5 Artists To Look Out For In 2012

ASAP Rocky

A self confessed 'pretty motherf**ker' hailing from Harlem and fast becoming the hottest new act in US rap. Rocky's big-name fans include Drake, who invited Rocky to support him on his US Club Paradise tour. Having reportedly signed a multi-million pound record deal with Sony, the former fashion student's sound will appeal to the alt/indie type, with Rocky citing influences ranging from MGMT to Cee-Lo Green. Similar to that of Tyler's Odd Future, Rocky has created his own universe with the A$AP Mob; a collective of like-minded Harlem rappers and pals featuring the likes of A$AP Ty Beats and A$AP Dom to name a couple.  This is definitely one to look out for if your a fan of psychedelic avant beats and artists like Tyler The Creator and Kid Cudi.

Download ASAP Rocky's latest mixtape 'LiveLoveA$AP' for free which features stand-out track Peso.

Tribes

Camden's answer to The Libertines. Surprisingly, Tribes were an omission from the BBC Sound of 2012 list so they'll be looking to impress when debut album 'Baby' hits stores later this month. Packed with sing-a-long anthems such as 'Sappho' and 'We Were Children', you can bet your bottom dollar that these lads will be a massive hit on the 2012 festival circuit. Having made their name last year as an unsigned band on the underground scene, this is the year that Tribes go big time; and a slot on the NME Awards Tour supporting Two Door and Metronomy is a promising start.

'Baby' is released in the UK on January 16.

Spector

This group, who caught my eye late last year, will be suited and booted as always as they look to break-through this year. Charismatic frontman Fred Macpherson has been band-hopping a fair few times in recent years, but Spector really do look a cut above the rest with Fred giving the outfit some real zest. Looks aside, it also helps that the tracks they've released so far have been absolute corkers. 'Never Fade Away', a particular favourite of mine, is a gorgeous pop-rock love song which builds throughout. If you love indie heroes The Killers and The Strokes, then Spector may be your new favourite band.

Check out Spector's latest single 'Chevy Thunder' below.

Frank Ocean

Also known as the most likeable member of OFWGKTA, Frank Ocean is the polar opposite of the clique's foul-mouthed and outspoken leader, Tyler The Creator. With his smooth vocal and brilliant wordsmanship (he's written songs for John Legend, Beyoncé and more), you wouldn't be surprised if even your mother took a liking to him. Considered as one of the hottest properties at the moment in the R&B market after appearing on Jay-Z and Kanye's 'Watch The Throne', Ocean will look to steal the show in 2012 when his first studio album is released. In the meantime, you can get into the groove by downloading Ocean's amazing mixtape by clicking the link below.

Download Nostalgia, Ultra here!

Howler

The latest exciting import from the States. Howler's lead singer Jordan Gatesmith was listed at no. 44 on NME's Cool List for his classic garage rock style; a style that pretty much defines the band. Taking note from legends like the Ramones and Iggy Pop, Howler will be hoping to lead a rock'n'roll resurgence in 2012.  Their distinctive sound is packed with neat melodies and a grittiness that is lacking heavily in today's industry. Could Howler be the saviours of rock this year? We'll have to wait and see.

Listen to the new album in its entirety exclusively on NME.COM.

Comment below and tell me who else to look out for in 2012. Until next time.

Ones To Watch: Spector

If you like The Vaccines and The Killers then you are gonna love Spector! After a couple of unsuccessful cracks with both 'Les Incompetents' and 'Ox.Eagle.Lion' and a failed career as a Where's Wally impersonator (this may not be entirely correct), lead singer Fred Macpherson is pulling out all the stops this time.

Following a tad of soul searching, Macpherson decided to write songs inspired by the music from his adolescence. "It was about trying to connect with what music was from 2001 to 2003 - The Strokes, The Rapture, The Von Bondies, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, music for my 15 year old self," he discloses. What he forgot to mention was the fact that the songs he had written were absolute belters. Debut single 'Never Fade Away' is a storming anthem of a love song, narrated perfectly by Macpherson. "You know I’ll never fade away, but if I do, it'll be because you ask me to."

Seeing as they're off to support Kaiser Chiefs as well as having an album in the pipeline for release early next year, it's time to get excited. After all, Fred's gang may just be here for quite some time. Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it: Spector - the future of independent music.

http://www.spector.co.uk/