MUSIC BUZZLIST: TOP 5 ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2012

From Gotye to Kiev, These Talents Have Us Eagerly Pressing Our Ears to the Wall of 2012

By: Team Buzzine

January 2, 2012

Despite the feeling that sometimes the world is united in complaints about the state of the music industry, and despite the machinations of labels sinking, falling, and changing definition of themselves, the one group of people who continue, regardless of commercial fears and creative restrictions, are the artists. Of course, a new registry of all the great newcomers and debut releases is an impossibly long list, so Team Buzzine stayed up late, stroked their chins, and waded through the artists who arrived this year and who represent a very bright future for music. Some names are obviously missed, and to those artists, we humbly apologize. The names mentioned below are the artists who simply feel undeniable -- the ones who have us kicking the door, eagerly pressing our ears against the wall of 2012.

Gotye: The Belgian-born Australian multi-instrumentalist released his third album in 2011 -- hardly a newcomer, since the man's prolific talent has already established an ever-expanding portfolio of increasing vision and interesting collaborations. However, it was with his most recent release, Making Mirrors, that the searching, experimental sound found its feet. If you thought he was good in the past and great in the present, the future can only be magnificent. New certainty, the multi-genre approach, and heightened confidence can only lead to Gotye becoming a household name in 2012. Buzzine Review.

Lana Del Rey: A vocal demeanor that may have some men questioning their religious beliefs, a stage presence of condensed 'sultry,' responsible for the hottest viral videos to accompany the double A-sided single “Video Games / Blue Jeans”... Having had her first album deleted by a label so they can reconsider image, market, and sound, Lana Del Rey has already raised entire constellations on her buzz and the anticipation of her reimagined debut album. Hipster backlash for an artist before she's fully realized is a good indicator of just how big she's going to be. Imagine Jane Birken, Bridget Bardot, or Vanessa Paradis for 2012, and that's what you have in Lana Del Rey. Refined for market? Perhaps. Sensational? Yes. Unequivocally captivating? Unstoppable, inevitable? Certainly.

Motopony: Intelligent, sensitive, strong, and insightful. The self-titled album from Motopony represented a return to old-fashioned songwriting values. Production tweaks looked to the future but were rooted in the classics of folk-rock. The songs extracted a kind of sensuality in all subject matter. The musicianship was insanely measured and the live shows of the supporting tour were amongst the most exciting of the year. For all of the intimacy of the recorded sound, the ambitious presence of Daniel Blue and company can only serve to secure further projects of equal or greater beauty. Turn your ears to Seattle -- something strong is bubbling up from the earth. Buzzine Review.

Mickey Moonlight: Having been drifting out in space issuing random remixes and producing notable indie artists, Mickey Moonlight and the Time Axis Manipulation Corporation finally released their first full-length studio album at the close of 2011. It's almost impossible to measure the unbridled joy, enthusiasm, and experimentation of the album. If you're the kind of listener who likes to stare at the universe and dance with abandonment, then Mickey Moonlight is the man you've been waiting to touch down. The future, since that's where this artist has arrived from, is surely waiting to be informed by further offerings. Whether as a producer or as solo artist, Moonlight will be extending his influence. In the words of the album's on-board computer: “Ladies, Gentlemen, and variations there upon, welcome aboard...Your pilot today is Mickey Moonlight.” Buzzine Review.

Kiev: 2011 has seen two killer EPs released from the Los Angeles experimental rockers. Tantalizingly full of swagger, promise, and grace, this is a band of musicians that can play anything they want but concentrate only on what they need. Loose but not indulgent. Clean as hell but not overly hygienic. A precise balance between approaches means that the Kiev sound, which is of almost peerless beauty, extends to tipping point where everything could collapse, but instead, a whole new bunch of shapes happens. Instrumentation, lyrics, vocal performances, and artistic egos all seem to be built of respect, not only for their endeavors but for their audience of present and future. 2012 is looking very, very good for Kiev. They just need to hurry up and release an album. Please. Buzzine Review.

Honorary Mention:

Skrillex: In one sense, Skrillex has been around for some time as former frontman of hardcore band From First to Last. In 2007, the artist went solo and altered direction. 2011 was the year that rewarded the hard work and exploration. Winning several Grammy nominations and the imaginations of crossover crowds, the artist arrived at a sound that wasn't just his own but one that seemed to belong to everyone who aligned themselves with a new kind of genre. He more or less owned the year -- credible, commercial, and wholly original. If he arrived with a bang, we can be sure that, with future album releases and running his own imprint (OWSLA), the future for Skrillex can only explode as a chain of highly anticipated detonations. Buzzine Gallery.