Listen out for this: Musicians reveal artists to look for in 2022
Musicians across genres and styles give us the inside track on the albums they cannot wait to hear in 2022.
“Your favourite artist’s favourite artist” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, and for good reason. At a time when we’re bombarded with year-ahead lists, it makes sense to ask the professionals for their views. So we spoke to some of our favourite artists – from up-and-comers to veterans, DJs and country music stars. Here, six musicians who had a huge 2021 give us the low-down on what they’re listening out for next.
Azure Ryder on Dermot Kennedy
Azure Ryder is an Aussie singer-songwriter on the rise. At 25, she’s been tapped as the next big Australian singer, thanks to her powerful, unique voice and ability to traverse genres.
“It’s special when you find an artist that as soon as they sing their first note, they hit you straight in the heart – this is what I feel about Dermot Kennedy,” Ryder says. “His voice just dives deep into your soul with a force that says, ‘You’re going to feel right now, whether you are ready to or not, but I’ll walk you through it.’
“His first album to me was this rugged landscape that was equally grounding and soaring, and his intimate way with words was my favourite part.
“I (met Dermot) in London and it was so beautiful to have a conversation with him about how important songwriting is to us; it really encouraged me to keep trusting in what I feel and how I want to express that – no matter what battles arise, the joys will follow.
“I can’t wait for his next album; he has already found a place on many people’s journeys as a tender wordsmith even through the toughest of moments, and I can’t wait for him to further wrap his heart around the world, because we need it.”
Azure Ryder released her third EP, Ladder to the Moon, in October.
-
Sam Fischer on SZA
Aussie crooner Sam Fischer knows a thing or two about what it takes to make soulful music that hits the spot. His 2019 tune This City was inescapable that year, quickly racking up more than 400 million plays on Spotify. Fischer has an album out in 2022 and his new single, Hopeless Romantic, is out now.
“2022 is going to be an amazing year for new music. First and foremost for me is SZA. No one else is doing it like SZA, she’s in a lane of her own and everything she’s touched the last year has been gold. Secondly, I was lucky enough to see Tems play in London and I’m telling you, Tems will rule the world in 2022 – whatever she has to offer, I’m buying!
“Finally, there’s a homegrown, two-times ARIA-losing artist with a heart of gold and a cheeky bevy of new music ready to explode off his notes app and into your hearts. He’s a lovely lad, has terrible eyesight but can spin a lyric. His name’s Sam Fischer and methinks his album is going to rage through 2022; just a prediction, check him out if you haven’t yet!”
Sam Fischer released his new single Hopeless Romantic in October.
-
Troy Cassar-Daley on Midnight Oil, Ian Moss, Briggs, Jason Isbell and Jem Cassar-Daley
Coming off a year where he released an award-winning Australian country album (and added to his pile of ARIAs), Troy Cassar-Daley is still one of the best doing it in Australia.
He’s also got a great ear for music – as you would expect from someone who has been in the industry for 30 years.
“New music always excites me and these are the ones that have got my ear or waiting with anticipation in 2022.
“Midnight Oil – after spending time with them on The Makarrata Project they made it obvious to me why they get the tag of a supergroup: a very deep well of human emotion and conscious thought. I cannot wait for their album Resist next year.
“Ian Moss – anything new from this man is always worth the wait; touring with him is one thing, hearing something new always takes me on a musical journey and makes me want to practise more guitar.
“Briggs is an astounding urban poet who always delivers and when the emotions of sadness, anger, fear and frustration need to be delivered he has them all covered and then some.
“Jason Isbell always goes out of his way to write very clever lyrics and earworming melodies that suck you in from the get-go. I signed up early and got all of his releases because the standard is always high with zero bullshit in his approach. Just to see him in his joggers on stage with his 59 Les Paul guitar and stomping on pedals always captures the essence of the real deal music man.
“Jem Cassar-Daley surprises me every time she releases a song even though she lives in the same house as me. I love who she is and how she knows who she is.
“Unique, melodic and a well-rounded musician ready for any gig or challenge that comes her way – yes, I’m proud to be her Dad.”
Troy Cassar-Daley’s album The World Today is out now.
-
Dua Saleh on Beverly Glenn-Copeland
Dua Saleh had a huge 2021 which included a genre-bending, critically acclaimed EP Surrender and a breakout role as Cal in the Netflix smash-hit Sex Education.
Saleh has a background in poetry and an eclectic taste shaped by their Sudanese heritage so it’s no surprise that they have an appreciation for the avant-garde stylings of Beverly Glenn-Copeland.
“An artist that I always look forward to hearing from is Beverly Glenn-Copeland, who’s been releasing music since the 1970s. He’s releasing a reimagined version of his six-song EP called Keyboard Fantasies. His ethereal songwriting, incredible voice, and exploratory connection to synths have inspired me deeply.
“His music feels alchemic, like a wizard that prods and pokes at the fabric of life in order to transmit its secrets into our ears. I’m excited to see the ways that he reinterprets this project through his mythical methodology.
“It’s also amazing to see another Black trans artist making music. I can’t wait to hear more from him.”
Dua Saleh’s EP Surrender is out now.
-
Young Franco on Cosmo’s Midnight
Brisbane-bred Young Franco has found a place in the hearts of fans around the world thanks to his infectiously joyous electronic music.
He’s a musician who can make you dance your way out of bed and his tunes have taken him around the globe as a result. It’s no surprise that he’s chosen fellow groove makers Cosmo’s Midnight as his selection for 2022.
“One of the albums I’m most excited about to (hopefully) come out (this) year is from Cosmo’s Midnight. Although they haven’t mentioned anything about an album I’ve been hearing some of the new music they have been writing and it’s so exciting. Being close to the twins means I’m lucky enough to hear early demos turn into full songs, a very rare insight which not many people get to do.
“It’s very inspiring to hear how they approach writing music and keeps me inspired to push boundaries and go further with my own music.
“I was really blown away by the last album and how they managed to seamlessly weave between so many different genres.
“I know the next one will be even more special.”
Listen to the single Real Nice (H.C.T.F) by Young Franco, Tkay Maidza and Nerve.
-
Flight Facilities on Holly Humberstone
Aussie electronic music heroes Flight Facilities (comprising Sydney mates Hugo Gruzman and Jimmy Lyell) came out with one of the albums of 2021 – almost seven years after they broke through with Down to Earth.
Over that time, while they were working on Forever, the boys have been travelling the world, working with the best of the best and keeping their fingers on the musical pulse.
“We are really excited to see what Holly Humberstone achieves next year. She’s got an A+ team surrounding her, creates beautiful music, and her tours are selling out.
“She’s currently supporting the biggest acts in pop music from Olivia Rodrigo to girl in red, as well as writing and recording with some of the best producers in the world.
“Holly’s already appeared on the Late Late Show with James Corden, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She’s got heaps of momentum behind her right now. Simply a great songwriter.”
Flight Facilities’ album Forever is out now.
‘She doesn’t take no for an answer’: Hollywood icon Salma Hayek Pinault turns to philanthropy
The actor, businesswoman and activist redefined the film industry, now she’s rethinking philanthropy.
The next big style brag for men? ‘It’s not cashmere. It’s yak’
Yak wool is menswear’s new luxe material – rarer and funnier to talk about than cashmere. But is it softer too? Our writer compares a pair of shirts.