Dolly Daggerz, vox, Tokyo Taboo: ‘I would like to be Janis Joplin with feathers in my hair singing Cry Baby with all those talky ad libs she does live. She is to me the most amazing artist that ever lived. I would never go back to drugs so she would still be alive today!’
Catchy, edgy garage pop outfit Tokyo Taboo have outrageous on speed-dial. Crafting ballsy tunes with a grungy edge, the duo demand attention – whether it’s through their relentlessly hard-to-forget hooks or their videos, sun-soaked odes to avant glam fun. You won’t forget these guys. For fans of: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Louis XIV, The Breeders
NINA: ‘I’d be Freddie Mercury and perform at Wembley. He was the best showman in the world. I really admire his musicianship and his energy on stage.’
Stunningly talented electro pop queen NINA serves up synth-drenched, sultry tunes that are as dark and reflective as they are smooth and urbane. With top notch production it’s clear this artist is on top of her game, and only just getting started. For fans of: Kavinsky, Salt Ashes, The Motels
Tom Lucey, singer-songwriter: ‘I could give so many answers to this but to pick one I’ll have to say Ed Sheeran. He has written music with people whose music I love. Also, his writing is incredible; there isn’t a song of his I don’t like. (He) sold out Wembley and Croke Park and every venue he went to in the past two years. He’s had a pretty amazing few years and it’s only the start. I know people would say you have to pick one of the greats but he will be one of those in years to come.’
A true homegrown talent, both vocally and instrumentally, pianist Tom Lucey marries gentle trad and folk elements into a contemporary sound, crafting an easygoing story-telling style that will please the most avid fans of singer-songwriters. It’s soundtrack of your life type stuff. Brilliant. For fans of: Tom Rosenthal, Daughter, Villagers
Garrett Wall, guitar & lead vox, Track Dogs: ‘Wow, a hard one. I think I’d probably have to say someone who does something I can’t really do, which is solo well on guitar, so I’d probably choose the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt or Paco de Lucia, the flamenco legend. To be able to play like those guys would be a trip, no doubt.’
Tongue-in-cheek, fun, Americana from four expats living in Spain. Their influences are broad and spot-on, and the music they make is tight, generous and well-turned-out. We can’t wait for their live show. For fans of: Hayseed Dixie, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Devil Makes Three
AERYNN, singer/songwriter (vocals, guitar, sometimes piano): ‘Lady Gaga comes to mind, because she brilliantly did precisely what she needed to do for success in the music industry, catering to media and the pop market, and now she can produce and perform whatever art or music she likes. I really admire her brain. Alternately, Carole King. She was writing songs at such an interesting time in history, when the solo singer-songwriter really flourished, and when we all had longer attention spans!’
Impeccable, confident folk from an artist with alternative rock roots, Aerynn writes songs with grace and intrigue. Her formula strays from too much structure, enjoying refreshing, attention-grabbing rhythmic choices and stream-of-consciousness delivery. A bright take on a classic. For fans of: Judee Sill, Laura Nyro, Bert Jansch
What about you? Got an inner Phil Collins you’d want to see looking back at you? Let us know in the comments below. 