1. Nneka
Courtesy Sony
28 year old Nneka Egbuna has both German and Nigerian roots. She has gained rave reviews in the past several years in Europe with comparisons to the likes of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. Last year Nneka toured in the US for the first time, and the album Concrete Jungle hits stores here February 2, 2010. Prepare to be mesmerized by the talent of Nneka.
2. Ellie Goulding
Courtesy Polydor
Ellie Goulding sings folk inspired pop that will brighten up your day. She is the BBC's choice of top artist to watch in 2010 in the UK. There are echoes of Natasha Bedingfield's energy. The single "Under the Sheets" is out now and look for an album in March.
3. Daniel Merriweather
Courtesy J Records
At the age of 27, singer songwriter Daniel Merriweather is a star in the UK and at home in Australia. His singles "Change" and "Red" went top 10 in the UK leading to a #2 hit album Love & War. Daniel Merriweather writes and performs straightforward pop sometimes with a social conscience. The album Love & War hits US shelves January 19, 2010.
4. Marina and the Diamonds
Courtesy Neon Gold
The name Marina and the Diamonds is meant to refer to 24 year old Welsh singer Marina Diamandis and her fans. Marina has a theatrical style in the territory of but quirkier than Fiona Apple. There is an energy in the songs that just might push her into the public's eye. Look for the debut album The Family Jewels in mid February.
5. J. Cole
Courtesy Roc Nation
J. Cole is the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label. He was featured on the track "A Star Is Born" on Jay-Z's smash album The Blueprint 3. Two mix tapes are already in the bag, but an expected tour this year with Jay-Z and Young Jeezy plus the release of an official album look set to make J. Cole a new household name.
6. Delphic
Courtesy Polydor
Hopefully, this is the type of act Owl City will clear the way for at pop radio. The sound of the debut single "Doubt" is simply gorgeous. Electronic longing with sweeping melodic pop textures.
7. The Drums
Courtesy Moshi Moshi
The Drums hail from Brooklyn, but so far they are getting their best notices out of the UK. One listen to "Let's Go Surfing" and all of those memories of quirky new wave pop come flooding back. There is a sense of humor here that is positively infectious as well.
8. Jason Castro
Courtesy Atlantic Records
There have been a number of delays for the first album by former American Idol contestant Jason Castro. However, another listen to his debut single below and you instantly realize why this cheerful singer songwriter could snare a major audience with a little luck on his debut. Look for an EP The Love Uncompromised in January and a full-length album later in the spring.
9. Matt Morris
Courtesy Tennman Records
30 year old Matt Morris has music in his blood. He is the son of country singer Gary Morris. He also appeared in the 90s revival of the Mickey Mouse Club along with Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Now signed to Justin Timberlake's Tennman Records, it looks like the time is finally ripe for Matt Morris's emergence. The debut album When Everything Breaks Open hit stores January 13, 2010.
10. Daisy Dares You
Courtesy Jive
Daisy Coburn is only 16, but her chirpy, quirky, electronic pop rises well above the usual teen fare. There is a hint of Avril Lavigne rock attitude here, too. The first single "Number One Enemy" will be available in February with an album to follow later in the year.
