THE PIT PRESENTS: 1 2 2022 PART 4
At The Pit London, our passion is discovery. This ethos runs through everything we do. There are countless exciting, compelling and challenging new acts that we feel like aren’t getting the plaudits that they deserve. Below is the second part of a shortlist of artists, each with under 100k monthly listeners on Spotify, that we believe are the sound of 2022. By the end of the year, we expect these artists to take over. This is your opportunity to catch on early.
Jaydonclover
Shot by @livjank
Current Monthly Listeners: 43,324
Key 2021 Track: Secondsin
Sound in a Nutshell: Ethereally dingy neo-soul for the late night musings
Why they are 1 2 Watch: The way in which Jaydonclover presents dazzling soul cuts through damp and atmospheric soundscapes is incredibly striking. Often teaming up with one of the underground’s best producers dylantheinfamous, Jaydon vocally wanders through the dark and subtle instrumentals with gorgeous nuance, drawing the listener in with her softly broody tones. After another strong year of releases, including collaborations with Danny Sanchez and BXKS/Monét, the Birmingham native has cemented herself as one of the most precocious and essential voices in alternative soul.
Check out their music here
vi0let
Shot by @sorin.d.visuals
Current Monthly Listeners: 2,898
Key 2021 Track: Toxic City
Sound in a Nutshell: Experimental and blissful love songs straight from the future
Why they are 1 2 Watch: vi0let is one of the talented artists that impressive label DMY Artists are setting up for burgeoning careers within the music industry. The German/Irish singer and songwriter effortlessly combines elements of pop, R&B, hip hop and electronica to create murky, psychedelic-infused soundscapes that act as the perfect palette for vi0let’s breathtaking vocals. Not afraid to express real emotion in her songwriting, there is depth and honesty swimming through vi0let’s sonic ocean, as illustrated on her varied 2021 releases. Having now fully established her aesthetic, this could be the year that vi0let pushes her sound into a wider audience poised for discovery.
Check out their music here
Safiyyah
Current Monthly Listeners: 26,718
Key 2021 Track: Free
Sound in a Nutshell: Smooth alternative R&B with empyreal vocals and colour-laden production
Why they are 1 2 Watch: Over the past few years, West London soulstress Safiyyah has been steadily building an impressive portfolio within the alt R&B sector. Her 2020 EP Third Eye illustrated her refined songwriting and distinctive musical identity, whilst collaborations with Finn Foxell, KeepVibesNear and RADA identify her as an asset in the UK alternative’s charge to rightful acclaim. After what’s felt like a year for consolidating her sound and sharpening her skill set; is 2022 the year that Safiyyah makes her talent known on a larger scale? We think so.
Check out their music here
SIPHO.
Current Monthly Listeners: 25,606
Key 2021 Track: ALMOST LOST
Sound in a Nutshell: Emotionally potent gospel wrapped up in silky R&B soundscapes
Why they are 1 2 Watch: SIPHO.’s talent is extraordinary. The multi-instrumental sounds like he has been writing and performing for decades, yet the Birmingham singer is only 21. His sound combines the grooves of R&B, the spacious production of electronica and the themes and cadences of the classic gospel sound. His incredible 2021 body of work AND GOD SAID… is truly a stunning achievement, with the singer showcasing his boundlessly giving repertoire of sound, his seamless capacity for emotive maturity, and his show-stopping vocal ability. SIPHO.’s music is some of the most wholesome and expressive I’ve heard in the 2020’s. It seems only a matter of time until the anthemic ALMOST LOST is chanted back to him at sold out arenas.
Check out their music here
Debbie
Current Monthly Listeners: 58,337
Key 2021 Track: Is This Real Love
Sound in a Nutshell: Luxury soul weaving vitality through its profound narratives
Why they are 1 2 Watch: Despite only releasing her sophomore single in December, it is crystal clear that Debbie is the next big thing in UK soul. Her mouth watering vocals and rich soundscapes are reminiscent of industry heavyweight Celeste, but the newcomer offers her own revitalised spin on the burgeoning neo-soul sound that is delicately sweeping through the industry. A future superstar, guaranteed.
Check out their music here