This edition of AfterEllen’s Next Big Thing features an eclectic group of musicians from the US, France and England. From the sweet sounds of Louisiana soul, to the frenetic guitar riffs of British punk rock, there is something for everyone to love in this talented group of independent artists. Married couple Liz Hogan and Lilli Lewis have been making music together for nearly a decade. The Shiz, started in 2009, and rounded out by bandmates Wade and Alan, combines indie rock with the undeniable appeal of Louisiana blues and soul. The Shiz are regional finalists for the Hard Rock Café’s Rising Global Battle of the Bands, so be sure to cheer them if you are in NOLA on April 5.
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Official website: http://www.shizrock.comFacebook: facebook.com/shizrock
Twitter: @sheizrock
Check out The Shiz live:
March 30 – The Moose Club (Bogart, GA)
April 5 – Hard Rock Café (New Orleans, LA)
April 13 – Neutral Ground Coffeehouse (New Orleans, LA) Effortlessly blending pop, soul with the lyrical charm of modern musical theatre, Joanna Burns is headed to some seriously great heights. Her masterful use of melody and ridiculously catchy hooks will have you humming her tunes all day. (My current jam is “Make Me Hate You.”) She also writes the original music for City Of Dreams, a hilarious webseries about three actors trying to live the Broadway dream. Her full length album, The Green Year, is available for purchase.
Official website: http://www.joannaburns.com
Facebook: facebook.com/joannaburnsmusic
Twitter: @joannaburns
Check out Joanna live:
April 13 – Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH)
July 20 – First Energy Park (Lakewood, NJ)
This Paris-based French-Haitian chanteuse is creating an artful, jazzy folk sound with an international flavor. Influenced by the literary works of Toni Morrison and Leonora Miano, she has her finger on the pulse of the ever changing landscape of world music. Her seven track EP, Daughter of the Dust, is currently available on Bandcamp. Cae also performs as part of the alternative diasporic vocal trio Keepers of Ka.
Facebook: facebook.com/caemusic
Twitter: @caemusic
Check out Cae live:
April 3 – La bellevilloise (Paris, France)
July 12 – Keepers with Ka at Euro Pride (Marseille, France )
Photo by Manicks Productions
This self-described “sleazypunk” band from the UK is fronted by two badass women, Heather and Velma. Their sound is a mix of punk and riot grrl rock, with a dash of drag queen finesse thrown in. The vocals really come through with DRAG, and their songs touch on topics not typically addressed in punk music like eating disorders and self harm. DRAG’s music makes you stop mid head bang to actually take it all in. DRAG has two EPs available through their site.
Official website: http://sleazypunk.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DRAGBirmingham
Twitter: @DRAGBirmingham
Check out DRAG live:
April 13 – The Unicorn (London, England) May 18 – The Flapper (Birmingham, England) At only 19 years old, Jasmine Kennedy possesses the lyrical mind and soulful voice of a much older artist. She self released her first album, I Don’t Have an Uncle Pat, at the age of 16, and is busy performing and writing material for a second. Her deep alto voice, coupled with intensely confessional lyrics, is heart breakingly sincere and organic.
Official website: http://jasminekennedy.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/JasmineParisKennedy
Twitter: @AJasmineKennedy
Check out Jasmine Kennedy live:
April 6 – The Fishermans Arms (Hartlepool, UK)
April 17 – Oporto (Leeds, UK)
May 31 – The Green Room (Stockton on Tees, UK)
Are you the next big thing? Send submissions to [email protected].
