Artists To Watch 2017

As most of the world would probably agree, 2016 gave us some less-than-pleasant occurances in those 366 days. However, it was an undoubtly great year for many independent artists.

We’ve compiled some of the brightest stars of 2016 who are paving their way to having an amazing 2017. Check out our picks for Artists To Watch in the new year.

MILESTONES
Pop-Rock
Northwest,UK

Milestones is coming off a great 2016 that included touring heavily and opening for the likes of Hawthorne Heights, Tonight Alive and Taking Back Sunday, releasing their debut EP ‘Equal Measures’ and signing to Fearless Records. Milestones is sure to keep up the momentum in 2017. The pop-rock quintet will hit the studio early 2017 to record their debut album and hit the tour circuit with a huge UK/European tour alongside With Confidence. If that wasn’t enough, the boys ring in the spring with pop-rock’s Mayday Parade for their 10th Anniversary tour of A Lesson in Romantics. With such a busy year ahead of the band will definitely be taking the year to hit their own musical milestones and become a household name in the pop-rock scene.

2017 Highlights

New Debut Album
UK/European Tour
North American Tour

 

MUNA 
Dark-Pop
Los Angeles, CA

With their inventive mix of 80s pop, 90s rock, and 21st century beats, MUNA will be getting everyone on the dance floor in 2017. The self-proclaimed ‘dark pop’ trio pulls lyrical inspiration from the negativity that painfully surrounds the world these days, and splatters it against the backdrop of addictive pop hits; ultimately creating music that gets your body moving and your mind thinking. Their latest single, “I Know A Place” is an ode to societal outcasts – those forced to live in fear because of their gender, sexuality and colour of their skin. With their new single, and their forth coming debut album, about u (February 3), MUNA is bound to take mainstream music by storm and make much needed statements with them.

2017 Highlights

New Debut Album
Album Support Tours

 

MICAH VISSER
Indie-Pop
Winnipeg, MB

Photo by Adam Kelly

When we first met Micah Visser in 2015 he was a bright and budding solo artist just breaking out into the local scene. His emotional dreamy synth-pop quickly captured the hearts of music lovers all over town. Building on that momentum, Visser expanded his musical endeavour into full-band form. This addition yielded an exciting new sound. Still borrowing from his original emotional whimsy, Visser and co. give us an addicting splash of dance hall vibes, elevating their upbeat indie-pop.

Micah Visser spent a good chuck of the last few years on the road promoting the new tunes, writing, recording and releasing single after single. 2017 will see fans awaiting the release of Micah Visser’s new album, as the band steadily solidifies its status as one of Winnipeg’s most talented musical exports.

2017 Highlights

New Album
Album Support Tours

 

CAVING
Emo/Acoustic
Thayer, Indiana

It takes a special musical touch to snag our attention in just 3 songs – Caving is one of the rare artists that have done just that.The singer/songwriter released his debut self-titled EP back in October and has since had us excitedly waiting for more.

With a nostalgic touch of acoustic emo from yesteryear, blended with simplistic but revealing lovelorn lyrics, Caving creates an incredibly endearing EP sure to woo the hearts of fans of The Spill Canvas and Dashboard Confessional.

2017 Highlights

New Music
Local Shows

 

CAROUSEL KINGS
Pop-Punk
Lancaster, PA

Steadily climbing the ranks of the pop-punk world, Carousel Kings will be smiling at the top in the new year. The Lancaster-based quartet have been pumping the scene full of their addictive blend of pop-punk and alt-rock for years, but now they’re gearing up to share a newly tailored sound.

Still sticking to their upbeat punk roots, the band aims to draw much inspiration from a deeper reservoir within their musical souls and connect with their fans through a much more reflective and mature sound.

With their third album, Charm City, about to drop on February 10 via Victory Records, and a slew of shows slated for the next few months, you bet 2017 will see the Carousel Kings reign.

2017 Highlights

New Sophomore Album
Album Support Tours

 

MOBINA GALORE
Punk
Winnipeg, MB

Photo by Dwayne Larson

Fresh off a giant European tour opening for punk legends Against Me! Mobina Galore ended their whirlwind 2016 with a proper bang.

With last year chock-full of shows, signing to New Damage Records, releasing a new EP, a new video for their single, “Spend My Day,” and hitting the studio for their upcoming album, it’s clear the duo will continue to go all out in 2017.

As they take a short but much-needed break at the start of the new year, fans are guaranteed to be excitedly awaiting the new hard-hitting edgy punk offerings of Mobina Galore.

2017 Highlights

New Album
Heavy Touring