Music artists on the rise in 2015
With a new year comes new music. Being almost one month into 2015, I must say it’s looking promising so far. Here are some artists across a few genres you should already be listening to:
Benjamin Booker
The 25-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist brings the raw sound of blues, boogie and soul alive. His self-titled debut album gained stellar reviews when it was released this past summer. I highly recommend listening to “Have You Seen My Son?” and “Violent Shiver.” Last September, Booker played a live gig in Nashville at Third Man Records, a record label created by Jack White. An album of the 10-set show was released on Tuesday Jan. 27. Check him out this year at Bonnaroo, Coachella, Governors Ball and Mountain Jam.
George Ezra
The British 21-year-old singer-songwriter has been on tour opening for Sam Smith, and his deep, soulful voice has his audiences wanting more. Listen to his three singles: “Budapest,” “Blame It on Me” and “Listen to the Man.” Additionally, his debut album “Wanted on Voyage” was released in the U.S. on Tuesday Jan. 27. You can catch him opening for Hozier on his North American tour later this spring.
Sheer Mag
This Philadelphia-based band lives off endless guitar riffs and ambiguous melodic vocals. They’re kind of like a punk Thin Lizzy with a female vocalist, and you can definitely hear the inspiration from 1970s rock in their sound. Their EP “7” was released this past September, and their song “What You Want” is a must-listen.
Summer Moon
This newly formed band was created by Nikolai Fraiture, the bassist for The Strokes. Summer Moon’s other band members hail from bands Au Revoir Simone and The Like. Although the only music they’ve released so far is a cover at the drummer’s birthday party, their music was described by a report from Examiner as “harder than the melodic pop of both Strokes and Like, with Tennessee Thomas giving it jet propulsion.” They are set to play a show with Sean Lennon’s psychedelic band The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (The GOASTT). I can only imagine good things will come of this.
Zella Day
For fans of Lana Del Rey and First Aid Kit, Zella Day is the girl for you. The LA-based artist first gained notoriety from her cover of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” on YouTube, and released her self-titled debut EP this past October. Her blend of modern pop with her own bohemian taste makes her music welcoming to all ears. From her EP, be sure to listen to “Sweet Ophelia” and “Hypnotic.”
Contact Megan Brown at [email protected].