This year has been a remarkable year for music, more specifically up and coming artists who have broken through the ranks to gain chart success. Platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music (not forgetting vinyl and CDs) means it’s accessible more than ever, with this is mind here are ten artists to keep an eye on in 2019.

Sam Fender

This Geordie has had a pretty damn good 2018, he’s just won the BRIT Critic’s Choice Award and will be playing live at the award ceremony on 12th January. He’s a man that brings a bit of fresh air into music, from his raw vocals to down to earth and eye opening lyrics he’s shown the music industry that you just need to keep it real.

Fender has just released his EP ‘Dead Boys’ and his latest singles ‘That Sound’ and ‘Leave Fast’ will give you goosebumps. Having seen him live twice this year his vocals are perhaps even more impressive live than they are recorded. If you get the chance to catch him perform in 2019, you must!

Vistas

This Scottish band from Edinburgh have been one of my favourite discoveries of 2018, a three piece indie rock/pop band who bring a bit of fun on stage and a sound that will leave you wanting more.

They’ve just released their single Headspace, it’s got a funky beat that will make your head bob – much like their previous releases such as Retrospect and Tigerblood. They make it all look so easy, from the vocals to the instrumentals it’s all done brilliantly.

Mahalia

Now this girl has really had an amazing year; a true British talent she keeps it real and the millions of streams she’s had this year show why she’s one to watch next year. The 20 year old from The Midlands has been making R & B music since she was signed at 13.

In June she released her track ‘I Wish I Missed My Ex’ which has had over 10 million streams on Spotify alone, having seen her live this year she’s a great act to see live if you get the chance!

Dermot Kennedy

Possibly the nicest lad to have come out of Ireland, Dermot Kennedy may not look like he’s got one heck of a voice (he seems so sweet – check out my interview with him here) but as soon as he steps onto the stage he lights up and makes something amazing!

He’s just finished a 42 date world tour that has taken him from his home town of Dublin to Australia and the US. Next year he’s back on the road (if you get the chance to see him you must!) and set to release more music after the success this year of Power Over Me 2019 should be an exciting year for Dermot!

Zak Abel

This cheeky chap has also had a busy year making music and travelling around the world. At 23 he’s already released his debut album ‘Only When We’re Naked’ and this year released two singles You Come First and Love Song which combined have over 22 million streams on Spotify alone.

With a dreamy voice and tunes with a great beat and rhythm (which having witnessed first hand I can say his dance moves are pretty spectacular on their own) he for sure is not the only one at his gigs having a boogey. The loveliest guy who likes to chat with everyone (you can catch my chat with him earlier in the year here) 2019 is looking pretty good for Zak, and his dance moves.

Rothwell

I hadn’t heard of Rothwell until the start of this year and having caught her set and interviewing her at this years Dot To Dot festival I am fully on board with her sound. The 23 year old from Bristol has a stunning voice and doesn’t need anything but it to make an impact.

Darling is a stunner of a song and Velvet Heart is a great jam to have a bop to. She’s been featured numerous times on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist and with support from the likes of Adele Roberts (Radio 1) and Justin Bieber (She’s previously supported him on his UK tour) there’s a lot to look forward to.

Tom Walker

Tom Walker has had a bit of a bonkers year following the success of Leave A Light On (It’s had over 183 million streams on Spotify!). From touring all over the world, performing at festivals (you can check out my interview with him at Barn On The Farm here) to making appearances on shows such as The Xfactor and collaborating with the likes of Rudimental.

Next year sees the release of his debut album What A Time To Be Alive and his biggest ever UK tour. If you get a chance to see this gent perform live get ready to be wowed by his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence.

Lewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi has a voice outta nowhere! The 22 year old from Scotland completely took me by surprise when I caught him earlier this year. On stage he seems quite shy until he hit the first note and then there’s nothing stopping him. He’s got a velvet voice and an impressive vocal range.

Grace, Tough and Someone You Loved (the vocals on this are insane!) have all been released this year and they show just how much more we can look forward to in 2019. Perhaps one of the best voices we can look forward to hearing more of next year.

Ady Suleiman

Ady takes little snippets from different music genres such as soul, R & B, pop and rap and combines them all together to create a fresh sound that really works and is pretty damn catchy in the process.

This year he’s released his debut album Memories and singles such as Sad Story and Need Somebody To Love (one of my favorite songs released this year) have over 22 million streams combined on Spotify. One of the great things about Ady’s music is there’s something for everyone, trust me give him a listen and they’ll be a jam on there you’ll love!

Yonaka

These guys have a tough sound that takes you back a few years and makes you want to bop your head and get the air guitar out. The four piece from Brighton describe their sound as ‘dark pop with heavy riffs’ and it couldn’t be more accurate.

They’ve been featured a good few times on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist and EP title track Teach Me How To Fight has over a million streams on Spotify alone. I can’t wait for their album and so here’s hoping 2019 may answer my wishes.

Artists who have been keeping a low profile this year and who (I think) will be making big releases in 2019 include: Amber Run, Max George, Niall Horan, Saint Raymond, Harry Styles, Nathan Sykes, Sundara Karma and Zayn Malik.

Other bands to keep an eye on: Blossoms, Flyte, Tom Grennan, George Ezra, Demi Lovato, Tom Misch, Fickle Friends, Jake Bugg, Cassia, YungBlud, Twenty One Pilots and Dua Lipa,