#ThePurpleList: Our 2024 Artists and Their New Music
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Contributors: Santiago Abad, Esme Watson, Kloe Paton, Peter Wellman, and Thomas Atkinson
We’re more than halfway through the year, so it is time to look back and even a bit forward. Having picked our choices for the Purple List at the start of 2024, the writers have analysed their years so far. Some have released entire projects, while others are gearing up to release their first single, but all have been productive and made their mark.
The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party has taken over the music world, playing all over the globe at the biggest festivals. This band has truly shown their stardom. Also, by releasing one of the best debut albums of 2024, the group showed incredible capability in the studio. I fell in love with songs like the hedonistic ‘Nothing Matters‘, the seductive and guitar-heavy ‘My Lady of Mercy‘, and the playful ‘Caesar on a TV Screen‘.
This 5-piece has shown they are creative, entertaining, fun, and energetic. They proved that the hype was real and we can’t wait to see how their music and style evolve over the years. They started in the pub circuit and have ended up in the biggest festivals in the world, and I can only imagine what they´ll bring next.
The Warning
The Warning has had a bangin’ and rockin’ 2024. They released one of the best and heaviest rock albums of the years, with nothing held back. ‘Keep Me Fed‘ exceeded my expectations in every way. The storytelling, the production, the writing, and the absolute fierceness of the record made me feel like rock isn’t dead after all. The songs are harder, and more mature, with riffs that stay in your head all day long.
The guitar tone in ‘Apologize‘ combined with the visceral vocals will make you headbang as hard as you ever will. ‘Six Feet Deep‘ starts with one of the most addictive riffs, letting you know that this is a hard record. Finally, ‘S!CK‘ brings a fantastic energy to the record, the lyrics as raw as the rest of the album, but “Bleeding just to feel alive,” stayed with me. The Warning has also been touring around the world and will be back in the UK in April of next year.
Margaritas Podridas
Margaritas Podridas have kept their sounds with the release of two fast-paced punk/grunge songs. ‘Agujas‘ and ‘Tornillo‘ are fast-paced, raw, and intense. Just what a punk record requires. The use of the Spanish language in punk music has an extra layer for me as a Mexican who has always adored the punk movement.
The screaming vocals surrounding the violent guitar and drums in the song ‘Agujas‘ reminds me of the ‘In Utero‘ days of Nirvana in songs such as ‘Milk It‘. ‘Tornillo‘ brings me back to Sonic Youth and Kim Gordon’s nonchalant vocals. Although the influences of the 90’s grunge are evident, Margaritas Podridas have their sound and the lyrics are as entertaining and nihilistic as you would expect. Based on their Instagram stories, they are back in the studio and just finishing a North American tour.
Ezra Williams
Irish artist Ezra Williams released a beautiful four-track EP in 2024 named ‘Socks‘. Their style of music is hypnotizing, from the use of effects to Ezra’s vocals. The tracks bring alongside them feelings of longing and nostalgia. The use of reverb and spatial effects gave me a sense of floating in space. The guitars and all the effects surrounding them give it the shoegaze touch that the tracks have.
The EP took me through a rollercoaster of emotions. Particularly, ‘Quick Fix‘ which made me want to dance, and ‘Die‘ which made me emotional. Additionally, it made me think of living away from home in ‘Home Now‘. The softness of Ezra’s voice feels soothing and beautiful, and I really enjoyed their work on this album. They recently played at the Sound House Summer Series in Dublin so hopefully, they’ll soon come to Britain.
Bklava
Bklava is a London-based artist who has great ability in genre-blending, as well as singing while DJing. Her versatility in performance is quite interesting as she uploads videos of singing while operating different types of equipment, from keyboards to controllers. In 2024, she released an album named ‘c u l8r‘. It’s a fun and upbeat LP that could be played from start to finish at a club at 1 in the morning.
The album doesn’t really have a genre, it jumps around through them. Some of my favourite tracks from it such as ‘all around me‘, ‘right round‘, and ‘my fave‘ are quite different. Comparatively, ‘all around me‘ is more classic house music, ‘right round‘ goes more the drum ‘n’ bass way, and ‘my fave‘ moves toward bass house and pop music. The project is great fun and it includes collabs with the likes of MJ Cole, Frizz Price, Big Ang, bullet tooth, and Soul Mass Transit System. Bklava will be playing The Lower Third in London on October 9th and I recommend you don’t miss it.
Äyanna
Äyanna is a London-based artist who has influences ranging from R&B, pop, and gospel. In 2024 she has released two singles. Firstly, one is a re-interpretation of the beloved song ‘Is This Love‘ by Bob Marley. She sings this song beautifully, with stripped-back instrumentation. Correspondingly, using a piano and subtle drums to elevate the powerful vocals.
‘Boys Like U‘ on the other hand, has more hype and more of a pop feel. The single has three versions: The original, a sped-up version labeled ‘Streets‘ and a slowed-down version labeled ‘Suburbs‘. The beat is fun and catchy, while the lyrics are brutal: “Boys like u ruin girls like me,”. Such a good diss track for whoever it’s aimed at.
Äyanna can seamlessly move from genre to genre and has a versatility that elevates her as a musician and as a performer.
Cassyette
Described as a breath of fresh air in the punk world, Cassyette has continued to showcase her talent since her first single ‘Jean’ in 2019. So far this year, the knockout artist has released an EP titled ‘Four Leaf Clover’, which consists of a series of singles she continued to tease over the start of the year.
Additionally, a highlight of the project is ‘Why Am I Like This?’, a collection of heavy beats and distorted vocals, Cassyette encapsulates everything true to punk while adding her own twist. While on the topic of hot new styles, this EP houses 5 tracks that will be featured on her brand-new album ‘This World F*****g Sucks’ which is set to be released on August 23rd. Altogether, there is no doubt that this album may rival her previous work.
Ria Barkr
The musical prodigy Ria Barkr has made a name for herself, speaking openly about mental health and sexual empowerment. Following her ‘Alpha She’ EP in 2023, where she gave the world a taste of her R&B talents and unique voice, she can be found performing in the aisles of big supermarkets. Furthermore, starting the ‘Where’s Ria?’ series off in June, Ria is doing what would be any introvert’s worst nightmare. However, this has captured the interest of the internet.
As a result of showcasing her talents in Whole Foods, it has proven her ability to create a show with her growing talents even in the weirdest of places.
Jules Paymer
Capturing listeners with powerful poppy tracks that tell the real queer stories, Jules Paymer is a rising star who stays candid and says the things some people may be afraid to say. Since the release of their EP ‘Girls Will Be Boys’, filled to the brim with incredibly clever lyric play and brutally honest tales, this style is carrying over to their latest tracks.
This year has seen the release of the Halsey-esque single ‘DRUGS’ and the raw revenge on ‘I Kinda Get Why You Cheated On Me’. With both tracks in mind, these releases could hopefully lead to a whole new project. Even so, Jules confirmed via Instagram that they’re “Scheming”.
Laughta
Laughta is an artist who has been on many people’s radars. After the release of ‘Belail’ at the beginning of this year, she had been leading up to a whole new project. Similarly, teasing two more singles with ‘Rooh’ and ‘Al Layla’ she has continued to share talent on her tracks with artists like A.G Nimeri. Additionally, these sensational tunes find a home on her latest album, ‘Layali’. As a result of its release in May, listeners have continued to show love to this MC and her ability to rhyme all while honouring her Lebanese roots.
Ibeyi
These incredibly talented twins create an atmosphere like no other, with their complimenting harmonies and the way they allow different languages to flow together. Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé have a unique take on all the styles they dip their feet into, something so refreshing in the music scene. Particularly their album ’Spell 31’ houses some of the twin’s best work. As well as showcasing some of their incredible collaborations like ‘Lavender & Red Roses’ with Jorja Smith (a standout track on our 2024 Purple List.)
However, since then there has not been much musical movement, until March this year when the two excellent artists joined forces with Waxx to release a flawless cover of ‘Jardin d’hiver’ by Henri Salvador. We’re hoping a new project could be underway.
corner club
corner club has continued to prove its place in the indie world, with an unmatched ability to capture childlike wonder that intertwines with the universal experiences of growing up. Since the release of their wonderfully conversational ‘in the rearview mirror’ last year, they have wasted no time in bringing us new music. In January, the two best friends released the single ‘cattails’, with Savannah’s familiar storytelling and Mike’s trusted guitar solos carrying listeners through the tune. Meanwhile, they have started a ‘day in the life – indie music duo’ series where we see them playing around with new tracks.
SPL Daddy
Afro-Highlife artist SPL Daddy swaggered into 2024 with the laid-back single ‘CONFIDENT‘. This is a humblebrag record, a relaxed feel-good flex. Furthermore, this artist is proving his star potential this year with some effortlessly brilliant live performances. His recent live version of the Dan Drizzy ‘10k Girls Remix‘ was a stand-out on the Ghanaian 1Life Network – racking up lots of views and praise.
BINA.
All-round creative BINA. has been in her movie bag – scoring short films. However, when she’s not doing this she’s providing stellar vocals on a mammoth feature run. This year alone she’s tapped into a jazzy sound on ‘simple things‘ by jido and paired up with DEELA on a fun R&B clapback single called ‘Shady‘. However, today she has finally dropped her first solo single of the year with ‘Self Assured‘, so expect more new music.
Tahn Solo
This London-based musician has elevated his classic R&B hypnotic sound. Earlier this year, he released ‘Closer‘ a single dedicated to the intoxication of an elusive love. This single housed two other songs – my personal favourite being ‘Love, Crafts Countries‘ – a reminder that everything will be OK even amidst dark times. Most recently, his single ‘Come Alive‘ is a moody, sexy, hypnotic track with serious replay value. R&B purists, this one is for you.
916
916 has had a great year so far. Frequent collaborator Nayyah dropped an EP, ‘Pulling Strings‘, that has her across the entirety of the project. With a super-sweet voice that gives a throwback to 00’s energy, fans of Kehlani will appreciate this songstress.
My personal favourite from the EP is ‘Crazy‘, a cathartic revenge record where she brings the drama. In a similar vein, her single ‘I Spy‘ with Nikz is racking up streams. It plays like the perfect girls’ night out jam, exuding unparalleled feminine confidence. “This boy’s got me tripping,” she says in disbelief on the record.
Anz
Electronic music powerhouse Anz has been booked and busy in 2024. From running her own shows on radio stations to going to Australia on tour, she is setting clubs ablaze worldwide. Still riding the wave from her 2023 single ‘Clearly Rushing‘, the Mancunian is building a solid fanbase. We can’t wait to hear what more music Anz has in store for us this year!
DJ Lag
The South African gqom superstar mixes in an Amapiano sound in his new album ‘THE REBELLION‘. It’s a hyper-experimental, high-energy project with a bunch of great features. The production is incredible, housing sounds you won’t hear anywhere else. I am currently completely addicted to the experimental sounds of ‘Yebo‘ featuring Thobeka. Honourable mention to ‘Oke Oke‘ with Jazz Alonso too – a supremely addictive summer anthem.
DJ Lag dropped his hot single ‘Hade Boss‘ this year to the delight of fans. However, it is the remix – ‘Hade Boss (Re-Up)’ that’s the star of the show. It brings together an Amapiano collective so diverse and larger than life that it will set the club alight.
Nanette
It’s been quite a year for Nanette, releasing her sophomore project ‘The Waiting Room‘. The South African singer and songwriter has pulled out a new trap and R’n’B fusion. It’s reminiscent of old-school R’n’B but with impeccable modern beats. The standout track has to be ‘Call You‘ with LuuDaDeejay and Major League Djz (featuring Zwayetoven) which is, honestly, a strange but standout track from the album.
To start with it’s 9 minutes long, with a long rhythmic intro that builds slowly on itself with synths, the drum beat, and a tiny bell whose constant driving ring guides you into a melodic R’n’B mix that would be unplayable on the radio. But then so was ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘. Truly worth checking out.
BIM
Since our interview with BIM, she has continued to push towards a multi-genre style in her latest song ‘Superblue‘. It’s a kaleidoscopic track but is balanced without feeling muddy. A trap-inspired beat with plenty of high-hats but with heavenly vocals, this a proper love song. It looks like she is not slowing down in the slightest with ‘Late Night Early Morning‘ out tomorrow.
Mariam Davina
It is interesting when you listen to a voice, you can tell where someone started singing. With the prevalence of bedroom pop, there has been a trend toward singers with breathy and close vocals that do not intrude. It’s as if they do not want to wake the neighbors.
Mariam Davina learned to sing in church. With a voice that can bounce you off the back wall, she is an incredibly skilled vocalist, with each phrase is perfectly pitched and placed. Her EP ‘Reintroduction‘ is full of these gorgeous little phrases that hark back to early Destiny’s Child. ‘Because Of You‘ feels old and new; R’n’B and soul groove straight out of 2003.
Alexandros Sarafis
A master of flow, whether it is English or Greek, Alexandros Sarafis is a man of many talents. This year he’s released two songs himself. His latest song ‘Mojao‘ (slang for someone who is new to a country) brings together so many elements. It’s a blend of sounds from what sounds like hand drums to 808s over rhythmic and toe-tapping lyrics and featuring EL KLAN and Kewin Cosmos.
p-rallel
One of the most underrated makers of rave music on the London scene, p-rallel is an incredible producer and DJ. While not releasing that much this year (but you should honestly treat yourself and go and listen to ‘Movement‘) he has featured on the song ‘Player‘ from GEE LEE, which he helped produce. He’s been mainly DJing and playing sold-out shows all around London. This is an artist who is just the secret recipe to good music. If he’s on it, it is worth your time.
Janna Jamison
The 2000’s are calling once again and this time they wear pink. Janna Jamison is a fascinating pop star making music that has the lifeblood of Avril Lavigne but with that raw, passionate quality of Olivia Rodrigo. However, as the bard once said, “As any, she belied by false compare,”. Janna brings raw rock with fun light vocals to her music backed up by a regular wall of sound guitar sections. Personally, the bridge within ‘Missing U‘ might be one of the best things that I have heard all year. She’s releasing a series of tracks this year, maybe gearing up for an EP or album, and that’s something to be excited about.
Say Now
This trio has been yet another story of girl groups taking over in the R’n’B/pop space. They bring confidence in their delivery and harmonise on an expert level, showing their togetherness. While they have only released a couple of songs so far in 2024, they are certainly good ones. ‘B***h Get Out My Car‘ is a fun and catchy anthem that shows all the groups’ strengths in one track. They have also been busy including supporting the iconic Kylie Minogue at Hyde Park. With their next track ‘Trouble‘ sounding like a banger, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.
Kruz Leone
This fast-flowing MC is certainly taking advantage of the latest grime wave and has been busy this year. From his diss tracks with Jaykae to featuring on Preditah’s remix of his classic instrumental ‘Circles‘, he has certainly fit the mold of someone from the scene. His freestyles on Red Bull and platforms like TRAVS show his hunger to get on the mic. He’s recently dropped the Deft remix of ‘Ready And Live‘, and we can’t wait to see him shell down some shows soon.
GeeJay
This duo has made a big splash on their return to the music scene, including the release of their debut LP. The album is full of soulful vocals, smooth jazzy instruments, and positive, yet thought-provoking lyrics. These two know each other inside and out, with this project more than ever capturing that synergy. I particularly love the project’s opener, ‘Be Brave‘ which is poignant in its message and the soundscape. They are set to tour Europe in the Autumn while playing London’s The Jazz Cafe on the 15th of November. If you want a truly special and powerful music experience, press play on GeeJay.
Jade Leanne
One of London’s rising R’n’B songstresses has continued to make music, whilst making an impression with her dance classes. We may have only been treated to one new track in the form of ‘My Love‘, but this acoustic number has soulful vocals and sounds delightful. She’s even took her dancing talents to the video for Aaron Anderson’s ‘Way 2‘. Her performance at Young and Talented shows an artist willing to give back, but her 2024 ain’t stopping anytime soon.
Melica
We may not have any new music thus far, but Melica has certainly been busy. From vlogging at Wireless to recording in the studio, she has been using her time to build her brand. She also performed at Ellen’s Bar at KOKO, so has been testing her vocals for the future. This talented artist is due a release soon, and I’m sure it will be worth the wait.
Octo Octa
This multi-genre DJ and producer has had a BUSY 2024. They’ve been touring all over the world from Amsterdam to Manchester; Detroit to Ibiza. Whether alone or with their current b2b partner Eris Drew, they know how to get the crowd going. The year has so far only provided the ‘Dazed These Days Dub‘ of Frank & Tony’s ‘By The End They Will‘. It’s very chilled and minimal beat has you bobbing your head and giving a little groove. Expect this artist to be killing it for the rest of the year, including recently at Boomtown.
You can read the Purple List in full here. Find out what our Purple List artists are getting up to here and watch their interviews on YouTube.
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