Its good to see a variety of 2011 tips. Without following a thousand links, certain names pop up regularly.
One of the bands that will flavour this year can't be tipped as "new" but must be recommended. British Sea Power are like the waves that lap the shores and erode the cliffs. Living up to their name almost, they've chipped away until they are actually 2011's first definite Band Of The Year, courtesy of their latest album, Valhalla Dancehall being released this month.
Touring with Manic Street Preachers wouldn't have hindered their stealthy rise from unde restimation to possible over compensation in some quarters. It's genuine achievement iced with timely, well earned, recognition. From the album, this is Living Is So Easy.
Social networking reveals that outside of their most ardent following, BSP are one of the best known bands whose songs people don't know. That will be a thing of the past, but ties nicely into the media arguing with themselves as this year gets under way. Is (fill in as applicable) dead? I think Goth is this week's genre...
National press opinion is that certain types of music are dying out. In all honestly, the 'Whole Lotta Love' guitar break by Led Zepellin that was the theme music for 70s Top Of The Pops is too hard for the tepid almost-urban pop and apologetic old-play "indie" that make attempts at listening to national Radio 1 such tedious work. Dear young whippersnappers, turn UP the volume.
Some of the biggest true stars right now, make music fans beside themselves with awe. Most people (especially in the UK where they grow em real good) have never heard of these entertainers.
This blog started in November with an article Rock N Roll Revolution Is Not Being Televised.
Oh the (perfectly, well spotted) joy of Classic Rock tipping one of the bands that inspired the article; Saint Jude. A "must see live band" as one to watch. And then some.
Saint Jude are utterly sensational. No autotuner, Shoreditch clone kit or celebrity parents required for their musicianship or the spine tingling presence of front woman, Lynne Jackaman
The Unwanted, or whatever they're called, should (best Mr T voice;) Get Some Nuts. Perhaps Marner Brown could loan them a fraction of their stage presence. The only way to test if rock n roll is dead is to let it have exposure again. Perhaps Radio 1 could play list the next MB single. They certainly looked at home next to Pixie Lott on the front page of YouTube music lately. They're in Star Soaked Music's Ones To Watch 2011 list.
This blog may be less than two months old, but the kind feedback from some bands and managers, so far throws SSM in a proverbial tizzy. Feels like we're on a right track. The new rock n roll really is;
Much as we love Lady Gaga and Tinie Tempah, for being a more edgy kind of pop star, day time national radio is so safe that most of the 20th century's most adventurous, imagination capturing big hits, would be consigned to "specialist" play. Nowadays, that is where the gems are to be found first. It's how Xfm made their name in the early days. They were playing Radiohead when Radio 1 wouldn't. Not that the experimental beat combo would suit either station's programming these days, or need to.
As street talk and it's music has it's own avenues, it wouldn't hurt for the more musically adventurous and harder edged guitar and electro sounds to be heard too. Its the 21st century, after all, and the idea "nice old dears" are so last millenium. Those amazing young adults of the 60s are an inspiration still.
The Last Time by The Rolling Stones would be a noticeable, stand out song on the radio even if released these days. But you'd probably need to listen late at night to hear it.
There will defiinitely be more of this artist on the airwaves and at hot ticket festivals from now on;
You can hear a classic quality in the sound of James Blake, recommended everywhere and in The Brits best new artists list which is a great introduction to the general public and a guarantee of a bright future. He was tipped in The Guardian last April and hasn't disappointed. Watch the above video for a mere 30 seconds. The hype is justified.
At SSM we rely on friends, especially in the cities, where there are movements in music that share a concensus, as if by ESP or something.
Star Soaked Music loves the barriers/trousers down rock'n'roll of The Dandies, the crazy as a bag of rabbits art pop scene, the new beat poets, the whip-me sounds of the danciest electro like Midlands outfit, Isolated Atoms, and the bish bosh bash flash of Bashy, the cross over of grime, the teen scene fashion statements of dub step and the multi-tasking of visual creatives connected to music in all kinds of ways.
Its all so exciting that it makes watching Ch4 presenters (except Max n O.B.) and presentations a bit patronising to kids round our way, and like something your bank manager would recommend, to us grown ups.
Hang on. There's lots of cash behind the people on telly, so the money people already approve. The 16 year olds with Muddy Waters AND The Libertines in their collection, even 10 year old Willow Smith, have a real edge. A natural suss that can be found in artists in their 70s, or just outta school.
This is a minute of a song SSM reviewed last month soundtracking the riot for them at their last London show. What the hell? A junior echo of The Strokes or something? Perhaps its just that rocking out is actually the underground thrill right now. Either way, the kids are obviously HAVING Warehouse Republic as one of their own 2011 tips.
The young/the old, they know where its at. There was some twitter feedback about her mum having better taste, when Fearne Cotton's mother chose some tracks recently on the radio.
There are kids that LOVE BBC 4 documentaries alongside Hollyoaks, and wish there was a music programme more like The Old Grey Whistle Test, The Word, Snub, The Tube etc. A special mention for Tony Wilson who took his love of music onwards to Factory Records and The Hacienda. Joan as Policewoman, on the God Is In The TV show Gin In Teacups, sings wonderfully. The session is quality with an obsession for music. It shows and comes complete with a not-your-usual interview. No wonder they've racked up over 50,000 views in two months http://gininteacups.co.uk/
20th Century's Punky Reggae partying, Radio Caroline, Ready Steady Go, raves and hip hop have flavoured our current melting pot. Modern national, mainstream TV and radio don't need to embrace the untipped. Much of their material comes signed, published, TV advertised and or with management/a booking agent that will ensure high profile gigs. These are self fulfilling by nature. What adds colour to the now predictable predictions are acts that seem to come from nowhere.
Thanks to affordable social networking, word of mouth about recommended music can be written too. Video clips help decide where to spend scarce cash. BBC Introducing shows around the country are a great way to be heard. Additionally, pro active buzz artists have been getting excited about being featured on some of the up and coming new music stations that necessity has created.
If you tweet, search Twitter for @amazingradio or http://amazingradio.co.uk/ *
@rechargedradio or http://www.rechargedradio.com/ * @propagandaradio on the cool as polar bear paws http://www.xstreameast.co.uk/ - they are all links to where some wicked talents have been showcased already, this year alone. The inclusiveness reflects what's happening at the best new music nights.
Those clubs are where the action is AT. That should be the next article, perhaps a few tweets worth for a general concensus from whoever answers. What Are The Best New Music Clubs?
Cock n Bull kid started on the hot-ticket circuit and is now frankly ready for day time radio and TV to embrace a big popular music tune such as One Eye Closed, for instance.
Is rock dead? Are Brother really any good? All three answers ("yes", "no", "whatever") are equally correct, depending on your point of view.
The recently born music publication that believes in rock n roll, Louder Than War, articulated this with the kind of investigated insight that seperates personal fan blogging (erm, like SSM) from thought provoking journalism. That's why they're in our Ones To Watch http://louderthanwar.com/ too.
It doesn't matter as much as living for the moment. A google search for best new live music clubs throws up no particular events, the nature of grass roots is fluid, but perhaps the events that the above artists play at and the accopanying documentation of early attention are a good place to start.
Can Star Soaked Music predict this year's big things? Of course not. Experience favourite next excitements? Yes indeed. Do it. Make and feel the difference.
Which of the current artists and songs will stand out in 50 years? Only time will tell. Tips for 2011? Only December will tell. Nuff nuff chopsing for now.
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