Opinion: 5 x Artists To Watch 2020 (UK)

We’re kicking off 2020 with a new series of articles by featured writers, who we asked to recommend “five artists to watch” this year from their home city/country.

First up is UK-based Emily Waller, Marketing Manager of Rough Trade Shops (UK) and host of the popular Rough Trade Podcasts, who shares with us her favorite homegrown artists and bands to watch out for this year.

Squid

The band with more buzz than a thousand beehives. I would probably have put them on my watch list at the start of 2019, so much was the anticipation for the Brighton five piece. Last year they added to early (and excellent) singles with an EP, Town Centre via the most talked about label of 2019, Dan Carey’s Speedy Wunderground. But how to describe the sound of Squid? “Intensely angular” is often mooted, but I suggest you sit and give them a loud listen and make up your own mind. Better still, go see them live. This is where they really excel. I’ve been twice now and truly, adrenaline never felt so good. Here’s hoping Squid have some new tunes inked for 2020.

My Recommendation:

Arlo Parks

Towards the end of last year I interviewed Tim and Lilas of Transgressive Records for the Rough Trade Podcast and they can be credited with bringing Arlo to my attention, though I must admit I feel late to the party. Her EP arrived on vinyl in December, effortlessly cool with beautifully smart, honest lyricism, and a dark side, complimented by upbeat grooves ‘n’ croons. She’s on a lot of watch lists for sure and deservedly so, a huge talent.

My Recommendation:

Tiña

I haven’t been so instantly obsessed with one song in I don’t know how long. The Londoners (a supergroup of sorts) released single ‘I Feel Fine’ in Spring last year, a further top notch addition to the wonderful world of Dan Carey and his label. Sway away to this jangly psych dream and get praying for further material from them this year. (Still trying to confirm whether I’m correct in hearing ‘UTI’ in the lyrics? Here for it.)

My Recommendation:

Mush

I first saw Mush live at a Rough Trade Recommends gig at Rough Trade East back in 2018. If I remember correctly, they’d driven all the way down from Leeds in a horrific storm and consequently, terrible traffic. I’d initially turned up to see the brilliant Pip Blom, but in the true nature of the event, discovered new music to fall in love with. I immediately bought the 12” they had out at the time and have followed them ever since. They are now signed to Memphis Industries, the perfect home for their eccentric guitars, abstract orientation and commentary driven funk. Their debut album arrives in February and FYI Rough Trade have an exclusive slime green vinyl edition.

My Recommendation:

Egyptian Blue

Hailing from Brighton, Egyptian Blue released their first single via Permanent Creeps (a label for your 2020 watch list). The four-piece have since signed to YALA! Records, releasing an absolute brute of an EP last year. Emblazoned with agitated, industrial post-punk, their infectious songs leave you restless and hungry for repeat listens. Excited to see them build on the very promising foundations they have laid down. Let the thrill-ridden riffs rage firmly on.

My Recommendation:

Honourable non-UK mentions: Sinead O’Brien and Disq.

Photo credits: Patrick Gunning (Arlo Parks), Arnau Coll Saguer (Tiña)

For more information about the Rough Trade podcast visit roughtrade.com.