Fresh Faces: New Artists to Watch

It's always fun to keep a watchful weather-eye out for what's the next thing to break. Everyone who knows me knows I love to hear about the next big thing -- but best of all, know about it first. Here's some up and comers who have serious potential in my eyes:

The Bangbangs
Single: Hey!
Album: Untitled
Signed To: Unsigned
MySpace: www.myspace.com/thebangbangsofficialsite

Everyone knows I'm a sucker for a good girl group, and I'm gonna go ahead and throw dibs on this one. Comprised of UK chicks Elle, Lia, Shannon and Sophie, The Bangbangs take off where The Satz left off with their debut and mix in devil may care sass along with Little Boots inspired synth. But rather than give in to the girl band myth that you must all look alike and look proper, they fit in more like a more artfully fierce version of Dolly Rockers -- real girls wearing what they want, who cares the trend. My fave tracks so far are "Stop" and "Hey!"

Marina Chello
Single: Sideline
Album: What's Done is Done (due soon)
Signed To: Crazy Joint/Bad Boy (Diddy)
MySpace: www.myspace.com/marinachello

If you are on Lady Gaga overload, Marina may strike your fancy. Her laidback style and casual demeanor it markedly different in a music world of hyped-up electro hits and dance routines. Girlfriend describes herself as pop/classical -- not classical in a(n old) Charlotte Church kind of way, but in a way where the focus is more on her voice, and she draws inspiration from distinct voices like Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. The only way I can describe her voice is effortless -- it's not belting but it has this gorgeous X factor. She's one of those YouTube found sensations, so if you want proof of raw talent, check out this video of Marina singing Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" from two years ago...

Jessie Malakouti
Single: Trash Me (unofficial)
Album: Untitled
Signed To: Xenomania
MySpace: www.myspace.com/jessiemalakouti

If The Saturdays morphed into one Saturday, and had a music baby with Ashley Tisdale's Headstrong album and Vanessa Hudgen's "Come Back To Me" and sang a long lost Girls Aloud song, it would be something like Jessie Malakouti. Or at least, that's how I hear it. But if you have backup by the legendary Xenomania, and find yourself opening for The Saturdays themselves on their first headlining tour, you know you've got some clout. Her sound isn't too new, but I particularly "Standing Up for the Lonely". She's much more for the clubs than the radio, but she does it well.

Daisy Dares You
Single: Undecided.
Album: Untitled.
Signed To: Jive.
MySpace: www.myspace.com/daisydaresyoumusic

Young'in Brit Daisy Coburn heads up an alt-pop confection dubbed Daisy Dares You. I first heard about the DDY project (which, not unlike Little Boots, is a one-woman band) a few months back, but only got the chance to listen to the actual music a few weeks back. Imagine my chagrin upon hearing from the lovely Talia, that the ridiculously young Daisy (she's 15!) has recently inked a deal with Jive to launch full throttle in the UK this fall, and go worldwide next year. This is one that will have all the blogs buzzing -- I just know it! And you can download her "theme song", "Daisy Dares You", gratis right here.