JORJA SMITH, 21

Genre: R&B, hip-hop, garage and soul

Despite being known as Drake’s protege, this 21-year-old from the West Midlands must be accredited for her initial breakthrough into the world of music with her independently released singles that now tip her as Britain’s next big thing.

With her debut single Blue Lights in 2016, age is no restriction for taking on topics such as police brutality and racial profiling, alongside a release on International Women’s Day 2017, Beautiful Little Fools. Her smoky voice navigates both soft and powerful notes with ease, with a lyrical prowess that further extends to her personal considerations of love and individual role in the world. Her collaborations with artistes such as Drake, Stormzy and Kendrick Lamar are yet another example of her entry into the international music sphere. 

Voice-over: “I just think I’m me. I’m Jorja. So it’s like, I just write whatever I want. People are always going to put me in a box, but I don’t,” she told Billboard in 2017.

Stack next to: Rhianna, Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill.

Stream now: Let Me Down, Blue Lights, Teenage Fantasy and On my Mind.

MATT MALTESE, 20

Genre: Quirky pop

His twitter bio describes his work as “Brexit pop”, and although we remain confused as to what this truly means, the wittiness has to be commended. Besides, who else could write a love song about Theresa May and Donald Trump? (Check out As The World Caves In). With his debut album Bad Contestant having released this June, you cannot help but fall in love with the simplicity of his music videos, such as Greatest Comedian that opens with a full English breakfast, recorded in an average British home, transporting us back to the ’70s. The perfect album to make mundane life feel out of the ordinary.

Voice-over: “I wish there was a type of food that I could eat or a period in the day where I knew the fountain of songs would start pouring out, but it’s always super sporadic. I really take what I can get,” he has told Interview magazine.
Stack next to: Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, Father John Misty.

Stream now: Even If It’s A Lie, Greatest Comedian and Bad Contestant.

COL3TRANE, 18

Genre: R&B, hip-hop

This singer/rapper was inspired to write music when his 16th birthday brought him a set of speakers and we couldn’t be happier for it. 2017 saw Cole Basta (his real name) release his debut single New Chain and his debut album Tsarina in November 2017. Dua Lipa is just one fan, tweeting a fire emoji when New Chain was released. Like Dua, we love the international element in his work, likely to be inspired by growing up in London with Egyptian and American parents. Titles of his music include Penelope from the Greek Odyssey and Marie Antoinette, the French queen, with modern metaphors across a range of music, best appreciated when listened to intently the first time. From there on, enjoy the range of soul and R&B that creates a sound most suited to a chilled afternoon with friends.

Voice-over: “Obviously the most fun thing for me is when we start something fresh, when you plant the seed and think, ‘Oh, where can I take this?’ The most important thing is to take that seed and grow it into a finished product, so you have something to show for it. That is, in truth, difficult to do,” he has told Highsnobiety.

Stack next to: Frank Ocean, Miguel, Jordan Rakei.

Stream now: Penelope, Language (featuring Ebenezer) and Malibu Sleep.

JESSIE WARE, 33

Genre: Pop, electronica and R&B

This artiste may have had her debut album Devotion released in 2012, but since then has moved from strength to strength, her latest being Glasshouse. Her smooth and sensual vocals perfectly contrast with lyrics concerning the dark field of love, in a way that both comforts and moves listeners. In the style of Adele, Jessie’s live performances are simplistic and stripped down. As a songwriter, she has also been recognised by the likes of Ed Sheeran. She co-wrote Ed’s New Man and provided backing vocals on his third album, ÷ (Divide). The ideal artiste for a rainy afternoon, and for those with a desire to listen to all things love.

Voice-over: “I’ve become a better songwriter, and I think I’m giving more of myself to my audience, because I feel like maybe they want to hear more of me,” she has told Billboard.

Stack next to: Anita Baker.

Stream now: Say You Love Me, Alone and Sam.

ALVAREZ KINGS

Genre: Alternative, indie pop-rock

This quartet from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, is made up of brothers Simon and Paul Thompson and Richard Walker and Sean Parkin. Their debut EP Feer To Feel was well-received in both the UK and the US alongside their debut album, Somewhere Between, released in 2017. We love the twist on ’80s music, with the production creating crisp, upbeat sound that allows skilled guitar arrangements to hold their own against the soft, yet slightly smoky vocals. Their live music is also energetic, with the band most at home when sharing their eclectic music with the crowd.

Voice-over: “The music takes you in all directions emotionally from ballad-esque soaring strings, to smashing drums and pulsing synthesis. You can expect an experience for sure,” the group has said in an interview.

Stack next to: The 1975, Chvrches, Colony House.

Stream now: Sleepwalking Pt. II, Get Up and Move On and Cold Conscience.

ISLAND

Genre: Alternative rock

This London-based band features vocalist and frontman Rollo Doherty, guitarist Jack Raeder, bassist James Wolfe and drummer Toby Richards, and their music is as bold as their name. The smooth vocals of Doherty have already gained an international following through the popularity of live performances across the UK, Canada and the US, following their debut album Feels Like Air. But this band doesn’t stop there, with equally commendable music videos, such as the metaphorical Try which shows a diverse range of people jumping from a diving pool to signify the fear of fixing a failing relationship against the personal loss that would arise if you didn’t dare try. Their music is a soundtrack for a lazy afternoon or a long drive.

Voice-over: Island described their sound as “a nice colourful soundscape; something that fills you with instant joy... (without sounding naff!)” in an interview with Never Enough Notes.

Stack next to: The Kooks.

Stream now: The Day I Die, Come With Me and Horizon.