Two years ago, I ran a series of guest posts from people involved in Irish music featuring their top 5 Irish acts at that moment. This time around, I thought I’d shift the focus to international and ask a similar question – “Who are your top 5 new artists of 2011?”. Musicians, bloggers, record shop owners, journalists, bookers and radio presenters will be answering that question.
John Kowalski (left) is one half of Solar Bears, the filmic electronic duo who released She Was Coloured In on Planet Mu last year. I’ve heard three songs from the new album, they are banging. Here are his five essential new artists of 2011:
1. Thundercat
Obviously the fact that Flying Lotus was producing created intrigue. Sterling production and songwriting.
2. oOoOO
‘Hearts’ really got under my skin. All about the vibe.
3. The Weeknd
This came out of nowhere and blew up almost straight away. I was into their two mixtapes. Groove to burn.
4. Austra
I got into Katie Stelmanis aka Austra through her vocal with Death in Vegas. When I saw them play live at Electric Picnic it was so natural and authorative at the same time.
5. Sleep ∞ Over
Got a soft spot for this type of thing dating back to the 4AD glory days. ‘Casual Diamond’ is scientifically perfect.
Hey, before you go...
Nialler9 has been covering new music, new artists and gigs for the last 19 years. If you like the article you just read, and want us to publish more just like it, please consider supporting us on Patreon.
What you get as thanks in return...
- A weekly Spotify playlist only for patrons.
- Access to our private Nialler9 Discord community.
- Ad-free and bonus podcast episodes.
- Guestlist & discounts to Nialler9 & Lumo Club events.
- Themed playlists only for subscribers.
Your support enables us to continue to publish articles like this one, make podcasts and provide recommendations and news to our readers, and be a key part of the music community in Ireland and abroad.
Related
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the cohost of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, event curator and producer of gigs, parties & events.