Ones to Watch: 24 for 2024

This year...

The heavy music sister duo have had a huge 2023, releasing their debut EP and performing at Glastonbury on the Shangri La Truth Stage, billed with Skindred and Ho99o9. They also headlined the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds Festival and performed at Boomtown Festival 2023. The duo supported Lord of the Lost at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire O2 Arena. 

As well as live shows, ALT BLK ERA have had radio play across the BBC, Kerrang and internationally, and featured in NME, Metal Hammer and Distorted Sound. Their following has grown too, with the pair reaching 50K+ monthly listeners on Spotify and 80K followers on Instagram. They also collaborated on a track with Delilah Bon 'Witch' about the persecution of women, past and present.

On their latest release...

With the help from Youth Music NextGen Fund ALT BLK ERA were able to create our 'Freak Show' debut EP. "The album was about our experiences as 'Misfits' and we also wanted to be a strong voice - showing that we don't have to hide in corners.  We are different and we are loud and proud about it," they say.

Next year...

ALT BLK ERA are starting 2024 off strong by already having been booked to perform at Download Festival. "This is a huge achievement for us and shows that we are being recognised as serious artists in the Alt genre of music," they comment.

The pair are are currently working on music to be released in Spring 2024. "We performed one of the unreleased tracks at our headline show in November and it went off - so we're very excited about the project," they share.

Listen to ALT BLK ERA on Spotify

This year...

BINA. sold out her first headline show and played Cross The Tracks Festival in South London to a packed-out tent. She also supported on Yazmin Lacey’s EU/UK tour, an artist she's been a huge fan of for years. "It’s also my first tour of this length and it’s been really affirming and character building," she shares. 

There's been a great response to BINA.'s new music this year, and she's gearing up for one more release in December, then gears up for her EP in 2024.

On her latest release...

BINA.'s upcoming EP will see her "light and dark sides" integrate. She already has a name in mind for the project and is making good progress on the music.

Next year...

Next year, BINA. hopes to go on tour around Europe and the UK with a few other artists. She would also like to collaborate more, put her EP out into the world and "watch it fly and have a life of its own with loads of people. I enjoy hearing how and where people experience my music," she says. Another goal is to continue to break through the barriers of what she thought she could do, in both music and life.

Listen to BINA. on Spotify

This year...

Over the past year, Garrett has been working on crafting an updated signature sound for themselves as an artist. They have used the Youth Music NextGen funding to work on creating some singles. "These tracks have connected me with new listeners, expanded the reach of my music in ways I couldn’t have predicted a year ago and introduced my music to people in the industry I have a lot of respect for, which is so validating as an independent artist," Garrett shared.

On their most recent project...

Garrett's most recent single release, ‘Novak’, has "felt like a huge stepping stone in my career," they say. The funding allowed them to work with a producer they had wanted to work with for a long time in their home studio where Garrett felt comfortable to collaborate and express their own creative ideas. 

Next year...

Garrett's plans for 2024 include releasing their debut album, which they are currently writing, recording and track listing for. It is a cinematic and theatrical take on some classic singer-songwriter folk. For the coming months, they are planning on organising single launch shows for a few upcoming tracks leading up to the release of the album.

Listen to Garrett Laurie on Spotify

This year...

From exploring different mediums and their craft, HASZNAT debuted their DJ mix with Daytimers, performied at Corsica studios, and threw their own self-curated headline showcase ‘HASZNATONLINE’ to celebrate the anniversary of debuting as an artist with the debut Electronic Punk / Rap EP, '#HASZNATONLINE'.

Their latest project...

Now marking their first official year as a musician and audiovisual artist, HASZNAT is now working on the second official EP release early next year with the lead single debut before the end of 2023. 

Next year...

Stay locked in! HASZNAT 2.0 on the way.

Listen to HASZNAT on Spotify

This year...

"This year has been full of learning and growing!" Jessie shares. The Youth Music Awards 2022 Music Producer Award winner played a number of live shows and DJ sets and collaborated with some incredible artists (including a studio session with the category award presenters BICEP). Jessie also released more music, including her audiovisual EP, 'Luminescence', which Jessie says is "probably my favourite project I’ve worked on to date - my friend Sara (bozviz) created these stunning 3D visuals that go along with each track, it’s very special."

On her most recent project...

'Luminescence' is a neo-classical crossover EP; each track represents an environment and how it’s had to change over time because of the impact of humans. Jessie recorded live strings on the project with Up North Session Orchestra - "a total dream come true, I’d do that every day if I could."

Next year...

Expect more new music from Jessie Marcella, as well as a developed audiovisual live show. There are some shows and DJ sets already in her diary, starting with a show at the Roundhouse early 2024. She's also looking forward to doing more collaborations and is eager to delve into creating music for film.

Listen to Jessie Marcella on Spotify

This year...

This year Lex has been working on her debut EP. With support from the Youth Music NextGen Fund, Lex was able to release it in November.

On her latest project...

Lex's EP ‘I’ve Got Something To Say’ is a relatable musical retelling of the teenage and 20 something years spent trying to navigate life. A record that traverses through all the emotions of youth, there's a song for everyone.

Next year...

Lex is hoping to make a headline show happen in 2024, and of course, lots of new music.

Listen to Lex Gibbon on Spotify 

This year...

MACY spent time working on her her newly released second EP 'Third Person', as well as the stand alone single 'Swear Down' which was supported by Youth Music. The single was featured on Radio 1 twice this year. MACY also got to perform the single at the Principality Stadium in front of 50,000 people. She had a number of festival performances and hosted her second Planet Pop show. Each track MACY has released this year has made it onto the BBC Radio Wales A-List. 

On her latest project...

MACY's 'Third Person' EP is deeply personal as it touches on real life situations, "which felt really raw in the writing process," she says.

Next year...

MACY's goal for 2024 is to write with more people and try some new things. She is planning to hit the live scene hard with the band.

Listen to MACY on Spotify

This year...

"This year has been the most exciting year of my music career so far!" Malan says. She co-wrote her first ever EP with one of her good friends, Nate Williams, with support from the Youth Music NextGen Fund. The EP was released just over a month ago, and Malan is currently in the middle of a small tour to launch the EP.

On her latest project...

"Releasing a body of work has been a goal of mine for a long time, so it feels so nice to finally have released my debut EP this October!" Malan comments. "I have gained so much experience through out the process of writing, recording and releasing this EP and I feel more inspired than after completing it!"

Next year...

Malan is enjoying performing live at the moment and is looking forward to more gigs and live opportunities in the coming year. However, her main passion is writing, so she is excited to get back in the studio to record some new material and get started on her next project.

Listen to Malan on Spotify

This year...

Marla released her debut project as a solo artist after working primarily as a session musician for the past 5 years. ‘All That We Have’ EP "feels like a massive achievement", she says. It’s a collection of the music Marla has made from the start of her production journey in 2020 up until 2022. "Even though I started making some of the tracks years ago now, I still feel connected to them and am really proud of what I’ve created."

On her latest project...

Marla had her first festival booking this summer and played a set with her band. She had two EP launch shows in November which are also her first headline shows too. Marla also supported Loyle Carner on his US tours as a DJ in October.

Next year...

Marla is keen to book more support slots and festivals with her band, and release a couple remixes that she's been asked to do. She would also love to have another single out too, while working on the next EP.

Listen to Marla Kether on Spotify

This year...

Maius Mollis has been working on her debut EP, 'Waves', which was produced by Sam Grant (Pigs x7). It had extensive support from BBC Introducing and support from the Youth Music NextGen Fund. Maius has also been developing her live sound, putting together a band for her first big headliner, performing at Waves Festival’s BBC Introducing stage, and supporting artists including Nati, Tiny Umbrellas and John Francis Flynn. Alongside live shows, she has been selected for development opportunities including The Glass House’s prestigious Summer Studios residency, Help Musicians Business Accelerator, and Generator's First Notes programme.

On her latest project...

The ‘Waves’ EP is a collection of four songs all written on loss, change, and grief. They are all tracks written in the aftermath of complex grief and the tough feelings that brought up for Maius. "The title track particularly dives into misconceptions we can sometimes have of grief and how it will look, or that it will wrap itself up neatly after a period of mourning. I have noticed quite the opposite and that it has stayed with me in so many ways - both beautiful and difficult ways. These songs are for anyone who didn’t get to say goodbye, for those who are still in the thick of it, for anyone who needs them," she explains.

Next year...

Maius has a new manager - Chelsea Wood (previous campaigns with Nina Nesbit, Foxes) - and is collaborating with double BRIT Award winning, Mercury Prize nominated producer Thom Lewis (Sam Fender). "With these two supporting me, so much feels possible," she says. Maius will also be entering a writing period, before releasing new music next year. There are also plenty of shows lined up for 2024, with plans to  perform further afield from her home turf in the North East. 

Listen to Maius Mollis on Spotify

This year...

Meduulla opened for Hip- Hop legends AZ and Souls of Mischief, she created the poem for the Youth Music Awards 2023 opening film, 'Take Note' and collaborated with E.L.F Cosmetics to make a bespoke music piece for their new campaign. She also recently released her debut EP 'Oblongata'. 

On her latest project...

"Working on 'Oblongata' has taught me so much about myself as a musician. As this is my first project, it was really just about making what my heart desired and just exercising my pen game. I’m so glad I got to make a track with Lunar C, that's one of my favourite songs on the project! And I couldn’t have done it without the amazing producers on the project," Meduulla shares.

Next year...

Meduulla aims to have created another project by the end of the year. She also wants to collaborate with more artists around the world and learn how to produce. She would also love to put on her own gig at some point.

Listen to Meduulla on Spotify

This year...

Megan worked on an EP focusing on themes of feminism, mental health, Tarana Burke’s #MeToo movement, and climate change. "These are huge topics in the world at the moment and it felt important to intertwine these alongside my own experiences. It feels all about navigating the world and how I’ve come from one place to another," Megan says. This project is the first part of a much bigger project which she is currently working on for next year. 

On her latest project...

Megan will be closing 2023 playing two shows in California - one in San Francisco and the other in Los Angeles - a big dream of hers.

Next year...

Coming up in 2024, Megan is writing the soundtrack for a short film all about neurodivergence and grief. She will be releasing her next project, and playing some shows and festivals.

Listen to Megan Black on Spotify

This year...

Noah has been working on his upcoming album, finishing the recording and engineering as well as working on the music videos. The first two singles, ‘Came Close’ and ’Swan Song' have been released.

On his latest project...

The album is called ‘Love Of My Life’ and will be released early 2024. "It’s a very personal project which I’ve been working on for several years, focused on my mental health journey, friendship and finding hope," Noah shares. 

Next year...

To celebrate the release of his album, Noah will organise a headline show, potentially in both London and Cardiff.

Listen to Noah Bouchard on Spotify

This year...

Baby Panna achieved 2 million streams for the first time ever on one of his songs. He sold out an art exhibition (with live music and spoken word performances) as a headliner/launch party to celebrate his new mixtape. Panna and his friends and created a magazine which acts as merch for his mixtape.

On his latest project...

The goal with Baby Panna's ‘vibes and energies 2’ project was to connect creatives in a physical space, highlighting his values of engaging with art away from the digital realm. The merch and the event all encourage those invested in my career to spend time with art in person, away from a fast paced social media campaign.

Next year...

Next year Baby Panna plans to drop a song every 3-4 weeks with a big focus on consistent TikTok promotion. Alongside this, he also plans to perform at as many shows as possible all over the country, with a big show in his hometown on May the 14th (his birthday). Furthermore, he plans to deliver a project bigger and better than the exhibition he has already delivered this year. He also has his eyes set on either hosting a film festival or writing and releasing a book. Last but definitely not least, Baby Panna plans to travel the world through his craft - connecting and creating with artists all over the globe and delivering the result to his fans.

Listen to Baby Panna on Spotify

This year...

In January, Peri was finishing the final few dates of their first UK & Ireland headline tour, of which they sold out many shows. With support from the Youth Music NextGen Fund, they built their home studio and produced the demos to what has now become a complete EP. They flew out to Virginia to record their 5-track EP (due March 2024) with producer John Trainum and have so far released one single, 'the ocean (I could die)’ which was cited by Rolling Stone as “a song by an artist you have to meet”. Festival season saw Peri's band play packed out tents across the South West.

On their latest project...

Peri has just started a solo challenge of writing a song a day, and hopes to continue this throughout next year, release as much as possible, and continue to grow their audience. Peri wants to sell out a London show, and play festivals across the UK with the band.

Listen to Peri Rae on Spotify

This year...

Riya was chosen in the Abbey Road Studios Amplify Competition and was invited to their iconic Studio 2 Control to meet with one of the UK's leading A&Rs. She has already seen support from BBC, Rolling Stone, and luxury fashion brand, COACH. This year, RIYA performed two sets as the solo performer for 'The Hundred X BBC Introducing Stage' at Headingley Stadium in front of 30,000 people. She was featured on numerous festival line-ups, including Manchester International Festival, and was invited to perform at Manchester Museum. She also performed at in London for International Women's Day. Riya also won the top 9% ISC songwriting spot from over 30,000 applications.

On her latest project...

Riya has received continued support from the likes of Rolling Stone and BBC, with her latest release, ‘Fear Of Failure’, playlisted and featured as track of the week.

Next year...

Riya has secured some exciting live performances set to be announced soon. Expect new music, videos and her biggest project to date in 2024.

Listen to Riya on Spotify

This year...

Sharifa has been working on developing both personally and musically this year. Alongside that, he released three new singles. He feels that 'BEDROOM LIGHT' "really lays out where I stand artistically and sets a good base for what I want to do next year."

On his latest project...

Sharifa feels that 'BEDROOM LIGHT' is the best track he's released to date, showing him at his most honest and darkest moments. "I'm happy people connected with it as much as I do and I really believe that's just the start," he says.

Next year...

"Dropping the best music you've ever heard and connecting with more people through my art."

Listen to Sharifa on Spotify

This year...

Youth Music Awards 2023 nominee Studiowyzz achieved over 5 Million Streams on Spotify this year and released eight songs, one of which had a sample cleared with BMG and super producer French Kiwi Juice (FKJ) on 'No Drop'. He received continued support from BBC Introducing and premiered a release on Capital Xtra. He also headlined a HQ Familia X BBC Introducing event.

On his latest project...

In this latest release, 'Got Me Like', StudioWyzz grapples with articulating his feelings toward his female partner through a two-part sample extracted from Morgan Munroe's track, 'Mutual.' StudioWyzz intricately weaves a lyrical conversation with the sampled vocals of Morgan Munroe, adding a layer of depth and emotion to the composition. The beat of the song flaunts a contemporary trap sound, showcasing Kaiso's ingenuity in seamlessly integrating the original essence into a fresh and innovative musical landscape.

Next year...

In 2024, StudioWyzz is gearing up for an exciting year of musical releases, each accompanied by  visuals in both short and long-form content. Kicking off the year with the first release slated for January, Wyzz has a carefully planned schedule, promising a new release every four weeks. Building on the momentum, StudioWyzz is set to unveil the much-anticipated debut EP in February, featuring a plethora of songs that will resonate throughout the year. His sights are set on larger stages, with ambitions of festivals and headlining his own gig. 

Listen to StudioWyzz on Spotify

This year...

Supermann on da beat has worked on singles with over 30 artists across genres from hip-hop to rock and pop in the UK and US, hit 100k streams, five spins on BBC Introducing (2x Track of the Week), had a debut headline show, and ran 15 shows as part of Hip Hop Scotland promoting local artists.

On his latest project...

His new track ‘Chicago’ brings together artists from three continents and varied genres to bring a fresh take on old school hip-hop. The production also brings a new take to the sound of classic 90’s rap with a modern trap mix. "It was always an aim when I started making beats to have a track with a relatively known US rapper, so it was amazing to make that become a reality with this track featuring Rockie Fresh," Supermann says. "It was also good to finally get a track with Chef, who’s a really talented artist from Aberdeen that I've had an eye on for a while, and of course a big thanks to my good friend Kapil Seshasayee for the guitar solo that really brought the second half of the track to life. 'Chicago' stands as a testament to the unifying power of music, bringing together artists from different continents. It tells a compelling story of community and the trials faced by those in perpetual motion."

Next year...

Supermann's goal for 2024 is to keep working with as many artists as he can across all genres, continue to improve his production and honing his sound, keep releasing music consistently, reach a million streams, release his EP and start working on a debut album.

Listen to Supermann on da beat on Spotify

This year...

Tom has recorded, produced, mixed and released a new four track EP, which was launched at The Globe in Cardiff and 229 London. Tom also amassed 2 million total streams on Spotify and sold out additional headline shows in Cardiff, Newport and Birmingham.

On his latest project...

Tom's new EP 'It’s Lonely Here in Heaven' has "been the best project I’ve done to date. I’m really proud of the sound I managed to achieve with these songs. All four songs are completely different but feel very cohesive. It’s allowed me to expand the kinds of songs I can write and have encouraged me to experiment more," he explains.

Next year...

2024 will see the launch of Tom's next EP, recorded at Rockfield Studios. His first headline UK tour will begin in March/April. Tom hopes to expand his team, specifically to bring on a booking agent that can help him to perform these new songs to the right audiences, at bigger shows.

Listen to Tom Auton on Spotify

This year...

In 2023, Treeboy & Arc signed to Leeds-based Clue Records (Bored At My Grandmas House, The Wedding Present, YOWL), who recently announced their partnership with EMI North, and released their first full-length project 'Natural Habitat'. Following the release of their album the band headed out on their first UK headline tour playing shows all across the country. They were nominated for an award and performed at the Youth Music Awards 2023. 

On their latest project...

'Natural Habitat' is Treeboy & Arc’s most ambitious release to date. With the opportunity to really experiment in the studio with Matt Peel, the songs recorded became darker, harsher and more brutal sounding than any of the original demos the band had recorded themselves. With two singers and two lyricists, the meaning of each song feels completely separate from the last. Each song has its own story and meaning, from anxiety to the supernatural, whether disguised by cryptic language or told as “matter of fact”, the album discusses the full spectrum of emotions.

Next year...

Wasting no time at all the band are already working on their next release. Having moved into a new rehearsal space, Treeboy & Arc are eager to follow up on their debut effort with more music and have already begun recording demos for their second full length studio album. In between writing, the band will head to Europe for the second time to bring 'Natural Habitat' to France in February.

Listen to Treeboy & Arc on Spotify

This year...

TU3SDAY has been developing their practice as a producer, a DJ, and more recently as a live sound engineer. They are currently in their second year at BIMM Birmingham, studying Electronic Music Production on a Spotify Scholarship. As a DJ, they have been refining their sound and had the incredible opportunity to perform at their first international gig by closing the Sins Limites festival in Oviedo, Spain, They have also been working as an assistant audio technician at The Unique Experience (hosted by Call Me Unique) at the Hockley Social Club. Simultaneously, they are working on completing their second EP, which was commissioned by AZ MAG and DJ Mag. They were also selected as part of JamzSupernova's Class of Supernova, identified as one to watch for 2023, and received radio play on BBC1xtra, BBC 6 Music, Selector Radio, and swu.fm.

On their latest project...

TU3SDAY's debut EP 'LOVE + RAGE' earned them a nomination for the Youth Music Rising Star Artist Award.

Next year...

TU3SDAY will share their new EP with the world, join the Sofar Sounds team as Event Crew, and further immerse themselves in the realm of live sound/audio engineering. Additionally, they are eager to collaborate with more music-based brands committed to creating an inclusive, accepting, and welcoming environment in the music industry. They aspire to curate developmental opportunities specifically tailored for neurodivergent and Disabled genderqueer individuals and women seeking to enter the music tech world.

Listen to TU3SDAY on Spotify

This year...

Xyzelle started relentlessly working on their Alt RnB/Trap Soul EP 'Dreams Of A Trapped Soul' which explores themes of growing into your greatest dreams all while dealing with what life throws at you as you're coming of age. She was able to realise this concept with the help of Youth Music NextGen Fund. Xyzelle. also competed on BBC Three show 'Project Icon', getting into the final 10. She also performed live on BBC Points West after the show. The EP was accompanied by Xyzelle's first ever headline listening party.

On her latest project...

Xyzelle dropped 'Dreams Of A Trapped Soul' on her 22nd birthday as an ode to her teenage self. All the tracks were written by Xyzelle but she worked with Jon Segar, on the engineering and co-production, and Liam Oliver, a producer/musician. She collaborated with JordanTheFio on the tracks 'October' and SaiNT isRed on 'Cherry Lips'.

Next year...

Xyzelle wants to focus on her community, opening up the gap between artist and the person behind it all. Music-wise, she plans on releasing more neo-soul/HipHop tunes. "I think I'm over my fear of letting people see my rapping abilities, it took a couple years into my career, but I'm excited at the prospect of showing people more of that," she shares.

Listen to Xyzelle. on Spotify

This year...

Yv Shells worked on an installation for the Southbank Centre and was nominated for two Youth Music Awards, also performing at the ceremony. He started working on his debut EP, which is set for release next year. Yv was signed to Curtis Brown as a writer for film and TV and was also in a writers’ room for a Disney + TV show. 

On his most recent release...

Yv Shells' currently untitled debut EP was created in response to Lucien Freud’s painting, Girl with a Kitten. "It explores themes of strangulation and constriction by journeying through a doomed relationship to its end and finishes on a song that alludes to finding hope and joy on the other side," he explains. "I produced all the tracks with Matt Cooke and have amazing musicians like Moses Boyd, Mark Mollison, Finn Carter and Jamie-Lee Glinsman playing instruments across the EP. I’m very excited for the release and the first single off the EP is called 'Frozen'."

Next year...

In 2024, Yv Shells plans to do more live shows, and work on a remix and visual version of his upcoming EP. He wants to work with more people and grow his team to continue to grow his artist career. He is currently making a short film that will hopefully will be in post-production in 2024. With his calendar full to the brim, Yv is also hoping to balance things out with more time to rest and enjoy a holiday or two.

Listen to Yv Shells on Spotify