andPOP has chosen 5 artists who are almost unknowns now, but we’re sure they’re going to become huge in the next year, if not sooner. In alphabetical order, here is the list.

Who he is: 26-year-old singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist Gavin DeGraw
Why you should care: Every year, Clive Davis chooses one artist who he will make into a huge star. Two years ago, Alicia Keys was the chosen one and blew up beyond imagination. Mario, last year’s pick, is well on his way to becoming a hip-hop fixture. This year, Gavin DeGraw got the nod, and there’s no doubting David, the J Records head honcho, is going to make sure DeGraw becomes a household name.
Releases: Gavin’s album, “Chariot,” is out now.

Who she is: Fefe Dobson, an 18-year-old from Canada signed to Island Records and managed by Chris Smith (Nelly Furtado).
Why you should care: Her music speaks for itself. She’s going to be compared to Avril Lavigne because she’s a girl who rocks, but Dobson has a more polished sound and she actually plays the guitar and writes music well. She was given a U.S. record deal a couple years ago but turned it down until she was able to reach her full potential. That time is now.
Releases: Her debut album “Take Me Away” hits stores in October. Her first single by the same name is already playing on the radio.

Who he is: Bad Boy recording artist Loon from the Bronx, New York
Why you should care: P. Diddy considers Loon to be the “future” of Bad Boy. Loon contributed a verse to last year’s hit “I Need a Girl,” as well as a track to the Bad Boys 2 soundtrack, which debuted at number one. His former partner, Ma$e, left the business, leaving Loon to succeed on his own.
Releases: His debut album hits stores October 21.
Check out andPOP’s interview with Loon

Who they are: Montreal-based Rock band The Stills
Why you should care: Their sound is unique and they make music for themselves, not for their critics. MTV and Rolling Stone are aboard their bandwagon, which should have more joiners once they begin their latest tour and release their album in the fall.
Releases: Their album on Vice Records will be out in the fall. Their EP is out now.
Check out andPOP’s interview with The Stills

Who she is: Skye Sweetnam, 15, from a small town in Ontario, Canada
Why you should care: This guitar-playing young female artist is already creating a huge buzz with her first hit, “Billy S.” from the “How to Deal” soundtrack. The movie might have bombed but the single is still climbing the charts. She’s also going to be compared to Avril but she’s more rock than skater pop. Plus, she’s actually good at playing guitar.
Releases: Her debut is scheduled for the fall.






Related Stories: