With the Grammys now in the recent past, it sounds like we have a lot to look forward to in 2013. But before we move forward, we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge some of the emerging talents that were honored. Below are some highlights from past pieces we’ve done on Grammy winners Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, fun. and Gotye.

Mumford & Sons:

Over the past few years, somehow, someway, retro folk has made it’s way back into the hearts and minds of music lovers across the globe, reaching heights it hasn’t really seen since Bob Dylan was strumming an acoustic guitar and singing about the times were a changing. Alas, two short years ago, a little band from England called Mumford & Sons changed that. Armed with two strong singles in “The Cave” and their breakthrough “Little Lion Man” off Sigh No More. The album title accurately describes how some folkies felt about the revival of the genre.

In three short years the band managed to grow from local favorite to multi-million album selling Grammy winners. Despite not looking necessarily the part, the band have won over fans and in the process, become style icons. No matter how you cut it though, the band that brought folk and bluegrass to the masses has no intentions of letting up and promises to be a fixture on your radio and tour calendar for years to come.

fun.:

If you’ve been listening to the radio, you’re undoubtedly familiar with “We Are Young,” which features Janelle Monae and has become the band’s calling card. Catchy, poppy and indie all rolled into one tune that’s become bigger than the band itself. But the band that became fun. had roots put down in earlier bands. This is an incredible accomplishment, especially in the pop/hip-hop dominated charts and even more so for a relatively new band. For a trio whose are entrenched in indie rock to do this says as much about their songs as it does about the growing influence of indie music as a whole.

Now, with two major singles to their name along with a Hollywood girlfriend (guitarist Jack Antonoff is dating Girls creator/star Lena Dunham), the New Yorkers face the heightened expectations that go along with winning two of the most prestigious categories at the Grammys. It should be interesting to hear what the band has in store for the world once this touring cycle is completed.

Frank Ocean:

Just 24, the Los Angeles-based singer possesses a musical knowledge that’s wiser than his years. He was the musical guest on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live. He received rave notices for his headlining tour and various festival appearances. His first full-length release, the brilliant channel ORANGE, entered the Billboard Albums chart at #2.

All of the accolades thrown Ocean’s way are not only deserving, but maybe a bit understated. It’s been a long time since a much-hyped album backed up the big talk and was unanimously proclaimed as the album of the year. Yet that’s what he did. Ocean’s lyrical imagery is some of the best that’s been written in a long time. If you aren’t convinced, then take a listen to “Super Rich Kids” his put down of well, super rich kids, “Pyramids” where he sings about a stripper named Cleopatra yet goes back to ancient Egypt for his content and the more telling “Forrest Gump” and “Bad Religion.”

His performance at the Grammys was well received and his two wins were well deserved. Ocean has a bright future ahead and it should be interesting to hear how he can top his lauded debut.

Gotye (by Katrina Nattress):

If you have not heard “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, you must live under a rock. It’s the only explanation, really, considering that track transcends genres, making it accessible to alternative rock, pop, and even hip-hop radio stations, which have all given it monstrous airtime. The Australian-based indie outfit has been one of the most talked about new bands this year. However, despite the fact that 2012 is shaping up to be the most successful year for Wouter De Backer (Gotye’s founder), the Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist is far from a “new” artist.

Though this track jumpstarted his career, it also may have killed his credibility to some, but let me tell you, he is so much more than this song, and anyone who’s seen him live knows this. In 2012 I saw Gotye perform at The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Coachella, Greek Theatre and Austin City Limits, and each time he impressed me. De Backer is a cunning personality and outstanding artist. During one set, he will jump behind a drum kit, play keys, guitar, sing; he does it all. And behind him and his band projects intricate and custom-created animations that sync perfectly to the music. Not only is a Gotye show an outstanding performance, it’s an experience, and he deserves to be known for that instead of one song.