BIMM up and coming: January artists to watch out for
With so many incredibly talented artists and music professionals at BIMM Institute, it can sometimes be hard to keep track of them all. Last month, we highlighted the ten artists to watch out for. So here’s our New Year round-up of artists and bands who are on impressive trajectories within their scenes, sounds and cities.
Chloe Bodur
Chloe Bodur, a 21-year-old singer and songwriter from North West London, grew up in a household overflowing with musical diversity. Today, her influences range from Astrud Gilberto, Billie Holiday and D’Angelo to BadBadNotGood, Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator.
After releasing her debut single ‘Glory’, Chloe sold out her own headline shows in London and Brighton; supported Puma Blue, Rosie Lowe and Yazmin Lacey on their UK tours; and featured on JD. Reid’s mixtape Tree alongside slowthai, Henry Wu and Fatima. Chloe’s second single, ‘Billie’, caught the attention of BBC Radio 1, Radio 6 Music and 1Xtra and led to her inclusion in Red Bull’s 2019 Polyrhythm series, highlighting the best live acts within the UK jazz scene. Chloe’s ‘Money Is My Medicine’ was awarded Jamz Supernova’s ‘No.1 EP’ live on BBC Radio 1Xtra and featured in CLASH magazine.
Chloe’s debut EP, Panties & Loafers, saw her solidify her position as an esteemed member of the UK jazz scene, Her follow-up EP MAVI has only extended that further.
Alfie Neale
Alfie Neale is a singer, songwriter, and producer, originally from Dorset, but now based in Brighton. Taking influence from all things soul, disco, jazz and hip-hop, Neale’s main influences range from the modern greats like Amy Winehouse and Anderson .Paak to the classics like the Doobie Brothers and George Benson.
The silky and soulful disco stylings within his debut EP, If My World Falls Apart, set Alfie up for what should be a long and fruitful career. His immediately recognisable vocal and blue-eyed soul heralds this EP as the work of a coming-of-age, mature artist. With over 55,000 monthly Spotify listeners, and now this very special debut EP under his belt, we’re really excited for what’s next.
Liv Campbell
Liv Campbell is a contemporary soul artist from Stafford who studies at BIMM Institute Manchester. Inspired by Lianne La Havas and the great Erykah Badu, Liv incorporates soulful tones with soft, gentle melodies. She has recently gained the attention of Jazz FM, who named her track ‘Seasons’ as their Track of the Week.
Working with producer Echari has allowed Liv to find her sound. Together, they’ve created chilled, relaxing vibes. Liv finds solace writing lyrics whilst strolling and has said her passion lies in the sound and lyricism of neo-soul.
KIANVSLIFE
Kian has spent much of his time travelling. He was born in Milton Keynes before travelling to America and spending much of his youth there. Kian eventually moved to Brighton, where he studied with us.
As a producer, Kian has collaborated with Brighton hip-hop wonder-kid dereck d.a.c. on his debut full-length project Who Sold My Soul? The pair travelled to Lisbon to record and shoot a documentary. Kian’s use of dusty soul samples compliments Dereck’s rap style perfectly, creating a pair that are a force to be reckoned with.
Kian’s solo work is far more polished. As a perfectionist, his work is ambitious. On his EP, XL, Kian’s use of vocal effects sets him apart from the rest. We’re super excited to see what’s next.
LAOISE
Singer-songwriter LAOISE hails from Galway in West Ireland. She graduated from the Songwriting stream of our BA (Hons) Commercial Modern Music degree at BIMM Institute Dublin in 2019 and has since received high praise from Irish radio. She’s also played some massive festivals throughout Europe, including Primavera Sound, Longitude, and Lollapalooza in Berlin.
LAOISE’s talent was spotted early in her career when RTÉ 2FM named her one of their Rising Acts in 2018. The following year, she was nominated for the prestigious RTÉ Choice Music Prize for Song of the Year. She’s accumulated over five million combined streams with only a handful of releases to her name.
LAOISE is also a member of Irish Women in Harmony: a collective of Irish female artists who have raised support for women and children living in crisis. LAOISE has lent vocals to their ‘Dreams’ single. More recently, the festive single ‘Together at Christmas’ raised money for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Nonô
BIMM Institute London graduate Nonô has perfected her brand of pop by fusing elements from her Brazilian heritage with dance music production. At 18-years-old, Nonô took a 6,000-mile journey to further her music career. She moved to London, and five years on, her cross-continental leap of faith is paying off. Her Midnight Mimosas is a brilliant debut EP that marks her as a gifted and versatile singer-songwriter.
Nonô will be heading on tour with Example at the start of 2022 and supporting him on all nine dates from his UK tour – including the massive O2 Academy Brixton. Nonô boasts an enormous 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners, with some of her tracks being streamed over 20 million times. It’s looking more and more like Nonô is set for a world takeover – and we’re here for it.
Shébani
Since completing her Songwriting diploma, Shébani, a BIMM Institute London graduate, has become a full-time musician and performer. She is also working on her debut album.
Shébani has amassed over one million streams on Anghami – the Middle East and North Africa region’s first legal streaming platform and digital distribution company specialising in Arabic and international music. She has also been featured in multiple international publications. These include the likes of Harper’s Bazaar, Gulf News, Scoop Empire, Arab News and Re-Volt, to name a few.
Shébani has supported the likes of Jorja Smith and Liam Payne and has been named Grazia Middle East’s Emerging Talent Nominee. She’s featured on some of Dubai’s most popular radio stations, such as Virgin Radio Dubai, Pulse Radio Sharjah and Dubai Eye Radio. She’s also worked with some massive brands, including Puma, Namshi and Bershka.
Joe Farren
Originally from Hinckley, Leicestershire, Joe Farren now studies Music Production at BIMM Institute Birmingham. Since 2015, and alongside his studies, he’s been a DJ and producer.
At only 21, Joe, aka Farayen, has supported Annie Mac, Archie B, Colin Francis, Mercedes Blendz, Tom Zanetti & K.O Kane, Ill Phil, and more. His track ‘Finding My Way’ has featured on multiple BBC Introducing shows. The track was even featured on Jaguar’s Sunday night BBC Radio 1 show and her Reprezent Radio show, celebrating all things dance. Jaguar also included the track in her ‘Ones to Watch 2021’ list.
‘Finding My Way’ was Joe’s first label release, which came out onSleazydeep Records.
Yetundey
BIMM Institute Berlin’s Yetundey can speak English, French and German, and uses all of them in her music. She focuses on current trends, events, and issues within modern society to control the narrative of her music. Yetundey creates humour and satire whilst making serious topics easily digestible. No easy feat.
Yetundey’s multicultural background is largely reflected in her music as well. She moves with the times and simultaneously stays true to her hip-hop. Yetundey incorporates musical influences and styles from around the world, such as Asia, America, Africa, and Europe. Her debut EP See No Evil was developed with young aspiring German producers and the renowned UK producer Nat Powers.
Wow! What a list. You can check out more successes from our outstanding students here.
