MUSIC STARS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2022

Up-and-coming artists were hardest hit by the pandemic in 2021. New acts had only a few months to tour.

However, a raft of new talent has still managed to emerge so here are the artists to keep on your radar.

LOLA YOUNG

The 20-year-old singersongwriter, from south London, soundtracked this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, an emotive cover of Together In Electric Dreams, originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984.

Lola started writing songs aged 11 and by 13 had competed in and won a national open mic competition.

She enrolled at the Brit School, which counts Adele, Amy Winehouse, Raye and Loyle Carner among its alumni. After gigging around London, she secured a record deal with Island Records, home to Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.

ARRDEE

The Brighton rapper

(real name Riley Davies) enjoyed a taste of success in April when he featured on a remix of

Russ Millions and Tion Wayne’s drill hit Body. The song topped the charts after going viral on TikTok but it was his verse that garnered the most attention.

ArrDee, who turned 19 in September, has won praise for his dextrous vocal delivery and ear for a catchy hook and made his festival debut at Bassfest in Sheffield in August.

MAISIE PETERS

2021 was a break-out year for the 21-year-old singer-songwriter from

West Sussex, but 2022 may be the year her career goes stratospheric.

She is one of only a handful of acts signed to Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records and her debut album, You Signed Up for This, went to number two in September, robbed of the top spot by the juggernaut release of Kanye West’s long-awaited Donda.

Next year, she could claim her first number one.

FINN ASKEW

Somerset-based Finn could be the UK’s answer to American hip hop stars such as Juice Wrld and Lil Peep. Although inspired by the new wave of rappers across the Atlantic, the 20-year-old also cites bands including Nirvana and The Smiths as major influences.

The result is music that takes in both rap and sung vocals, combining the production values of lush R&B with reflective, Gen Z lyrics.

Finn started playing guitar in pubs but has become a regular on the festival circuit, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Post Malone.