December: Bands to Watch

It's time to start a new series on the blog, one that I've been urging myself to do for a while and I am finally starting! I spend far too much of my time on Spotify looking for new music and bands to follow. I love finding artists that are a little more on the radar or artists who are making waves in the industry and I have yet to discover. So, I thought I would share the bands I've discovered each month in a blog series accompanied by a Bands to Watch playlist, which also gives me a chance to gush over my favourites to anyone who'll read it! Here are December's Bands to Watch...

SHY LUV

I discovered Shy Luv when they supported SG Lewis for his recent headline gig at KOKO and instantly adored them. The Mancunian duo haven't been on the music scene long, with some of their first singles Caught Up On You and Where You At released on Youtube just over a year ago. And their newest track Joy Rider is clear to be their biggest hit yet, racking up almost a quarter of a million Spotify plays in just under a month, they're definitely on the radar. If you're into a sweet mix of chilled electronic, funky basslines and smooth vocals then Shy Luv are the band for you, especially with their new EP Shock Horror due for release in Spring 2017.

ANTEROS

2017 is sure to be a big year for Brit four-piece Anteros too as they have already had a killer 2016, playing a host of summer festivals including Glastonbury and Reading fest amongst the likes of The Temper Trap and Maxïmo Park, oh no big deal! I first heard the rich vocals and dance-pop guitar riffs of Anteros on their track Breakfast from their latest EP, as my brother recorded the catchy vocals at RYP Recordings (proud sister alert), and they're now a favourite of mine for an up-beat musical lift.

THE AMAZONS

The Amazons are Reading's latest Rock four-piece to hit the music scene and are making waves with over 1 million Spotify plays after releasing their first EP just last year. Their track In My Mind is their most listened to, and rightly so with its explosive sound and heavy guitar riffs to it's true British rock vocals, it's definitely one I've had on repeat.

THE VAN T'S

Time for a bit of girl power with this next band, as The Van T's feature twins Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson (thus the Van T's-Van Twins) on guitar and vocals, Joanne Forbes on bass and Shaun Hood on drums. I love this band for their throwback grunge sound, echoed vocal harmonies from the twins and pop-rock melodies, it's a perfect mix of old and new. These Scottish newcomers are sure to hit sold-out venues with vibes like Wolf Alice and First Aid Kit coming through. Check out their track Blood Orange from their latest EP A Coming of Age, for an impassioned tune that will take you back to the 90s music scene.

JOY ROOM

Want an energetic heavy rock band, with hints of Nirvana and a love for Red Hot Chilli Peppers? Well, look no further than London foursome Joy Room. Their music has a raw edge to it making you feel like you're right in the recording studio with them, whilst the band themselves are somewhat elusive. Late at Night is their debut single released this year, and is their only track currently available to blast on your speakers. Let's hope these fiery Londoners don't keep us waiting too long for their next release, but for now I'm going to carry on jamming out to their single in true teenage angst style.

HIGH TYDE

Sweet crisp vocals, indie-rock guitar riffs, up-beat percussion and heavy basslines comprise this Brighton band, with tunes as fresh to the music scene as their faces. High Tyde have hit insane heights without yet hitting their twenties, and are showing no signs of slowing down. This arena-ready band are destined for Catfish and the Bottlemen success having already toured with 2016's favourite The Hunna, so catch them whilst they're still playing smaller iconic venues like London's Scala. Their track Piece Of Paper from their latest EP Real is a standout amongst their music, full of layered rock rhythms and epic raw vocals from frontman Cody, and ready to be on your soundtrack to 2017.

FICKLE FRIENDS

If the name wasn't genius enough just wait until you hear the music. Fickle friends are the perfect mix of infectious synth-pop, indie guitar riffs, and all-round feel good music. Also from Brighton, this five-piece have yet to release their first album but their up-beat rhythms will be sure to tide you over until it drops. Effortless eighties beats transcend into blissful vocals likened to that of The 1975 and Two Door Cinema Club, so they must be doing something right! Check out their track Say No More and their latest track Brooklyn if you want a lyrical tune that you won't be able to nodding your head to.

SUNDARA KARMA

You've probably already heard about this Reading-born band, because if you haven't where on earth have you been?! With over ten million Spotify plays and a host of festivals under their belt, including supporting Two Door Cinema Club and Nothing But Thieves, the only direction this band is going is up the alternative charts. The band's indie-rock sound transports you straight to a summer festival with expansive electric guitar and danceable percussion, the festival season never has to end! With an album set to drop in January and a 2017 tour to accompany it, the future for this refreshing band feels bright and exciting. Get yourself down to O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on February 24th to watch these boys do their thing.

And if you want a playlist packed with some of the best tunes from each of these bands, go ahead and check out my Bands to Watch // December playlist below...