With 2014 drawing to a close, we look back on the year and the jam packed music scene that’s flooded our ipods, spotify playlists and everything in between.
We’ve compiled a list of our top five bands and artists we urge you to keep an eye on in 2015; ones we really believe in and have faith in to top the industry over the next year.
5. Years & Years
This rapidly rising electronica trio hailing from London are going from strength to strength, picking up massive support and radio play over recent months. Their 2014 EP releases ‘Real’, ‘Take Shelter’ and ‘Desire’ showcase the impeccable ability of the atmospheric trio and implant high hopes for 2015.
4. Little Hours
Donegal duo, Little Hours have been making their mark on the Irish scene towards the end of this year, smashing support slots for the likes of James Bay as well as playing Dublin’s iconic Ruby Sessions and succeeding at their very own headline shows. Set to up their audience in 2015 through some live shows and the success of their recent EP release, we’re keeping our eye on Little Hours over 2015.
3. Saint Raymond
Having just come off a massive arena tour with Ed Sheeran and currently gearing up for his own headline tour, Saint Raymond is building up a loyal fan base with his indie, alt-pop sound. Nottingham’s Callum Burrows has a strong collection of releases in his trio of EPs we hope to see an album in the near future. A Fortitude favourite for the whole of 2014, we’ve tipped Saint Raymond numerous times. He’s bound to break in 2015.
2. Hudson Taylor
Dublin brotherly duo, Hudson Taylor have gained massive momentum throughout 2014. Following an incredible amount of international festivals during the summer, Hudson Taylor’s live ethic has grown ideally. 2015 holds the release of Harry and Alfie’s debut full length album entitled ‘Singing For Strangers’ which is looking set to top their already impressive repertoire of releases. With the album a long time coming, the high anticipation has been building amongst fans and their headline album tour in February could very well kickstart the band’s massive break.
1. James Bay
Having caught James Bay at Barn on the Farm during the Summer, our predictions for his success were well and truly solidified. Now, the British singer/songwriter excelling a folk rock sound, has progressed massively in recent months, picking up the Critics’ Choice Award at the Brits as well as being shortlisted for MTV’s Brand New. His compilation of EP releases is set to be topped off with a debut album in March of next year, recently announced on BBC Radio 1 to be titled ‘Chaos and the Calm’. The distinctive sound of Bay is about to blow up massively, and 2015 is definitely his year.