#NWDHotlist 2016

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Right now, everyone is already placing their recommendations as to who will be the next big things that will take over the UK music industry in 2016. Below are some  of ours that you may already know.

Savannah Dumetz

 

(Image: http://www.savannahdumetz.com)

You might not know her as of such yet, but this girl is bringing the demur to soul. From her cover of a Marvin Gaye classic bringing the slush-lush to our ears, to her gigs alongside Tiana Major 9, Spxken and Kieron Boothe.

Watch out world, Ms Dumetz is definitely on the rise.

Check out our interview with absolute beauty right here.

Zayn Malik

(Image: https://twitter.com/zaynmalik)

After finally leaving One Direction, the mysterious-sexy-one has already hinted with his interview at Fader that he’s working on new material. We always knew from the get-go that this brother is more of the smooth soul type that likes R&B. His record deal with RCA (home of Tinashe & Justin Timberlake) has made us assured that he’s in a good place. We’re looking forward to his new work.

Mic Lowry

(Image: http://www.mobo.com)

Now that One Direction are taking a break, it may be a good opportunity for new boyband Mic Lowry to take over. If you don’t know about these Liverpudlian lads already (Ben, Akia, Delleile, Kaine and Michael) they’re bringing ‘sweet boy’ music back to the mainstream. Having already toured with Boyz II Men, performing at Glastonbury as well as releasing their first EP ‘The Show’ the boys are beginning to gain pandemonium. After the release of their music videos for tracks ‘Tuxedo’, ‘Supermodels‘ and ‘Bad Intentions’ (that are on the EP), Mic Lowry became the official winners of the MOBO UnSung 2015 and saw their work reach the #1 spot on the iTunes Chart!

To celebrate, they’ve recently upgraded their first original song ‘Restart‘, and are officially signed to a record label (after their early days recording YouTube song covers). There’s even a call for them to come to States and perform. We also hear that they are now planning to release their first album.

Esco Williams, you should be proud.

Isaiah Dreads

(Image: http://lostculture.co)

The resilient rapper has been on our list ever since our feature with him back on March 2015 (click here to have a read). He’s resilient; with eyes of fire that will diminish any contender in sight. Always writing, always improving & perfecting his amazing lyrical skill. After releasing his first work ‘Nutting But A Mixtape’, he has gone on further to release another special made EP with lyrics written from his bedroom – ‘Lights Turn Green’. If you place Dreads on the spot and he’ll deliver – no matter how long his locs get.

Aaron

(Image: https://twitter.com/aaronofficialuk)

Don’t be fooled, this singer has taken a male name to keep her music mysterious. But the lover of all things techno pop has got everyone talking about her EP ‘Letters to Johnny’; with debut single ‘Strong’ being played multiple times whilst later releasing ‘Kids’ as a separate single. Describing her music as “dream pop” with techno element and alternative synchronisation, Aaron has creatively made her own unique sound of her own eighties influences into the new digital age. Many of us are still suckers for those eighties pop vibes.

Jermaine Riley

(Image: http://www.jermaineriley.com)

Resilient man with a beautiful heart, the UEA winner continues to be the underdog in this industry.

Leading from his last EP ‘The Cape Tape: The Lost Sessions’ (that left everyone on a high note as to whether he’s still in the game or not), he returned last year with a very special project known to us as ‘The Weekness’; a whole year of songs released once every week. Already, we’ve been keeping record of this ever increasing compilation of tracks. Already worked with producers Gifted The Great, Ripperman, Amaar Baz, Rishi Rich as well as artists such as Donaeo, Jordan Morris & Artful Dodger. Staying true to his R&B roots with his unique voice and sound, Riley is becoming the cool pleasure in everyone’s playlist.

Jada

(Image: https://soundcloud.com/jadaonline/purple-skies)

Having worked with the likes of Drake, J Warner, All About She, Wretch 32, Bobii Lewis to name a few and Avelino on ‘Echoes’, the singer/songwriter is gradually making her own steps to be recognized as an artist in her own right. Many of us know her for her track ‘Purple Skies’ but she has also impressed us with tracks such as ‘Holiday’ and ‘Teenagers’. We know for sure that she’ll be bringing more of her talent this year. Take note of this girl.

DDark

(Image: http://www.ddarkonline.com)

We respect DDark because not only is he a fierce rapper, songwriter and producer, but his entrepreneurial drive who has developed his own career in music. Having a strong Twitter following of 140k (and counting) as well as releasing his ‘Dark Horse’ mixtape (without any backing or PR help), Ddark has become one of the most talked about UK Rapper right now after already worked with the likes of Tinchy Stryder, Wretch 32 and Chipmunk. We’re every familiar with his beats because we hear them behind the web-series ‘Badman’ (Humza Productions) and  ‘Panorama’.

All the successes are from the works of his hands.

“UH HUH” 

Vanessa White

(Image: https://twitter.com/vanessawhite)

Formerly known as 1/ 5 from the girl band The Saturdays, Ms White released two original tracks of her own via Soundcloud. Setting the world apart from her previous band’s style and voice, it seems to us that she’s embarking on a brand new chapter as a solo artist. Her two tracks ‘Relationship Goals’ and ‘Don’t Wanna Be Your Lover’ have received a huge recognition from her Saturday lovers and fans, whilst gaining new ones. As being the youngest woman of the Saturday bunch, Ms White is becoming the woman of her own – to the extent that she even did an A64 for SBTV. Working with producers Chloe Martini, Tre-Jean Marie and Snakeships, Vanessa White is cooking something hot in the kitchen – and we can’t wait to taste it.

Nadia Rose

 

(Image: https://trapseurope.com)

This South London chick’s flow may be not your typical UK rap, but she’s still killing it. Already, Nadia Rose has done freestyles for DJ Semtex, Toddla T and SBTV. It’s arguable to say that she’s bringing that sense of emotion back to Hip Hop, her innovative take of rapping reflects on the same type of flow that we used to see from the nineties Female MCs such as Lil’Kim, Missy Elliott as well as Da Brat (even though that was two decades ago).

It is clear that Ms Rose is bringing it back with a South London edge and that fire needed to make it clear to all that’s she’s different and here to stay.

Zak Abel 

 

(Image: Http://twitter.com/ZakAbel)

This Liverpludian turn Londoner set the tempo with his single ‘These Are The Days’, and now Zak Abel is seeing the benefits of his hard work. Already collaborated with Gordon City on track ‘Unmissable’, Tom Misch and soul-brother-with-that-deep-voice Kwabs, Zak Abel is the diamond in the rough making 2016 his time to shine. We’ve listened to his first small group of songs on Spotify.  PLUS, watch his amazing performance at YouTube HQ.

He got a lot of airplay on radio stations such as Rinse FM, 1Xtra and Beats One Music (which is now being called Apple Music) last year.  From the looks of it, he’s definitely got one hand on the future.

Dornik

(Image: https://www.bandsintown.com)

Dornik is another amazing triple threat songwriter, producer and singer to make our short list having released his first piece of work via iTunes. Enthusing 80s funk-soul, techno and pop with R&B, his album is very addictive to the ears that will get you playing it on repeat. He performed at Lovebox and has seen his tracks getting exposure on sites such as Urban Development and a lot of airplay on a vast variety of radio stations. Commonly compared to Michael Jackson at times due to his voice, Dornik is becoming innovative yet relevant to the digital evolution of 20th Century music.

Did you know that he was Jess Ware drummer?! We know right…

Ray BLK

We believe every girl will find her inner #crazysexycool in new girl RayBLK hailing from South London. After recently her releasing first EP called ‘Havisham’ and releasing her new video ’50/50′, the Catford beauty is bringing the new alternative vibes to R&B/Soul. Sighting her influences ranging from Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, Amy Winehouse and Biggie Smalls, Ray BLK is embarking on doing the impossible – she isn’t only giving R&B a new Hip Hop edge, she is also bringing the genre together into what can be described as a official marriage.

Look, we’re already digging her tracks ‘Drowning (Swimming with sharks)’, ‘Talk To Me’, ‘Memories’, ‘Ride Or Die’, ‘Not Your Girl’…All produced by her whilst juggling with her university degree. Now that she has completed her studies and signed to a record label, Ray BLK’s focus is working on new material for her EP. Already, she’s getting high recommendations from BBC 1 Xtra, i-D Magazine and saw her track ’50/50’ added to Spotify’s New Music Playlist.

Tiana Major 9

(Image: http://www.tianamajor9.com)

Described as the ‘love child’ of Lauryn Hill, this girl has been gaining her own fans in her own right. Following from becoming a MOBO UnSung finalist last year and giving us an exclusive interview, Tiana Major 9 has continued to keep bringing 100%+ with her song covers since her original ‘Crazy Things’. She’s supported the likes of Ella Eyre and Alexandra Burke, was featured on BBC 1Xtra and has performed at Ronnie Scott’s ‘Ruby Sings’ event. The East Londoner is fast becoming a high-in-demand artist, we’ve seen her live and we’re telling you  that this girl has got a natural flow and soul voice.

Tiana Major 9 going to become MEGA.