It’s the start of a new year and time for Grimy Goods’ annual forecast of up-and-coming Los Angeles bands and artists to watch. While we’ve selected 13 acts to keep an eye on, we’re fully aware of the many great and hardworking bands out there in our great city of Angels. This year’s projections are based on acts that we’ve covered multiple times and tracked in 2016. We’ve seen all of these artists grow immensely in a short amount of time, some even already signed to major labels with just few songs to boot. Keep an eye on these acts and catch them in intimate venues while you can because they’re sure to be hitting the limelight in no time.
Please note, artists are listed in alphabetical order.
Alexandra Savior
Alexandra Savior at The Hotel Cafe — Photo by Steven Ward
We’ve had a sharp eye and ear on Alexandra Savior since catching her live last year at The Hotel Cafe. A husky voiced, doe-eyed crooner, Savior so daintily stole the audience’s hearts. She could’ve broken them all and still own their love. Her sultry voice and mystique is enough to seduce your senses, and still leave you yearning for more. Savior has her full-length debut record underway produced by Arctic Monkey’s frontman Alex Turner. Get lost in her sullen world of dark lounge tunes, and do not miss her live when she comes around your way.
Upcoming LA Dates: January 16 & 17 at Teragram Ballroom — Get Tickets!
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Alina Bea
Alina Bea at Bootleg Theater — Photo by Ceethreedom
Closing out the year with a series of scrumptious singles and an unforgettable Bootleg Theater residency, Los Angeles-based Alina Bea brought her alternative pop to life with a unique, futuristic use of beats and synths. In the vain of other powerful female leads such as St. Vincent, Jenny Hval, and Bjork — Bea enchants with her vocals, and keeps the sound edgy and progressive with her experimental blend of sounds. Bea’s presence as an artist was fully realized at her recent Bootleg gigs that permanently raised the bar for all bar performances in the city of Los Angeles. Her music and live show certainly won’t be underground for much longer, because Bea has the rare potential to become one of this city’s landmark artists before the end of the decade. Stay tuned for Alina Bea’s forthcoming debut album.
Upcoming LA Dates: January 17 at The Echo — Get Tickets!
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Bishop Briggs
Bishop Briggs at The Troubadour — Photo by Andrew Gomez
After catching her live twice last year, and getting hooked on her transcending singles, Bishop Briggs was without a doubt the breakthrough act of 2016. We can only imagine how much this talented voice will rise in 2017, and we’re projecting hight to the galaxies above. With a soft and lulling, yet compelling voice — Briggs hits a whole new level of appeal with a blend of dark beats and galactic layers. Her unique mix of alternative r&b/soul is straight up dope, and absolutely addicting.
Upcoming LA Dates: Coachella, April 15 & 22 — Get Tickets!
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Bloodboy
Bloodboy
Surfer-turned-musician Lexie Papillion aka Bloodboy is an up-and-coming star in the Los Angeles indie music scene. Bloodboy grabbed our attention with her debut EP, Best of Bloodboy. With a commanding voice, Bloodboy’s musical influences draw from legends such as David Bowie and Talking Heads, as well as more contemporary artists such as Deerhunter and Ariel Pink. Bloodboy’s vocals are always at the forefront of her music, sucking you in and leaving you hanging on every word. Her penchant for writing brutally honest, reflective and introspective lyrics are inspired by “good ol’ human experience.”
Upcoming LA Dates: TBA
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Caught A Ghost
Caught A Ghost
In 2012, Caught a Ghost, the indie electro soul project led by producer Jesse Nolan grabbed our attention with a glistneing performance at Dim Mak Studios. Taken by their clean beats and swaggalicious grooves, Caught A Ghost was instantly an act to keep an eye on. After the April 2014 release of Caught A Ghost’s debut album Human Nature, Nolan and company received rave reviews, garnered national television spots and sold-out many shows — and then things kind of slowed down. Fortunately for fans of the slick crooner, Caught A Ghost is back and set to release their sophomore album in 2017. Nolan refers to the new record as “the best work I’ve ever done.” And if that wasn’t enough, Nolan will also be starting his own label. It’s been three years, and we are thrilled to hear all the new Caught A Ghost jams. 2017 is sure to see Caught A Ghost skyrocketing higher than ever.
Upcoming LA Dates: January 21 at Bootleg Theater — Get Tickets!
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Goon
Goon
In October of last year, LA’s Goon delivered an impressive debut EP titled Dusk of Punk. While slowly creeping under the radar, we don’t think Kenny Becker and crew will be much of a secret in the years to come. The six track EP has a variety of enticing flavors that result in a never-a-dull-moment kind of experience. From fuzzy lo-fi sounds to approachable indie pop-esque stylings and of course some brash punk — Goon serves up a unique blend of all the the sounds and vibes we love.
Upcoming LA Dates: January 18 at The Echo — Get Tickets!
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