Year In Review: Tips For 2016 Revisited

Words: Saam Das

It's fair to say that few would have predicted a double whammy of Britain exiting the EU and a Trump victory in the US Presidential Election last year, so perhaps the business of prediction is something of a fruitless exercise. But I do have a soft spot for lists, so here's an assessment of my shortlist of tips for 2016:

Futuresounds: Ones To Watch For 2016

Words: Saam Das

Why bother publishing a ones to watch/tips for 2016 list mid-way through March? Well, because a) the early year hype has died down, and b) because we can and want to support artists that deserve some added attention. And c) because we're mavericks. That said, three of our following ten bands to watch for 2016 did appear in our nominations for January's Blog Sound Of 2016, although only one of my chosen acts made it to the long list.

Listen: The Half Earth - Pieces Of Us [EP Preview]

Words: Saam Das

We've got high hopes for Conor Stephenson aka The Half Earth in 2016, and he's ending 2015 with a bang, thanks to his new 'Confidence Is Bliss' EP. Listen to the unexpectedly dance-orientated 'Pieces Of Us' from the EP below.

Festival Preview: Alternative Escape 2015 @ Brighton [Seven Acts To See]

Alternative Escape across various venues in Brighton (13-16 May '15) // Words: Saam Das

We went to the very first edition of The Great Escape back in 2006. It was quite a limited affair, with not much on during the day for the average punter. That's changed greatly over the years, and the strand of the festival known as The Alternative Escape has really developed. With tickets now sold out for the main festival (preview of that here), The Alternative Escape is a great way for anyone to rock up to Brighton and see some top acts for very little, or even nothing at all.

Surfacing: The Half Earth [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

Sheffield-based solo artist The Half Earth popped up last year with a series of tracks including 'End' and 'Pale Water' that reached increasingly receptive audiences. With subsequent support slots for the likes of MONEY and Rae Morris, and new track 'Glass', The Half Earth looks set to make a much bigger impression in 2014.