LANA DEL REYWho: The glamorously haunting and complex artist has emerged as one of America's great songwriters.Sounds like: A washed-out photo of 1950s Hollywood glamour that imparts ghostly nostalgia and hazy melancholy.Why we're excited: 2019's stunning NFR was one of that year's best albums. Lana Del Rey conjures a mood of contemporary angst, combined with beguiling vocals and elegantly moody soundscapes for an album to wallow in. When: Chemtrails over the Country Club is out now.
TEEKSWho: Soulful Maori singer-songwriter whose emotion-packed, incredibly moving songs will soon conquer the world.Sounds like: Feelings. All of the feelings.Why we're excited: Teeks' introduction, the brilliant The Grapefruit Skies EP, stunned Aotearoa in 2017. It's been a long wait for his debut album. When: Something to Feel is out now.
LAKE STREET DIVEWho: Supremely talented, multi-genre Boston five-piece led by the superb voice of jazz and blues singer Rachael Price.Sounds like: Amy Winehouse or Adele fronting a Motown band inspired by 60s/70s pop-rock and the sweet twang of country-folk.Why we're excited: Early singles showcased the band's effortless ability to switch from uplifting party-soul to classic 70s soul-rock right through to raw, emotionally charged, bluesy ballads without skipping a beat. When: Their third album, Obviously, is out March 12.
PICKLE DARLINGWho: Otautahi's purveyor of off-kilter and inventive lo-fi pop.Sounds like: The sort of sunny pop music The Beach Boys' musical genius Brian Wilson would have made if he recorded by himself in his bedroom instead of a top-of-the-line recording studio.Why we're excited: Because the world needs more quirk in it. Forget your worries and take off into the happily madcap world of Pickle Darling's lo-fi pop. When: New album Cosmonaut blasts off on May 21.
MCKWho: Auckland artist with an R&B flavour and slinky pop tunes.Sounds like: Slick and catchy radio-ready songs anchored by low-end boom, head-nodding grooves and MCK's musings on love and life.Why we're excited: Having previously worked with Djeisan Suskov from Leisure on her new EP, MCK joined forces with producer/musician Wells* to craft a sultry batch of catchy pop bangers that you will absolutely want to boom. When: MCK's Hot Sounds EP is out now.
– Originally published in Viva Magazine – Volume Three
