We enjoy to keep you updated on relevant artists here, remind you why some bands are worth to keep an eye on and introduce you to the ones you haven’t got around to yet. So, I am pleased to set some more focus on 3 upcoming bands and artists to follow with that in mind. 3 acts, 3 styles, 3 countries. The Greta Van Fleet boys don’t need much introduction anymore. They have not only conquered many music conversations in the states, but become a rock band that now most people know and hope to watch live internationally. Is there something to the talk? – Definitely. Next is Findlay from the UK. An alternative pop and indie rock artists that keeps bringing us incredible tunes on her way up. You have probably heard some of her music on the radio before, and it’s time to check out her music now if you haven’t kept an eye on it lately. While the pop performer Soleima have started to catch some attention in Denmark as well with a smooth sound and ton of charm. I met up with all 3 acts as they were performing at the Danish festival Northside earlier on this year and got around to take some festive portraits to celebrate them and their work this year. Follow along here to see the fun portraits from when we met up, and have a read about what makes these artists and bands some must listen to acts at the moment.
Greta Van Fleet. US.
Greta Van Fleet is a name that have appeared all over music sites, radio shows and festival posters this year. What is it all about? Well, first off they got a singer with some impressive screams and characteristic sound. Then you got a band with some great musical abilities. Added with special sense for quality lyrics, well-build melodies, and attitude to the play. Taking inspirations from rock’n’roll legends, hard rock, blues rock, jazz, folk and World music, but ending up with their own approach to rock. Not forgetting to mention their strong presence. Filling out the stages and rooms they enter with a great atmosphere. Keeping a positive spirit there and place for smiles. Dressed in fine decorated clothings with a vintage touch in form of headbands, vests, windy shirts, floral patterns and multi-color fabrics to match the music.
Greta Van Fleet was already formed by the three Kiszka brothers Josh, Jake and Sam around 2012. Then joined by Danny Wagner as new drummer in 2013. The young band from Michigan have worked their way up with live performances along the way. It was the release of the EP Black Smoke Rising in 2017 that seemed to put some well-deserved international recognition to their work. This is where they really toke off. To a point where the album Anthem Of The Peacefull Army has been one of the most awaited and talked about albums out there in 2018. An overwhelming curiosity from new listeners and endless love from dedicated fans have made sure that this band got top festival appearances and sold out arena shows ahead of them from this point. They seem to be busy on the road at the moment with completely sold out shows in the US over December and January. Then a full line of shows in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, UK, South America and back to Europe for the Summer festivals.
We did discuss being audience at shows and watching music live at festivals, when I met them in Denmark. Stay tuned if you would like to know what that easy going chat was all about as will be up at Music, Why Not! soon. They were very happy to talk about their take on live music and celebrate it with the heavy load of colorful streamers I had along with me. Which you can see in the portrait we got above here. These guys are not only highly talented musicians, but know exactly what they want with music, and know how to honour it the right way.
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Findlay. UK.
You should also check out what Findlay has been up to. Here we got an artist that is determined to bring some clever lyrics, powerful voice, catchy beats and sweet tunes to her work. More and more people seem to turn their heads towards this promising alternative pop and indie act as I write here.
Behind the artist name is Natalie Rose Findlay from the UK. She released an EP called Electric Bones back in 2015, and returned with her debutalbum Forgotten Pleasures in 2017 with the fantastic song Monomania (Nobody loves you like I love you) as lead single. You should check out the full record though, as it keeps bringing one lovely track after the other.
An album where she collaborated Carl Barat from The Libertines among top names in the music business, and earned fine attention plus support slots from other prominent musicians. The new material has brought her more international gigs around Europe and the states for 2018. When I met her for portraits in Denmark earlier on this year she introduced both herself plus the three members that completes her band. That is Jules Apollinaire on several instruments, Ben Simon on guitar, and Cristina Lamas for drums. Not only do they join in on a rich sound, but deliver the music with such a nice wit and fun as you can see in the portrait we got. Gotta share some love for this band.
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Soleima. DK.
There are also some interesting acts coming from Denmark now and then. Whether you look for pop, rock or punk. Soleima is one them. Behind that project is Sarah Mariegaard. A sparkling mood mixed with kawaii sweetness shined through the portrait we got with her in Denmark.
The upcoming artist does make sure to bring smooth R’n’B and a fresh pop vibes to her material. She released the album No. 14 in 2017 and followed it up with the EP Bulldog in the start of 2018. Something that has catch the attention of fellow Danish artist MØ as well. Soleima has in fact just been supporting MØ at her homecoming show in Copenhagen for December.
Photos and text by Jules Faurschou, @twohundredtigersphotos | Exclusively for @Music, Why Not!
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