Ones to Watch - 2020
With so much decent music coming out of the U.K. it’s tough putting a list together focusing on who we think will be the ones to watch next year. After several live shows, reviews and interviews, the team have created what we think to be the ten acts set for big things in 2020. Let us know in 12 months!
Truemendous has been on the scene for a few years now and has a number of releases under her belt. It is only recently that she is gaining the recognition she deserves though, featuring on Verb T & Pitch 92’s A Question Of Time album and The Mouse Outfit - Jagged Tooth Crook. There will be an EP released early next year and we’re sure it will see Truemendous continue to grow. Keep it locked and follow @itstruemendous as will we.
Manchester’s own, Mennis is a household name within the local Grime scene and has been since 2005. Honing his craft on stage and freestyling on radio shows over the years has set the path perfectly for his debut EP due for release in 2020, we have no doubt it will be huge nationwide! Check out his latest single with Tyler Daley (Children Of Zeus) below.
Cat Burns has had a few releases over the years, a couple of EPs and singles but 2019’s ‘I Don’t Blame You’ has really caught everyone’s attention. With more releases planned next year we’re hoping on the same vibe, Cat Burns will continue to amaze and we’re really looking forward to what is next!
There’s no doubt that Brighton produces some of the best music the UK has to offer! With The Great Escape festival giving a platform for emerging talent it’s no wonder more are being discovered. We spoke to The Isle Of CC about a follow up to her debut (Agoraphobia) next year and she told us of several singles which we’re more than excited for. An incredible voice with early Trip Hop vibes, if you’re not already aware then get to know! Agoraphobia here
OK so Kofi Stone has had a huge 2019, why would we add him to our 2020 list? Nobody Cares ‘Till Everybody Does was released in November and really hasn’t had chance to settle. At 15 tracks deep and every track a potential single, we’re sure you’re going to hear a lot more from Kofi Stone next year. If you haven’t checked the album we recommend you do so here.
Boasting a huge roster of artists Layfullstop has worked with, including Children Of Zeus, The Mouse Outfit, J Chambers and Pitch 92. Not to mention supporting tours with Akala, Sa-Roc and Bilal. Layfullstop is a safe bet for our ‘Ones To Watch 2020’ list. We look forward to what next year will bring.
Gardna has been about for a minute so by adding him to this list we’re not saying he’s new. Locally in Bristol he is known for his stage presence and feel good approach to hiphop, Dub, Grime and Dancehall. His debut album ‘Good Time Not A Long Time’ dropped late 2019 and showcases his diverse sound and affiliates within the scene by featuring the likes of Eva Lazarus, Hollie Cook, Omar, Kiko Bun and many more. 2020, we’re sure will see more releases from this album and Gardna is set for big things! Check GTNLT here
Bristol’s own Sylla B has been appearing on various tracks this year and released his debut ‘The Walls Have Eyes’ recently, featuring some of the best Producers in the UK. He also won Wordplay’s Novembars in 2018 and has been working with Oozhe ever since, the single Grit Teeth deserves your attention as does the album here
We first caught Prima at Reading Festival on the BBC Introducing Stage and were instantly hooked. Incredible voice and beautifully written songs, we would love to see her feature with various UK mcs and trust us there’s an underlying bass head waiting to explode! This girls got evergy levels and we know you’re going to hear more and more from Prima in 2020.
He’s been on our radar for a little while now but we feel that 2020 is going to be an important year for Jevon. After releasing his Spirits & Chaos EP in the first half of 2019, the self-appointed purveyor of ‘romantic thug music’ has wound up the year with the infectious Playboy; gaining many a playlist selection with it’s nods to his Brazilian roots. He’s been teasing a full length project for a while now and we’re hoping it finally lands next year.
