The Greatest Discovery Award highlights what we at ICM are all about; discovering new talent and unearthing those unheard artists and put them in the spotlight.
This year has seen so many indie and alternative acts breakthrough the ranks and catch our eye; most of which you can read in our discover section on the website.
As we could only pick five, some artists that might have missed our list could be seen in our Ones To Watch 2021. Remember, everyday in January you can discover someone new.
So without further a do here are our ICM Awards 2020 Greatest Discovery nominees:
Voodoo Bandits
Hailing from the Isle of Man, Voodoo Bandits have come into their own groove since forming last year. Creating a mix of indie rock and surf pop, the quartet sound mature and play with confidence. Releasing singles like ‘Empty Swimming Pool’ and ‘Backyard Wrestling’ this year, the band hit it off with fans and critics alike from the get-go. Thanks to their blistering riffs, groovy basslines and energetic choruses, Voodoo Bandits can go all the way to the top. Could they be our Greatest Discovery?
KennyHoopla
Kenneth La’ron, known by his stage name KennyHoopla has had an outstanding 2020. Since kicking it off with single ‘how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by a highway?’, the Cleveland-born artist has over one million monthly listeners on Spotify and has racked up more than three million streams on YouTube. KennyHoopla has also collaborated with Travis Barker, nothing.nowhere, and grandson. Kenneth’s affection and passion shines through in his music and that’s why he’s been hugely popular. WIll KennyHoopla be this year’s Greatest Discovery?
Rozelle
We branded Rozelle as the ‘hottest new indie pop outfit in Bristol’ when we first discovered them earlier in the year and we still stick by our statement. Moving at lightning speed with an upbeat and tropical-like indie pop sound, Rozelle have released five singles in their debut year and each one showcases a different side to the array of styles they can play. There’s a lot of big things coming their way in 2021 including new single ‘Humanity’. WIll Rozelle go into 2021 as our Greatest Discovery?
Sam and Sounds
What a talented young musician we have on our hands here. Sam and Sounds creates soaring indie pop anthems that could easily fill stadiums and headline major festivals one day. His singles ‘Cloud 9’ and ‘In Time She’s Mine’ have been big hits with his honest lyricism and feel-good pop. He’s captured our hearts and we’re sure he’ll get yours too. Will Sam be up in cloud 9 as the Greatest Discovery?
Beabadoobee
Breakthrough act Beabadoobee has had an incredible year releasing her debut album ‘Fake It Flowers’ and is one the most exciting young artists in the UK. Whilst this may not be the most complete debut album ever released, it is certainly solid with some real standout tracks like ‘Care’ and ‘Worth It’ that elevate the record as a whole. Beabadoobee is unlocking her potential and we can only expect to see her grow and blossom as time goes on. Can Beabadoobee take home the Greatest Discovery?
This year, you can decide who will be victorious in our category for Best Lockdown Cover below. Cast one vote for your favourite cover song. Voting closes at 7pm on Wednesday, December 16th.
Winners from each category will be announced on Saturday, December 19th from 7pm.
