Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles This Century, a pop rock band from Phoenix, Arizona.
There are three main reasons why you should give a listen to This Century: 1. They make immensely catchy music and they seem to like love. 2. They hail from Phoenix, which is also where excellent band The Maine is from, so they are bound to have some of that good music mojo. 3. They’ve just dropped a new album titled Biography of Heartbreak and are spending the summer touring North America on the 8123 Tour.
Origins: Phoenix, Arizona
Band members: Joel Kanitz (Vocals), Sean Silverman (Guitar), Alex Silverman (Bass), Ryan Gose (Drums)
Known for: Creating catchy, dance-y party-starting anthems
Used in a sentence: Despite their depressing new album title, this quartet makes the kind of happy, upbeat, easy music that summer is all about.
File next to: The Maine, The Ready Set, Marianas Trench
Download now: “Slow Dance Night”
Five fun facts:
1. These guys formed the band when most of them were still in high school
2. Before deciding on This Century they were named Modern Poets and Evident Earth
3. They are extremely popular in the Philippines
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Iggy Azalea, an Australian rapper.
Iggy Azalea from Sydney, Australia (see what I did there) is the first female and non-American rapper to be featured on XXL’s annual Top 10 Freshman cover issue, and for good reason. She is not afraid to rap dirty while still looking pretty, and there is always something refreshing about a girl who bravely takes on a male dominated genre, and isn’t afraid to look like a girl while doing it. Stay tuned for her debut studio album The New Classic which is set to drop in 2013.
Origins: Sydney, Australia
Full name: Amethyst Amelia Kelly
Known for: Iggy Azalea is known for her no nonsense raps, her platinum blonde hair and tough girl attitude
Used in a sentence: From her first mixtape to her debut album, Iggy’s dedicated to bringing something new to hip hop
File next to: Azealia Banks, Missy Eliott, Angel Haze,
Download now: “Work”
Five fun facts:
1. She came to America by herself when she was 16 after telling her parents she was going on holiday with a friend. Later on she told them she wasn’t coming home
2. She was announced as the new face of Levi Jeans in late 2012. She is also signed with Wilhelmina Models
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Austin Mahonie, a teen pop sensation from Texas.
Austin’s story is one we’ve all heard a 100 times by now. He started out making videos on YouTube, they went viral with more than 90 million views (which is amazing!), a record company noticed, (in this case Chase/Universal Republic), and now the 17 year old aspiring pop superstar is working on his debut album. It’s easy to file Austin away with the other Bieber wannabes crooning about love with dance moves to spare. But unlike the others, Austin’s voice has a husky, mature smoothness which means it doesn’t feel like you’re listening to a child. To hear the magic for yourself, watch for his upcoming debut album drop.
Origins: San Antonio, Texas
Full name: Austin Mahone
Known for: Mr. Mahone is known for his velvety smooth voice
Used in a sentence: It doesn’t take long to see why Austin was signed out of the many YouTube hopefuls
File next to: Justin Bieber, Ryan Beatty, Connor Maynard
Download now: “Say You’re Just a Friend”
Five fun facts:
1. Austin is one of the opening acts on Taylor Swift’s “Red” tour. Yup that’s right, he is touring with the endlessly heartbroken Taylor Swift.
2. He has more than 2.5 million followers on Twitter. That’s more followers than Ryan Gosling.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Capital Cities, an electro pop band from Los Angeles, California.
Capital Cities is the awesome result of two talented singers and multi-instrumentalists finding each other through Craigslist and realizing that they can make something great. Fortunately for all of us, their realization was an accurate one, which means more fun to dance to songs in our futures, and countless opportunities to marvel at Sebu’s ferociously badasss beard. Their debut album, In a Tidal Wave of Mystery is due to be released on June 11, 2013.
Origins: Los Angeles, California
Band members: Ryan Merchant (frontman), Sebu Simonian (frontman), Nick Merwin (guitarist), Manny Quintero (bassist), Spencer Ludwig (trumpeter), Channing Holmes (drummer)
Known for: Capital Cities is known for expertly crafted melodies and Ryan and Sebu’s voices singing in unison
Used in a sentence: Capital Cities make the perfect music to dance to, whether you’re at the beach, at a bar, or whipping up dinner in your kitchen
File next to: The Mirrors, Goldfrapp
Download now: “Safe and Sound”
Five fun facts:
1. Ryan and Sebu met on Craigslist
2. They have performed with Chromeo, LP, Asher Roth, Jane’s Addiction and Theophilus London
3. Ryan is originally from San Francisco and Sebu was born in Syria
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles NERVO, an Australian electronic duo.
What’s better than a set of identical bombshell twins from Australia? A set of identical bombshell twins from Australia who are talented songwriters and general EDM superstars that’s what. Say hello to NERVO, the powerhouse duo who are coming off a busy weekend of making people sweat at Coachella and prepping to release their debut album.
Origins: Melbourne, Australia
Band members: Miriam Nervo, Olivia Nervo
Known for: This delicious duo is known for their hit-writing abilities
Used in a sentence: Mim and Liv know how to make you dance all night long
File next to: Robyn, Afrojack, Avicii
Download now: “Hold On”
Five fun facts:
1. NERVO have written songs for Ke$ha, The Pussycat Dolls and Ashley Tisdale
2. They did some modeling when they were 16.
3. They have a monthly show called NERVO Nation on SiriusXM’s BPM channel Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Kilo Kish, a rapper who doesn’t like to be called that, from Florida.
Even though Kilo Kish’s music career kind of started out as something to do with friends, nowadays it’s anything but. Her soft poetic vocals, mixed with her galactic beats are making waves, and so are her other art and fashion ventures. Suddenly everyone from Vogue to Complex is paying attention, with Vogue going so far as to name her an “It Girl.” Take a listen to her single “Navy” and you’ll soon understand what all the buzz is about.
Origins: Orlando, Florida but currently resides in Brooklyn, New York
Full name: Lakisha Kimberly Robinson
Known for: She is known for her kick-ass fashion sense, curly hair and overall artistry
Used in a sentence: Kilo Kish is a visual artist, a painter, a vocalist, a songwriter, a model and an actress; talk about multi-tasking
File next to: Kitty Pryde, KoolKatsKlub
Download now: “Navy”
Five fun facts:
1. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in textile design in 2012
2. Lena Dunham is a fan
3. Kilo has dabbled in modeling for Levi’s, Vice, and A.D.I.D.A.S.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Mia Martina, a pop princess from New Brunswick, Canada.
Don’t let Mia Martina’s glam girl appearance and catchy dance pop sound fool you. She is a devoted musician who has worked her way up from delivering CDs to radio stations as an intern for CP Records, to being one of their main artists. Oh and she gets bonus points for being Canadian.
Origins: Saint-Ignace, New Brunswick
Full name: Martine Johnson
Known for: She is known for her infectious sound
Used in a sentence: Even if you’re a dedicated metal fan, you can’t help but tap your foot and hum along to a Mia Martina track
File next to: Inna
Download now: “Heartbreaker”
Five fun facts:
1. Mia went to Carleton University, which just so happens to be the university I attended
2. The video for her song “Heartbreaker” was shot in Toronto
3. She speaks French, English and Spanish
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles MellowHype, a hip-hop duo from Los Angeles.
MellowHype is yet another musical collaboration to come out of Odd Future, the American hip-hop collective from Los Angeles. If you haven’t heard of Odd Future you need to know two things: 1. It is headed by Tyler the Creator and includes Frank Ocean and 2. It’s pretty great. MellowHype brings a kind of measured, but club worthy hip hop sound that gets stuck in your head.
Origins: Los Angeles, California
Band members: Gerard Long (Hodgy Beats), Vyron Turner (Left Brain)
Known for: MellowHype are known for being a part of the Odd Future collective
Used in a sentence: As far as album titles go, these guys seem to save their creativity for the music and the videos.
File next to: Odd Future
Download now: “La Bonita”
Three fun facts:
1.Hodgy Beats and Left Brain met at a party.
2.Their song, “On Ya Mind” is featured on the soundtrack for the video game Madden 12. Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Emeli Sandé soulful songstress from Scotland.
Emeli Sandé is a brilliant songwriter with a beautiful voice who writes the kind of soulful pop ballads that make you feel better on your worst days and provides excellent mood music. Although she is another in a long line-up of UK songstresses to take over North American airwaves, Emeli has carved out a space all her own.
Origins: Alford, Scotland
Full name: Adele Emeli Sandé
Known for: She is known for her phenomenal songwriting abilities.
Used in a sentence: Soulful and beautiful, Emeli Sandé makes the kind of music that goes best with lit candles and a bubble bath.
File next to: Leona Lewis
Download now: “Clown”
Five fun facts:
1.She studied medicine at the University of Glasgow, but dropped out in her fourth year.
2.She has a tattoo of artist Frida Kahlo
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Kitty Pryde, a female rapper from Florida.
Any female rapper named after a badass comic book character who manages to look like a real person as opposed to a caricature (ahem Nicki Minaj) deserves to be heard. Luckily, Kitty Pryde’s lyrics and appearance bring a realness that makes you want to listen. Her “I don’t really care, this is a funny joke” attitude and apparent lack of desire to “make it,” somehow add to her appeal, making more of a statement about the power of the Internet and fame, rather than any definitive statement about white girl rappers.
Origins: Daytona Beach, Florida
Full name: Kathryn Beckwith
Known for: Kitty is known for rapping as if she is talking in a hypnotic baby voice.
Used in a sentence: Whether it’s her Pippi Longstocking appearance, or her frankness in interviews, there is something endearing about Kitty Pryde.
File next to: Jokers in Trousers, Hot Sugar, Kreayshawn
Download now: “Okay Cupid”
Five fun facts:
1. Kitty was part of the comedy hip hop group Jokers in Trousers when she caught the eye of rapper Riff Raff, which lead to the single “Orion’s Belt.”
2. Her stage name is a direct reference to the X-Men superhero.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Casey Veggies, a hip-hop artist from Inglewood, California.
This 19-year-old from Inglewood, California who once described Toronto as wavy, and who sites Kanye West and Nas as inspirations, has said he wants to show that young artists can rap about more than just dancing and partying, while still remaining cool. So far, it seems like he’s on the right track, with a new album on the way.
Origins: Inglewood, California
Full name: Casey Jones
Known for: Casey is known for his lyrics and trend-setting ways.
Used in a sentence: His name was partially inspired by the fact that vegetables are good for you, and Casey is definitely good listening.
File next to: Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy
Download now: “Smart Water”
Five fun facts:
1. Before he committed to pursuing a rap career, Casey wanted to be a pro basketball player
2. Casey was one of the original, founding members of OFWGKTA, but left to do his own thing
Well it’s that time of year again. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has been replaced by the Caramel Brûlée Latte, Christmas music is blaring out of store speakers, and oh yeah it’s cold. So take a time out from dropping subtle hints to your mom, and check out this holiday gift guide for the music lover on your Christmas shopping list. From the new iPod nano, and Beats headphones to concert tickets, you’re sure to find something for whomever, whether they are 10 years old or 55.
1. O.N.I.F.C. Wiz Khalifa, Amazon, $15
Wiz Khalifa’s much delayed and much anticipated sophomore album dropped on Dec. 4. This is the perfect gift for that friend who still sings “Black & Yellow” all the time. You can pre-order it on iTunes and Amazon.
2. iPod Touch Vintage Moustache case, Etsy, $15
So maybe you don’t know what kind of music this person is into, but you know they like moustaches and have an iPod Touch. Behold, the perfect gift.
3. Layla Rose Gold Headphones, The Fancy, $201
If you’re itching to shell out a couple of hundred bucks, but the person on your list is a trend-setter rather than a follower, then consider these gorgeous headphones instead of the Beats. They also come in silver and black.
4. Carbon Audio Zooka Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, Best Buy, $100
Give the gift of better sound with this wireless and affordable speaker, compatible with select iOS, Android, webOS, Windows 7 and QNX devices.
5. Collegiate Turntable by Crosley, Urban Outfitters, $161
Your DJ friend will love this vintage, portable, easily store-able turntable. It comes in blue and pink.
6. Mumford & Sons Babel on Vinyl, Amazon, $15 Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Of Monsters and Men, an indie folk band from Iceland.
Six-piece band Of Monsters and Men have provided our ears with a seductive mix of slightly dark lyrics set to music that is fun to sing along to. Their songs remain fantastical, while drawing inspiration from random stories the band members have read. With shows all over the world from Brazil and Chile to Germany, Of Monsters and Men are definitely carving a niche for themselves. Now they just need to come out with a “how-to” guide for the pronunciation of their names.
Origins: Garour, Iceland
Band members: Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (co-lead vocals, guitar), Ragnar Þórhallsson (co-lead vocals, guitar, melodica, glockenspiel), Brynjar Leifsson (guitar, melodica, backing vocals), Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson (drums, percussion, melodica, glockenspiel, backing vocals), Kristján Páll Kristjánsson (bass, backing vocals), Árni Guðjónsson (accordion/keys, backing vocals)
Known for: They are known for their delicious folksy sound and Nanna’s unique voice.
Used in a sentence: Listening to Of Monsters and Men, it’s hard to know if you’re meant to be happy or sad, but the ambiguity is kind of nice.
File next to: Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Download now: “Little Talks”
Five fun facts:
1. Before Of Monsters and Men, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir had her own solo project called Songbird.
2. Their song “Six Weeks” is inspired by the true story of American frontiersman Hugh Glass who was thought dead after a bear attack
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Little Boots, the cutest UK electropop export from Lancashire, England.
Little Boots is like the British version of Debbie Harry, (if you don’t know who that is, shame on you: google Blondie immediately), with a super danceable electropop sound, punk sensibilities and killer style. Not only is she a multi-instrumentalist, with training in classical singing, but also her songs have appeared in a bunch of TV shows and commercials from The Vampire Diaries to a Victoria’s Secret commercial. Judging by her killer sound and success thus far, her second full length album, which should be released before the end of the year, will make your ears happy.
Origins: Lancashire, England
Full name: Victoria Christina Hesketh
Known for: Little Boots is known for her explosive dance-along electropop sound.
Used in a sentence: Little boots, massive talent.
File next to: Marina and the Diamonds, Blondie
Download now: “Headphones”
Five fun facts:
1. Her friend gave her the nickname, “Little Boots” in reference to her unusually small feet.
2. She can play the piano, keyboards, synthesizer, Stylophone and a Japanese instrument called Tenori-on.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Ryan Beatty, the next teen heartthrob from Clovis, California.
In about a year Ryan Beatty went from being a regular high school student in Clovis, California, to the newest teen pop sensation adorning the bedroom walls of girls everywhere. With all the makings of a heartthrob, this 17 year old gained notoriety by posting videos on YouTube. Since then he has gotten the co-sign from the original baby-faced boy wonder Justin Bieber, as well as had The Biebs cover his song “Every Little Thing.” Seems every little thing is going just right for Mr. Beatty.
Origins: Clovis, California
Known for: Ryan is known for his excellent acoustic tracks.
Used in a sentence: Ryan Beatty has the type of dreamy hair that teen girls imagine running their fingers through, which I am pretty sure is one of the top criteria for pop stardom.
File next to: Justin Bieber, Jason Mraz
Download now: “Hey L.A.”
Five fun facts:
1. He loves cooking and watching Top Chef.
2. Cherry Laffy Taffy is one of his favourite candies. Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles HAIM, a three-piece female rock band from Los Angeles, California.
There are lots of great things about the 80s: leggings, neon, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and the launching of MTV. Another great thing: that 1980s sound. Luckily, HAIM, which is made up of three fashionable sisters in their 20s, brings an unmistakably 80s vibe to their music. HAIM has been making waves in the music world with their nu-folk, rock and R&B inspired sound since the release of their debut EP Forever in February. Don’t miss their new track, “Send Me Down” which came out yesterday.
Origins: Los Angeles, California
Band members: Este Haim (bassist), Alana Haim (guitar, keys, maracas), Danielle Haim (lead guitar)
Known for: The girls are known for their laid-back California girl fashion sensibilities and eclectic sound
Used in a sentence: It only takes one listen, and you’ll be eagerly awaiting the release of their debut album.
File next to: Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush
Download now: “Forever”
Five fun facts:
1. The girls spent 15 years rocking out in the classic rock cover band Rockinhaim with their parents.
2. Danielle has worked with Cee-Lo Green, Julian Casablancas, and Jenny Lewis.
Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Blackbear, a crooner from Hollywood, California.
Formerly Blackbear was known as Mat Musto, and had more of an indie pop vibe. Now, he’s gotten a hair cut, changed his name, and evolved as an artist, pairing his catchy pop vocals with R&B swagger. Blackbear has spent a large chunk of his career writing major hits for other artists and collaborating with Pharrell Williams, Machine Gun Kelly, Bei Maejor, and Ne-Yo just to name a few. His newest EP “Sex The Mixtape” just dropped on October 31.
Origins: Palm Coast, Florida, but currently residing in Hollywood.
Full name: Matthew Tyler Musto
Known for: Mat is known for his smooth vocals and his equally smooth mixing of R&B, hip-hop, and folktronica.
Used in a sentence: Great lyrics, great vocals, and tattoos. What more could you ask for?
File next to: Mike Posner, Childish Gambino
Download now: “All My Lovin”
Five fun facts:
1. You can download his entire new mixtape “Sex The Mixtape” for free at http://www.mtv.com/artists/blackbear/, which is just the freakin’ best.
2. He co-wrote Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend.”
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Tori Kelly, a YouTube pop sensation from California.
Like so many up and coming artists, Tori Kelly has taken advantage of the Internet to help pave her way to stardom. She has been posting covers on YouTube of all kinds of songs, from Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” to her latest, Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.” As a result, this future pop star has been getting noticed. Now, she is performing sold out shows and working with Scooter Braun, the man responsible for Justin Bieber’s pop stardom.
Origins: Lake Elsinore, California
Known for: Tori Kelly is known for her voice: she sounds like a more soulful Mariah Carey.
Used in a sentence: From American Idol to YouTube sensation, it shouldn’t be long before Tori Kelly is on everyone’s iPod.
File next to: Mariah Carey, Jill Scott
Download now: “All In My Head”
Five fun facts:
1. Her studio is in her bedroom.
2. Her favourite song to sing in the shower is “Love On Top” by Beyonce. Read more…
In andPOP’s new column “Schooled” Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Kendrick Lamar, a hip-hop artist from Compton, California.
Take a pause from singing along to Taylor Swift’s newest ex-boyfriend song, and give a listen to the lyrical stylings of Kendrick Lamar. His debut album good kid m.A.A.d city, which just came out yesterday, is the story of Lamar and his hometown. In it, he discusses to excellent beats, the challenges a smart teen faces growing up in a negative environment. If that doesn’t make you want to listen to a couple of his tracks, then you’re a lost cause.
Origins: Compton, California
Full name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Known for: Kendrick Lamar is known for his poetic, intelligent lyrics.
Used in a sentence: Mr. Lamar’s type of hip-hop sounds grown up and delicious.
File next to: Tupac, Nas
Download now: “Poetic Justice”
Five fun facts:
1. He used to go by the name K-Dot, but dropped it after the release of his mixtape C4.
2. He is a member of the hip-hop group, Black Hippy. Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Icona Pop, a DJ duo from Sweden.
I’ve been mildly obsessed with this female electropop duo ever since I heard “I Love It” in July. They’ve garnered international attention with hits like “Manners, “I Love It,” and “Nights Like This.” Now, they are gearing up to fully take the music world by storm. The ladies are releasing their sophomore EP titled, Iconic today and they are touring the US, Sweden and Norway throughout October.
Origins: Stockholm, Sweden
Band members: Aino Jawo, Caroline Elizabeth Hjelt
Known for: They are known for making music you can’t help but dance to, even if you can’t dance.
Used in a sentence: ”Icona Pop are majorly badass, effortlessly cool, and Aino Jawo’s haircut makes me all sorts of happy.”
File next to: Little Boots
Download now: “I Love It”
Five fun facts:
1.They have a blog that documents everything from their sick fashion sense, to beach days.
2.During Fashion’s Night Out in Manhattan, the ladies did a DJ set at Helmut Lang and an in-store performance at Urban Outfitters. Read more…
