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12 Artists to Watch in 2012

Nasty Little Man | MichaelKiwanuka.com | Doomtree

Forget about elections and armageddon: 2012 is already shaping up to be a hell of a year for new music. If you're overwhelmed by all the great up-and-coming artists, we're here to help: Check out our picks for 12 acts you need to know in 2012, hear some of our favorite tracks and click through the gallery below to see photos of all the artists.

Gotye
Take the voice of Sting, take away all those annoying lutes, and add in dashes of Massive Attack, Cee Lo Green and '80s pop and you'll be close to the sound of this Belgian-Aussie singer. His third album and U.S. debut 'Making Mirrors' drops on Jan. 31.

'Somebody That I Used to Know'


Polica
Featuring Channy Casselle and Ryan Olson of Gayngs, this Minneapolis act proves you can make Autotune work with indie rock. Featuring guest vocals by Bon Iver's Mike Noyce, production from Spoon's Jim Eno and some crazy percussion, the group's debut 'Give You the Ghost' is one that'll stick with you after just one listen.

'Lay Your Cards Out'


Pujol
One of the best acts of the up-and-coming Nashville garage scene, Daniel Pujol made waves with their debut EP, 'Nasty Brutish and Short.' Hook-laden and grimy like a dive-bar mop closet, we expect big things from this group.

'Mayday' (Download the MP3)


The Black Belles
One of the latest projects from Jack White's Third Man Records, this goth-rock girl group was previously best known for recording the 'Charlene II (I'm Over You) single with Stephen Colbert. Revved-up rock meets horror-movie creepiness on their self-titled debut, which came out in November.

'Wishing Well'


Michael Kiwanuka
His debut album is still two months away, but the London-based soul singer-songwriter has already won the BBC's prestigious Sound of 2012 award and landed an opening slot for Adele's tour. Unlike many other neo-soul acts, Kiwanuka pushes the traditional sounds of acts like Otis Redding forward, creating something wholly his own.

'Home Again'


Lissy Trullie
With a voice that lands somewhere between Nico and Chrissie Hynde (and the cool persona to match), Trullie is poised for a breakout year. Her self-titled debut full-length comes three years after she drew raves for her EP, 'Self-Taught Learner,' and features production by John Hill and Dave Sitek. Check out her new song 'Madeleine' and you'll see why we can't wait to see more of Lissy.

'Madeleine' (Download the MP3)


Sharon Van Etten
Recorded with the National's Aaron Dessner and featuring appearances by his twin brother Bryce and Beirut's Zach Condon, Van Etten's third album is by far her strongest work. The songwriting is more aggressive and the sound is much lusher, but Van Etten's heart-on-her-sleeve vulnerability remains, creating a dynamic record that everyone should hear.

'Serpents' (Download the MP3)


Firehorse
Leah Siegel, the singer and songwriter behind this Brooklyn outfit, has a voice you're not likely to forget anytime soon. On the strength of dramatic songwriting and music that ranges from electro pop to dark rock, Siegel's 2011 debut 'And So They Ran Faster' has drawn comparisons to Cat Power and Jeff Buckley -- not to mention a rave review from Prince.

'She's a River'


Howler
On the strength of an EP and their live show, the Minneapolis garage quintet were signed by Rough Trade's Geoff Travis, the man who inked deals with the Smiths, the Strokes and the Libertines. That cred alone should be enough to get their debut, 'America Give Up,' on your iPod.

'Back of Your Neck'


Kathleen Edwards
Sounding like a smoother-voiced Lucinda Williams, Edwards seems ready for her breakout moment with her fourth album, 'Voyageur.' Sure, it doesn't hurt that it was co-produced by her boyfriend, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, or features guest spots by Norah Jones, Francis and the Lights and S. Carey, among others, but this album easily stands on its own thanks to her beautiful songwriting.

'Change the Sheets'


Doomtree
The hip-hop collective from Minneapolis has slowly been gaining steam around the country for years, thanks to their mixtapes and the strong solo releases by such members as Dessa, P.O.S. and Sims. In 2011, the group produced the excellent Wugazi mashup and their first full-crew LP. Appealing to hardcore rap heads and rock lovers alike, the group is a guaranteed crossover hit.

'Beacon'


Bleached
Think of the Ramones and the Misfits but fronted by women, and you've got Bleached, the new group from former Mika Miko members Jennifer and Jessica Clavin. Stay tuned for their debut album.

'Dazed'

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Harven

There is a saying like this "Only one himself knows if the shoes match his feet or not “。If u really love her /him, age ain't nothing but a number for these loved-up A-Listers. My BF and I both think so! He is almost 10 years older than I .We met via~~--Ａgeｌｅｓｓ'date . ℃○M .~~ a nice place for younger women and oldermen, or older women and younger men, to interact with each other! ,Ever feel that you would best enjoy someone who is not in your age group? If u are really interested in it, maybe u wanna check it out or tell your friends.

March 27 2012 at 4:06 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Harven

There is a saying like this "Only one himself knows if the shoes match his feet or not “。If u really love her /him, age ain't nothing but a number for these loved-up A-Listers. My BF and I both think so! He is almost 10 years older than I .We met via~~--Ａgeｌｅｓｓ'date . ℃○M .~~ a nice place for younger women and oldermen, or older women and younger men, to interact with each other! ,Ever feel that you would best enjoy someone who is not in your age group? If u are really interested in it, maybe u wanna check it out or tell your friends.

March 27 2012 at 4:06 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Cameron Gray

And don't forget Jack White as a solo artist!
http://www.vevo.com/watch/jack-white/love-interruption/USSM21200168

February 19 2012 at 9:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Myron Aykroyd

SOUL REBELS BRASS BAND is def THE band to look out for. True original instrumental hip hop at its finest.

http://www.facebook.com/soulrebelsbrassband

http://twitter.com/soulrebelsno

February 07 2012 at 8:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gray.colors

What about Jack White? He just release the first song from his new solo album and it's great!! See it for yourselves http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gray-and-The-Colors/221024811320105?sk=wall

January 31 2012 at 5:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AgeGapLove`com

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January 25 2012 at 11:14 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Loveyou

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January 17 2012 at 2:35 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
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Head Fyrst Ent.

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