2015 saw a fair share of new artists break out and make their impact on the music world. Some most observers saw coming and others just happened out of the blue, which is the beauty of the internet. 2016 will be no different as artists will break out and become the new favorites of fans worldwide. We now try and predict which acts you should have your eye on as 2016 gets under way with names like Jack Garratt, Gallant, Wet, Belly and others making our list.
1. Jack Garratt:
These lists are about as diverse as they come for the typical end of the year listomania, but if there is one name that has been a constant it is Jack Garratt. The multi-instrumentalist has earned near universal praise for his music and performances. His debut album Phase will be released on Feb. 19 and includes the breakout single "Weathered." He is already selling out shows at the O2 in London and that trend will only continue as his stature grows in the UK and abroad. Hop on the train now before it before too full.
2. Courtney Cole:
The Louisiana country singer and songwriter first garnered attention on CMT: The Next Superstar. After signing a publishing deal, she has been writing away and released a self-titled EP in 2015, showcasing her fun and accessible country music. Heading into 2016, Cole will release her debut artist album that should springboard her to bigger opportunities and bigger stages.
3. Gallant:
With an important co-sign from Elton John and tours alongside Sufjan Stevens, Kygo and TV On The Radio under his belt, Gallant has shown that his brand of soulful r&b is adaptable to many different types of audiences. He has been working on an album and we hope to see it at some point in 2016. He just launched his new video concept series "In The Room" - the first of which was with Stevens. Though there is nothing definitive on the album, expect this to be a big year from Gallant.
4. Wet:
Brooklyn trio Wet have released two albums already, but 2016 feels like the time when the group will finally hit it big. They signed a record deal with Columbia Records and are releasing their new album Don't You on Jan. 29. Singles that have emerged have hinted that this should be their most polished work to date. With tours alongside CHVRCHES and London Grammar already under their belt, it is time for these guys to break out on their own.
5. Post Malone:
While Post Malone's breakout was in 2015, it will 2016 that is the make or break for his young career. His single "White Iverson" became a viral sensation and earned him co-signs by the likes of Kanye West. In 2016, Malone is gearing up to release an album that he believes will "change the world."
6. DIIV:
New York City five-piece band DIIV first earned acclaim for their 2012 Oshin. They toured on the back of it for quite some time, but there wasn't too much new music until now as the indie band is ready to release their sophomore LP Is The Is Are on Feb. 5. The four singles released at the end of 2014 show that the band is back in form, poised with an album to make some noise in 2016.
7. Lost Frequencies:
Dutch DJ, producer Lost Frequencies, real name Felix De Laet, could be the next big star making music in the melodic house realm that has become quite popular. His breakout debut single "Are You With Me," released in late 2014 went to No. 1 in seven European countries. It did not crossover into the United States with the success of other tracks by Robin Schulz or Felix Jaehn, but he has the potential to put out the next big record in that style.
8. RÜFÜS Du Sol :
Australian indie electronic group RUFUS Du Sol have been popular in their home country, but after some successful shows around the world headlining and supporting other artists like Odesza, they are ready to take the next step in 2016. To do so, they are ready to release their second artist album Bloom, which has already internet popular tracks in "Like An Animal" and "You Were Right," plus the hypnotic "Hyperbloom." Get ready to see a lot more of these guys once the album drops on Jan. 22.
9. Belly:
The spotlight Belly is currently starting to enjoy has been a long time coming. The XO affiliate enjoyed some success in Canada at the end of the 2000s, but then fell off a bit. 2015 saw a resurgence for the The Weeknd affiliate, helping to pen songs like "The Hills," "Often" and "Shameless." He got The Weeknd on his track "Might Not," which has spring boarded him from writer to lead artist heading into 2016. Keep a close eye on Belly.
10. Conrad Sewell:
Born in the UK and raised in Australia, Conrad Sewell, got his break through a dance music song. He sang on Kygo's single "Firestone," which has put his name in the top 40, in commercials and racked up hundreds of millions of plays across various streaming platforms. He now is looking to go solo and has been slowly releasing music to achieve that goal.
Though his EP All I Know was released in Australia in November and peaked on the charts at No. 9, it is being pushed out today worldwide. He has some major backing behind him, so expect to see a lot more of Sewell in 2016.
