Vevo has a long history of discovering and championing new music talent with past alumni of its Ones To Watch including Jack Garratt, James Bay, Years & Years, Wolf Alice, Sam Smith, George Ezra and Ella Eyre, many of which went on to become Vevo LIFT artists.
“2016 will be an exciting time for new music. Artists are able to find their voice and audience at an earlier point through the internet. What that means is we’ve got a more interesting Ones To Watch group than ever before. The sounds and styles are diverse and we’re excited to get behind them and help connect them with our audience” – Tom Connaughton, Vevo.
Since 2011, Vevo have also programmed their own stage at The Great Escape continuing the platform’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and also resulting in many success stories. One of the highlights of 2015 was Jack Garratt’s storming set alongside Vevo LIFT artist Little Simz. Other acts who Vevo have showcased at the event in previous years include George Ezra, Ella Eyre, Tom Odell, Kodaline, MØ, Kiesza and Tove Lo. Iggy Azalea also made her first ever UK festival appearance on the Vevo stage in 2013.
Watch the teaser trailer here:
Vevo dscvr Ones To Watch 2016 are:
Alessia Cara @alessiacara
Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to fame through a series of YouTube cover versions. Now signed to Def-Jam, her soulful R&B number ‘Here’ was a Top 20 hit in both Canada and the US, boosted by a performance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon after he discovered the song online.
Music: ‘Four Pink Walls’
Black Peaks @blackpeaks
Brighton-based four piece that have already received strong support from both Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe on Radio 1. They make powerful, moody rock that slots in easily alongside the likes of Royal Blood and Marmozets.
Music: ‘Saviour’
Frances @frances_music
Who Are They: Berkshire singer-songwriter managed by the same team behind Disclosure and Sam Smith. New single ‘Set Sail’ is a hauntingly beautiful piano ballad that sees her haunting vocals front and centre.
Music: ‘Set Sail’
Hinds @hindsband
Lo-fi garage-rock four-piece from Spain – famously had to change their name from Deers after the threat of legal action from a similarly named band. Their grungey guitar numbers have seen the all-female act become firm favourites with the NME and indie blogosphere over the past year.
Music: ‘Garden’
Izzy Bizu @IzzyBizu
Soulful singer-songwriter from South West London. Signed to Sony’s Epic Records and with a Jools Holland performance under her belt, she has quickly built a name for herself with support slots for Sam Smith, Rudimental, Foxes and Jamie Cullum.
Music: ‘White Tiger’
The Japanese House @Japanesehouse
Synthetic, androgynous soundscapes by the enigmatic Amber Bain – signed to Dirty Hit, who have previous form with the likes of The 1975, Wolf Alice and Marika Hackman. Standout single ‘Still’ had the honour of being Zane Lowe’s final Hottest Record before he left Radio 1, as well as the new EP ‘Clean’ which has been highly anticipated.
Music: ‘Sugar Pill’
Rejjie Snow @rejjiesnow
Dublin rapper who has been tipped by both Zane Lowe and Annie Mac. His breakthrough track ‘Lost In Empathy’ was debuted on Noisey and has since had nearly a million views. Ireland’s answer to Drake?
Music: ‘All Around The World’
SG Lewis @SGLewis
Liverpool producer signed to PMR – the label behind Jessie Ware, Disclosure and Julio Bashmore. His deeply soulful house tunes draw from both traditional clubland influences alongside singer-songwriters like Bon Iver to create a bewitching mix of sonic textures.
Music: ‘Shivers’
TALA @TALAOFFICIAL
Described as the “golden girl of the blogosphere” by the Guardian, TALA’s name means ‘gold’ in Farsi, a nod to her Iranian heritage. Her sound is a melting pot, blending Eastern and Western influences with ease.
Music: ‘Wolf Pack’
Yungen @YungenPlayDirty
Youthful South London rapper that has been tipped by everyone from SB.TV to the Independent. One of the brightest new stars in British Hip-Hop, he has already collaborated with the likes of Tinchy Stryder and Angel as well as supporting Naughty Boy on his 2014 world tour.
Music: ‘Every Night Late Night’
