With 2016 proving to be something of a damp squib as far as breakthrough artists were concerned, the industry will no doubt be hoping for better fortunes in 2017. Music Week caught up with some of the most prominent executives to get the lowdown on the new acts they are most looking forward to hearing from over the next 12 months.
John Drury, VP and general manager, The SSE Arena, Wembley
I’d like to see Jain bring her French success over to the UK the way Christine And The Queens did. Infectious music and a good reminder that whatever happens in politics, we’ll always be close to our neighbours!
Jane Third, SVP, Because Music UK
Klyne, MT Hadley, Gylsey, Denai Moore
Anton Lockwood, director, DHP Family
2017 is looking exciting for new artists. Calum Scott, Cigarettes After Sex, Miya Folick, Georgie, Cherry Glazerr, Tash Sultana, loads more too. The Americana scene is pretty vibrant too, and looking forward to many artists that might not be new in USA, but are in the UK.
Kim Bayley, CEO, ERA
Rag ‘N’ Bone Man – Human is such a standout track. Can’t wait to hear the album.
Vanessa Higgins, director, Regent Street Records
Definitely Monster Florence (on Gold Bar Records). I know everyone is shouting about grime right now (10 years too late?) but MoFlo have an unrivalled musicality and are taking Grime into the real Rock arena, and that’s getting them the buzz they deserve. For a band that didn’t exist six months ago to fighting off booking agents by Christmas, 2017 is going to be a thrill.
Jane Dyball, CEO, MPA Group of Companies
I want someone to burst onto the scene who isn’t on anyone’s radar at the moment, though everyone seems to be on everyone’s radar.
Martin Bandier, chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV
Cam, Khalid, Ayokay.
David Bianchi, global CEO, Various Artists Management
Tom Grennan and Barns Courtney.
Mike Smith, managing director, Warner/Chappell
Rag‘N’Bone Man has already proved massively successful in Europe, topping the charts in Germany for several weeks and going to No.1 in other countries such as Belgium and Austria. I hope he can repeat that level of success in the UK in 2017. I love HMLTD, without doubt the most exciting band to have emerged in years.
Simon Barnabas, managing director, Universal Music On Demand
JP Cooper, Raye and Isaac Gracie.
Martin Goldschmidt, chair, Cooking Vinyl
Dam - The Palestinian rappers.
Ben Mortimer, co-president, Polydor
We have a wealth of riches coming from Polydor. But I’ll highlight Maggie Rogers, just as she’s a bit further ahead in the process. She’s very special. Just ask Pharrell. I’m also excited to hear what Sampha comes with. I appreciate he’s not new, but is yet to do a full album.
Geoff Taylor, CEO, BPI
MiC Lowry.
Guy Moot, UK managing director, Sony/ATV
Jorja Smith, SteffLon Don and Sigrid.
Diane Wagg, co-chair, MMF/Deluxxe Management
The Lemon Twigs - brilliant debut album and fascinated to see what comes next. And our own new act, Flight Brigade, awesome live act who are at the forefront of the movement to bring anthemic guitar music back to the top of the charts.
