Bands To Look Out For In 2010

There is no doubt that 2009 has been a great year for music. We’ve had fun listening and sharing some of these artists with you through our BeatCrave Fav series, and we’ve also compiled a Top Albums of 2009 list like everyone else.

Today, we’re going to skip ahead and focus on the future and what great music will be coming our way in 2010. January is only a few weeks away and we want to fill you in on who we think will be the next big thing local, national, AND international. Take a look at the list of artists and bands who we believe are the bands to look out for in 2010 below!

10.  Gavin Castleton

We had the pleasure of experiencing this talented singer-songwriter’s work earlier in the year when he stopped by the Hotel Cafe. His live sets drip with soul and funk and are always finished in a coat of sincerity. Not only did he manage to write an entire album about love and heartbreak within a zombie motif, but his melodies and his story lines manage to take the best of reggae, soul, and pop and mix them together perfectly.

Songs to Check Out: On October 12, 2009, he released The Random Anthems EP with just three songs as a sneak peek to his next album. “Hope Is A Drug” is a standout track and a prime example of what he’s got to offer. Hopefully in 2010 we’ll get to see what he’s really made of…

Listen Now:

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9.  Evan Voytas

This multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter may not be a household name (yet), but he has played with several other talented and well-known musicians for years. Voytas’ sound is electronic but instead of lunging forward towards the popular Passion Pit route, he rearranges his beats so that it leans more towards Autolux, but with its own charm. His bio states that his sound includes “influences ranging from underground hip hop to classic sunshine pop” and that he “dresses like your grandpa and sounds like the future.” This may all be true but what’s most impressive is that he’s managed to churn out several EPs since his last full-length. Based on his pace and talent, we’re sure he’s about to present us with something great in 2012.

Songs to Check Out: His latest EP, The New Dynamic Sound of Evan Voytas shines with tracks such as “I Have a Dream In My Heart” and “Getting Higher” – both extremely pleasing to the ear.

Listen Now:

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8.  Toro Y Moi

Chazwick Bundick has explored a variety of genres before spending time on the chill-wave sound he’s currently known for. If you’re a fan of Washed Out, it’s safe to assume you’ll enjoy the arrangements by Toro Y Moi. Luscious soundscapes with smooth falsetto vocal melodies overflow in each of his song. (It’s no wonder it sounds familiar to break through artist Washed Out. Bundick and Washed Out’s Ernest Greene have been musical chums back in school.)

Songs to Check Out: A great track by Toro Y Moi is a cover of Michael Jackson’s timeless “Human Nature,” an orchestration of hazy textures and massaging beats. Another recent track to get into is “Blessa” which was released on a 7″ after he signed with Car Park Records. The label is also set to release two long-players in 2010.

Listen Now:

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7.  Best Coast

“When I’m With You” is a catchy surf pop song that is both endearing and a great example of simple but fantastic songwriting. Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino (formerly of Pocahaunted) has the ability to take something a 10 year old girl would say to her crush and make it sound full of gumption or heartbreak. Bass lines swerve around her sweet vocals and the the fuzzy distortion makes us agree with her. The west coast is indeed the best coast and we couldn’t be happier to have her back. Oh, did we also mention that Bobb Bruno is the other half of this great duo? He’s only played and worked with LA favorites such as Abe Vigoda and Mika Miko (RIP), and even opened up for acts such as PJ Harvey!

Songs to Check Out: They have a couple of 7 inches available right now, but we’re hoping for a full-length to hold in our hands in the near future. These songs will catch on fire and create something bigger than the brush fires in Los Angeles. We’re sure of it.

Listen Now:

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6.  Warpaint

Warpaint should be no strangers to you if you are a regular BeatCrave reader. We had a chance to talk with the three lovely girls (and dude) in our Know Your LA Bands series, and now we’re happy to remind you (or inform you if you don’t know), that Rough Trade records have snatched up one of the most amazing shoegaze bands. Although Manimal Vinyl released their LP, Exquisite Corpse, in October 2009, we can only imagine Rough Trade will want to get in on that and do a re-release as well. With incredible musicianship, it’ll be more than just Pitchfork giving them attention.

Songs to Check Out: “Billie Holiday” (which has a pleasant take on Mary Swell’s hit, “My Guy”) and “Elephants” are both standout tracks off of Exquisite Corpse, that deserve a few listens and then some.

Listen Now:

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5.  Lissie

Although it may be a drag to have a name so similar to Lissy Trullie’s, this folk singer-songwriter at least has the knowledge that she’s just as good of a musician. Going by a one name alias, Lissie can come off as mere country to first-time listeners. However, after hearing songs such as “Everywhere I Go,” one can’t help but be entranced by the amount of soul that comes out of this fragile looking blond.

Songs to Check Out: With a voice that billows straight through to your heart, it’ll open for more of her songs such as “Little Lovin’” and “Wedding Bells.” Her EP, Why You Runnin’, just released by Fat Possum Records, is a small taste of how much you’ll get from her in the future.

Listen Now:

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4.  Avi Buffalo

Avi Buffalo‘s music and success at such a young age speaks volumes. Led by Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, this band has already played a plethora of festivals such as FYF and Monolith and opened up for some of today’s hottest bands. Their songs “What’s In It For” and “Where’s Your Dirty Mind” sound amazing on record, but it’s when they are playing live that you are struck with a realization – these kids have more natural talent than hundreds of bands could ever try to have. We knew it and Sub Pop knew it.

Songs to Check Out: Sub Pop has recently signed them to their prestigious indie label and also released a new 7″ for their foll-rock single “Jessica.” Things can only go up for this band. We’re just waiting for an official full-length.

Listen Now:

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3.  Ellie Goulding

Leading a new generation into Folk-tronica, Ellie Goulding has quickly risen to the top in blogosphere popularity. At first you’ll attempt compare her to all other electronica female artists with typical bright and featherlight vocals, but Goulding seems to have the same kind of magic Lykke Li has… the deceivingly small and dainty voice that echos large with pockets of subtle soul and R&B. We’ve already brought you “Under the Sheets,” because we like to acknowledge great electronica pop, but get ready for a full-length album coming your way. Word on the street is that the British singer is working with famous producer, Mark Ronson, on an album set for release in the first quarter of 2010.

Songs to Check Out: Her tracks, “Starry Eyed,” and “Under the Sheets” have caught the attention of producers, Starsmith, Mark Ronson and DJs such as Jakwob.

Listen Now:

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2.  Surfer Blood

This group of baby-faced boys from West Palm Beach, Florida glides effortlessly into the music of today. Everything they create comes in such an peaceful manner. Every element of lo-fi and retro garage rock is combined into a natural state. Their songs are easy to listen to with nearly every one containing an undeniably great hook, and their live performances exude perfection. There’s an ease and peaceful moment while you enjoy yourself with these guys. Although they haven’t even released a full-length yet, Surfer Blood has been touring non-stop and perking the ears of every music blogger across the nation – including us. Luckily for everyone, they will be releasing their debut album, Astro Coast, on January 19 via Kanine Records.

Songs to Check Out: We recently shared a video of the band playing an acoustic version of “Swim (To Reach The End).” Take a listen to the original version!

Listen Now:

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1.  Local Natives

These guys grabbed our hearts over at BeatCrave long, long ago. We’ve talked with them in both our Know Your LA Bands series and BeatCrave Fav series. We headed over to their Spaceland residency in August to absorb those tight-knit harmonies coming sung in the midst of all that heavy percussion and those jagged guitar riffs. They’ve been on our radar for quite some time now. Their popularity quadrupled after their SXSW performances in 2009 and they’ve just ended a massive tour with NME where they played with Edward Sharpe and Fool’s Gold for a grueling number of weeks. They’re back in LA to play a show right before Christmas on the 22nd (which will probably sell out) and we’re glad they’re back. After pining for an debut album they released only in the UK,  they’re FINALLY releasing the full-length here in the States next year. After the release of Gorilla Manor on February 16, their popular status will take on an entirely different level.

Songs to Check Out: Local Natives previously sold their own EPs with just five tracks. Although all worth of your time, we encourage you to take a listen to “Sun Hands.”

Listen Now:

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