Our Fall 2014 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.
Josef Salvat, VÉRITÉ, Will Dailey and Lake Street Dive are the ones you need to hear right now.
Editor's Note: This story first appeared in its original format in the new issue of Variance. Click here for the full version.
Photo by Sam Hiscox
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The year 2014 has been busy for Josef Salvat, as the London-based pop artist has seemingly come out of nowhere to create a sound with real staying power. Two critically-acclaimed EPs have paved the way for massive success, and Salvat looks to capitalize on his forward momentum.
With his first effort, In Your Prime, Salvat starts strong with the fan-favorite “Open Season.” His melodic voice goes on the offensive, with an upbeat tempo backing him up all the way. His tone is smooth and effortless, and his lyrics are thought-provoking in nature. Perfect for a night drive, or just to hang out to, his music is inherently crisp and enjoyable.
The singer’s second EP, Hustler, is a short, two-song sampler but packs an incredible punch. The title track is slow, haunting and deep on its way to showcasing how great Salvat’s voice is when flexed. The second track “Every Night” is a slow jam that presents an entirely different angle of his sound. All in all, his EPs are the perfect introduction to a guy listeners should expect to hear from for years to come.
Salvat will support BANKS on her U.K. tour in November with plans for a debut album soon. His music is on iTunes and Spotify.
Photo by Harvey Pearson
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After two years of working with producer Elliot Jacobson (Ingrid Michaelson, Emily Kinney), New York songstress VÉRITÉ released her debut EP, Echo, over the summer and has since been on a steady climb.
At only four tracks, the collection is highlighted by lead single “Strange Enough,” an infectious three minutes of the singer’s hauntingly dreamy vocals melted over Jacobson’s suave production, proving she has the chops to soon join the leagues of the aforementioned Michaelson or Ellie Goulding in pop’s golden ranks.
VÉRITÉ began her musical journey at a young age, having grown up in a musical home and covering The Cranberries and Four Non Blondes at open mics before starting a punk cover band at 13. By the time she was in high school, she was writing her own music, inspired to put her emotions into song.
The music she’s released so far skews in the direction of alt-pop, perhaps fitting snugly in a playlist of fellow buzzworthy acts Ryn Weaver and BROODS, with a perfect balance of silky, honest lyricism and synthy textures. It’s not quite rave-appropriate but it’s definitely club-friendly.
She made her debut at CMJ in October and she’s aiming to release additional material—hopefully a full-length—sometime next year.
In the meantime, check out the Echo EP on Spotify or iTunes. And for those in the Northeast, she has a few live dates scheduled in November.
Photo by Paul Janovitz
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It took a life-changing decision for Will Dailey to finally make the music he desired. On his 2014 effort, National Throat, he is better than ever while creating music unlike anything he’s released before. For the Boston-based musician, it was a long time coming.
Previously signed to an internationally known record label, the singer-songwriter elected to part ways and pursue his career as an independent musician. In doing so, he opened his world to the type of sound he always wanted to create. National Throat tells the story of that journey through thought-provoking lyrics and haunting vocals.
New fans will want to start with “Castle of Pretending,” the most popular song on the album. A song that seems destined for many movie soundtracks, his ability to draw listeners in from the outset is a welcomed experience.
The album continues into a variety of emotions, as Dailey recounts epic nights on the town in uptempo moments, while also cascading down into the slower songs that reveal his inner workings. As most fans will agree, music is best when it’s most vulnerable, and National Throat is a prime example of this. If nothing else, listeners will find it honest and refreshing.
Will Dailey is currently touring select cities, and his music is available on iTunes and Spotify. For more information, connect with him on Twitter: @WillDailey.
Photo by Jarrod McCabe
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A YouTube video sparked public interest in jazz-pop act Lake Street Dive, and that appears to be all they needed. The group’s rendition of Michael Jackson’s “I Want You Back” perfectly captured the essence of its music—as soulful harmonies and an old-fashion sound make every track a unique experience.
The band has released multiple albums over the past few years, but 2014’s 11-track offering, Bad Self Portraits, in many ways serves as a proper introduction. The set perfectly showcases lead singer Rachael Price’s powerhouse vocal abilities. accompanied by Mike Olsen on the trumpet/guitar, bassist Bridget Kearney and Mike Calabrese on the drums.
With their talents combined, fans are taken back to a simpler time in music, when instrument work trumped digital effects and vocalists sang with emotion in their voices.
For new fans, start with the track “Better Than.” Price’s vocals are on full display, as the band chimes in with a full complement of instrumentation. Follow it up with “Use Me Up,” and the upbeat tempo and foot-tap-inducing sound will win over even the harshest of critics. There is truly something on the album for everyone.
For more information, follow them on Twitter: @LakeStreetDive. Their music can be found on iTunes and Spotify, while they are also playing shows in the United States through the fall.