NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ By MBC - Class of 2009) - Here are four up and coming acts to look out for in the New Year...
Karima Francis
21 year-old singer-songwriter Karima Francis is undoubtedly one of 2009's most exciting prospects. Her incredible songs have earned comparisons with Joan Armatrading, Tracey Chapman and even Jeff Buckley, while BBC online have already described her voice as 'amazing...even if she sang the phone book, we'd be excited'.
Born in Blackpool and now Manchester-based, Karima previews forthcoming debut album 'The Author' (due March 2009) with a limited edition 7" and digital download single 'Chasing The Morning Light', released on Kitchenware. Catch Karima at her final Enterprise acoustic date (December 8th) or at one of 18 New Year UK tour dates.
Delta Spirit
After opening sold out shows for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids and Dr. Dog, hotly-tipped California five-piece Delta Spirit have earned a reputation as one of America's most exciting new bands.
Debut album 'Ode To Sunshine', an infectious mix of old school best-of-British (The Kinks, The Beatles) and new school Americana, has gained some fantastic US reviews, with the Boston Globe describing them as 'Better than any young band in recent memory'.
Debut single 'Trashcan' is released January 19th, 2009, with acclaimed album 'Ode To Sunshine' out March 23rd on Rounder Records. The band will also record a Radio 1 'In New Music We Trust' session for Steve Lamacq to be broadcast January 19th. The band play their first UK dates in the New Year.
Jersey Budd
24-year old singer, songwriter and guitarist Jersey Budd was recently tipped as one to watch in Observer Music Monthly, who said: 'There are few former plumbers from Leicester whose blue-collar rock recalls the Boss. But then Jersey Budd is a truly singular talent.' Absolute Radio are also big fans - he plays live on air this Friday (5th December) after hetting great support for previous single 'She Came Back'.
He's already supported Kasabian, The Rifles and John Martyn over a frenetic year of touring, and plays alongside Starsailor (Manchester MOHO, December 18th) and Pete Doherty (London Rhythm Factory, December 20th) at two pre-Christmas dates.
New single 'Visions Of You' is out February 9th, 2009, a week before debut album 'Wonderlands' is released on Bandstocks / This Feeling. News of a UK headline tour and another great support slot to follow next week...
Vagabond
International four-piece Vagabond are a most welcome addition to 2009's musical calendar. With a soul-tinged, pop/rock sound like no-one else around, the band have recorded their forthcoming debut album under the guidance of Xenomania's Brian Higgins, and are the first band signed to the newly-revived Geffen label.
Debut single 'Sweat (Until The Morning)' (released in the spring) provides a fantastic first taste of Vagabond, matching lead singer Alex Vargas' deep, soulful croon with an irresistible Sly Stone groove.
The group's debut album will be released summer 2009. Expect news of a first full UK tour in the New Year.
