Meet All the British Boys Who Will Soon Be Hijacking Your Headphones
There's no denying that we're total Anglophiles here at Teen Vogue. In addition to the whole fashion thing, which Brits have mastered in a way we'll never understand, we're also quick to obsess over those topnotch blokes from across the pond who make us—involuntarily, really—use words like "dreamy" and "swoon." Time and again, we fall head over heels for their charming accents, unrivaled swagger, and dapper duds. But what really makes our hearts melt is their music.
Jake Bugg, The 1975, Bastille, Disclosure, Tinie Tempah, Tom Odell, and a boy band you maaaay or may not have heard of that goes by One Direction are just a few of England's finest. And while these massive acts have had major breakthrough moments in the States and beyond this past year, there's a whole lot more talented tune-making lads where that came from.
We've compiled a comprehensive list of 15 must-hear boys who are more than just buzzworthy—they also happen to have the most anticipated releases in 2014. Ranging from confessional singer-songwriters to bold beatmakers to lyrical lotharios, these dudes are as easy on the ears as they are on the eyes. You can thank us later.
1/16Keep calm and shuffle on! These dudes are going to occupy your iTunes for days.
Photo: Derrick Santini2/16Sam Smith
If ever there was a way to know what Heaven on Earth sounds like, all anyone would need to do is hear Sam Smith sing. There’s a reason his chic baselines and genre-transcending vocal range have earned him a #1 spot on nearly every ones-to-watch list (ours included!). As we impatiently await June 3rd—the release of The Lonely Hour—we’ll be obsessing over recent single, "Money on My Mind," an instant hit that shows off his unique talent.
Photo: Spencer Burrows3/16Saint Raymond
Saint Raymond's recently released EP may have been titled Young Blood, but this upbeat energetic tunesmith doesn't sound anything like a rookie artist. Think savvy indie-pop undertones peppered with acoustic nuances. After a supporting stint for Haim on their European tour, 18-year-old Callum Burrows is bound for big things ahead.
Photo: Tyrone Lebone4/16Sampha
It's no surprise that a musician who collaborates with Jessie Ware, Drake, SBTRKT, and Solange is difficult to pigeonhole into one genre. The R&B-vocalist-meets-electronic-producer is a new-age crooner whose dreamy ballads bewitch you into a trance you'll never want to wake up from.
Photo: Laura Lewis5/16Dan Croll
The new kid on the Brit block sounds like the spawn of Passion Pit and Paul Simon—a far cry from the musical ethos of his hometown in ol' Liverpool. His spring debut, Sweet Disarray, is more than just pure delicacy—it's feel-good music for the soul.
Photo: Amelia Troubridge6/16Sohn
Producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist—Sohn does it all, and with delicate attention to detail, no less. His confessional vocals are threaded through tantalizing beats, creating a cinematic ambience for listeners. His debut album, Tremors, due April 8, will be full of the kind of melodies you want to get stuck in your head.
Photo: Liam Cushing7/16Glass Animals
You know iTunes's super mesmerizing musical visualizer? That's what Glass Animals sounds like—hypnotic melodies you just can't get enough of. The rising Oord outfit, who were the first act signed to Paul Epworth's (of Adele fame!) new imprint, will be releasing their highly-anticipated debut later this spring.
Photo: Andrew Whitton8/16Royal Blood
If bare-bone rock is more your speed, look no further than Royal Blood. This twosome's gritty tunes, anchored in White Stripes-like guitar goodness, have already started to catapult this breakout band into the superstardom stratosphere.
Photo: Courtesy of Gorgon City9/16Gorgon City
Dance music has a growing mainstream appeal and undeniable influence on the industry, thanks largely to emerging Brit beatmakers like Gorgon City. Their playful pursuit of production and fresh approach to house can be heard on their full-length, coming to a playlist near you this summer.
Photo: Oliver Hadlee Pearch10/16Jungle
The UK collective—which crept onto the blog scene like a sneaky, stealthy lion—is comprised of two mysterious men known only as J and T. With a flair for throwback grooves and foot-tapping urban tribal funk, this duo has got all the right moves. Blasted in your headphones, these tunes are sure to add that extra pep in your step.
Photo: Josh Shinner11/16Years & Years
This electronic pop trio—led by actor turned frontman turned latest crush, Olly Alexander—combines soulful vocals with silky synths. Their laidback club jams cloaked in major '90s vibes have been on heavy rotation here at Teen Vogue. The band is already playing sold-out shows in London, and they'll catch on across the pond in no time.
Photo: Sebastian Nevols12/16Halls
Though he touts an official Hedi Slimane seal of approval (he made a catwalk cameo in Saint Laurent's recent show), Halls has caught more than just our eye. Otherwise known as Sam Howard, this 23-year-old South Londener crafts escapist songs that feel like they're from a whole different world. His eerie Tom Yorkesque vocals, melded with ecclesiastical undertones (hello organs and choral chants!), keep us intrigued and on our toes.
Photo: Diana Gomez13/16The Vamps
These four cheeky lads stirred up quite the fan frenzy during their sold-out red, white, and blue debut, thanks to their catchy pop tunes, silly selfies, and perfect "I woke up like this" coifs. (Sound familiar?) And, to top it all off, the rising stars are full-fledged instrumentalists to boot. Swoon.
Photo: Edward Cooke14/16Joel Compass
Following the likes of The Weeknd and Frank Ocean, Joel Compass is the newest rhythmic Romeo to drop atmospheric R&B beats. But with his heartwarming falsetto and smooth songs, this 21-year-old singer-songwriter and producer is well on his way to carving out his own place in the game. His first full-length, due this summer, is sure to pack enough coolness to make even the hottest of days feel endurable.
Photo: Dan Wilton15/16Luke Sital-Singh
This Londoner organically blends his youthful lyrical flair with the echoes of traditional classic folk. With a guitar in hand and diary-like narratives, Luke Sital-Singh is becoming a favorite for those who enjoy easy acoustic sing-along ballads—which is, of course, pretty much everyone.
Photo: Hollie Fernando16/16Bipolar Sunshine
Formerly the frontman of ska band Kid British, Adio Marchant is quickly proving he’s got what it takes to make it as a solo artist. He has enough fancy footwork to dance between his minimal electro-pop sets, and his upbeat melodies will make you do the same. Best of all, his warm soundscapes appeal to every type of listener (in other words, even your mom will dig tunes like "Love More Worry Less").
