Cheap Beats: Bands to Watch in 2013
Chris Gee
Gateway Staff
Feb 20, 2013
We’re in an age where music blogs and streaming sites have a huge influence on which artists become breakout acts. For emerging artists, a commanding online presence, word of mouth and a little bit of luck is sometimes all they need to be the next “it” band. On the flip side, there’s an over-saturation of bands with similar sounds all trying to get noticed — so where does one start to discover new music?
As someone who is constantly searching out interesting music, I often turn to the bigger and more influential music websites for recommendations, assuming they’ve already weeded out acts. However, I find it difficult to listen to everything and still have time for things like, ahem, homework. Still, there’s always that gem you discover that makes all the time spent worth it.
As such, I’ve compiled a handful of new bands that have caught my attention and who I think could become the next hot thing in 2013.
Haim
Haim, also the last name of the band’s three sisters, has been generating a huge amount of buzz in anticipation for their first full-length out later this year. Their sound is bold and confident, with all three girls singing and playing off of each other’s distinct voices while sharp percussion and jumpy guitar licks are at the forefront. Any of the songs they’ve released so far will have you hand clapping and bobbing along to their infectious pop-rock.
Similar to: Twin Shadow, Fleetwood Mac
“Forever”
Half Moon Run
Half Moon Run’s debut album actually came out last March, but they’re only starting to make their mark this year. The moody Canadian three-piece focuses on the multi-part vocal harmonies paired with softly strummed guitar and intricate drumming. They toured with Wintersleep last year and are opening for Mumford & Sons in their European tour, so that’s got to mean something.
Similar to: Local Natives, Patrick Watson
“Full Circle”
Chvrches
Right in line with the current electro-pop trend, Glasgow band Chvrches makes emotional, glitchy dance anthems that are heavy on the layered synthesizers. Singer Lauren Mayberry has an adorable but surprisingly powerful voice that fits perfectly with the group’s affinity towards big pop choruses. Even though their first EP doesn’t drop until next month, Chvrches is my early pick for a surprise set at Sasquatch this year.
Similar to: Purity Ring, Grimes
“The Mother We Share”
Night Beds
Singer-songwriter Winston Yellen, otherwise known as Night Beds, makes the sort of sensitive acoustic guitar folk tunes that only bearded dudes are allowed to make. Even sans the clichéd facial hair, Night Beds debut album, Country Sleep, wrings out pools of emotion with his falsetto and tender lyrics.
Similar to: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes
“Even If We Try”
Gold & Youth
Influential Canadian music label Arts and Crafts continues to branch out from their Broken Social Scene days with one of their latest signings, Gold & Youth. Melancholy guy-and-girl vocals overlap pulsing synth and subdued dance rhythms in the two songs the band has so far released. I’m hoping the same slow burn is featured on their first full-length album, which is set to be released sometime this summer.
Similar to: Stars, Diamond Rings
“Time to Kill”
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I have much respect for a clairvoyant, and you are absolutely correct in pointing out that for a new band to succeed all the stars must be aligned just so; however, it is laughable that you begin your quest for a unique sound on the “bigger and more influential music websites.” Shocking that in a blog about music the idea of attending a live show is never contemplated.
Let’s be honest, we all spend an exorbitant amount of time holed up trolling the web “discovering” a great new sound that has already been pre-discovered and approved of by some suit-wearing business executive.
Back to basics. I’m not a native Edmontonian, so on behalf of all the recently arrived, I would very much appreciate if you put the word out on some places that play local, live music.
With summer just around the corner, I’m hoping Edmonton doesn’t disappoint…
Posted by Christine on Feb 21, 2013
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