Notting Hill Arts Club teamed up with New Shapes to kick start the festive party season with London’s newest R&B Singer Kate Stewart. Dressed in Christmas jumpers many crowd members seemed keen to get the festivities rolling but with no mulled wine, decorations or carols spinning on the decks maybe December 3rd was a little apprehensive!
Kate is currently showing her credentials as the live vocalist for British producers Bondax on their December tour. But at New Shapes, she pulled out a Christmas turkey with all the trimmings when she teased the intimate crowd with her solo material. Just seven months ago KStewart released her debut single ‘Tell Me About That’. Produced by Karma Kid, the song triggers flashbacks to the 90s, in particular reminiscing to the R&B days of Destinys Child and TLC. Slender legs as high as her vocal register, it’s safe to say KStewart can sing off any competition. At this stage in the game it’s hard to judge who she can match up to but she’s veering on the same killer lung capacity of Jessie J.
Whilst there had to be a stocking filler cover song in the set Kate choose wisely with a rendition of Groovy Theory Tell Me which complimented her 90’s vibe. The penultimate track Last All Night (Koala) (ft hottest new producer of 2014 Oliver Heldens) was the real fairy on top of the tree. Written by MNEK and Becky Hill this club banger is a definite floor-filler. The finishing touches came when MNEK was spotted in the crowd showing his support to what truly was an impressive debut.
The ‘one’s to watch’ announcements have been full swing over the last few weeks. The Brits Critic Choice Award 2015 nominations were revealed last week, closely followed by the BBC Sound of 2015 long list and the voting lines for MTV Brand New are now open. Here at Hashtag Music we wanted to give you a heads up on who we are rating as our Top 10 favourites to listen out for come 2015.
Sinead Harnett
The Singer/ Songwriter blurb is pretty much a given these days but Sinead is dangling on her high wire for fresh new talent. A debut EP and an official sold out show at London’s Birthdays already under her belt, Sinead been working hard to get the wheels in motion this year. So far she has worked with the Rudimental boys and UK’s most talked about producer MNEK. The beauty of Sinead’s work is that the trickling melodies which simmer underneath her sultry vocals will whisk you straight to paradise without realising you were being transported. Go Listen to her N.O.W EP today.
Rae Morris
You guessed it… Another Singer/ Songwriter and boy is this one a grafter. At 15 Rae always knew she wanted to be a singer and although she’s 21 now, she never lost sight of who she wanted to be. Constantly gig up and down the country whilst juggling school work Rae always kept her eyes on the prize. Over recent months Rae has dropped a series of tracks which has got everyone talking. Showcasing vulnerability lyrically and an air of strength vocally Rae proves why you should never give up on dreams. The debut album Unguarded is due out Jan 26th.
Saint Raymond
Guitar finger snapping rhythm that will give Ed Sheeran a run for his money Saint Raymond’s music slips nicely into the same mix of mellow magic. Accompanied by a full band, it’s Raymond’s production which fills in the gaps Ed so beautifully keeps untouched. Whilst these two could be seen as direct competition for each other, Raymond was in fact chosen to support Ed on his Multiply Tour across the UK and Europe. If you are after a fresh new male vocalist to swoon over, Raymond is the one.
Becky Hill
Larger than life Becky Hill has vocals that could tear down skyscrapers! A fiery attitude and determination to not let leaving BBC talent show The Voice affect her future, Becky has gone from strength to strength to make her mark. At the start of the year she climbed to the top of the charts with a dance feature track Overdrive, produced by Oliver Heldens. Keeping the limelight, as she later dropped her own demo Caution to the Wind and let’s not forget her debut single Losing. Becky is a storm in a tea cup, although her chance been a long time brewing you can beat the taste of a perfectly strong-brewed cuppa.
Chloe Howl
Chloe Howl’s boisterous, free flowing lyrics shows this teen will not let things faze her. Production similar to that of 2011’s craze Foster the Peeps and her distinctive growl Chloe’s material is like the recipe to marmite. Whilst I am not too sure if Chloe is a marmite lover I do know she loves to indulge in Pizza. Having had the privilege of seeing her live at her own show in Sept and on tour supporting Ellie Goulding Chloe is certainly not shy when it comes to busting out some moves. Believe the rumor on this girl, you wont be disappointed.
Jess Glynne
At the start of 2014, Jess Glynne was an artist no one had heard off. Never once had her name come up in polls like this but when Clean Bandit dropped their chart-topping single Rather Be Jess had everyone’s attention. Two collaborations later and a few tracks of her own floating around Jess appearsto fast tracked herself to right where she needs to be. In the business getting your name out there can be a tough thing but when a feature track blows up as well as this one has Jess couldn’t have got herself in a stronger position for debut album release.
All about She
This dance music trio had my attention right from the get go. The trio are record producers James Tadgell, Jon Clare snd singer Vanya Taylor. Vanya provided the vocals for Tinie Tempah’s hit single Simply Unstoppable as well as been a backing singer for Jessie J. After witnessing their successful debut show at Birthdays earlier this year this little trio has got everything needed to make a chart-topping anthem.
Whispering vocals, edgy R&B drizzled in pop gold, Liv is a creative gem. Aged just 20 this girl’s distinctive sound could easily become a mainstream favourite before her reaching the big two one. Currently Liv has only released one of her own tracks this year called Come a Littler closer but if you are a fan of Gorgon City you will see she has scored a couple of feature tracks which are also worth a listen.
Joel Compass
Buttery vocals and the dream boy look nailed Joel Compass has the power to win over any lady .. Even the lovely Ex Cheryl Cole. At the start of the year Joel released his own material, Forgive Me and Girlfriends. But what’s drawn people’s attention is the stunning duet Coming up for Air which is featured on Cheryl’s latest album Only Human.
Shura
Shura falls into futuristic pop. Influenced heavily by the 80’s, Shura has infused this into her work, giving you a sense of familiarity. Once into this web of comfort she spins it around with a sprinkling of funky groove synths. Mastering the art of a memorable chorus in key, having already nailed it so well she’s picked up radio play with BBCR1 this girl wont be under the radar for long. Be warned Shura will be hitting the A list soon.
Dianna Woolfenden 