Here at The Edge we have compiled a list of acts who we think are going to be the next big thing, right out of Southampton!
Tom Crouch
Singer songwriter Tom Crouch has already packed a lot into his music career at age 21. Specialising in guitar, he supported and toured with Garbrielle Aplin at sold out shows worldwide. Crouch has also co-headlined twice with fellow guitarist and singer songwriter Zane Carney (John Mayer’s touring guitarist) in London, played at the main stage at Summer in the City and The London Acoustic Guitar Show. Crouch’s solo materials are filled with brilliance, experienced guitar skills, emotive vocals and inspiring lyrics. Currently in the process of writing new material to release an EP, Crouch’s ambient indie folk songs are very well worth keeping an eye on.
Jack Williams
Jack Williams is a 22 year old acoustic folk singer-songwriter. He has a very distinctive mellow voice and also incredible instrumental skills. He has used a violin bow to play the guitar at live shows and his performances are always mesmerising to watch. Williams has also been featured on Passenger’s YouTube channel in his song “I’ll Be Your Man” which has reached over four million views since being posted in January 2013 as well as supporting Passenger in October 2013. He is set to release a new EP and tour Germany this October.
Seán McGowan
Folk punk musician Seán McGowan started gigging in 2010 with an acoustic guitar and has since played various festivals including Blissfields in Winchester and Bestival at Isle of Wight. He has also released two EPs and sold out his first London headline show at Camden Barfly in 2013. In the process of releasing his debut album in 2015, he has released two tracks as double a-side 7” vinyl with Frank Turner on the backing vocals of one of the tracks ‘Come Unstuck’. McGowan’s vocals have a raspy tinge and lyrics with a very rough and honest edge that is able to draw people in once he starts strumming and singing.
FEVER
FEVER is a guitar mix of grunge and Britpop, who newly released their single ‘Shell Shock’ in August. Even though they have only released two tracks on the aforementioned single and b-side ‘Why?’, they have already created a very strong presence. FEVER obviously knows their way around song writing as their lyrics are memorable, while demonstrating their unique sounding multi-layer instruments. Having only formed last summer, and already supported bands such as Childhood and Darlia, FEVER are mostly like to remain strong with their powerful vocal and heavy guitar riffs.
New Desert Blues
Noir American infused harmonies of New Desert Blues are heard locally in the UK and in Europe. They entitle each of their songs with a male name and they are the protagonist of the story told in each of their songs. Their deep vocal harmonies often create a very strong anthem like soundscape with heavy beat drums. New Desert Blues released their four-song EP, Devil’s Rope, back in January and are now set to record their debut album later this year. With compliments from Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1, they are reaching even wider audiences through the airwaves. They are playing their last local show of the year, headlining The Cellar, on Friday 17th October as part of The Psychedelia Birthday Weekend.
