Tune-in: Music for 2012
December 5, 2011 Leave a comment
A little more than a year ago, I was asked to predict or recommend 5-6 music acts that were going to be the next big thing to watch out for in 2011. In January of 2011, 5 of my picks were published in a local magazine called FEMALE. I mentioned The Trees & The Wild (Indonesia), Inch Chua (Singapore), Rumer (UK), Warpaint (US) and Esperanza Spalding (US).
Picks for 2011
Here are some acts you should listen to in 2012 (in no particular order):
1. Jenny and Johnny
Born from the ashes of Rilo Kiley and the product of Jenny Lewis-Jonathan Rice’s relationship. Their debut album “I’m Having Fun Now”, released in 2010, is somewhat underrated. Jangly, catchy, and fashionably “vintage-inspired”. My favourite song is Big Wave!
2. Lana Del Rey
This is a case of why stage names are important - Lana Del Rey vs Elizabeth Grant? A little overrated now but I can see the machinery of the music industry working its magic. Well, she’s really pretty and does have talent to begin with. Also she hired a tiger for a music video… uhm, not that it matters. Actually, straight up, Lana Del Rey sounds like a slightly over-produced Duffy. Not a bad thing, just an opinion.
Protocol Afro sounds like a mixture of Arctic Monkeys, The Smiths and many hipster-loved bands. This was a very surprise find. I’ve had many friends comment that they do not sound like they came out of Indonesia. Hey, whatever that means ok! A relatively new and unknown band even in their home country and their own local press were surprised they were invited to play in Singapore.
Here’s their hit single
4. Shelves
Yet another Singapore indie superband of sorts. Shelves is made up of members from Silverspy, Suchness, Livonia and Leeson. If you ask me, Shelves sounds like Suchness with a tinge of Livonia – catchy, witty and jangly all at once. Keep a lookout for their 1st album, official release in March 2012!
Here’s their single
