With the year winding down, here at TMR we're taking the opportunity to look back and pick out our top emerging artists of the last 12 months.

It's been a hell of a year for new music - from South London's rough and ready indie scene, to silky electronic producers soundtracking parties on both sides of the Atlantic, there's been something for everyone.

Over the course of the next few days, we'll be picking out our Top 20 of 2017 - all the best fresh talent that defined the last year.

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BROCKHAMPTON



For those woke music fans out there, you would have already become acquainted with the Texan Hip-Hop co-operative known as BROCKHAMPTON, led by the fearless Kevin Abstract, from back in 2016 with their debut mixtape All-American Trash. However, we don’t blame you if that record flew under your radar, because 2017 is really where this self-proclaimed 'boy band' came to fruition. With repeat appearances from mascot Roberto, DIY music videos, a relentless release schedule and prominent contributions from Abstract, Ameer Vann, Merlyn Wood, Dom McLennon, Matt Champion and Russell "JOBA" Boring, BROCKHAMPTON’s sophomore record SATURATION (released June 9th 2017) is easily one of the best albums of the year. As you’d expect from the collective, the seventeen tracks span a whole range of styles and vibes. Here at TMR, we featured ‘Star’ - which, if you’re not playing on repeat, bopping your head and repeating lines from, well, you’re doing it wrong - and the dreamy, poignant ‘Lamb’. If that wasn’t enough, just two and a half months later, BROCKHAMPTON dropped the sequel SATURATION II on our laps with sixteen more tracks to sink our teeth into. Aside from the fact that through these two records BROCKHAMPTON explore Hip-Hop, rap, pop, singer-songwriter and R&B without missing a step, they’re also changing the conversation within rap and the misconceptions of the genre. It’s no longer about wannabe gangsters, machoism and proving an overbearing straightness, it’s about opening up Hip-Hop to all, whatever their background, sexuality, identity and life experiences. But of course, you’ll still come away from listening to BROCKHAMPTON’s music fully believing that they’re at the top of the alternative Hip-Hop game right now. -Hannah Thacker



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NOMBE

 

2017 has been a life-changing year for LA producer/artist NoMBe. Month by month he has been drip-feeding us his spell-binding LP They Might’ve Even Loved Me, which is inspired by the various women that have passed through his life. Equally as diverse as the characters which inspire them, each track on the album has its own distinct personality: ranging from the sultry disco banger ‘Freak Like Me’ (inspired by "all the freaks ;)") to the darkly intimate ‘Rocky Horror’, which is dedicated to "my mother, Mary McBeth, and to anoyone who has lost a loved one to prison". Some other highlights across the year are ‘Can’t Catch Me’, which was picked up personally by Pharrell to soundtrack his HBO documentary OUTPOST, and electric soul ballad ‘Young Hearts’. Not one to steal the limelight completely, NoMBe has featured some stunning local talent across the album, including New Mystics, Geneva White and Thutmose. Take a bow NoMBe – They Might’ve Even Loved Me is one of the most exciting, innovative and challenging works of 2017.  -Holly Manners



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SAMIA



'The Night Josh Tillman Listened To My Song' isn't necessarily the catchiest of track titles, but for Samia it's a piece of autobiographical brilliance. It's really no surprise that FJM himself popped it on his personal playlist, such is the New Yorker's playful blend of music and gently comic and pertinent lyrics. 'Someone Tell The Boys' is a rocking millenial ode to empowerment, which not only shows-off her thrilling vocal ability but oozes carefree, tongue-in-cheek indie excellence. 2018 will see far more than just Tillman listening to Samia. -George O’Brien



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PHOBOPHOBES



Sleazy rock 'n' rollers Phobophobes have produced some of the best new music of the year, channelling London's filthy underground into their warped but undeniably catchy tunes. Their brilliant stand-out single 'Where Is My Owner?' - which channels a dark, 70s-era Iggy Pop - and brand new offering 'Miniature World' have had us hitting repeat over and over again. Despite their rambunctious reputation, there's real talent in this band, who's unique marriage of old and new influences sets them head and shoulders above many of their South London-based peers. Having played with the likes of Bo Ningen, PINS and Ulrika Spacek, as well as embarking on their debut headline tour this year, Phobophobes live show is just as impressive as their recordings and with their debut album Miniature World arriving in January, we think 2018 is going to be a big year for this chaotic quintet. -Holly Mullineaux



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YOWL



Grisly, grumpy and stomping about the place, South London bunch YOWL have no time for pleasantries. Their urgent post punk relies on the everyday anxieties of their inner-city home, resulting in an all-too-relatable fury. As taut as Parquet Courts, but with the dark and stormy temperament of a world-weary Londoner, YOWL are the perfect soundtrack to these uncertain times. –Tom Connick



- Check in tomorrow for five more picks from TMR's Top 20 of 2017.