In this feature, we ask darlings of the indie establishment who they think will be the next big act to break.  

This time, it’s Dan Croll.

An alt-pop solo sensation, Dan’s head-filling, psych-tinged ditties take influence from all ends of the musical spectrum. Citing everyone from Black Sabbath to Tame Impala and Foals as touch points on latest radio-ready single ‘One Of Us’, the Liverpudlian’s encyclopaedic sonic knowledge feeds into each one of his twisted takes on earworm melody.

Debut album Sweet Disarray perfectly reflected that auteur-esque mind-set, and its ensuing touring regime backed up the bells and whistles of each song. From Imagine Dragons, Bastille and Bombay Bicycle Club to Haim, London Grammar and Chvrches, his tour mates read like a who’s who of indie-pop’s brightest hopes.

With second album Emerging Adulthood fast approaching, Dan Croll is speeding towards those big leagues himself. We grabbed him on his ascent, to take a look back and offer his opinions on who the stars of tomorrow just might be.

Emerging Adulthood is released July 21^st via Communion.

***

Dan: The Orielles. They were on the front of Liverpool local music mag Bido Lito and they gave a really charming interview, I then got back home and really enjoyed what they were doing. Since then I was super happy to hear they’d signed to Heavenly Records, and this new single ‘Sugar Tastes Like Salt’ is an incredible track. The riffs, the tone, the groove – it’s lovingly intricate and fun stuff.



The Lemon Twigs. A recommendation from a friend that has now turned into my latest obsession. The album Do Hollywood is just magic, the arrangements have me hooked and singing along at every point. A stickler would say too similar to The Beatles, or other bands of that era, but fuck it - we’re all ripping off someone, but they’re doing it with great style and musicianship.



BAYA. A dear friend who used to go by the name ‘Baardsen’ whose remix really gave my career a jump start. He’s just released a beautiful album that tells the story of him reconnecting with long lost family members and this journey of self-discovery. It’s really ace.



-Tom Connick