Ahead of the Curve: The Sounds of 2010

With 2009 leaving us in just a couple of hours, it's time to look towards the future. Now, the 2000's brought us a huge mix bag in terms of music: teen pop, rap, hip-hop, indie pop, pop with a touch of the '80s, pop with a touch of rave, M.I.A., Lady GaGa, and of course Britney Spears. Now with a new decade ahead of us, we have another 10 years of music to look forward to. A lot of new music from old favorites and a lot of debuts. So in that vein I'm going to present to you guys some people who will be making a huge roar in music next year. Some will be huge mainstream and some will be huge critically. As the pop connoisseur that I am, this is mainly pertaining to pop artists. So without further ado, here's Eddie's Sounds of 2010:

Marina & the Diamonds

Now if you read Perez Hilton's blog (shame on you) then you probably know about this fine lady right here. This Greek beauty from Wales packs quite a punch with her savvy-written ballads and up-tempo songs. Sometimes she utilizes a plain keyboard and other time she employs an arsenal of golden pop weaponry (synths, drum machines, the works). Up until now she's released a single EP ("The Crown Jewels EP") which I must say is a good indication of her sound. She recently released her first single off of her debut album ("The Family Jewels") entitled "Hollywood". To be honest I was mildly interested in her because I liked her previous singles "Obsessions" and "I'm Not A Robot", but "Hollywood" has gotten me very excited. The chorus is infectious and she looks absolutely lovely in the video. I'm excited to listen to her debut and see what else she has up her sleeves.
Check out the video for "Hollywood".

Ke$ha

Unless you live under a rock, you've probably heard her debut single "TiK ToK" (in it's second week in the #1 spot on the Hot 100). When it comes to new mainstream pop acts, Ke$ha should be one to watch. She's at the point where she can either be a one-hit wonder or have a more legitimate career. I will confess I'm not too crazy about her image (the drunken slut who pees in sinks) but her music is ace. I have also gotten a chance to hear the debut album, and what a debut it is! It is full of surprises and if you enjoy pop with a touch of electronica as much as I do then I think you'll thoroughly enjoy it as well. I'll leave you with her current smash "TiK ToK" (I'm sure you lot will be dancing to this tonight).



The Sound of Arrows
This duo is a personal favorite of mine. They are mainly under the radar but I expect them to do big things, at least in the indie pop world (yes there is such a thing). They have only released two singles, two utterly ORGASMIC singles. If you have a thing for MGMT you might like this duo. The icing on the cake? They're also graphic designers. So not only do they make their make own but they also make their own covers and music videos. Like this gorgeous video for their fantastical song "Into the Clouds".

The Sound of Arrows - Into the Clouds (Music video) from The Sound of Arrows on Vimeo.

Ellie Goulding

This is my gem of 2010 right here. I've posted about Ellie on this blog a while ago but she's looking to be a hit next year. Since my last post she's released her first proper EP ("Under the Sheets"), made BBC's list of top acts to watch for next year (The Sounds of 2010), and has won the Critic's Choice Award for the Brit Awards. Her debut album is expected to be released in the next couple of months (1st quarter to be exact). I absolutely love this girl. She writes extremely clever lyrics, and successfully infuses acoustic music with electronica. She has coined her music as "electro-acoustic" and I could not agree more. She is also working with Frankmusik's buddy Starsmith on the album and it's sure to be quite the treat. Here's her video for "Under the Sheets".

Ellie Goulding, "Under The Sheets" from Neon Gold Records on Vimeo.

Another treat, here's my Producers list for 2010:
Diplo
Now Diplo is a pretty well-known producer. He's produced records for M.I.A., Santigold, Amanda Blank, and just released an album with DJ friend Switch last year (Major Lazer - one of my fave albums of the past year). Diplo is going to hit it BIG in 2010! He's on board to produce a lot of bigger records and is on a lot of A&R's radars when it comes to their established artists. He's already recorded with Robyn on her new album and who knows who else he has up his sleeve. I absolutely adore his production styles and I can't wait to see what the new year has in store for him.


Starsmith
I feel the same way about Starsmith as I feel about Frankmusik (well almost). Both of them are sort of buddies, with Starsmith naming Frankmusik one of his big influences in his style of remixing and his sound in general. He is the main collaborator on Ellie Goulding's debut album (they actually call themselves Goldsmith). He has also produced a lot of my favorite mixes of the year, such as the "I Am A Robot" remix. He recently tweeted that he is working on his first album and I'm very excited to hear it.

Finally my list of anticipated albums of the new year:

Marina & the Diamonds - The Family Jewels
Ke$ha - Animal
Ellie Goulding - TBA (not the title)
Frankmusik - Follow the Leader
His debut album ranks as one of the best debuts of the decade for me. His follow-up should be as equally amazing, if not more. The clip of the new song on YouTube is enough to convince me.
Nelly Furtado - TBA
Her Spanish album made my Top 10 of '09 album list and her english one will for sure be included in my 2010 list. She's teamed up with Timbaland and Ryan Tedder, to name a few. It's due out in May and I can't wait to jam to it. Although I do hope it goes more in the direction of her older work.
Christina Aguilera - TBA
I'm very interested in Christina's new album. She went completely crazy and went out and got Sia, M.I.A., Santigold, DJ Switch, and more to work on the new album. It should be interesting. She's tried electro and I didn't really like it.
Lady GaGa - TBA
Lady GaGa is expected to release her 3rd studio album next year and I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited for it.
Madonna - TBA
It's the Queen of Pop, come on.
Robyn - TBA
This spunky Swede has a hold on my heart and with Diplo on board, how could it go wrong?
Dangerous Muse - TBA
Dangerous Muse's debut album is FINALLY expected to drop next year. It is a highly anticipated debut, and with some tracks by B&A I have a feeling I'll be spinning it for a while.
Major Lazer - TBA
I'm ready for some more Dancehall-electro-rave music from Switch & Diplo
M.I.A. - TBA
It's been far too long since we've had M.I.A. grace our earbuds, so it's about damn time!
Kylie Minogue - TBA
This pop goddess always makes my heart a flutter. Kylie will be releasing her 11th studio album next year and promises to make it an seductive pop affair.
and last but definitely not least
Britney Spears - TBA
The Princess of Pop is coming back with her 7th studio album and I couldn't be any happier! She's going to bring it like no other, plus some of the rumoured producers are making me giddy.

There you have it guys! My "Sounds of 2010" list. Hope you enjoy it and check out the recommendations. ;)
Till next year!
xoxo