JACOB BANKS

By Ariana Marsh and Interscope Records

Born in Nigeria and based in England, 25-year-old singer/songwriter Jacob Banks creates soul music that’s uncompromisingly honest but thrillingly cinematic. A self-taught musician who began singing, playing guitar, and writing songs at the age of 20, Banks got his start at open mic nights around Birmingham in 2011 and quickly won major attention for his commanding vocal presence and daringly intimate songwriting. In early 2013 he released his powerful debut EP The Monologue, earning feverish acclaim that soon saw him supporting such artists as Emeli Sandé and Alicia Keys on tour.

Although 24-year-old Jacob Banks recorded his first EP in 2012, his signing with Interscope Records in September is a clear sign that 2017 is set to be the year he gets big. After releasing his debut EP, which featured his first successful track, “Worthy,” Jacob was tapped to provide vocals on tracks for Wretch 32 and Chase & Status, before releasing his sophomore EP, The Paradox, in 2015. The British singer-songwriter has a voice that is unparalleled, and his new song with Seeb, “What Do You Love,” perfectly showcases his exceptional chops. We’re dying to know when he’ll be releasing a full-length album. It’s going to be huge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: http://www.teenvogue.com/story/13-artists-to-watch-in-2017

Source: https://www.interscope.com/artists/jacob-banks

Video: www.youtube.com

Photo: http://djbooth.net/artists/jacob-banks

LAUREL

By Ariana Marsh

The definition of a self-made artist, London-based singer/songwriter Laurel Arnell-Cullen first came onto the scene in 2013 when she uploaded a demo for her song, “Blue Blood,” which she wrote, recorded, and produced in her bedroom studio. After sharing an additional two tracks online, the 22-year-old signed with Turn First Artists and released two EPs, To The Hills and Holy Water, in 2014 on her own record label, Next Time Records. In early 2016, she released a single, “Life Worth Living,” which signaled a notable shift in her sound. Unlike her previous dreamy synth work, the song features a strong indie rock influence, rendering her genre more alt-pop than anything else. Having signed to Counter Records last August and released another EP, Park, which features her buzzy single, “Hurricane,” Laurel is on the fast track to becoming a genre-bending darling du jour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: http://www.teenvogue.com/story/13-artists-to-watch-in-2017

Video: www.youtube.com

Photo: http://artsurfermag.com/kick-ass-creator/laurel-holy-water-ep/