My 10 for 2015 podcast also at radiomagnetic.com and iTunes.
C Duncan
Signed to FatCat Records, Christopher Duncan is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist. Specialising in lush harmonies and epic soundscapes, he’s set to release his debut album, recorded in his bedroom studio setup. www.facebook.com/mrchrisduncan
Jim Valentine
A band rather than an individual, Jim Valentine have also caught the attention of XFM approved club night and promoters This Feeling. Garage rock with hints of Marc Bolan and Arctic Monkeys, they’re an exciting prospect. www.facebook.com/jimvalentinemusic
Kloë
The 18 year old singer-songwriter’s been in the studio with Lewis from XFM favourites Prides. Her debut track Grip has been going down a storm on leading music blogs, with an EP set to appear early 2015. www.facebook.com/mynameiskloe
Monogram
A lot of mystery surrounds this one man outfit, who’s been holed up in the Scottish Borders perfecting his craft. A glorious combination of electro pop and rock, there’s huge crossover potentional. www.facebook.com/thisismonogram
Neon Waltz
After a couple of name changes along the way, the atmospheric indie rock of the Caithness band is finally set to impact in 2015. With support from Oasis’ management team, and a record deal in the bag, it’s all rather exciting. www.facebook.com/neonwaltz
Sunshine Social
The Glasgow band have already sold out King Tut’s in Glasgow, as well as appearing at T In The Park. Their folk-tinged indie should go down a storm with fans of Mumford & Sons and Bombay Bicycle Club. A debut album is set to appear in February. www.facebook.com/sunshinesocial
Tallia Storm
A pop star in the making, 16 year old Tallia opened for Elton John when she was just 13! She really is the full package. Much more than just a singer, she models, writes for The Huffington Post and has just secured her first book deal. Articulate, intelligent, and remarkably down to earth, I can’t think of a better role model for young girls. www.facebook.com/TalliaStorm
Tuff Love
The Glasgow duo, Julie Eisenstein and Suse Bear, have had a productive 2014, including key festival appearances and their debut EP Junk. Seductive raw indie pop that hooks you instantly, a second EP called Dross is set to land in February. www.facebook.com/ReallyTuffLove
White
If this was in order of preference rather than alphabetical, White would certainly be contenders for my number one slot. Keeping out of the public eye, and playing their debut gig in Germany, they’ve successfully managed to create a buzz without giving too much away. They blew me away at their first Glasgow show, supporting Future Islands. Their first headline shows, set for February, sold out instantly. www.facebook.com/calledWHITE
The Wild Curve
Hot on the heels of Chvrches and Prides come another Glasgow electro pop outfit on the verge of greatness. I was lucky enough to catch their first ever live show, and I can’t wait for them to unleash some new music. www.facebook.com/thewildcurve
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If you were wondering what I picked in previous years…
Jim’s 10 for 2014: The Amazing Snakeheads / Mark Angels / Baby Strange / Herculean / Honeyblood / In Atlanta / Jakil / Model Aeroplanes / Prides / Vigo Thieves
Jim’s 10 for 2013: Anderson McGinty Webster Ward and Fisher / Chvrches / Fatherson / Fluorescent Hearts / Flutes / Fridge Magnets / Holy Esque / Madison / Megan D / The Velveteen Saints
Jim’s 10 for 2012: Bwani Junction / Carly Connor / Discopolis / The Imagineers / Jack Townes / John Wean / The LaFontaines / Little Eye / Nina Nesbitt / Vukovi
Jim’s 10 for 2011: Any Color Black / Capitals / Dot JR / Julia And The Doogans / Midnight Lion / Mopp / Saint Kilda / Rachel Sermanni / Shambles Miller / Weather Barn
Jim’s 10 for 2010: Ambulances / The Boy Who Trapped The Sun / Erland & The Carnival / French Wives / Alex Gardner / GoGoBot / Grum / Kassidy / Kid Adrift / Kitty The Lion
Jim’s 10 for 2009: Alto Elite / Healthy Minds Collapse / Mr Kil / Paper Planes / Pearl And The Puppets / The Phantom Band / Punch & The Apostles / Sugar Crisis / The Velcro Quartet / We See Lights
Jim’s 10 for 2008: The Fire And I / Broken Records / Urbnri / Fangs / Glasvegas / Big Face / Kizzy Star / The Vivians / Twin Atlantic / Attic Lights
Jim’s 10 for 2007: Drive-By Argument / Flood Of Red / ElectricBoyShock / Ghosts / The Law / The Envy Corps / Sixpeopleaway / Low Vs Diamond / Sergeant / Crash My Model Car