Tips for 2020
Across The Line
Gemma Bradley (Presenter ATL)
Artist: Jordan Adetunji
Who? Hip hop, RnB Artist and rapper from Belfast.
Sound like: Krept and Konan, One Acen – definitely influenced by the exciting UK mainland scene.
Why is 2020 their year? Not only was Jordan nominated for the Urban Music Awards ‘Ones to Watch’ but he was also nominated for best live act and new comer at the NI Music Prize – being the first ever Hip Hop act to grace the stage at the Ulster Hall. His live show is not one to be missed. His latest single ‘Questions’ has the perfect blend of soul and funk and infectious.
Look out for: Current singles ‘Questions’ and ‘Love Victim’ (NAD ft. Jordan Adetunji)
Taylor Johnson (Contributor)
Artist: Careerist
Who? Indie rock’s newest ‘ next big thing’, the three piece have just came off a tour with Just Mustard and released a late contender for album of the year (debut ‘Weird Hill’).
Sound like: Pavement, Cloud Nothings, Car Seat Headrest, The Smiths
Why is 2020 their year? - A phenomenal live band, Careerist’s debut album seems to have breathed new life into them. Having taken their first steps, 2020 is the year they start to sprint (hopefully there’s no tears at the marathon...).
Look out for: A Carl Eccles guitar solo In the key of feedback and ‘Ring of Hands’, Weird Hill’s secret weapon.
NAD (Contributor)
Artist: Dena Anuk$a
Who?: Dena Anuk$a is an Egyptian singer/songwriter, rapper and DJ based in Belfast who recently debuted her singles ‘Shine’ and ‘Superthighs’ on ATL Introducing. Along with creating and producing her own music, Dena is a mentor to young musicians and artists at Belfast’s ‘Oh Yeah Centre’. Dena also manages the Northern Irish division of ‘GXRL CODE’, which is a collective of females in the arts and helps to put on events to showcase their talent and raise their profile. Dena is part of NXGEN Music Group, a Northern Irish management company dedicated to supporting urban music artists.
Sounds like: Dena’s music has a unique sound, with influences of neo-soul and old school rap and hip hop. An artist close in sound would be IAMDDB.
Why is 2020 their year? Although a relatively new artist, Dena’s music is making waves and there’s much anticipation around her EP release in 2020. Along with her unique style, authentic and empowering lyrics and superb music videos, Dena Anuk$a is set for big things.
Look out for: Dena Anuk$a’s self-produced debut EP ‘Honey and Cream’ will be released early 2020.
Peter Cinnamond (Contributor)
Artist: Vale
Who? Bouncy Belfast indie revivalists. These baby faced gloom merchants make melancholy feel more fun.
Sound like: Blossoms, Kasabian, White Lies
Why is 2020 their year? Pulling crowds in Belfast even before the release of their debut single, this pesky five-piece spent the tail end of 2019 building up a reputation as one of NI’s best new live acts. Frontman Luke Baxter cuts a dynamic figure. One part Grian Chatten, two parts Mike Skinner; with a healthy dose of Gallagher swagger. Their debut EP will be released to the world this Spring, making 2020 look set to be the year they leave behind their hidden gem status and take centre stage.
Look out for: Their debut single ‘Virtual Reality’. A song about our numerous online fake friends.
Rory McConnell (Producer, ATL)
Artist: Cherym
Who? Pop punk noisy madness from Derry, their debut EP received airplay on 6Music and BBC Radio 1.
Sound like: Hole, Nirvana, Pixies, Undertones – all the fun bands
Why is 2020 their year? Well, the listeners of ATL Introducing voted them the Oh Yeah Contenders, at the recent NI Music Prize, so how am I to argue. New single Abagail is as perfect a pop song as any band could hope to write, and if they keep writing songs at this level, then surely stardom beckons.
Look out for: Current single ‘Abagail’, (and low flying bass guitars if you’re at their gigs.)
Roisin McNickle (Assistant Producer, ATL)
Artist: Sister Ghost (aka Shannon O'Neill)
Who? Punk/rock goodness, with a strong social/political message, they've received airplay on 6Music and they took home the prize for Best Live Act at the NI Music Prize 2019. Shannon is also the founder of Girls Rock School NI - encouraging women and girls of all ages to 'riff, rock and roll'.
Sound like: Fugazi, Sonic Youth, Joan Jett, The Gits
Why is 2020 their year? Shannon is a force of nature and now she's joined by the talents of Meave Mullholland, they're sure to be unstoppable - if they keep churning out anarchic bangers like 'Fake Friends Run This Country'. With their debut album due this year, a tour with Petrol Girls in January, 2020 is theirs for the taking.
Look out for: Current single 'Fake Friends Run This Country'.
Niamh Hegarty (Contributor) Tip for 2020
Artist: Silverbacks
Who? Infectious and thrilling NYC-esque rock from Dublin, they’ve just been on tour in the UK and supported the wonderful Girl Band for some of the dates.
Sound like: The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Joy Division, Girl Band, The Clash - their music is ridiculously catchy and reminiscent of these aforementioned legends!
Why is 2020 their year? They’ve had some really significant reviews in recent weeks with a shout out from the likes of Fadar, who listed their new single as one of the 20 best rock songs right now. This review was well deserved, as their latest single Sirens is truly brilliant. Silverbacks are the kind of band that remind you of the exceptionally high standard of music that’s coming out of Ireland at the minute. 2020 will no doubt be the year that sees them make more noise internationally.
Look out for: Current single ‘Sirens’ (so good you can’t not have it on repeat.)
