While many things about 2021 remain uncertain we know that music will keep us going, just like it has done during the turbulent times of 2020. So, who will become your favourite act of the New Year? Here at Bring The Noise UK we’ve collated some of the most exciting up-and-coming names who you should look out for in 2021!
Spiritbox
Among the plethora of songs released in the 36+ months that made up the entirety of 2020 (overused joke, we know, but it still rings true), there weren’t too many tracks that stood out more than Holy Roller, released by a relatively small band from Vancouver Island called Spiritbox. Boy, did it knock the socks off everyone who dared listen to it! It’s no wonder that those crushing, djent-like riffs and brutal screams propelled the Canadian trio to new heights. Add to that their recent single Constance, which once again made waves thanks to its heartstring-tugging music video, and you have a recipe for 2021 success. We can’t wait to see where this newfound fame will take them, and will be eagerly awaiting their first full-length studio release – whenever it’s ready. (FP)
Sydney Sprague
Photo Credit: Natasha Wilson
2020 has seen Phoenix, Arizona born singer-songwriter Sydney Sprague release three tracks; i refuse to die, steve and staircase failure. We are loving her refreshing, swirling pop tracks filled with rocky guitar lines and fiery vocals which inspire you to make a change, start over and make life work for you; listen to steve for the perfect example of this. Latest single staircase failure is a guitar-led pop number during which Sprague’s emotive, sincere vocals take centre stage. With the three tracks showing different sides to Sprague’s style and also bringing back the pop vibes of the 90s in the process, it’s exciting to see what’s going to come next musically for her. 2021 will see Sprague release her debut album, maybe I will see you at the end of the world, on 26th February through Rude Records. (NC)
Wargasm
Now with six singles under their belt, chaotic nu-metal duo Wargasm have built up an impressive, loyal following and are definitely ones to watch in 2021. Unafraid to take risks, be in-your-face and step away from conventional musical boundaries, it’s hard not to pay attention to a band who are making ‘angry songs for sad people’, which is definitely what the world needs right now. Wargasm also have a skill for releasing incredible, creative videos alongside their singles – check out their bloody video for Backyard Bastards as an example. Notable 2020 highlights for the duo include their single God Of War soundtracking the NXT UK relaunch, supporting Yungblud across his ‘weird time of life’ virtual tour and performing at Knotfest: Pule Of The Maggots (online). Next year already sees them confirmed for Download Festival and touring with Creeper, giving their fiery live shows the chance to reach a wider audience. (NC)
Marisa And The Moths
Photo Credit: Rob Blackham (@blackhamimages)
Marisa and The Moths are actually fresh blood, having made their debut in 2019. But looking at their gathering momentum, you wouldn’t think it! They have already been featured in Classic Rock Magazine, Planet Rock Magazine, and as Kerrang! Radio’s Fresh Blood ‘Featured Artist of the Week’. The band’s alt-rock sound will sweep you off your feet, accompanied by the powerful vocals and musicianship. Their gritty and grungey sound is sure to make them a favourite amongst ’90s fans. As for this year, Marisa and The Moths have been keeping fans hooked with innovative livestreams and music videos. A second album is upcoming and if it’s at all reflective of the band’s success so far, we are in for a stellar ride! (HH)
Tijuana Bibles
Photo Credit: David Muir
Glaswegian post-punks Tijuana Bibles made their grand return at the end of 2020 with their rowdy new single Stateless, marking their first new music since 2017’s Pariah. An anthemic statement packed with hypnotising hooks and a riotous chorus, Stateless is an exhilarating introduction to the quartet’s next chapter. The band have already achieved an impressive amount, from sold-out hometown shows, support slots with Twin Atlantic and Clutch, and even soundtracking Amazon Prime’s Grand Tour, Sky Sports Formula 1, UEFA Champions League and Kate Moss’ collaboration with Equipment. Now signed to 7 West Music, we’re intrigued to see what’s next for the rising quartet – whatever it is, we’ll be on board! (HG)
ZAND
Photo Credit: Sophie Thompson
Blackpool-born artist ZAND emerged two years ago and has captured the attention of many with their enticing sound, demonstrated on latest EP UGLY POP. Described by ZAND as “the first body of work centred around my own genre as an ‘ugly popstar’,” UGLY POP features their recent singles Freak, Slut Money and Inappropriate and are perfect examples of their sweet, mesmerising vocals over heavy, industrial pop. With millions of streams on Spotify and support from DIY Magazine, Kerrang! Radio and more, ZAND is off to a flying start and their innovative sound is bound to see them continue this path of success in 2021 and beyond. (HG)
LibraLibra
Brighton has a lot going on at the moment. The only consistently green constituency in the country. A queer mecca. An amazing group of up-and-coming avant garde punk bands. LibraLibra is one of these bands in this new scene, with the release of their Hail Mary EP earlier in the year. Melding synth pop with post-punk vocals and drums, LibraLibra are as fun loving as they are activists, and will bring the same unapologetically weird energy to a recording as they would to any live show. The Hail Mary EP consists of ridiculous, bombastic tunes which lie somewhere between pop, punk and something we’re not even sure has a label yet. Based on Juicy Lucy alone, we cannot wait to see what this band has for us in 2021. (RS)
Lizzy Farrall
Earlier this year Lizzy Farrall released her debut album Bruise via Pure Noise Records, which flaunted an infectious alt-pop sound, authentic and relatable lyrics and slick production. Despite not being able to properly tour her album this year, fans have seen Farrall virtually showcase her captivating live performance, including Five4Five Fest where she put on a full visual show for viewers. In 2021 you can catch her supporting Set It Off on tour, as well as performing a socially distanced show in Birmingham – hopefully more headline shows will be on the cards too. Lizzy Farrall has just released an incredible cover of Beastie Boys Sabotage, showing a darker, heavier side to her, indicating she’s ready and raring to go into 2021. We can’t wait to hear what else follows! (NC)
Maggie Lindemann
Photo Credit: Samantha Simmons
Maggie Lindemann has had a busy 2020 with the release of four singles, Knife Under My Pillow, GASLIGHT! (ft. Siiickbrain), Scissorhands and Loner, leading up to her debut EP Paranoia. Gaining a rapid fanbase with her blend of dark-pop/alt-punk, the American singer-songwriter has already achieved a lot in her short career, from amassing over a billion streams on her 2017 breakout single Pretty Girl, collaborating with Travis Barker on her 2019 release Friends Go, and launching her clothing line SWIXXZ and swixxzaudio podcast. 2021 is set to be an equally busy year for Lindemann; in January alone, she releases her Paranoia EP and makes her acting debut in Machine Gun Kelly’s upcoming film, Downfalls High. We recommend you check out her latest singles and prepare to see a lot more of Maggie Lindemann in 2021! (HG)
Dead Poet Society
LA-based quartet Dead Poet Society are a band who refuse to be pigeon-holed into any one genre, with a back catalogue spanning from heavy, riff-fuelled tracks to captivating ballads. What adds to their uniqueness is guitarist Jack Collins playing sliding riffs on a fretless seven-string, which he soldered off with an iron! The band, who have already amassed millions of streams, are gearing up to release their debut album, -!- (pronounced ‘the exclamation album’) on 12th February via Spinefarm Records. For now, you can check out their recent singles .intoodeep. and CoDA. to experience their dynamic signature sound. (HG)
Tetrarch
Need a nu-metal fix? Then Tetrarch are the band for you. When they burst onto the scene with their 2017 debut full-length FREAK they made themselves known through relentless touring, reaching the Top 200, #3 on the metal and #17 on the rock charts on iTunes. Now signed to Napalm Records for the release of their upcoming second album Unstable, it’s the perfect time to get on board. The first single from the album, I’m Not Right, sums up the band’s sound; dark rock which makes you stand to attention with melodic hooks scattered throughout. Tetrarch are angry and aggressive in the best possible way. (NC)
GHØSTKID
August 2020 saw the launch of metalcore outfit GHØSTKID, the new moniker of ex-Eskimo Callboy vocalist Sebastian “Sushi” Biesler. With influences of Marilyn Manson, Ghostemane, Fever 333 and Bring Me The Horizon, Sushi gathered likeminded friends to create the project, releasing their self-titled debut album in November. GHØSTKID made an impressive mark with the record’s blend of dark aggression and gripping melodies, which also features guest appearances from Kreator’s Mille Petrozza, Hollywood Undead’s Johnny 3 Tears and German rapper Timi Hendrix. Of course live music is very much COVID-dependent right now, but GHØSTKID should be hitting the road throughout March, April and May next year, touring their new album across Europe. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for them! (HG)
Heriot
This Swindon quartet come with a warning as being ‘not for the faint-hearted’, due to their rapturous hardcore sound. 2020 saw them release their first new music since 2016 and also recruit vocalist/guitarist Debbie Gough to the team. Their latest single Cleansed Existence is their debut material as a quartet and is packed to the rafters with raw, screamed vocals, riffy guitar lines and an unrivalled sense of chaos. Heriot are definitely a band to be listened to in a small, sweaty venue packed wall-to-wall with pits (once we’re safe to do so, of course!). Keep your eyes peeled for new music from the hardcore outfit in early 2021, as Cleansed Existence is the first in a series of singles the band have worked on with producer George Lever. (NC)
Fangs Out
If you’re looking for riffs then these Brummie boys have got you covered. Fangs Out are a hardcore band that take southern rock inspired guitars and put a punk twist on them, in the same vein as groups like Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster and Every Time I Die. Then they throw them together with a plethora of headbanging moments and family-sized breakdowns, just to make sure there is something for everyone. Fangs Out have already dropped one four-track EP named Curse Words and have a new one, titled Pretty Bleak, in the works now that is slated for release in the spring of 2021, which means that they are certainly going to be ones to watch in the new year. Keep those eyes and ears peeled. (RW)
Check out our Ones To Watch – 2021 playlist below.
Written by: Holly Hammond, Florin Petrut, Rosie Solomon, Richard Webb, Nicola Craig and Hannah Gillicker
