In part two of DZI: The Voice‘s “25 Music Acts You Need To Know” series we take a look at an R&B star in the making, a songbird who has already conquered Great Britain, an indie band that’s making serious waves, a Hip Hop group bringing light to the dark side, and a girl group that is blending musical vibes. Here’s the next five members of DTV’s list of artists that are impacting the world of music. Check out Part 1, and come back the rest of the week for the remaining installments.
–
Elijah Blake
Genre: R&B
Hometown: Palm Beach, Florida
Description: When a new artist is able to get a Hip Hop legend like Common on their debut single then it’s pretty clear that they are force that people in the industry take seriously. Add in a résumé that includes working with superstars like Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, and Nas, and you have a template for a successful music career.
Key Projects: Bijoux 22 EP; Rick Ross’ “Presidential” Single; “XOX” Single
Connect: www.elijahblake.com; @SirElijahBlake
–
Emile Sandé
Genre: R&B/Soul
Hometown: Alford, Scotland
Description: The Scottish songstress has already dominated music charts and award ceremonies in her homeland of Great Britain, but she is still a relative unknown in the States. With her compelling combination of singing, songwriting, and piano playing the former medical student is ready give Adele a run for her money as the UK’s ambassador of soul.
Key Projects: Our Version of Events Album; “Heaven” Single; “My Kind of Love” Single; “Next To Me” Single
Connect: www.us.emelisande.com; @emelisande
–
Fear of Men
Genre: Indie Pop
Hometown: Brighton, England
Description: When you become one of the hottest new indie bands in the world it’s important to make sure you have projects out for potential fans to gravitate to. So while they record their official debut album Jessica, Daniel, Lin and Antony released a collection of their initial demos recorded over the band’s first few years. The result? The 8-track Early Fragments has capitulated the foursome to even higher heights.
Key Projects: Early Fragments EP; “Mosaic” Single; “Seer” Single
Connect: www.fearofmen.tumblr.com; @fearofmen
–
Flatbush Zombies
Genre: Hip Hop
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Description: New York Hip Hop is back. Thanks in part to the guerrilla style campaign of Meechy Darko, MC Juice, and producer Erick Arc Elliot. Their video for “Thug Waffle” caught the attention of online Hip Hop heads and music publications, and now the marijuana aficionados are performing as part of the Beast Coastal Tour with fellow BK rappers Joey Bada$$ and Pro Era.
Key Projects: D.R.U.G.S. Mixtape; “Thug Waffle” Single; “Face-Off” Single; “MRAZ” Single
Connect: @FlatbushZombies
–
Haim
Genre: Alternative Pop
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Description: The all girl group only started formally releasing music a year ago, and they’re already getting comparisons to Fleetwood Mac, Blonde, and TLC. The three sisters’ mixing of folk, pop, and R&B is surprising, but understandable, since they name Joni Mitchell, Britney Spears, and Aaliyah as influences. The genre fusing also seems to be effective, because the band was named the top act in the BBC’s Sound of Music 2013 poll.
Key Projects: Forever EP; “Forever” Single; “Don’t Save Me” Single; “Falling” Single
Connect: www.haimtheband.com; @HAIMtheband
–
DZI: The Voice 