Introducing Our MTV PUSH: Ones To Watch 2019 Shortlist…
Yep, it's already about that time for us to look ahead to the next 12 months and let you know which music acts we think you need to keep your eye on.
Today we reveal our MTV PUSH: Ones To Watch 2019 shortlist (formerly known as MTV Brand New) where we throw our support behind 10 artists making some serious noise.
Last year Mabel was crowned MTV’s Brand New For 2018 winner. Since winning, the Swedish singer/songwriter has had a stellar year - touring with Harry Styles, releasing four new singles and collaborating with some of the industry’s hottest names including Not3s, Raye, Stefflon Don and Jax Jones.
Mabel said, “Becoming MTV’s Brand New for 2018 kicked off the most exciting year of my career so far. To be recognised by a brand as iconic as MTV was surreal, and I’m so grateful for their unwavering support. I cannot wait to see what lies in store for 2019’s MTV PUSH: One to Watch champion.”
So without further ado, before we kick off public vote in January where we give you the chance to pick this year's winner, get to know our 10 acts here…
Col3trane
Who? Raised in London ‘but in an American house’, Col3trane’s cross-continental influences are pushing the boundaries of modern R&B and hip-hop. Since his official debut just last year with his Tsarina mixtape, Col3trane - real name Cole Basta – is turning heads with precision rapping and singing and 2019 is looking like his for the taking.
Listen To: ‘Tyler’, ‘Penelope’, ‘New Chain’.
He says: “It’s crazy to be chosen... I grew up watching MTV with my brothers and it’s an honour to be a part of something that has influenced me from when I was young. I’m excited to tell my family and friends because it’s a name and a platform that everyone knows about and I know they’ll be hyped about it.”
Follow: Instagram: @col3trane // Twitter: @col3trane
Dermot Kennedy
Who? A voice that could move mountains, Irish rising star Dermot Kennedy is more than just your average singer/songwriter. His songs resonate with an emotional intensity that shake you to your foundations and his continually sold-out live shows are almost a religious experience, so we’re praying for big things for this talented 25-year-old with a place on our Ones To Watch list.
Listen To: ‘Power Over Me’, ‘Young & Free’, ‘Moments Passed’.
He says: “This is such an amazing thing to be able to announce at the end of a great year. A huge thank you to MTV for including me on this list. It’s an honour to be chosen. I’m currently working on my debut album, so I really look forward to sharing that with everyone next year.”
Follow: Instagram: @dermotkennedy // Twitter: @DermotKennedy
Glowie
Who? Iceland’s Glowie is taking her role as young pop star seriously. When she’s not dropping bangers on the dark side of pop, she’s sharing her life experiences, good and bad, on social media with no filter. A positive light in an increasingly isolating space we’re backing Glowie for an exciting 2019.
Listen To: ‘Body’, ‘No Lie’, ‘No More’.
She says: “Thanks for believing in me MTV. So happy to have your support.”
Follow: Instagram: @itsglowie // Twitter: @ItsGlowie
Grace Carter
Who? Song writing became a therapy for Grace Carter at a young age. Teenage frustrations poured out into powerful, soulful confessionals and it’s no wonder the likes of Dua Lipa and Rag’n’Bone Man invited her out on tour with them. Her latest emotionally-charged single ‘Why Her Not Me’ is a heart-breaking reaction to her father’s abandonment and we’re sure we’ve only just scratched the surface of her potential.
Listen To: ‘Why Her Not Me’, 'Silhouette', 'Silence'.
She says: “I spent a lot of time watching music videos on MTV as a kid so being included in this list as one to watch for 2019 is a total honour.”
Follow: Instagram: @gracecarter // Twitter: @itsgracecarter
Jade Bird
Who? Influenced by everyone from Avril Lavigne to Dolly Parton via The Smiths, Jade Bird describes her sound as “kind of country, kind of blues, kind of pop and kind of none of that.”
Gigging since she was 13, Bird’s take on Americana and indie-pop has earned her a loyal following Stateside and her confidence onstage confidence and charm is winning her fans everywhere else. We can’t wait to see what 2019 has got in store for this firecracker!
Listen To: ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’, ‘Uh Huh’, ‘Lottery’.
She says: “I grew up watching MTV so it is completely surreal and such an honour to be made one of their MTV PUSH: OTW artists for next year. They do so many amazing things and give artists a platform. I cannot wait to work with them.”
Follow: Instagram: @jadebirdmusic // Twitter: @JadeBirdMusic
Lewis Capaldi
Who? When he’s not surrounded by ripped male strippers (see his video for ‘Grace’), Lewis Capaldi is busy writing songs on love and loss and racking up those streams in the millions. Determined to stand apart from the serious singer/songwriter stereotype, the witty Scot is carving out his niche and it's working, having recently sold out Glasgow's Barrowlands and London's Shepherd's Bush Empire. Grab a ticket while you still can.
Listen To: ‘Grace’, ‘Bruises’, 'Rush'.
He says: “MTV's Ones To Watch for 2019! It's a huge platform for new people to hear my music and it's an honour to be chosen. Also very good for the CV if the music thing goes south and I have to apply for office jobs again.”
Follow: Instagram: @lewiscapaldi // Twitter: @LewisCapaldi
Loski
Who? Not many people can change career prospects like Loski. When an injury closed the door on a promising football profession, the South Londoner turned to music. Loski is breaking through thanks to the reception of his 'Call Me Loose' mixtape which gained the attention of none other than Drake himself. Get to know.
Listen To: ‘Calm Down’, ‘Forrest Gump’, 'Call Me Loose'.
He says: “Love to MTV for including me in their Top 10 MTV Push: Ones To Watch for 2019, thanks for all the support.”
Follow: Instagram: @loskiharlem // Twitter: @loski_hs
Mahalia
Who? The past 12 months have seen Leicester native Mahalia become one of the most talked-about artists. Leaving audiences blown away with her effortlessly accessible alt-RnB and wise-beyond-her-years lyricism, the sky's the limit for this endearing singer.
Listen To: ‘One Night Only’, ‘Sober’, 'Proud Of Me'.
She says: “The last year has been a dream come true to say the least so I’m honoured to be recognised by MTV as one of their MTV PUSH: Ones To Watch for next year. Thank you so much MTV, roll on 2019!”
Sam Fender
Who? Tyneside's socially conscious Sam Fender is using his talents to say something. He might not claim to be an expert on the issues he sings about but we're so glad he does it. Giving an insightful commentary on the world around him, his music tackles everything from hard-hitting subjects male suicide to the vacuous nature of celebrity. Definitely one to watch.
Listen To: ‘That Sound’, ‘Dead Boys’, ‘Play God’.
He says: “Unreal to be in the top ten for MTV's One To Watch for 2019. There's always an amazing list of nominees and to be a part of it this year is all a bit of a dream.”
Follow: Instagram: @sam_fender // Twitter: @samfendermusic
Young T & Bugsey
Who? A true double act, Nottingham's Young T & Bugsey have been vibing since they were 15 blending their Nigerian and Jamaican influences with hip-hop and rap. Having already caught the attention of Stormzy and even Justin Bieber, make way, 'cause these two are 'En Route' to stardom.
Listen To: ‘En Route’, ‘Ay Caramba’, 'Gangland'.
They say: “We are so honoured to be chosen as one of MTV’s artists for MTV PUSH for 2019! It’s a surreal moment for us because we grew up watching our idols and some of the world’s biggest stars on MTV! To be recognized by them is insane!”
Follow: Instagram: @youngtmusic @bugseymusic @youngtandbugsey // Twitter: @YoungTandBugsey @YoungTMusic @BugseyMusic
