Ones To Watch 2017

Our favourite new artists

From hip hop and pop to punk and folk, these are the nine new artists we are most excited to hear more from in 2017. Find out more about our favorite new acts, and check out their best songs so far below.

Top picks

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    Zara Larsson

    Zara Larsson first found fame aged 10 when she won Swedish TV talent contest ‘Talang’ covering 'My Heart Will Go On'. Now 19, she’s already a huge star back home and well on her way to making an international breakthrough, wooing listeners with bulletproof dance-pop, featuring powerhouse vocals worthy of Rihanna. If she can keep producing songs of the calibre of 'Lush Life', 'Ain’t My Fault' and MNEK-collaboration 'Never Forget You', 2017 is Larsson’s for the taking.

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    Dua Lipa

    From BBC Sound Of and BRITs Critics’ Choice nominations to a US tour in support of Troye Sivan and a duet with Sean Paul, Dua Lipa enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2016. With her full-length debut scheduled for release in February, 2017 looks set to be even more successful for the 21-year-old Brit who shares management with Lana Del Rey. The uninitiated should head for 'Be The One' first, a slice of sultry, R&B-inspired synth-pop carried by the gorgeous huskiness of Dua’s soulful vocal.

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    Lil Yachty

    Despite high profile support from D.R.A.M., Rae Sremmurd and Charli XCX, Lil Yachty’s unassailable rise hasn’t been without controversy. Provoking hip hop purists with his lethargic, almost-mumbled flow, the Atlanta MC then rejected the tag of “rapper” while dismissing Biggie and 2Pac as “overrated”. Fortunately, the 19-year-old proved he possesses both the talent and the charisma to back up his confidence, via May’s Lil Boat mixtape. We’re excited for an album-proper.

  • Kaiydo - Fruit Punch
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    Kaiydo has been on our radar since the start of 2016, when he dropped his single 'Red Freestyle' to rave reviews. Less than a year on, the 19-year-old rapper and graphic designer from Orlando, FL, is being hyped as one of the most exciting young voices in hip hop. Listening to 'Fruit Punch', it’s not difficult to work out why. Blessed with an easy charm, his relaxed flow, quick-witted lyrical barbs and playful production proves effortlessly engaging, and you get the sense this is only the tip of the iceberg.