In this feature we ask mainstays of the music establishment who they think will be the next big act to break.

This time we caught up with experimental electro-pop outfit Poliça.

Familiar from their time together as part of Minnesota's prolific Gayngs collective, vocalist Channy Leaneagh and producer Ryan Oslon started making music as Poliça in 2011. After a fruitful creative burst that yielded a stockpile ready-to-go tunes, the duo recruited drummers Ben Ivascu and Drew Christopherson as well as bassist Chris Bierden, who brought their vision to life.

Releasing their critically-acclaimed debut Give You The Ghost in 2012, Poliça took their innovative, trip-hop-inspired sound on tour, gigging extensively with the likes of the xx and Bon Iver as well as hitting up key festival slots including SXSW and securing a place of Later... with Jools Holland. Shulasmith and United Crushers arrived in 2013 and 2016 respectively, widening the band's sound and reach. 

With 3 incredible albums and countless re-imaginations and EPs under their collective belts, Poliça are currently gearing up for the release of their fourth album When We Stay Alive. Having already made their mark in the music world, we decided to pick their brains about their favourite emerging acts that have yet to be recognised. 

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Drew: Velvet Negroni



Jeremy Nutzman (aka Velvet Negroni) has been an inspiration to this band for going on 10 years now. There are many albums of his that we love, but his newest release, Neon Brown (4AD), is the best showcase of his songwriting and vocal abilities to date. Production was handled by Psymun and Tickle Torture, who are two wonderful artists in their own right, and the chemistry they found together is next-level. Neon Brown is Velvet Negroni's first foray with an internationally recognized label, and we're all hoping that the rest of the world gets to discover what a gem we've had in Minneapolis all this time.



Drew: KAZU



After decades spent fronting the post-punk pioneers Blonde Redhead, Kazu Makino has debuted her first solo release as KAZU. The large list of credits on Adult Baby includes production from Ryuichi Sakamoto, as well as Greg Saunier (Deerhoof) on drums, and both of these players leave their unique fingerprints all over it. The record bounces around between minimal electronic textures and woozy, lush orchestrations, all underneath the trademark vocals of Kazu Makino as she finds herself free to explore a new beginning. This record has gone under the radar this year, no doubt due to Adult Baby being self-released, which is a decision that should be celebrated rather than overlooked.



Chris: StoLyette 



StoLyette is a Minneapolis treasure and remains a true favorite of mine. Otherworldly, haunting, and damn it grooves. Ben Clark builds the songs by creating bass guitar loops, then layering over top with a dizzying and fantastic array of effects to twist and pitch his instrument. Mitch Miller and Ryan Mach enter with electronic drum pads, a duo of merry pranksters beating and popping and scattering about. Irene Ruderman Clark has actually changed her sound by singing more often in English as the band had originally debuted completely in Russian–a gorgeous and unique element that first entranced me–but I’m happy to report that whichever language she chooses, I am equally enthralled. Their sound is simultaneously familiar and genre-defying. When I first listened to their new record, my mind started whirling through some French New Wave noir film, a truly cinematic experience. They capture a dark and mysterious element of the absurd, and damn it grooves. They will be releasing their fourth album MACH January 25th, and we should all revel in delight.



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When We Stay Alive will be released by Memphis Industries on the 31st of January.

-Holly Mullineaux