Top 10 New Music Acts To Look Out For In 2010

That’s right, I’m starting a series of lists, here at The Daily Wiggle.

And the first one, being the music lover I am, will be about the hottest new bands this year.

I’m going to warn you straight away that a lot of these bands have actually been around for years, but this year their profiles will expand greatly, in my opinion.

Please also note that these are in no particular order and rather that they are just my top 10.

#1) Atlas Sound. This is actually a solo act. Bradford Cox from Atlanta, Georgia, has a retro sound that is missing from the charts today. However, he isn’t a writer that doesn’t combine the retro feel with modern day beats to appeal to a modern day audience. His sound, alongside a very 70s style, combines the high pitched, artificially crafted whistles of classic bands such as The Carpenters, and mixes it up a little bit with just a touch of classic indie seen in The Maccabees and the Arctic Monkeys. Also check out Cox’s other band ‘Deerhunter’. Listen to: Walkabout.

#2) Bombay Bicycle Club. The first British band on my list, Bombay Bicycle Club are a bunch of Londoners who are hotly tipped for success in 2010. After recently gigging with The Maccabees, The Big Pink and The Drums, these boys have already gained experience with some of the best indie acts of 2010. For a band who only finished school in 2008, Jack, Jamie, Ed and Suren are pretty amazing and a huge leap above all other bands their age. Indie at its best, with a touch of modernisation. Listen to: What If.

#3) Mumford & Sons. It’s quite likely that you’ve already heard of this band. Their single ‘The Cave’ has already hit the iTunes top 100 and another of their tracks ‘Winter Winds’ is regularly played on British national radio station Radio 1. This simply proves that they are destined for greatness this year. It’s obvious from the picture on the right that this quartet have also brought ‘Grandad fashion’ back into the sexy stakes. And that banjo? I approve. Listen to: White Blank Page.

#4) The XX. Another set of Londers to add to the list, The XX have only released one album and quite recently too. In August 2009, their first album XX was set to download and the band have also remixed a variety of other songs, including Florence and the Machine’s ‘You’ve Got the Love.’ They also add a touch of originality in the fact that they have both a male and a female lead singer. Listen to: Crystalised.

#5) Best Coast. This 3-piece includes the first solo female lead on our list. (The XX also have a female member, but a male also provides lead vocals, as stated before.) Bethany Cosentino sounds a lot like a young girl when she sings, but the band take an old idea and transform it into their own sound. Think Blondie, with a new age twist. One of their tracks was also used as the backing track to one of the Skins promo adverts on E4 and Channel 4, so they’re obviously a band to watch. Listen to: When I’m With You.

#6) Local Natives. When I first heard this band, I immediately thought of Fleet Foxes. However, this group seem to have a much more light-hearted feel to their music. Although their lyrics are pretty deep, the strategically used keyboard gives the sound a music lighter sound which is contrasted immensely by a hefty bass drum beat. They have also been compared favourably with Vampire Weekend and Arcade Fire – a comparison that any indie group should be pleased with. Listen to: Airplanes.

#7) Ellie Goulding. The Wiggle are obviously good friends with Miss Goulding – we have already given her  rave reviews twice. Perhaps the most hotly tipped out of all acts, Ellie brings back ‘folktronica’, with a set of catchy lyrics and some of the best indie/pop music since Ladyhawke. Out this week was Goulding’s debut album ‘Lights’, which provides a set of amazingly good songs that are great for both partying and just chilling by yourself. Listen to: Fighter Plane.

#8) Alex Metric. This act is the only one with a predominantly dance-based background. Metric is often seen in and around Bristol and also has a show on the UK’s Radio 1. He’s also been known to remix a good few tracks – anything from Bloc Party to the Gorillaz. Perfect for a house party, Alex insists that his album is on its way. Listen to: Head Straight.

#9) Marina & the Diamonds. If you’ve not heard of Marina and you’re not one of her Diamonds: WHERE THE HECK HAVE YOU BEEN? You must have been hiding under a rock if you’ve not heard all the hype surrounding this lady. She’s already played at the NME awards and she’s becoming almost as hyped as Ellie Goulding (above). Another songstress with a unique voice, Marina is definitely the perfect indie cindy with some interesting and original tracks. Listen to: Obsessions.

#10) 6 Day Riot. Formed in 2005, 6 Day Riot provide a bunch of girly pop with a unique twist. They actually sound a little bit like a tame version of Robots in Disguise, with a lot more ukulele and the odd trumpet thrown in there for colour. Perfect for when you’re simply getting ready to go out or even for a bit of light-listening while you’re sat on the train. Listen to: Sky Father.