We have to admit that our under the radar’s #TheNextBigThing didn’t feature a lot of newcomers this year. But, no worries, Just because we got it paused for only featuring five bands, it doesn’t mean we are not going to showcase the best newcomers in 2014! Last year we listed ten new bands and for this year, as an apology to the lack of numbers that we feature in #TheNextBigThing, we are featuring twelve new bands (or those names who are having a breakout career) in 2014. Whoop!

1. Darlia

The band who are hailing from Blakcpool but now are a Manchester-based rock band. Darlia consist of three members, they are Nathan Day (vocals), Dave Williams (bass), Jack Bentham (drums). In 2013, they launched their debut E.P, ‘Knock Knock’. Most of the riffs ftom their songs will revive you to Nirvana, which you can clearly hear in their song, ‘Queen of Hearts’. It’s really hard not to find their music has a major influence of Nirvana’s, and a bit of reminiscent to Queens of The Stone Age’s. Darlia may sound like a mixture of modern age of Nirvana or Queens of The Stone Age, but they are surely going to resound the guitar music to be on track. Their bass-line, thrashy drums, and also addictive raspy roar that comes out of Nathan’s voice are the things that will make them go big and hard to forget.

2. Sam Smith

As he starts walking on his music. He is mostly known for his work with Disclosure on the duo’s ‘Latch’. The song hit the music charts, and it prominently places Sam Smith’s name on the map. Samuel Frederick Smith who was born in Lincolnshire got his vocal’s power by getting a singing lessons with local jazz singers, and the lessons definitely did a charm to his musicality, it can be heard on both of his early works with the Lawrence brothers and Naughty Boy’s ‘La La La’, and also ‘Stay With Me’. Sam Smith is totally a real deal in this year of horse. As in 2015, he’ll be competing with some of the well-known musicians in Grammy Awards. And music critics predict he’ll repeat the success of Adele.

3. Glass Animals

Glass Animals are an Oxford quarter consist of Dave Bayley, Drew MacFarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer, Joe Seaward. The band started gaining the limelight with their indie elctronic, R n’ B, and psychedelic infusion, and everything hit the bar when Paul Epworth scouted them. Glass Animals’ music will remind you to Alt-J and Radiohead. With a smooth and tingling sound, you’ll be taken afloat to their hallucinating grooves. Dave’s gentle vocals also drive the ambience that does not sound over powering but strong. To make some contraries, the Oxford-based band sound so elusive with their RnB influence but the drums make their music sounded traditional, in a good way. Their songs like ‘Psylla’ or ‘Gooey’ has a sentimental mood in an addictive tune, it is weirdly good which will keep you in a replay mode, the only thing that we can think of from their musics is a slow trippy dancing.

4. Eagulls

Eagulls emerge as the ones to watch with their post-punk music and the genuine vocals that we really hail because we find them as a more rock version of the Cure. In March 2014, they launched their self-titled debut album. The album is opened by a raw intro, with a fierce bassline that will constantly remind you to the other post-punk bands. They may sound darker, but Eagulls deliver a music that totally will satisfy post-punk music fans. Their amazing adrenalin rush sounds give a tight melody and a great combination of a loose noise.

5. Radkey

“After the Strypes and the Orwells, the latest teen rockers causing a stir – and completing the trio you need for a scene” – That is the main line from Guardian about this new impeccable trio which instantly caught our attention. The trio consists of The Radkey Missourian brothers, Dee Radke (guitar, vocals), Isaiah Radke (bass, vocals), Solomon Radke (drums). It’s clear, when the first we listen to their E.P, Devil Fruit, each track rips our ears with their fiercy 90s style punk. The young punks are totally bringin out some great influences from Who, The Misfit, and Ramones. All of the ominous, incendiaries, and rock n’ roll vibe, storm out from Radkey and their music blows everyone’s mind. Little bit prejudice, they are surprising us with the genre that they are embracing.

6. Chance The Rapper

Chancelor Bennet a.k.a Chance The Rapper would be one of the first your favourite hip/hop arists if you are not a fan of hip/hop. Chance’s music is giving the easy listening hip/hop which you’ll find very easy to sing along. Chance The Rapper likes to reflect himself as the new nigga in the hood with his music, and it’s his second mixtape ‘Acid Rap’ which brought him to the surface. He always puts various elements in his music, such as gospel, blues-rock, and juke. As a result, his album was listed in numerous music lists by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NME, which leads to him major recognition, even Kanye West (one of his musical influences) reckons Chance’s music will be a big hit in the hip/hop industry.

7. Banks

The trip-hop R&B music has been mushrooming in the last one year, and it causes some boredom for the music listeners. However, Banks the Californian singer and songwriter, create a new taste with her music. In 2014, Banks have been drummed as one of the ones to watch, she also came third in BBC Sound of 2014. Banks is presenting a mysterious-dark pop with a RnB influence and also inspired by James Blake’s dubstep. What differ Banks from the other female vocalists who also bring a dark-core music is Banks gives a significant quality about her music. Evenmore, most of her emotional songs are not manufactured because of the mushrooming trends amongst the other female vocalist, she reflects her songs from the frustration that she experienced when she was introduced to music at a very young age. Banks, whatever you do, you do it with a big bang.

8. Frankie Cosmos

Frankie Cosmos a.k.a 19-year-old Greta Kline has released over 40 albums and EPs on Bandcamp. But all she needed in her debut studio album was 10 songs and 20 minutes to win us over with her profound tales about love, ageing, and her dead pet dog. Hiding behind a mask of indie-pop jangly guitars lies tongue in cheek lyrics so rich that it could fill a song five time as long. Her sugary sweet voice and melodies disguising the darkness of her words as she innocently sings on about her hatred towards everybody in her town. Earning herself a top 10 spot on Pitchfork’s list of best new artists, and even beating St. Vincent in Vulture magazine’s list of top pop albums of the year.

9. Jungle

It’s almost unheard of to find a band playing in all of UK’s biggest music festivals without prior releasing a debut album or EP of sorts. Jungles, however, is that rare gem that caught the attention of the world with the release of just one single. Their first single, “The Heat”, introduced the world to Jungle’s unique infusion of wildlife noises into funky tropical percussions and immediatelysecured them a spot at the iTunes Festival, Reading and Leeds Festivals, and even the coveted Glastonbury festival.

10. Sampha

Some of you may know him from his collaboration with British post-dubstep artist, SBTRKT. But Sampha’s got something bigger than his signature lush vocal and soothing voice. Sampha Sisay as known as Sampha is an electronic music singer-songwriter and producer from Morden, South London, United Kingdom. He reached the airwaves after his work on SBTRKT’s debut album back in 2011. He also worked with Solange Knowles, Drake, Katy B, and other notable artists. Sampha is known for his soothing voice, which we could barely hear on some SBTRKT’s hits such as “Hold On” and “Something Goes Right”. Sampha is also helping SBTRKT’s live set by providing vocals on keys during SBTRKT’s tour of his self-titled album.

11. Royal Blood

Royal Blood is a British rock duo band whose sound is reminiscent of, and rooted in, modern garage rock and blues rock. Singer/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher make up the band which released its debut single Out of the Black, with a B-side called Come On Over. This was followed by their second single, Little Monster, in February 2014. A month later, they released a four-track EP, featuring Out of the Black, Little Monster, Come On Over and Hole. Their debut album, Royal Blood, was released on 25 August 2014 to commercial success, and was well-received by critics. It was verified by the Official Charts Company as the fastest-selling British rock debut album in three years in the UK.

12. FKA twigs

English singer-songwriter and dancer, Tahliah Debrett Barnett, is FKA Twigs. Before all these accolades came to be, Twigs was an independent singer who self-released her music. Now, she released debut album through Young Turks in August 2014. The record titled LP1. The british musician is likened to eclectic musicians, such as Bjork, for her approach to music. With an originality sense of music, FKA twigs is praised by NME and Pitchfork for her successful in making a music that is filled with her whole identity.

For this year, we are set and ready to supply you with the exciting names who will rise their way to the music charts or world’s music festivals. After two months of hiatus, we are so glad to present you ‘The Next Big Thing’ which will return next week on Saturdays. Some names might have had their debut a few years ago, but we are sure that they will rock your socks off in 2014. Starting with the hip/hop sensation , Chance The Rapper; Reignwolf the Canadian electric blues band; Lake Street Dive, who will take you back to the sixties with their jazzy and soulful music; and Radkey, the brothers from Missouri. We’ve been reviewing from many music magazines (and of course our music radar) to list more than 30 names to blow your mind.

Make sure you will not miss the 44th artist who’ll start this year’s The Next Big Thing and get some space in your iPod since you’re going to have some new bands to listen to. The Next Big Thing’s Class of 2014 has arrived!

1. The Strypes

The Ireland-based band consist of Ross Farrelly (lead vocals/harmonica), Josh McClorey (lead guitar/vocals), Pete O’Hanlon (bass guitar/harmonica) and Evan Walsh (drums). After a year they formed the band, their career started emerging in April 2012 when they released their first EP, “Young, Gifted & Blue” (contains of blues cover work like Bo Didley’s “You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover”), and the EP went to number 1 in theiTunes Blues Chart just a day after it’s released. On March 28th 2013, the band released their debut single “ Blue Collar Jane “. So far, the responses to their debut has been radically positive. Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John and Miles Kane are some of the big names who have turned into the Strypes’ listener. Seriously, do you think you have any reason to make you don’t like this band? N to the O.

2. Swim Deep

Swim Deep are an indie-rock band from Birmingham who were formed in 2011. The Birmingham boys are Austin Williams, Tom ‘Higgy’ Higgins, Zachary Robinson and Cavan McCarthy. In 2012, Swim Deep signed with Chess Club and released their debut single, ‘King City’. And in the end of 2012, the band went to Brussels to work with Charlie Hugall for their debut album, ‘Where the Heaven Are We’. Charlie Hugall is a British producer who has worked with Florence Welch, the Maccabees, Kaiser Chiefs, and many more. Swim Deep step in the year as the ones to watch, NME also put them on their ‘Best New Bands in 2013’ list. Just like how they describe the music, Swim Deep are more ‘Roll’ than ‘Rock’

3. HAIM

Americans must be obsessing over their pop culture, but this band, Haim (rhymes as “time”), lead into the music revolution in 2013. Haim consist of three sisters, Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim. The band have released two EPs, Forever and iTunes Festival : London 2012, three singles, Forever, Dont Save Me, and Failing, and one incredible debut album Days Are Gone. The band put some hip/hop, RnB, pop, and even folk (it’s pretty much seen as the girls are a huge fan of the Strokes and Danielle is a fan of Usher). Eventhough the iconic singer, Mick Jagger, said “Haim? Never heard of them” the sisters will be pretty much known soon since they were one of the lineups for SXSW. So far, they have accomplished in being nominated fopr MTV’s Brand New For 2013 and topped the BBC Sound Of 2013 (which they defeated great bands like Savages).

4. Palma Violets

If someone asked you a question about what bands that you should look out in 2013, the answer must be Palma Violets. Palma Violets, the band who graced to be on the front cover of “NME” has stolen the spot as one of the most exciting names in the industry. Palma Violets consist of bassist/vocalist Chilli Jesson, guitarist/vocalist Sam Fryer, keyboardist Peter Mayhew and drummer Will Doyle. “Best Of Friends” which is the band’s first ever single, get to be voted by NME as song of the year of 2012. Zane Lowe also listed the band’s track on his “Hottest Record in The World”. Palma Violets’ debut album “180” which also worked by Pulp’s Steve Mackey. And it peaked at number 11 on UK’s music chart.

5. Jagwar Ma

Hailing from down under, Jagwar Ma, got to be listed as NME’s Most Lookout Names in 2013. The duo who consist of Jono Ma and Gabriel Winterfield are bringing back brings the baggy music to the 2000s era. According to their Facebook page, Jagwar Ma got their influences in making music by Aphex Twin, Phil Spector,and Martin Hannett. In the early 2013, the duo were chosen to be one of the line-up for Big Day Out 2013’s side show. The duo are now with the label Future Classic ( which also has worked with Tensnake, Classix, Flight Facilities, and many more). Jagwar Ma’s debut album, Howlin, has given a prove that Sydney is a gold mine for a good music.

6. Peace

A quartet from Birmingham, Peace, came to the rescue a guitar-driven music in the UK! The band consists of brothers Harry (vocals, guitar) and Samuel Koisser (bass), Douglas Castle (guitar) and Dominic Boyce (drums). The band also made their debut performance for Glastonbury 2013. Their debut album, In Love, was produced by Jim Abbiss, the producer of Arctic Monkeys’s “Whatever People Say I Am….” And contained re-recorded version of 3 of their hits such as “Wraith”, “California Daze”, and of course, “Follow Baby”. Guardian and NME have listed them as “band to watch” and “purveyor of 2012’s catchiest song”. BBC have listed them in the “Sound of 2013” list.

7. Chvrches

The scottish electro-pop trio which were formed in 2011 consists of Lauren Mayberry (lead vocals, additional synthesizers and samplers), Iain Cook (synthesizers, guitar, bass, vocals), and Martin Doherty (synthesizers, samplers,vocals). The appearance of Chvrces surely is a fresh air of Glasgow’s music scene, and they set a high bar for some kick-ass accomplishments. The album The Bones of What You Believe contains of experimental sounds that will float you to the spaces. Stormed out from Glasgow music club to a bona-fide music festival, Chvrches are seriously in the game. The hype recognition which is reached in a quite short term doesn’t give a reason to the band as one of the one-hit wonders. It’s clear that Lauren, Iain, and Martin are ready to blast with another infectious tunes of Chvrches.

8. Lorde

This young girl named Lorde has a special something going on. At the age of sixteen she has bombed the music chart and make her way to the top. The New Zealander kitty has been talked about by well-known musicians for her abbility in writing songs. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, made herself a truly heroine. The album has a major variation of music, from darkwave to synth pop. To validate that she’s been making some real deal, her name is ready to battle with the other musicians as she gets nominated in Grammy Awards 2014. Yes, you heard that, the kitty is ready to roar her music. Louder.

9. MS MR

The New Yorker MS MR ( (Lizzie Plapinger and Max Hershenow) has made their own path for their music. The chillwave/glitch-pop/gloom rock tunes from MS MR will be easily received by Florence + The Machine’s fan or Lana Del Rey’s. The duo have released their E.P titled “Candy Bar Creep Show” on September 14 2012. And it was released via Tumblr. The ep consists of four tracks, they are “Bones”, “Hurricane”, “Dark Doo Woop”, and “Ash Tree Lane”. Their debut single “Hurricane” get good critics from the reviewers and complimented that the song has the enchanting vintage sound. The duo’s debut album, Secondhand Rapture, climbed to number for Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart.

10. Parquet Courts

From the Big Apple comes a big talent, Parquet Courts. The band consist of Andrew Savage (guitar, vocals),Austin Brown (guitar,vocals), Max Savage (drums) and Sean Yeaton (bass). Parquet Courts originally released a full lenght album, Light Up Gold, in 2012. However, they re-released the album in 2013 with a larger label. It’s pretty clear that Parquet Courts represent the underdog culture, by seeing the band’s statement and their roots, they want to show the world the unseen space, the ugliness and the awkwardness that the world has avoided. Maybe Parquet Courts sound very typical for their very underground statement, but as we see deeper, this band is genuine.

If You google ‘Teleman’ (in case you’re trying to find some informations about the band), the mighty search engine might suggest you to a baroque composer George Telemann, but you can easily ignore google. Because Teleman do exist!

Teleman are the London-based band consist of Thomas Sanders (vocals, guitar), Jonny Sanders (synths) and Pete Cattermoul (bass). You must be like “aren’t these dudes from Pete and The Pirates?”, yes, that’s true. Teleman formed out of the ashes from Pete and The Pirates. The Sanders annd Cattermoul are taking the different path for their ressurection band, after having years to play in an indie rock band, they decided to get a bit electronified and have a more mechanical-sounding coat. “I often write bands off based on their name, before I’ve even heard their music, which I know a lot of people did with our last band. But where did Teleman come from? Me and Jonny were just leafing through some records in a local charity shop and found a classical composer called Telemann. I think we both thought it was really cool. It was as simple as that.” said the Sanders to Under The Radar Magazine.

In the early of 2013, Teleman released their debut single ‘Cristina’. The song channels a sound of Kraftwerk with some monotonous and repetitive riffs. Paul Lester of the Guardian even parallels the band’s bass line to Brian Wilson’s and have Velvet Underground’s keyboard drone. If you’re a fan of Alt-J or Django Django, the band’s latest single ‘Steam Train Girl’ will get in your ears’ favourite perfectly.

Teleman are currently working on their debut LP (the rumour has it that the LP is being produced by Suede’s former guitarist, Bernard Butler), so we’re so looking forward to the band’s full work. Either you like the boys being Krafwerky or jauntie indiee pop, Teleman are on their path to build the ashes that they previously had.