With a new year, comes many resolutions. A healthier diet; a better workout regiment; reading more; whatever your heart desires. These are all things we at Scrimshaw try to emulate all year round, not solely at the turn of a new year. By no means are we claiming we're the best at resolutions - cause we ain't - but why not try to better yourself day in and day out, all year long. One thing that we're always on the hunt for, 24/7/365, is the best of new music. With the likes of Spotify's algorithms such as New Music Fridays, Discover Weekly, Release Radars, and a number of other services, new music is more accessible than ever. After some serious musical dissection, we've forecasted our top artists who are going to have outstanding 2017s. Some of these acts have been at it longer than others, but overall we have good feelings that this year is their year to shine. A number of these acts will be touring this year, so please get out and see them. We love them all, we hope you do to - ENJOY LISTENING!
1) Khalid
Hailing from El Paso, Texas, this 18-year-old artist is ready to take on the world. He's currently letting his soulful voice be heard across the country on his Location Tour. Khalid brings his modern twist to an old soul vibe, creating some serious beats. Catch an incredible performance in New York City next Thursday the 19th at SOBs (Sounds of Brazil), before he heads South then West. Already, with over 1.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Khalid is bound to have a monumental year.
2) The Suffers
Self-coined as Gulf Coast Soul, the ten-person musical group has been on the scene since 2011 and they've been heating up ever since. With over 150 shows across the nation, The Suffers are coming in hot - and aren't going anywhere. Performing at a plethora of music festivals, throwing down their own NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and finishing up touring with Lake Street Dive, this phenomenal squad culturally mixes a blend of genres to create something truly beautiful. They're touring across the Southeast soon, then off to Europe. Give them all the listens either in person, or with their self-titled album "The Suffers"!
3) Whitney
With roots from Chicago, and getting their start in 2015, Whitney is taking the music scene by storm. Their single "No Woman" has been a massive success, and their full album "Light Upon The Lake" blends folky guitar with a unique sound of vocals. There are times when you feel slightly transported back in time listening to Whitney, while their indie rock sound keeps you coming back for more. You'll have their album on repeat - guaranteed. Internationally touring across Asia, Australia, they'll be back in North America through May, then across to Europe for June. Catch them wherever tastefully curated venues are operating.
4) JONES
Trust us, that when you hear JONES' music you're going to melt with her. The London based songstress enchants us with her soulfully infused tunes, and sultry vocals. Her debut album "New Skin" is out now and her alternative R&B/pop music will wow you, just as it has us. JONES worked with a impressive crew of producers for this album (including HONNE, Justin Parker and Tourist to name a few) to put out something she should really be proud of. JONES, please make your way to the States ASAP - we can't wait to hear you live!
5) Roosevelt
This song will absolutely spark some essence of summer, as the German producer Roosevelt belts out a synthetic electro-pop hit, "Fever". The track featured on his self-titled album "Roosevelt" out last August, is just one of twelve that will get your feet dancing and your hips swaying. His music has a very upbeat sound, that almost makes you feel like you're grooving in slow motion. In October, he dropped a cover of the Womack & Womack hit, "Teardrops" that's really gushing the 80s inspired feel, which you'll definietly hear throughout his music. Dance it out with Roosevelt.
6) Elujay
The inspirationally talented Elujay is bringing feel good jams to the world while singing about real issues. The Oakland based artist has been in the music scene for ages, with a number of singles such as "Soul Food" and "Pushing Lines" culminating with the release of this first full album, "Jentrify". Elujay invited a number of artists to this project, including Rexx Life Raj and Ymtk to name a few. With roots in California, we believe that the nation will soon know Elujay's name and powerfully curated music.
7) MUNA
The LA based trio, describes themselves on their website as a: "brooding sensuality of R&B, rhythms of funk and pop rock, and audacity of synthpop with raw, unbridled lyricism." We couldn't have said it better ourselves (thus the direct quote). Katie, Naomi, and Josette's first single "Winterbreak" took the world by storm. So much so, that the EDM-king himself, Tiësto, remixed it into one of 2016's best summer dance hits. MUNA is off on tour with the Lo Moon, and will of course be tearing it up at Gov Ball in early June. Listen to these bad ass ladies and you'll be glad you did. #MUNAFTW
8) liv
Translated in English to "life", liv, is a Swedish collaboration for the ages. This powerhouse of a gang consists of Lykke Li, Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John, plus Andrew Wyatt & Pontus Winnberg of Miike Snow, and Jeff Bashker. Their first song together, "Wings of Love" embraces a lightness that makes you want to hold hands with someone - or run naked through the woods like Li's directed in the above video (we're going to go out on a limb and say this video probably counts as NSFW, but use your judgement - we trust you to be smart). Most of these musicians have been working together for some time in a variety of capacities, so it's inevitable that liv's got much more up their sleeves as they embark into an amazing year ahead.
9) KINGDM
What appears to have started by the masterminds of Luca Masini & Reuben James, resulted in the electronic-pop band KINGDM. Self-described on their Facebook page as "Music for the people," KINGDM's beats almost immediately put you poolside, with a frozen cocktail in your hand, set for a colossal sunset. KINDGM has four massive singles out now on Spotify and joined forces with Kevin Garrett & SG Lewis for their track "Baby". With support from Apple Music, Majestic Casual, Noon Pacific, and Spotify, KINGDM had a rockin' 2016, but we foresee their success getting even stronger in 2017. Stay tuned and get amped.
10) Mt. Joy
With only one song on Spotify that's been played over 2.3 million times, Mt. Joy's "Astorvan" captured not only our hearts, but a monthly listener pool of more than 250K. Mt. Joy belts it out in this folksy tune about how Jesus actually drives an Astrovan. With some awesome album artwork, a tune that's got some serious buzz, we can't wait to hear what else Mt. Joy puts out in 2017.