Our Winter 2015 FutureSounds are a select group of artists, in our opinion, whose talents deem them worthy of increasing success and a spot on your playlist. They're either on the rise or they definitely should be.
LANY, Jarell Perry, ELEL and George Maple are the ones you need to hear right now.
Photo by Zedek Chan
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The Internet works in mysterious ways. And Los Angeles trio LANY (rhymes with “rainy”) is the latest proof of that.
Comprised of Tulsa-native Paul Klein and former Nashville duo WRLDS (aka Jake Goss and Les Priest), the group has only existed for a matter of months. And while we’ve been covering the band since last summer, in that short amount of time, they’ve already proved to be ones to watch in the year ahead.
The trio came together as Klein had all but given up on aspirations to make it in the music industry. Coincidentally, they’re now being pursued by major labels such as Atlantic and Interscope Records, to name a few.
With sleek production—created with a Windows computer and an iPhone drum machine app—and bright, waxy vocals, this ‘80s-meets-now outfit has brilliantly captured a brand of pop that should please fans of The 1975 and CHVRCHES.
Songs like “ILYSB” and “Made in Hollywood” are shining examples of the band’s potential, with both being online favorites. And while they’re still working on the logistics, they anticipate making a full-length record sometime in the near future.
If their previously released material is any indication, we can likely expect more hybrids of glossy, baby-making music and infectious, sweaty-dancy-party jams. Which are the best combinations, of course.
In the meantime, the band will perform with Cathedrals on Feb. 26 in Los Angeles. Their latest single “Bad, Bad, Bad” is out now.
(Written by Jonathan Robles)
Photo by Andrew Arthur
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Los Angeles alt-R&B crooner Jarell Perry was quietly on the rise for much of 2014. But a pair of stunning covers last year proved he’s got more than enough chops to really see his career take off.
In addition to last spring’s White EP, the 27-year-old shared his renditions of Drake’s “Own It” and Michael Jackson’s “Butterflies,” each showcasing a unique spin on the respective cut while also putting Perry’s velvety vocals on full display.
After trying to get his foot in the door to the music industry, Perry in 2012 teamed up with rising producer Hassan Johnson (aka HSVN), who has produced all of his material since. And after making all this music out of the former’s L.A. apartment, it seems their hard work is paying off.
Perry isn’t necessarily a newcomer to the industry, as he’s written for the likes of Chris Brown and Diplo. Additionally, his solo track “Win” was featured in the trailer for last year’s erotic thriller Addicted.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that Perry is easy on the eyes, but his voice is a force to be reckoned with. And while fans of Frank Ocean and Miguel wait for their respective albums, it should be noted that Perry is destined to be part of that league.
Next up, Perry will be joining Cathedrals on Feb. 25 at The Observatory in Santa Ana.
(Written by Abby Olsen)
Photo courtesy artist
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Nashville eight-piece ELEL, led by frontman and multi-instrumentalist Ben Elkins, has been swiftly rising over the past few months on the heels of their breakout single “40 Watt,” which is currently climbing alternative radio.
The ensemble recently signed with Mom + Pop Records and has been on the road with fellow Nashville outfit Moon Taxi and FutureSounds vets Generationals, introducing shiny new material along the way.
This group is easily one of the best things happening in the indie-pop-rock space right now. Just one listen to “40 Watt” simply isn’t enough, as the electrifying neon cut begs to be played over and over again. And at only three minutes long, the track is also destined to be a radio hit.
For Elkins, the band’s growing national profile is a pointed change especially for a guy who’s spent several years working Nashville’s local music scene. But he’s previously said they’d much rather have a slow build than to rush their success only to fizzle out.
Fortunately for ELEL, it seems it’s only up from here. The band will hit the road on their own tour starting on Feb. 26, including a stop at SXSW in Austin
Their self-titled debut EP will be released March 3 on Mom + Pop Records.
(Written by Tyler Schmitt)
Photo by Byron Spencer
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Australian songstress Jess Higgs (better known as George Maple) is truly one of the year’s most promising artists, even though she’s been hard at work for some time already.
With breathtaking recent singles such as “Talk Talk” and “Vacant Space,” the soulful electro-pop singer’s brooding material fits snugly on a playlist of Jessie Ware and BANKS. But there’s still something so refreshingly new about Maple’s intoxicating sound.
Yes, she’s a relatively unknown voice in the States. But that’s about to change.
Maple has toured alongside fellow Aussies (and FutureSounds alums) Flight Facilities and her newly released Vacant Space EP features contributions from the likes of Kilo Kish and Harley Streten (aka Flume), the latter of whom she worked with on their 2012 collaboration “Bring You Down.”
The name George Maple was originally created as a dark, fictional character, with its own history and narrative. But Higgs abandoned the faux backstory and has instead embraced her own love and loss. Combined with a very real talent, it’s likely you’ll be hearing her name a lot more in the coming months.
We definitely expect a full George Maple record later this year, but the Vacant Space EP is an excellent preview of what’s to come. Keep your eyes on this one.
(Written by Abby Olsen)