More about: 6Biig PiigGia FordJessica WinterCourtingMolly PaytonNewDadBlossom CaldaroneL'ObjectifMelin MelynDaisy BrainGreta IsaacTAAHLIAHBlondshellcowboyyHarrietteChappell RoanShe's In PartiesNell MescalDivorceflowerovloveseraphina simonenia archivesjoey valence + brae23 for 2023

2022 was a big year for music, but an even bigger year for new music. With live events well and truly back after the pandemic, up and comers have taken to the stage up and down the country and worldwide, swifty establishing themselves in what's feeling like music's most exciting moment in a long time. With new names playing a vital role as frontrunners of new sounds and new scenes, we’re seeing the birth of future icons.

Boiling down a million and one buzzing names to know, our annual list seems to have a knack for predicting future hitmakers. With previous lists including Wet Let, Ashnikko, Holly Humberstone, Yard Act and more, for 2023 we’re trying to do it again.

With some repeats making the list again as they step into new eras of revived promise, and some brand new names - meet Gigwise’s 23 ones to watch for 2023…

Blondshell

Sabrina Teitelbaum is a 24 year old musician from LA who releases her brand of shoegaze inspired bedroom indie pop under the pseudonym Blondshell. With 5 tracks under her belt, each better than the last, hits like ‘Kiss City’ and ‘Veronica Mars’ scream potential in their own unique spot somewhere between Courtney Love and Lucy Dacus. Causing a bidding war between labels, she’s now signed to Partisan Records, home to the likes of Fontaine’s D.C., Laura Marling and Just Mustard; Sabrina’s weighted, emotional lyricism is set to fit right in. Just in time for take off as her cult fan base continues to boom, the sky's the limit. - Faith Martin

Listen to: 'Kiss City'
Read our Hello Tomorrow interview with Blondshell in issue #6

Harriette

At just 23 years old Harriette, has already gone viral on TikTok with her track ‘At Least I’m Pretty’ - a tongue and cheek look at a woman’s worth being reduced to beauty whilst all the complications in her life are patched up by the fact she’s seen as conventionally good looking. Born in Texas, Harriette is making a name for herself as the alternative voice for Gen Z women, with ‘Fucking Married’ doubling down on that previous dip into silly lyricism with a more serious undercurrent, taking a swipe at the pressure to settle down while radiating the chaotic energy we all need in a world of dating apps and idealistic love stories. - Faith Martin

Listen to: 'At Least I'm Pretty'

Gia Ford

2020 was set to be a breakout year for a lot of artists before covid got involved, swooping in and snatching chance after chance away from up and comers - and Gia Ford was one of them. But as we head into 2023, the artist is back and arguably better than ever, with a refreshed sound rooted in the inspirations she’s always loved, making the music she always wanted to be making. Reintroducing herself with the huge ‘A Car Crash For Two’, Gia Ford, the alter-ego of Sheffield-based Molly McCormick, is taking a darker turn with Nick Cave by-way-of Lana Del Rey sounds. Newly signed to Chrysalis Records, a label with a history that includes Blondie and Joan Jett, second times a charm for Gia. - Lucy Harbron

Listen to: 'A Car Crash For Two'

Jessica Winter 

Originally from Portsmouth, Jessica Winter has become a familiar face in the London music scene, releasing her own music as well as working with favourites like The Big Moon, Metronomy and beyond. Having been part of many collaborative projects, her solo work has seen her tour with Death Grips, and win the love of critics and audiences alike with her first two synth-heavy EPs, Sad Music and More Sad Music. A third EP, Limerence, is announced for release in 2023 as she continues to shake up the pop landscape with her art-influenced influence. - Chiara Strazzulla

Listen to: 'Funk This Up"
Read our Hello Tomorrow interview with Jessica Winter in issue #6

Chappell Roan 

Hailing from Missouri, Chappell Roan is an artist who defies the stereotypical ballad in favour of a darker sense of storytelling and a theatrical flair, with her song 'Pink Pony Club' becoming a modern classic. Keeping the stories of queer female experiences realistic and upbeat, 2022 offerings ‘My Kink Is Karma’ and ‘Naked In Manhattan’ are big and bold as Chappel throws her hat into the ring to be your new icon. Having supported Declan McKenna in 2018, all this success has been a long time coming as Chappell continues to go onwards and upwards - now an independent artist taking every decision and artistic choice into her own hands, we can’t wait to see what’s next. - Evie Gower

Listen to: 'Naked In Manhattan'

Courting 

2022 was a huge year for Liverpool quartet Courting. Their debut album Guitar Music released back in September to huge critical acclaim and it’s easy to understand exactly why: driven by witty lyrics that make many a reference to modern pop culture (a favourite being the nod to film review site Letterboxd in ‘Jumper’) and combining all the best bits of hyperpop and post-punk although they’d argue that they DEFINITELY aren’t a guitar band, the lads have taken all the stereotypes and flipped them totally on their heads thus cementing themselves as one of the most exciting groups out there at the moment. - Minty Slater-Mearns

Listen to: 'Jumper'
Read our Hello Tomorrow interview with Courting in issue #6

Divorce 

Divorce are something of a Nottingham supergroup; born from the ashes of Megatrain, the band are comprised of lead duo Tiger Cohen-Towell and Felix Mackenzie-Barrow, Adam Peter Smith on guitar and Do Nothing’s Kasper Sandstrom on the drums, and what they create is nothing short of magic. Songs filled with dramatic narratives, country-western harmonies mixed with jaggy guitars and melodic beauty, Divorce are perhaps one of the most unique, imaginative and fun bands to have emerged this past year. With their debut EP landing last week, Get Mean is packed with promise and as they climb the ranks on the 6 Music playlists, it's so exciting to see what lies ahead. - Cameron Sinclair-Harris

Listen to: 'Checking out'

Nell Mescal

Nell Mescal is not new to music. Singing since her early teens, writing songs since she could remember and raised in an artistic households, the irish-born artist just needed a push. Deciding to take the leap after the lull of the pandemic, she dropped out of college, moved to London and is giving it her best shot. And if ‘Graduating’ is anything to go off, her best is something special, modernising traditional ballad structures with candid lyricism about the heartache of daily life, love and friendship. With a soulful vocal that cultivates a feeling of intimacy, she’s singing your feelings right back to you via your headphones as the newest star of the sad girl scene. Still learning her craft and brewing up whatever is to come next, eyes and ears are peeled for whatever Nell does next as 2023 seems set for her rise. - Lucy Harbron

Listen to: 'Graduating'
Read our Hello Tomorrow interview with Nell Mescal in issue #6

Daisy Brain 

With support slots with Yungblud and Crawlers and a host of new singles, 2022 was a big year for the grungy bedroom rock of Daisy Brain – the project of Singapore-born Will Tse who’s turquoise hair is quickly becoming as recognisable as his sound. Breakout single ‘Boring’ has amassed over three-quarters of a million streams on Spotify since its 2021 release, and 2022 EP Disconnected Happy levelled up the sound into Pixies territory just in time for a summer of major festival appearances at Reading + Leeds and Boardmasters. Ending the year with their biggest headline show yet at OMEARA, we’re sure the stages will only get bigger and bigger next year as a new EP is in the pipeline.  - Adam England

Listen to: 'Small Matters'

She’s In Parties

Four strong from Essex, She’s In Parties blend soft pop choruses with indie rock making them the perfect new sound for any Pale Waves fan. Inspired by the sounds of The Cure, She’s In Parties seek to blend old school romance with modern, messy dating, riding a wave of new nostalgia that never gets old. With just four singles released into the wild, the band quickly won over fans on the 2022 festival circuit, bagging a support slot with The Amazons and a place in countless ones to watch lists alongside this one… - Faith Martin

Listen to: 'Cherish'

Cowboyy

Cowboyy are the latest art-punk export from Nice Swan records, with their first (and currently only) single 'Gmaps' dropping to acclaim in late September. The cut itself is reminiscent of all the best aspects of the UK post-punk scene: spoken word style lyricism, often delivered at breakneck speed, and uplifting, frantic musicianship really gives their work a sense of unchained fun. Musically, there are shades of Squid, Black Midi and English Teacher - even the EP artwork appears like an alternate universe of Black Midi's artwork. 

The band amassed a cult following of hardcore live fans long before any releases, working the live circuit and honing their sound through incessant gigging just like in the good old days. Their debut EP 'The Epic Movie' is set for release in March 2023. - Charlie Brock

Listen to: 'Gmaps'

Flowerovlove

17-year-old South Londoner Joyce Cisse, widely known as flowerovlove, has had a whirlwind two years since the release of her debut single in the midst of 2020. Since then, she’s released a host of singles, two EP’s in 2021’s Think Flower and this year’s incredible A Mosh Pit In The Clouds and been invited to both London and Paris Fashion Week, modeling for some of the biggest fashion houses in the world including Pangia and Gucci. Inspired by nature and the world around her, her discography eases between genres; touching on elements of psychedelic and smooth R&B one second before transitioning fearlessly into trap-rap histrionics. A delight just waiting to blossom. - Cailean Coffey

Listen to: 'I Gotta I Gotta'
Read our Hello Tomorrow interview with Flowerovlove in issue #6

Melin Melyn

The black bird dancing, live painting, bilingual gathering of Melin Melyn seems something of a fever dream in passing but you’d be mistaken passing on the opportunity to get to know the psychedelic Welsh folk-tinged bunch better, and on record, it’s a similar story - tele sales, folk tales and smirking moons. Scoring spots at both Green Man and End of the Road, Melin Melyn look to conquer The Great Escape as well as their first headline tour in May next year, continuing work on a debut album to follow up from the curious case of 2022’s Happy Gathering EP. - Emma Way

Listen to: 'Hold The Line'

TAAHLIAH

A multi- award winning DJ and producer who made her name in the underground queer club scenes of Berlin and Glasgow, TAAHLIAH is capturing a crowd with her obvious skill at crafting a vibe. Managing to move effortlessly between hyper pop textures and jacking hard dance vibes, her 2021 EP Angelica pioneered new names, new sounds and is an essential listen for the hyper pop wave. Making history this year as the first black and trans artist to be nominated and win in two categories in the SAMA awards as well as winning an AIM award, we were all on our feet giving her a standing ovation for her speech describing, “how important it is for our marginalised identities to be recorded, cherished, and recognised." She is at the heart of the dance and electronic music revolution and the frontrunner heading into 2023..    - Carmel Walsh-Davighi

Listen to: 'Fuck It!'

Molly Payton

Melding melancholy with confrontation, Molly Payton’s indie rock sound is one to sit comfortably amongst the titans of sad-girl rock. One listen to her 2022 EP Compromise will find you swirling through hypnotic guitar riffs and sharply crafted lyrics that aim straight at the heart. Confronting relationships, mental health, and herself in her song writing, Molly wears her heart on her sleeve and the result is a vulnerable yet brave assertion of strength in imperfection. With multiple EPs and her 2021 debut album Slack under her belt, there is plenty to sink yourself into with Payton, and she is a truly exciting figure to watch going into 2023. - Samantha Andrews

Listen to: 'Handle'

NewDad 

Galway-via-Clapham quartet NewDad are soaring to prominence with each release in their soothing, bright brand of indie-rock that sits somewhere between Slowdive and The XX. Composed of vocalist Julie, bassist Cara, lead guitarist Sean and drummer Fiachra, the band mix angelic dream-pop sounds that tickle your spine with anthemic chords - and a smiley, excitable charisma on stage. Having supported the likes of Inhaler, Gorillaz and Paolo Nutini, the gliding tones of 'I Don't Recognise You' and palpitating bass of 'How' are ready-made for the UK's cavernous arenas, carrying a shimmering aura of elegance and an addictive intensity. - Rishi Shah

Listen to: 'I Don't Recognise You'

Greta Isaac

With one of the UK's most mesmerising live shows at the minute, Greta Isaac is emerging as a dominant, spectacular name in the scene. Years on from her first folky releases, she’s stepping into a new era of no-holds-back hits, high-art creative direction and surrealist inspirations that seek high production and bigger stages. Headbanger 'PAYRI$E' and the anticipation of 'Like Me' are just tasters of what Greta has in her locker, and her stage presence has the ability to take over a room and zap even people at the back of the room into focus. Greta Isaac doesn't miss, and her flawless, raw anthems are lifting the bar to unseen levels in the alt-pop world. - Rishi Shah

Listen to: 'PAYRI$E'

Seraphina Simone

Not only has Seraphina Simone been relentlessly touring as part of Self Esteem’s band since 2020, but she’s also successfully paved a path of her own as a solo artist. Having supported Self Esteem on her March tour, this year saw her release her debut EP Milk Teeth - boasting a strong selection of catchy pop tracks that showcase her dynamic vocal range and cleverly crafted lyrics that’s left us pining for a full length album.

In what’s a predominantly white industry, Seraphina recently opened up about her use of music to reconnect with her black heritage and reject the discrimination that’s so prevalent in creative careers. If one thing’s clear, it’s that whatever Seraphina gifts us in 2023 will be as important as it is catchy. - Laura Dean

Listen to: 'Milk Teeth'

Nia archives 

Spearheading the jungle revival, it’s frightening just how young Nia Archives is. Still in her early twenties, she calls her breakbeat-heavy style ‘future classic’ blending jungle with soul, Jamaican influences and oldskool hardcore – meanwhile ‘Baiana’, released in the autumn, is influenced by Brazilian funk carioca. Her wide-ranging influences have allowed her to create a sound that’s uniquely her own, setting her apart from her peers, and if her May EP Forbidden Feelingz is anything to go by she’s an extremely exciting talent. She’s in line for a big year next year – will there be a full-length release? - Adam England

Listen to: 'Baiana'

L’Objectif 

L’Objectif first appeared in 2021 as post-punk wunderkinds, and they’ve quickly established themselves as a buzz-worthy band. From the increasingly abundant Leeds music scene, they were quickly snapped up by Chess Club records for their first two EPs, including this year’s well-received We Aren’t Getting Out But Tonight We Might. They’ve been working their way across the smaller venues of the UK, and their dark indie style is sure to keep the guitar band momentum going 2023. We’d put money on them taking over the festival scene next summer, and hopefully dropping some more music while they’re at it. Their musical inspirations are limitless, and we can’t wait to see where they go next.

Listen to: 'The Dance You Sell'

Joey Valence + Brae

Some of TikTok’s most successful creators are the ones who study and craft a niche more obsessively than anyone else: Joey Valence & Brae are an example of this phenomenon in action. The young duo make sincere, beautifully corny boom-bap hip hop which sets them apart from the masses of 2kool4skool artists who have emerged over the last decade. Merging a distinct 2022/3-ness with borrowings from nostalgic trap hi-hats and booming 808 basses, they’re taking the best bits of their favourite genres and springing them into the future. - Cian Kinsella

Listen to: 'Punk Tactics'

Blossom Caldarone 

Remember when British artists used to drop silly tracks? Back when the 00s were dominated by quirk and Lily Allen reigned supreme? Well Blossom Caldarone is bringing it back. With her own unique brand of silly pop, focussing on the ridiculousness of modern dating and sprinkling each release with a mixture of candid observation and relatable wit, tracks like ‘Fridge Space’ and and ‘Girlfriends’ have us hooked. Slowly releasing tunes since 2017, 2023 seems set to be a take off year as her new EP Maybe In Love (Maybe Not) arrives January 18th. - Lucy Harbron

Listen to: 'Fridge Space'

Biig Piig 

Part of the NiNE8 Collective alongside the likes of Lava La Rue and Bone Slim, Irish singer Biig Piig is one of a number of exciting young UK-based artists putting their own spin on neo soul.  Spending much of her childhood in Spain, she often sings in Spanish as well as English, and took her stage name from a pizza menu. Previously gracing our 2021 list, 2022 seemed to introduce a whole new artist, stepping into bolder sounds and bigger moves, moving her from a possible one to watch to a seemingly set-in-stone future star. Now with a unique sound mixing up soul and hip-hop with drum ‘n’ bass and indie sensibilities; 2023 feels set to be the year that she really blows up. - Adam England

Listen to: 'This Is What They Meant'

Listen to all our 23 for 2023 artists here:

Grab your copy of the Gigwise print magazine here.

More about: 6Biig PiigGia FordJessica WinterCourtingMolly PaytonNewDadBlossom CaldaroneL'ObjectifMelin MelynDaisy BrainGreta IsaacTAAHLIAHBlondshellcowboyyHarrietteChappell RoanShe's In PartiesNell MescalDivorceflowerovloveseraphina simonenia archivesjoey valence + brae23 for 2023