2010 was another great year in music and 2011 proves to be equally as exciting, and with so much music to look forward to, we've decided to look at ten artists worth watching in the new year. Whether they are new or familiar faces they all look to make 2011 a year worth remembering.
10. First Rate People Myspace
10. First Rate People Myspace
First Rate People aren't exactly creating phenomenal buzz, but that's not to say they haven't already earned enough praise and proven themselves to earn a place as one of 2011's Artists to Watch.
The Toronto based outfit started 2010 with praise from Pitchfork, with their first single 'Girls' Night' a bouncy alt slice of '90s R&B, that's pure infatuation and highly addictive.
The band followed up their impressive first single with a self-release debut EP, It's Never Not Happening, and their second single, 'Gentlemen's Club' featuring Luke LaLonde of Born Ruffians on backing vocals. That was 2010, so why are they worth watching in 2011?
There's no word on what's next for the young Toronto band but if First Rate People manage to produce even one song like the aforementioned singles, full of optimism, relaxed beats and continue to channel a healthy dose of '90s R&B, alt rock and pop elements circa the Tom Tom Club it will be well worth the wait.
Gentlemen's Club (feat. Luke LaLonde & GenerationFK) by First Rate People by Shattered Vinyl
Gentlemen's Club (feat. Luke LaLonde & GenerationFK) by First Rate People by Shattered Vinyl
9. The Wilderness Myspace
The Wilderness are one of Toronto's finest bands with their energetic live shows, and debut album which receiving glowing reviews this experimental rock outfit has barely scratched the surface.
Their single 'Realpolitik' alone earns the boys a spot on the list, with rich post-punk grooves, love for chaotic sounds meshed with indie rock make for some of the most interesting rock of any independent band you're likely to find.
It's not over reaching to say Lee Piazza and the boys deserve more attention and if the past couple months are any indication this is just the beginning. Tour dates for Toronto's Lee Palace and Montreal's II Montore later this month show The Wilderness aren't slowing down.
8. We Were Lovers Myspace
The hottest thing out of Saskatchewan since the CFL's Roughriders, Saskatoon's We Were Lovers are a gorgeous mix of atmospheric pop, soaring guitars, and the come-hither vocals of Elsa Gebremichael.
After spending the latter part of 2010 touring and promoting their debut self-titled EP, this sexy duo is currently working on their debut LP and has already booked performances for early 2011.
Receiving positive reviews for their synth drenched indie dance debut EP, and having toured alongside the likes of Rah Rah, Young Galaxy and The Love Machine. The dynamic synth duo are well on their way to becoming an indie juggernaut.
7. The Balconies Myspace
For those familiar with The Balconies, the buzz around the band is nothing new, but from the beginning this trio of couple Jacquie Neville and Liam Jaeger, along with Neville's sibling Stephen have continuously earned praise and fans wherever they go.
After conquering their hometown of Ottawa, Ontario the band relocated to Toronto where upon breaking into the scene and gaining a wider following they spent much of 2010 touring Canada in support of the well-received debut record.
Their catchy pop rock mixed with the dynamic vocals of both Jacquie and Stephen Neville, have landed the band performances alongside the likes of Mother Mother and gigs at North by Northeast, Ottawa Bluesfest and Pop Montreal. Recently announcing via Twitter the band plans on spending time recording with producer Jon Drew (Tokyo Police Club, Alexisonfire) while emerging for a performance in March at Toronto's Lee Palace. The Balconies show no signs of slowing down and are only getting bigger and better with time.
6. Data Romance Myspace
The Digital soundscapes, and analog textures make Vancouver's Data Romance one of the more interesting acts on the list. It's two members Ajay Bhattacharyya and Amy Kirkpatrick bring together innovative sounds and dark, sultry vocals that make for an intelligent mix of indie pop and electronic elements falling somewhere between Bat For Lashes and Nine Inch Nails.
Following the release of their Bones EP last November, the duo recently released a soundtrack to the film Life Cycles, now available on iTunes and are currently working on their debut album due in the spring of 2011.
Following the release of their Bones EP last November, the duo recently released a soundtrack to the film Life Cycles, now available on iTunes and are currently working on their debut album due in the spring of 2011.
Collaborating on video, art and music projects with artists from around the world, Data Romance's appeal is sure to be wide spread and stronger with their growing exposure, from Vancouver to Germany and back again, they have continued to receive positive reviews and attention as they work towards their debut record later this year.
5. Katie Costello Myspace
Katie Costello follows up her The City In Me EP with her forthcoming album Lamplight! in February, and given her aforementioned introduction back in October, Costello is establishing herself as a modern day singer-songwriter with old-time charm.
Whether Katie is singing bouncy, piano-driven pop or more subtle, soulful ballads, her clever lyrics and smooth vocals may earn her comparisons to her contemporaries like Regina Spektor or A Fine Frenzy, but Costello's maturity and depth is well beyond her years, lending to perhaps dare we say loftier comparisons of Sam Phillips or Aimee Mann.
Already lending her music to hit TV series 90210 and Private Practice, Lamplight! only proves to cement the New York-based Costello as one hottest young singer-songwriters, and if you don't believe use just listen to her track 'Ashes Ashes' from Lamplight!.
Already lending her music to hit TV series 90210 and Private Practice, Lamplight! only proves to cement the New York-based Costello as one hottest young singer-songwriters, and if you don't believe use just listen to her track 'Ashes Ashes' from Lamplight!.
4. DreamFace Myspace
Back in 2008 in an attempt to record songs designed for an unnamed pop star, Daniel Carriere (from Ten Second Epic) and Jasmine Ming-Wai Ma stumbled upon a musical relationship that two years later, is on the brink of becoming one of the hottest pop acts of 2011.
Though the music never made its way to a record, Carriere and Ma continued their partnership and slowly worked on new material for their upcoming EP, while hand picking their bandmates, which make up the now six-piece Edmonton based pop act, DreamFace.
The band's electronic infused pop rock is full of great melodies and irresistable hooks blended with the vocals of Carriere and Ma make for addictive pop that will easily find it's way to your ipod. Their first single 'Someone Else's Hands' video is set to debut this month on Much Music with their EP to follow in February. Despite having only two performances under their belt, including a performance at the 2010 Toronto International film festival, DreamFace (made up of veteran musicians) is set to support the release of their debut EP with showcasing dates and a tour in the coming months. Let the infectious pop ignite in your stereos.
3. Kimbra Myspace
The Melbourne-based Kimbra isn't a household name, but give a spin of the New Zealand native's debut single 'Settle Down' and you'll know exactly why she's number three on our list.
Kimbra's music brims with sophisticated angles, and aesthetics as well as a hypnotic mix of jazz-soul-pop and alternative music that make her one dynamic artist.
Vows, Kimbra's forthcoming album due out this year, is three years in the making, meanwhile she collaborated with Melbourne electro-pop act Miami Horror on their single 'I Look To You' in 2010 and worked with L.A. band As Tall As Lions.
'Settle Down' is just the tip of the iceberg for Kimbra, with her debut album set to drop this Nina Simone-Bjork hybrid is not your average young singer-songwriter, nor should she be mistaken as such.
2. Megan Bonnell Myspace
Toronto's Megan Bonnell is one of the community's best kept secrets, following her sold-out EP release performance last October, Bonnell has been hard at work writing and recording new material as well as touring in and around Ontario.
Bonnell gives Norah Jones and Rachel Yamagata a run for their money with her smooth, airy vocals, and gorgeous ballads. Megan's folk-pop stylings and girl-next-door charm make her instantly likable, and with songs like 'Anaheim' a bouncy pop number or 'Moonshiner' a lush piano-driven ballad, you're all but hooked.
Bonnell will continue to perform in and around Ontario, while her debut disc is expected to drop this coming spring/summer with a Canadian-wide tour to follow. Expect Bonnell to be tearing up college radio charts, earning features in your local papers and transforming from local 'It' girl to one of 2011's most talked about acts and future contender for 'Best of' lists in a year's time.
1. Gabby Young & Other Animals Myspace
Gabby Young is ready for all that 2011 has to offer, with work on her sophomore record having begun, Young and her Other Animals, have not only new material in the works but a new and repackaged version of their stellar debut effort We're All In This Together issued not to mention they are taking their Circus Swing on the road.
2010 saw Gabby Young and Other Animals earn rave reviews for the debut album, and a healthy set of festival performances and tour dates throughout the UK. In addition Young traveled overseas to Japan, San Francisco and New York for performances, and running pop up boutique Gabberdashery.
Now the flame haired Young and Other Animals are set to tour Australia, U.S., Japan as well as secured performances at Canadian Music Week and South by Southwest. Young's pitch-perfect blend of swing, jazz, folk, and pop make for a rapturous record, and performances that bring her music to life with all flamboyant colour and energy that make the record equally enjoyable.
Gabby Young and Other Animals could very well, find themselves on tips of tongues and blaring in the ears of audiences in North America and abroad to great acclaim in 2011.
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