MTV UK, in association with Emporio Armani Diamonds, recently announced the annual showcase line-up for MTV Brand New 2016 at the Electric Ballroom, London. This year no other than Craig David (TS5) and Bloc Party were announced to take the stage by storm as headliners. They are supported by MTV Brand New shortlisted acts Anne-Marie, WSTRN, Rat Boy and Nimmo.
Craig David has sold over 13 million albums, secured 13 Top Ten hits and achieved multi-platinum status in more than 20 countries. Now fifteen years since his seminal debut ‘Born To Do It’, Craig is back in a BIG way. He blew audiences away recently during his X Factor performance with Fuse ODG and finalists Reggie ’n’ Bollie, and his new track ‘When the Bassline Drops’, a collaboration with Grime master Big Narstie has ben climbing the charts.
Bloc Party are one of Britain’s biggest bands, having sold over 3 million copies of their four albums since their platinum-selling, Mercury Prize-nominated debut ‘Silent Alarm’ in 2005. Ten years on, they’re stronger than ever, as illustrated by two recently-released acclaimed new tracks ‘The Love Within’ and ‘The Good News’, both of which feature on their forthcoming album ‘HYMNS’, set for release this week (Friday 29th January 2016). Their incredible reputation as a live act sets up two roof-raising nights of MTV Brand New showcases presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds in 2016. For more info go to the bands website www.blocparty.com.
MTV shortlisted performer Anne-Marie, who cut her teeth as Rudimental’s live show vocalist, recently revealed her video for new track ‘Boy’ and is also gearing up for her own UK tour. WSTRN have recently been spotted in the studio with headliner Craig David and are known for combining contemporary and classic R’nB, reggae and pop which they exhibit perfectly in recent hit ‘In2’.
Rat Boy has been a hotly tipped one to watch across the board with his unique blend of Punk and Hip Hop. After being let go from his local Chelmsford Wetherspoons, the self-taught musician has now been snapped up by historic British label Parlophone Records (home to Blur, Gorillaz) Rat Boy’s future is looking bright.
Harmonic co-vocalists Sarah Nimmo and Reva Gauntlett head up idiosyncratic and visually-striking young band Nimmo. Inspired by the dark electronica of New Order or the heartfelt pop of Everything But The Girl and Fleetwood Mac, this tight-knit five-piece have since picked up plaudits spanning Radio 1, 6Music, XFM and KCRW to a slot opening for Years & Years.
For our shortlist acts, the public vote continues, battling out the toughest of competition until the all-conquering MTV Brand New 2016 with Emporio Armani Diamonds winner is revealed in February 2016.
Fans can vote for their favourite artist on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook mentions using #MTVBrandNew followed by the artist name and track progress live via the leader board at www.mtv.co.uk/brandnew.
Selected by MTV officials, key music influencers and industry representatives, the shortlist includes some of the most exciting new UK music talent for 2016.
MTV Brand New 2016 shortlist, presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds:
Anna Karatziva, Head of Talent and Music, MTV UK, commented, “MTV Brand New presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds is one of the most important campaigns of the year to us – it’s our chance to champion the freshest UK talent that we have carefully selected for the year ahead. As always, the shortlist reflects some of the most important acts emerging right now and it looks like the competition is going to be closer than ever!”
In previous years, the MTV Brand New shortlist has revealed the biggest breakthrough acts of 2014 and 2015, such as James Bay, Years and Years, The Vamps, Krept & Konan, George Ezra, Sam Smith and Ella Eyre.
With one of the most successful hit rates for a new music poll, over the last five years MTV Brand New has provided crucial early support helping to launch the careers of international stars such as Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. They have picked up top British music talent Tinie Tempah, Adele, Florence + The Machine, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Friendly Fires, Wretch 32, Labrinth and Conor Maynard at the very start of their recording careers.
Once again, Emporio Armani Diamonds is proud to be sponsoring MTV Brand New in their search to find the hottest upcoming music acts for 2016. Emporio Armani Diamonds and MTV are the perfect match and together, are much more than just a brand collaboration. Music and fragrance are intrinsically linked in their ability to evoke emotion and memory and their power to transport the mind to a different time or place. This powerful combination is a must for Emporio Armani Diamonds and they are delighted to be associated with the talented and inspirational individuals that MTV Brand New unveils and are looking forward to building on the success of last year’s collaboration.
-ENDS –