The Purple List 2023: The Artists To Watch Out For This Year
The Purple List is back for 2023 and once again we are here to highlight some of the hottest talents we think will make a big impression. From R’n’B songstresses to Grime MCs, there is a flavour for everyone here and whether you’ve heard about these artists or not, you are bound to take away a few new favourites.
Here at IndustryMe, we want to highlight the freshest talent, so without further ado, let us delve into the list.
List Chosen by Ray Sang (Editor) and Thomas Atkinson (Junior Editor)
Contributors: Bethan Eyre (Writer) and Danielle Akparanta (Presenter/Writer)
Brooke Alexx
Location: Nashville
Building her name off an increasing TikTok community and unique songwriting, Brooke Alexx is yet another rising star from the famous Nashville, Tennessee. Through her mix of catchy pop melodies and chilled indie-rock instrumentals, she has captured plenty of attention. With a performance at Lollapalooza and already racking up plenty of streams, 2023 is set to be a great year for Brooke Alexx.
Standout Track: All My Exes’ Moms
Bri Oglu
Location: Los Angeles
Bri Oglu has featured on the IndustryMe platform a few times now and for good reason. Since she debuted with ‘Slowly‘ back in August, she has captured our attention with her breathy vocals over spacey, sci-fi-esque production. Whether on her own music or a cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On,’ she captures the listener’s attention with her emotional lyricism. The release of Bri’s debut EP ‘Somewhere Else‘ in December gave us a taste of what’s to come and we are expecting big things in 2023.
Standout Track: Enough
Lizzie Berchie
Location: East London
Lizzie Berchie truly stands out with her soulful, dreamy vocals in the world of neo-soul. Through the recent ‘Under The Sun‘ EP, she gave us a taste of her talent, whether on her own or with guests like Kofi Stone. She is truly a unique voice and is set to take this year by storm with her honest and open songwriting.
Standout Track: Nsala
Kima Otung
Location: London
Bringing confidence and vibrancy to her music, Nigerian-born and Welsh-raised Kima Otung is bound to make waves in 2023. Having moved to London for university, she came to expand her brand and she has definitely done that. Her message of positivity and realising her own greatness has already resonated with fans and having performed in a variety of genres, she has universal appeal. With her latest track ‘New New‘ showcased during the World Cup, her music is set to hit the mainstream anytime soon.
Standout Track: New New with Soulplusmind
Indigo Marshall
Location: Birmingham
2022 was a great year for Indigo Marshall that included a sold-out headline show and performing in her home city for the Commonwealth Games. Her silky vocals whether live or on a studio recording are top-notch, providing an intimate insight into her life. She knows how to glide over R’n’B production, but also switch it up like on her cover of the garage classic ‘Flowers.’ This year is set to be a big one for Indigo Marshall, and you’ll know her name by the end of 2023.
Standout Track: Paris
piri & tommy
Location: London
Following in the footsteps of acts like PinkPantheress, the singer/producer duo of piri and tommy have made waves in the last year. Mixing sweet vocals over melodic liquid drum n bass/house production has been a winning combo for the duo. While they recently announced a split in the partnership, they are still set to release plenty of music together that is sure to make them household names in 2023
Standout Track: soft spot
Sabina Ddumba
Location: Stockholm
Having already made herself a household name in her home country of Sweden, Sabina Ddumba is sure to take the rest of the world by storm. Bringing powerful vocals from her days in a choir over a range of pop, soul, and gospel, she knows how to attack a genre head-on. Having released a couple of EPs in 2022, you can expect her 4th studio album on the way soon, and a great 2023 for this artist.
Standout Track: By Design
Sophie Faith
Location: London
2022 truly ended on a high for Sophie Faith with a sold-out headline show and the release of her new EP ‘The Right Side Of Wrong.’ Collaborations with Stormzy and Swindle on that project shows her credibility, while impeccable vocals have earned her a fanbase. The raw lyrics she displays in her music show why she is an artist to watch, with this EP a taster for things to come.
Standout Track: Something I Said
Tee Peters
Location: South-East London
Tee Peters brings a melodic rap flow and insightful lyrics to the game, with a versatility of beats making him stand out in the U.K. scene. 2022 was a very busy year for him with plenty of singles, features, and even a couple of EPs released. He knows how to pick the right feature to compliment his sound and style, which is essential to making a great song. His smooth production is just as much of an earworm as his delivery and will see him garner a wider audience in 2023.
Standout Track: Strasbourg with Mensing FT Jordan O
Rachel Chinouriri
Location: Croydon, London
While not quite breaking through the mainstream just yet, a bumper 2022 means that surely 2023 will be Rachel Chinouriri’s year. Her mixture of chill indie-pop production and catchy, soulful vocals have made her one to watch. The release of her second EP, an appearance on the COLORS platform, and being on the verge of selling out three dates in London, Hoxton Hall has marked some major milestones in her career. 2023 is set to be a huge year for this highly talented pop artist and maybe even a debut album.
Standout Track: All I Ever Asked
Zoka the Author
Location: East London
Finding much success with his ‘Flower, Girl‘ EP series in 2022, Zoka the Author is developing his own lane in rap. Mixing heartfelt singing with dulcet rapping, he has already earned acclaim from Link Up TV to BBC Radio 2. This variety of platforms shows his broad appeal which has allowed him to sell out venues like the 02 Academy Islington. With a widespread audience of musical listeners and mainstream backing, 2023 is set to be Zoka’s year.
Standout Track: Last Night
John Alone
Location: London
John Alone brings passion and a story to the table with his expressive displays of R’n’B, Afrobeats, and everything in between. His use of autotune creates a scattered effect that is equally gripping and experimental in nature. The Nigerian-born artist has been compared with the likes of Frank Ocean and has already received our seal of approval, amongst many other publications. Having teased his new record in 2022, you can expect that and plenty more from John Alone in 2023.
Standout Track: PACKSONME
Joesef
Location: Garthamlock, Glasgow
Joesef has already started 2023 off on a high with the release of his debut album ‘Permanent Damage.’ He is set to support that project with a 21-date U.K. & European tour, following his support for Rina Sawayama’s 2022 tour. His smooth and soothing vocals enhance his lyricism, which fits well with the mellow-guitar vibes. He may have been a support act in 2022, but in 2023, Joesef will be the main draw.
Standout Track: The Sun Is Up Forever
[ K S R ]
Location: Moss Side, Manchester
Following in the footsteps of other Manchester greats, [ KSR ] is a multi-faceted artist who began his musical endeavors in the Manchester United Foundation Choir. Since those beginnings, he’s made himself known through his expressive vocals that work whether through his smooth vocals or even when he raps. Collaborations with Children of Zeus to Dogger show he can fit any sort of vibe, whatever the assignment. Having only started releasing again towards the end of 2022, expect a busy 2023 from [ KSR ].
Standout Track: CGWY FT Children of Zeus
Gardna
Location: Bristol
Emerging as one of the rising stars from Bristol, Gardna is a very talented MC who knows how to ride any beat he is placed on. His ‘Time & Space‘ project had everything from chilled hip-hop to energetic drum n bass that showed his lyrical and vocal abilities. Whether going back to back with MCs like DRS or being complimented by the vocals of the likes of Eva Lazarus, Gardna stands out as someone to keep an eye on. Having now captured the attention of Radio 1 and performed at the likes of Glastonbury festival, 2023 is set to be his biggest year yet.
Standout Track: On That with DRS
Duppy
Location: Camberwell, South-East London
Grime continues to be a consistent part of U.K. culture, with Duppy one of the rising stars in this fresh wave of 140 bpm MCs. His effortless, but pacey flow fits well over the production, with quality lyrics and producer skills to match. He’s already received a co-sign from legends of the scene such as Sir Spyro and Logan Sama while performing at the iconic Eskimo Dance. Duppy brings nostalgia and freshness to the Grime scene, showing why he is one to watch in 2023.
Standout Track: Rage Mode FT Kruz Leone
Debbie
Location: South London
Emerging artist Debbie is certainly one to watch in 2023 after what was a momentous year for this newcomer. She released a series of tender ballads throughout 2022, attracting the attention of soulful R’n’B enthusiasts all over. A recent headlining moment in Debbie’s career was sure to be her involvement in the writing and recording of ‘Firebabe’- a standout track off of Stormzy’s third studio album ‘This Is What I Mean’ released last year. If her recent track record is anything to go by, 2023 is likely to be a booming year for this deserving artist.
Standout Track: Stay
Bronagh
Location: Sligo/London
Bronagh is a rising star, who is going to make waves in 2023. Following a brief hiatus, she returned to the music scene at the end of 2022 with the anthem ‘The Storm.’ The power in her voice and the emotional lyricism are on full display here, showing why she is a talent in many areas. Having defined her sound now, she is bound to take things to the next level in the coming year.
Standout Track: The Storm
AE
Location: South London
Rap duo AE is South London’s latest music duo that is on the rise. They have been in the industry for the past year grafting and making music. Ads & Els show a lot of personality in their songs which brings their own uniqueness and creativity using R’n’B, drill, and hip-hop production. These girls have so much going for them, and have been highlighted by the likes of GUAP magazine and the MOBO awards. We cannot wait for what plans they have yet to come in 2023.
Standout Track: Tell Me
Cali Rodi
Location: Los Angeles
Cali Rodi is no stranger to IndustryMe and finds herself on our ones to watch for 2023. Her mixture of alternative/indie instrumentals with pop songwriting is a killer matchup. This fits in with her varied influences from Blink-182 to Britney Spears. Now finding herself in the revived sound of pop-punk, the recent single ‘Conspiracy Theory‘ has all the heartbreak lyricism and guitar energy you would expect from that genre. Starting the year off strong, you can expect a standout year from Cali Rodi.
Standout Track: Conspiracy Theory