsÂ
By Em Marcovecchio
Jerry Williams is a singer-songwriter based in Portsmouth, UK. She’s blowing up, playing huge venues such as KOKO London, touring Europe and releasing her latest single ‘David at The Bar’ only last week. Collaborating with Topshop, this girl has a solid direction and style; she’s cool, she’s fun and she’s creating music that is relatable and honest. With a strong indie-pop feel, the guitar riffs in her tracks are fun and punchy. Kicking off 2019 in style, Jerry heads out on tour at the end of the month, head along to one of her shows to feel full of bubble and life.
The Murder CapitalÂ
By AJ Salisbury
Dublin is a hotbed for an excellent post-punk movement at present, and following in Fontaines D.C.’s footsteps are The Murder Capital. For a long time their output contained numerous live gigs and one phenomenal live session track on YouTube, but, January 11th saw them drop their superb debut single ‘Feeling Fades’.
A tasty musical morsel, that makes the mouth water for an EP or full length release sometime this year. They head off on their UK tour from the 1st of February, and later in the year they support Clunk favourites, IDLES, in April at The Electric Ballroom, shows, which should be deemed unmissable.
Miss June
By AJ Salisbury
I stumbled upon New Zealand four-piece Miss June this summer. A lo-fi, fuzz filled, indie-grunge band that became the soundtrack to the excruciatingly hot and humid summer. Although releasing music since 2015, last year saw them drop single ‘Twitch’, a twisted tale of a girl off her medication and performing some rather sinister acts.
Sounds lovely, right? Well, it’s delivered in such a catchy, Sonic Youth-esque style that you can’t help but love it, even if she is murdering people along the way. Hopefully 2019 will see details of their first full length release.Â
CheerbleederzÂ
By AJ Salisbury
Simply described as “three pals from London” Cheerbleederz epitomise the word ‘earworm’. Their four-track EP, ‘Fastplant’, is one of the down right catchiest releases I heard during the whole of 2018.
Sitting nicely somewhere between pop-punk, shoegaze and indie, this young trio know how to write songs; capturing the best of all these genres, overlayed with super memorable lyrics, beautiful harmonies and melodies you’ll be whistling for days. If 2019 contains more Cheerbleederz material I’ll be a happy man.
Baggs
By AJ Salisbury
Falmouth-based Baggs burst onto the Southwest music scene supporting Luke Moss at his recent EP release party in December, a modern day slice of early 90’s grunge. With only a couple of gigs under their belt they are still raw, but they are an exciting prospect for the future.
Vocalist Will James’ powerful and passionate vocal performances channels both Chris Cornell and Layne Stayley and he is backed by some of the finest musicians the Fal-scene currently has to offer. Recordings are under way for their debut release and January sees them playing The Junction in Plymouth for the first time. One’s not to be missed.
Viagra Boys
By AJ Salisbury
Straight off the bat these guys have one of the greatest band names in history, there’s no way to deny it. They also produce some of the dirtiest, grungiest and more interesting punk available on the market, with witty commentary (see ‘Sports’), intriguing lyrics (see most of their 2018 album ‘Street Worms’), relentless basslines, all driven along by the addition of the least punk of instruments, the saxophone. These Swedes know how to have a good time, and are well worth the price of admission for their crazy live shows alone.
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