London – With the next stage of the annual Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition is underway during which 120 new bands are whittled down to eight to appear at the live final, it seemed an appropriate time to think back to some of the other entries that caught my ear when helping to judge Round One. I had a list of over 130 acts to hear and see, and could put just three of them through. My final choices – Race the Flux, Wooden Arms and Marcus McCoan – all stood out for the strength of songwriting and performance. Here are some other emerging artistes I heard through the process who you might also like to check out further.
The Honeyfire
Likeable sister act, The Honeyfire, caught my ear for their delicate instrumentation and empathic harmonies, and not least that they are fans of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks!
The Midnight Barbers
I wrote down ‘Nick Cave on speed’ when I first heard “Business” by The Midnight Barbers. The business. Nuff said!
Sera
Welsh songstress Sera impressed with her warm vocal inflections on the delightful “Carry Me”, a song inspired by her 1950’s Land Rover no less.
The Fourfits
Aptly named, London sisters The Fourfits demonstrated they are well on their way to rockdom with this choice cut, entitled “Cheat on Me”. Well, who would.
Tara
With a vocal tone that hints at a softer Amy, yet with individuality in spades, Birmingham, UK bred singer-songwriter Tara Chinn stuck in the memory with the classy piano ballad, “Cigarettes & Gin”.
Tigwara
Irish four-piece Tigwara scored highly with the atmospheric alt-rock offering, “City Sleeps”. The safest prediction is that we will be hearing more of this band.
Sarah Pardoe
It was hard not to fall for the dreamily delicate tones of Dorset singer-songwriter, Sarah Pardoe. The gentle melody of her song “Company” is punctuated by some strident strumming.
Tony Hardy
Tony’s great passion in life is music and nothing gives him more pleasure than unearthing good, original new music and championing independent musicians. His association with Best New Bands brings great opportunities for this. He also writes for Consequence of Sound and is a judge for Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition.
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