It was Oceaán, We Are Shining, Ibeyi, Shura, Yumi Zouma, GL, Nao, JUCE!, Zhala and Shamir this time last year when I was cherry-picking the most breakthrough new acts in 2014. I was delighted to see many of them continuing to impress artistically this year. Here are the most interesting newcomers I was lucky to discover throughout 2015, I really wanted to feature Laura Groves, Azekel, Mahaut Mondino and Royce Wood Junior as well but had to stick to the artists who have actually released their debut material this year.
Akiine and Mizan K are both contributing beautifully into the ever expanding current trend of electronic soul and future R&B with their latest compelling releases. Mizan K's intricate "Dark Blue" EP is just out via Terrible Records, home to Empress Of, Kindness, Le1f, Blood Orange and Charlift to name just a few of the Brooklyn label's protégés. Subtle and peaceful in places, complex and multi-layered in others, the 6-tracker delivers an inspiringly diverse blend of genres, styles, moods and influences, all performed with top class vocals. The trip-hop infused "Awe" will literally leave you in awe. Elegant and refreshing.
I have already recommended Akiine's meticulously produced "Destiny" to you once before, back in May. Now that the Swedish Londoner's "Neptune" EP is out and we've just been treated to an official video for "Destiny", it's time to spread some more love around this gifted songstress. "Brixton" illustrates Akiine's more mellow side with arrays of shimmering synths, echoey vocal harmonies, sophisticatedly arranged micro-beats, ethereal melody twists and some distorted vocals thrown in for the good measure. Check out also Akiine's previous single "Paranormal Activity". "Neptune" EP is out now via Color Station. Both Mizan and Akiine offered some of 2015's most absorbing sounds to date.
