Do you know the names Zara Larsson, Dua Lipa or Jacob Sartorius? You likely will by the time 2017 is through.
MUNA
If you’re a fan of HAIM, but wish they were just slightly more poppy, MUNA is everything you probably didn’t actually realize you were looking for. The three women that comprise the band — Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson — seem to intrinsically understand a powerful hook, while never cheapening the pop-rock music they make in order to cater to top 40 audiences. “Loudspeaker” or “Winterbreak” are where you should begin, but from there, it’s all pretty good.
CL
Already a massive star in South Korea, CL’s time to shine as a solo artist has just about arrived. The singer made a name for herself as a member of 2NE1, one of the most successful K-pop acts ever, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for the ambitious young musician. The group only officially disbanded about a month ago, but already CL has an album geared towards Western audiences almost completed. Lead single “Lifted” has started impacting US audiences, and with friends like Skrillex, Diplo, Psy and Will.I.Am (all of whom she’s already recorded with), is there any way people won’t hear this one?
