What’s happening! Each month I share 5 artists with less than five thousand Instagram followers I want you to listen to.
After a crazy year of no shows and live events it’s been hard for artist to break through. But the talent is definitely out there, so here are some of the people I’m listening to in October.
GRAMN
IG: @thisisgramn 700 (October, 2020)
If you’ve been following my socials you’ll know how much of a fan I am of Gramn! The sweet spot where alt RnB meets UK and future beats sounds is where you’ll find Hackney’s rising star. Already supported by the likes of Jamz Supernova, Rebecca Judd and key selectors across the national and community radio circuit, Gramn is 100% a lady you want to know right now.
Although her debut EP got everyone talking, it was her song “Kitchen” that grabbed me. I love when music sounds fresh, fun and quality all at the same time. The video is also one of my favourites I’ve watched in a long time. And Gramn to your playlist now!
My favourite: Kitchen
Also check: MEDIUMN EP
A–MVN
IG: @artist_amvn 4k (October, 2020)
Keeping it in East London, meet A-MVN (pronounced A-Man). From gaining fans through Instagram freestyles, this year the Hackney based artist dropped a track that got everyone talking. Showing his melodies and cheeky word play on “Amy”, the radio and playlist support quickly came in.
Holding his own on a 4Play production, you’ll find A-MVN around some familiar faces in the music video too (NSG, Keeya Keys). With interests in Hip Hop, R&B, Soul and Afrobeats, the future is looking very bright for the rapper.
My favourite: Amy
Also check: Bacc Seat
DEXTER
IG: @dexterinthenewsagent 1.1k (October, 2020)
I’m a big fan of a guitar and vocal, so when I heard this for the first time, my ears definitely picked up. Dexter is the name, and with just a glimpse of her talent I’m extremely interested! You know I like to tell you where artists are from and a little bit about their journey but we actually do not have a lot of info on Dexter! At this point, I think that only adds to the story.
I find myself playing her song “Same Way” over and over again. Very raw and stripped back but still captivating. For an emerging artist you can find Dexter in a lot of your chilled-out playlists and I’m very excited to see what happens next.
My favourite: Same Way
Also check: In The Dark
LOS
IG: @biglos_1 3.8k (October, 2020)
When it comes to UK Rap and wavy sounds you should definitely keep LOS in mind. 2020 has been a very healthy year for the scene and we have also been blessed with talented artists like LOS coming through. This year LOS was one of my first play featured artist, and he has gone from strength to strength.
Though inspired by sounds similar to Lil Baby and Gunna, LOS has a special grit and clarity to his flow. His smooth raps sit well over trap style beats and he’s an artist with many levels and layers.
My favourite: Made Me
Also check: Five
EMIL
IG: @emil_kla 2.3k (October, 2020)
If you appreciate music then you will love Emil and his debut project “Ambrosia”. A multi-instrumentalist inspired by the sounds of Kaytranda, Soulection and K.dot, Emil perfectly ties the project together with his soulfilled and jazzy tones, bringing together a range of artist. I’ve had this EP on repeat for a little while now and if you close your eyes it legit feels like you’re taken into a different world!
Hailing from South East London, Emil creates universal music both complementing and elevating the artists he works with. If you’ve got a spare 20 minutes, take in “Ambrosia” properly.
My favourite: BTD
Also check: Ambrosia EP
